Between Peaceful Dusk and Redemptive Dawn

Chapters

1 The Village of Crystal Ashes
2 The Howling Tundra
3 In the Presence of Royals
4 Curses
5 Memories from the Lost Empire
6 Luna's Curse
7 Filthy Hope

1 The Village of Crystal Ashes

Up north, beyond the reaches of Equestria is a land blanketed by snow. Inches upon inches of the soft white powder lined the fields, mountains, and valleys. During the peaceful reign of Celestia and Luna, mountain villages survived the cold with the hope and glory of the sun and the moon working together. Celestia and Luna, however, really did not control what happened in the mountains of North Equestria. But still, the love and light spread to the villagers in the frigid tundra.

In the valley of one of the tallest peaks in the range, a village burned like a torch. Smoke as black as a dragon’s spewed from the village as colts, mares, and fillies screamed and trotted away. The galloping blaze continued to spread for hours until a white ash of crystalline snow fell upon the inferno. The extinguished village was quiet. Nopony stirred. All of them had left. Then from the ashes arose two stallions. One was a unicorn with raging red and green eyes. The other was a disturbed navy blue pegasus who looked at his brother with absolute disdain and disappointment. The pegasus looked around at the destruction of his brother.

“They had it coming. After what they did to our family,” said the uncaring unicorn. He was almost unaffected by the destruction.

“This is evil, Sombra,” replied the pegasus. “What you did here was unnecessary and avaricious. They refused to feed you because they were out of food, not because of our street rat reputation.”

Sombra grunted at this reply. “You know just as well as I do that you wanted revenge on this town for what they did to our mother.”

“Do not associate me with this monstrous act that you did, Sombra!” retorted the pegasus now angry with his brother. “This town is not responsible for what happened to mom.”

“Be that way then, Shadowscare!” yelled Sombra as his red horn glowed with red hot hate. “I’m going to find something to eat in what’s left of this place.”

Shadowscare, the pegasus, looked around at the buildings charred black with hate. He pushed his white and lightning yellow hair out of the way. And then he heard a noise. It was a bit of a cry and a cough. He grabbed a blackened piece of debris out of the way to reveal a young lilac colored unicorn colt that was freezing in the snow. Shadowscare heard Sombra turn around in the snow. He quickly grabbed the colt and hid him under his wing.

“What have you found?” asked Sombra while he scrutinized the mess.

“Nothing.” Shadowscare lied.

“You’re lying to me!” screamed the dark Sombra.

“Why would I lie to my own brother?” remarked Shadowscare.

“You know. This town is an example of father’s greatest lesson. Survival of the fittest. Obviously, you and I are the fittest here, but in order to survive we need to eat. Now what do you have?”

“I have nothing.”

“Then maybe I should eat you,” joked Sombra with a cruel laugh that echoed through the ruined town. He then walked off and continued digging in the ruins of the bakery.

Shadowscare looked beneath his wing at the peaceful little colt that slept through the whole conversation. Then Shadowscare looked at his brother who was now incinerating the walls of a building to get inside. Shadowscare yelled down to his brother. “I am going back to our camp. It’s making me sick just looking at this disaster.” Shadowscare trotted off to the camp. Sombra noticed the trotting and questioned why his brother would trot when he could clearly fly back to camp faster. He was hungrier than he was curious, and so he continued to pillage the village shops.

Shadowscare arrived back at the camp a few minutes later. He was a little out of breath from trotting to the camp so quick. Usually he flew everywhere he went. However, he could not fly with a young colt under his wing. He had rescued this unicorn. Shadowscare wondered if the parents might return to look for their lost child, but he doubted they would. He wanted to have hope, but in the snowstorms that arose daily, one could easily get lost. Even with his knowledge of Northern Equestria, Shadowscare had always feared he would get caught in a storm and never be seen again. Then he wondered if, among the rubble of the building he had rescued the young unicorn from, are the parents. Shadowscare did not want to think that way. His optimism is often what kept him going. Sombra might have given up years ago if it were not for his enlightened thoughts. Shadowscare placed the colt in a warm blanket hidden in the tent. The colt continued to sleep soundly. Shadowscare then decided to build a fire. However he did not light the fire with magic. Usually Sombra used his magic to start fires. Tonight was different. Shadowscare had some flint and steel amongst his meager supplies which he used to ignite the flame that would provide warmth for him and the colt.

The sun began to retreat below the horizon. The moon began to rise with its peaceful serenity. Over the hill of freshly fallen snow trotted Sombra with his glowing red eyes as he carried a sack full of flour, some dandelions, some new cooking equipment, tea, and milk. “Be glad I brought back anything at all,” stated Sombra as he placed down the supplies. “I was hungry.”

“Thank you, brother,” sighed Shadowscare.

“Hey, my little brother started his own fire today,” joked Sombra as he looked at the flames gushing out of the fire pit.

“Did you see anyone else after I left?” asked Shadowscare.

“Aye,” retorted Sombra. “I noticed two pegasi fly over the village. They looked like Celestial agents, but I doubt they cared enough to inspect the village. Probably just taking a shortcut to Saddle Arabia.”

This news was unexpected. Never before had any of Celestia’s agents flown in between the mountain range. This was a dangerous task. High winds could easily knock a pegasus off balance and cause him or her to crash.

“Well, I’m going to hit the hay.” said Sombra with a yawn. “Help yourself to what I brought back.” Sombra then collapsed onto his pile of hay and drifted off to sleep.

Before Shadowscare had a single thought of feeding himself, he checked on the colt. He walked in and the colt watched him sit down. The colt seemed upset. Shadowscare guessed that he was hungry, and trotted to the supplies that Sombra dropped in the camp. With the cooking equipment, he fashioned together a makeshift bottle and filled it with milk. Shadowscare quickly brought the bottle to the young unicorn that starts drinking immediately. The colt was quiet. Could he hide this little colt from Sombra forever? And second, if Sombra found out, would he try to raise him based on hatred and violence? The topic came to Shadowscare again. A topic that shook him every time he thought about it. He wondered whether it would be best to abandon his brother and start a productive life in the growing harmonic cities of Equestria. If he did, his brother might not survive the winter and that would be his fault. Maybe Sombra deserved it. He had just destroyed the village that they were both born in. They came from a poor family that barely had enough money to feed each mouth in the house. Shadowscare’s father was a very harsh, but wise man that left one day and never returned. Both he and Sombra agreed that their father vanished in one of the snowstorms. His mother had kept all of them alive during this hardship. But sickness got the best of her. Sombra blamed the village for not helping any of them in their dire moment of need. Shadowscare knew that the doctor was busy with just about a dozen other patients in the village and that he had arrived too late. They became street rats. They sold the cottage and used whatever they could collect to stay alive. Shadowscare had often asked Sombra if he wanted to travel to the Crystal Empire. People in the town often gossiped about how wondrous it was. An entire empire made of crystal! But it was a dream that would not happen. The Crystal Empire contained some of the richest ponies of Northern Equestria. He had tried to buy a ticket one day with some saved money, but it was only enough for Shadowscare. He refused to abandon his only brother. As much as a brute as Sombra was, Shadowscare loved his brother. But he had just destroyed the lives of an entire village and orphaned a poor young unicorn. Shadowscare loved his brother, but he promised himself that he would save this colt from his and Sombra’s current fate. Sombra would have to understand. Shadowscare decided that it must be done. He would make a makeshift saddle and carry the child to Equestria. He could ask Sombra to go, but when Shadowscare had asked this question in the past, Sombra told him that he would have to walk. The journey would take days, and they might not make it across the tundra.

Flying, however, was a different story. He could easily make it to Canterlot in less than two days by flying. Shadowscare then wrote a note to Sombra:
To my brother,

Sombra, your actions yesterday were despicable. Your decision to destroy our home village was something I hope you regret for the rest of your days. Because of you, a young unicorn was orphaned. I plan to fly away. This area is infertile and will never yield us a better life. I am going to travel to Equestria to save this young pony’s life and to start my life anew. I know you will be angry when you read this, but I need you to understand that I am doing this for someone other than myself. I may not even make it to inner Equestria. But I will try. And I will put this colt before myself in every decision I make. Remember that dream you had, where we were in the Crystal Empire and you smiled at me and said, “We made it.” Well, I hope I get to see that someday. I still love you, my brother.
-Shadowscare

When the saddle was made, Shadowscare hooked the colt up, and he trotted off to the village to check for anything that could help him find his way to inner Equestria. In the village, Shadowscare found a map, a compass, some crackers, and a sword. It was a prized possession of the saloon. He looked around and searched for any ponies that may have come back, but all was quiet. Shadowscare gathered the extra equipment, trotted to flat part of town, and flew off into the approaching dawn as the moon cast a glance of sorrow over the barren tundra.

2 The Howling Tundra

Shadowscare had wrapped the young unicorn in many blankets in the saddle in order to keep him warm. He had sacrificed some of his own warmth to ensure his passenger would not freeze during the flight above the mountains of Northern Equestria. Each peak stretched out like a hand attempting to grab the courageous pegasus as he flew. Winds roared as he continued onward. The unicorn kicked in order to become more comfortable in his saddle. Shadowscare looked back and smiled as the colt watched him fly above his cutie mark that consisted of a pattern of stars shaped like the constellation Cygnus. He turned around, noticed a peak, and swerved out of the way just in the nick of time.

“That was close.” Thought the relieved pegasus. Shadowscare recalled the moment he got his cutie mark. He had been called to get firewood for the night by his mother. He stepped outside on the cloudless night to see the moon in all her glory surrounded by millions of illuminated stars. His face glowed in the moonlight as he just stopped and stared at the starry sky. He smiled and walked to a nearby hill. He collapsed on the ground and watched the stars twinkle. If there was anything he and Sombra had loved when they were young, it was asking merchants in the village about the outside world. They talked of Canterlot and its royals, rich pony-folk, and scholars. They spoke of the brilliant cities like Manehattan and Fillydelphia. But out of everything any of them had seen, the Crystal Empire was the greatest of all. There were crystal ponies, castles, festivals, and more. The skies within the Crystal Empire were almost always clear. It was there that many of the merchants learned the basics of stargazing. They learned about all the constellations and their origins, and then they taught others. Young Shadowscare, still on the hill, pictured all the characters from pegasi mythology as they danced in the stars. For an hour he just stared. When Shadowscare heard a call from his cottage, he arose from the snow topped hill, dusted off his flank, and realized that his cutie mark had appeared. He looked at the pattern and recognized it as Cygnus, the swan. At that time he knew it as the swan, but he later discovered that in southern Equestria, it was known as the Southern Cross. When he heard the call again he quickly picked up some wood and rushed back home.

His mother was waiting for him at the door. She asked him why he was gone so long and why he had only a small stack of wood. She looked at her child and smiled with pride. Shadowscare smiled also and showed her his cutie mark. Sombra looked up at his brother with jealousy and faked a smile.

Back in present time, Shadowscare continued to fly through transparent skies. Hours upon hours of flying had occurred. He landed twice to feed the colt. He had not eaten once today, but that was normal to Shadowscare. As dusk approached, he decided to land a third time. He was tired and needed the sleep in order to continue. A tent was pitched, a fire was made, and he changed the little colt. With the young unicorn now smelling fresh and a warm tent was waiting for him, Shadowscare took the colt into his tent. He placed the young unicorn under his wing so that he would not walk away or get cold. The winds whispered, and Shadowscare drifted off to sleep.

In his dreams, he saw himself in a mysterious forest. He had never been in this forest before. He wandered the snow covered land. He felt neither cold nor warmth. Then a light appeared in the distance. This light came from the moon. It glowed like a lantern through the trees. The moon sparkled, and the princess of the night cast herself upon the ground right in front of him. She spoke quickly and loudly. “Child, I am Luna. I have come into your dream tonight to warn you that a blinding snowstorm is approaching. I have watched you from afar as you carry this child to the mainland, and I hope you heed this warning. You must take the child, your newly found sword, and cooking pot away from your camp and travel against the wind. If you ignore this warning, you will be buried deep in snow and ice. I hope to meet you in Canterlot someday. Now awake, awake!” The vision blurred and Shadowscare opened his eyes.

The winds had picked up. The young unicorn shivered even under the cover of his wings. Shadowscare questioned whether his dream had told the truth. Should he only take that miniscule amount of equipment and supplies? The winds continued to increase and snow fell rapidly. He grabbed what Princess Luna had asked him to bring, and then saddled the colt, who was wrapped in more blankets than before. He attempted to take off, but every time he tried to fly, he fell back. The wind was too strong. He knew then what he must do. Shadowscare started trotting slowly against the wind. This was miserable for him. He was cold. The cold was so bad that he could barely feel his hooves, but he continued. He was determined to get this unicorn to safety. Even if it meant he had to push himself to brink of his abilities. Step by step, hoof by hoof, he continued trotting.

After an hour the storm had subsided a bit. Shadowscare breathed a sigh of relief, but it was short lived. From amongst the snow arose four tundra timber wolves. The wolves growled, howled, and released their deathly breath that could be smelled a mile away. They approached him, snapped at him. Shadowscare prepared for a fight that he was sure to lose. He was burned by the stinging cold of the wind, his hooves were sore, and he was carrying the unicorn. Shadowscare placed the unicorn down on the ground with the rest of the weight holding him down. If he was going to die while fighting, he was going to at least give the little foal a chance to survive. Whatever Princess Luna had wanted him to travel to, it could not be too far from this position. The foal grabbed the pot and hilt of the sword on the ground. The Sword! The foal started banging the pot and the hilt together which made a loud clanking noise. The wolves cringed at this noise and lowered their heads. They howled once more. Shadowscare reached toward the sword only to notice that the sound had stopped the wolves from approaching the two ponies. He laughed. Such terrifying beasts as these could not be subdued by a simple noise. But they were. The foal continued making the noise. The wolves, still cringing in pain, ran away.

Shadowscare picked up his stuff and put the young unicorn in his saddle. The storm had cleared. Visibility was still low. He trotted on for another thirty minutes. Then a sight to be seen caught his wandering eye. He shed a single tear at the beauty that stood before him. It was beautiful. Everything was so perfect. The buildings, the streets, the castle, everything was perfect. Shadowscare and the young unicorn looked at the Crystal Empire and all its serenity. He looked back at the unicorn and noticed that he had his mouth wide open in awe at the empire.

Shadowscare stood there. He stood there much like he did that clear night all those years ago. He grinned. He laughed. He cried tears of joy. He looked back at the unicorn and said three words he thought he would never say. “We made it,” he said to the unicorn. Shadowscare noticed some train tracks in the snow. He followed the tracks to the Crystal Train Depot. A feeling of glee erupted in his heart as he stood in front of the depot. He could not control his emotion. He released the foal from his saddle and hugged him tightly for minutes. “We survived what Sombra thought we could not,” said the ecstatic pegasus with glee. Then Shadowscare looked above at the clear sky and said to himself, “Oh most wonderful of nights.”

3 In the Presence of Royals

You may be wondering how the quest to save the young unicorn by Shadowscare continued. But alas, what has passed has passed. In the present more pressing matters were arising. Do not fear my reader; in order to understand the present we must first understand the past. One must piece together a puzzle that will explain why something happened one way and not another. About twenty years after Shadowscare and his young foal arrived at the Crystal Empire, our beloved pegasus found himself in a world that he would have never imagined in his camp outside the blazed village in Northern Equestria. Although it seemed as if everything had finally come together and the world was finally at peace, peace was far from here. In the present, Shadowscare was studying in Canterlot library with his closest friend, Sappina Duskmark. Sappina was about the same age as Shadowscare. She was a unicorn with a red coat, a dark gray mane that flowed like an autumn breeze. They sat down, each with a book, and began to chat.

“Three new stars in less than a month!” said Shadowscare. “Ever since we upgraded the Canterlot Observatory, our findings of new stars have increased.”

“What astrological quest are you going to commit to next?” asked the curious Sappina.

“Who knows? There is an almost infinite space out there. Are we just limited to what we can see from this planet?”

“What are you getting at?” asked Sappina.

“I’m saying we should try to go to space. We will be closer. We should be able to see more than what we see on an average night.”

“Do you think that Luna would be the first to have the advances in technology that would allow us to go to space first? I doubt that during my lifetime we could get that far.” Sappina paused, turned away, then turned toward Shadowscare and said, “And I doubt Celestia would allow us to be the first ones to travel there.”

“Ugh. More of this ‘sister-hate’ rubbish that I keep hearing about.”

“You doubt me, but we have it far better as scholars than you really know. Agents, guards, and servants for the Lunar Princess alike are treated badly by those who work for Celestia. We do not get to see the trouble that goes on in our government because all we do is spend all day in the library and out in the field taking observations for our various theories. Not to mention, our own ponies do not respect our night time ruler. They sleep. They hide. They shun the moon and all Her glory. Is it our place to discover when our research may just be stolen by solar scholars? Are our hardships, experiments, and discoveries nothing to them?”

“It’s not always about us,” returned Shadowscare. “We do our research for the good of Equestria. I do not do it for fame or glory. I work because I can make the lives of others better. You must think of more than just yourself. As a species we decide what is worth fighting for, but I will give up my wings before I would leave one in the dust while I run alive and free when I can help instead.”

“You may have a point, but perhaps you doubt how much you are valued by others. It would be like trading gold for a penny.”

“I am flattered at that remark, but in the end we are both still metals,” retorted Shadowscare. Sappina looked away again as if it was foolish of Shadowscare to consider himself so low. “But enough of that,” Shadowscare demanded as he tried to change the subject. “Luna has some announcement she said she was going to give today.”

“I heard the same. It must be important. She never really shows herself except when something needs to be changed in Equestria.” Shadowscare then went back to his work and Sappina did the same. A dark cloud brewed on the horizon in the midst of a sunny day. Few noticed as it slowly inched its way across the sky. A hot fiery breeze spread through Canterlot that afternoon. The ponies paid no attention to that either. Shadowscare heard the wind beat against the shutters of the library windows. This produced a sound that, to him, resembled the sound of a stampede of hooves running in one direction. He was about to shut the window when one of Luna’s guards walked in. He greeted the fellow comrade who bowed to him and presented him with a letter stamped with the lunar seal.

“Did she say anything else?” asked Shadowscare.

“She said to give you the letter, and if I wanted to, I could congratulate you also,” replied the guard as he bowed again and left the room.

Shadowscare picked up the letter, carefully unfolded it, and began to read aloud: “To my closest assistant and scholar, Shadowscare. Your discoveries over the past two decades in the works of astronomy have been outstanding achievements of the Lunar and Celestial Enlightenment Program. You have improved our observatories, found twenty-seven new stars, and you have tracked the progress of three comets. Therefore, in agreement with Celestia and her noble subjects, I have been granted permission to crown you as royalty. On the upcoming eleventh of this month, you will be presented to Canterlot as a new lunar royal where you will become an alicorn, be granted almost infinite life, and (according to ancient lore) be placed amongst the stars with other fellow royals. Long live the empire. Long live Equestria. –Princess Luna.” Shadowscare put down the paper looked over at Sappina who had her mouth open in awe and envy. A fire burned in Sappina’s eyes. She had helped Shadowscare on some of his discoveries, yet she received no award for it.

“Yeah, so much for just metal,” said Sappina who crossed her hooves.

Shadowscare was surprised. He had been a scholar for Luna ever since he arrived in Canterlot all those years ago, but never once had he thought he would be crowned a royal for any of his achievements. He had crossed the wintry abyss of the north, he had seen the Crystal Empire and all its beauty, and he had made multiple discoveries in the field of astronomy. His discoveries did not truly change Equestria. The idea that all that had been discovered in the heavens of space was proved false by him and Sappina. Luna had praised him when he released his first volume on astronomy. Many of the earth ponies who bought the book stayed up into the night to daze into the night sky and find all the constellations from the writings of Pegasi Mythology. She had thanked me because her subjects began to see the moon more often than they did before.

Sappina closed her book and then stormed out of the library. Shadowscare could not focus. His mind was focused on his approaching royal coronation and the rain that pounded on the windows. He had scarcely time to realize that the one dark cloud that he had seen earlier had multiplied into several large clouds that were as dark as sin.

Three days passed. It was now the eleventh. The coronation had come. Shadowscare had been presented with a suit that would take the place of his robes that he usually wore when he studied the skies. He looked in the mirror at the image of himself. He was not gold, but he would represent Luna as best as he could. Shadowscare heard a knock at the door. He opened the door and the guard that had presented him the note stood there upright and attentive.

“Your majesty Princess Luna has requested your presence before the coronation can continue,” said the guard in a loud commanding voice.

“Will she not see me during the coronation instead?”

“No. You must go there now. This is urgent. It involves more than just you.”

Shadowscare began to walk away. He turned around before the guard trotted off and asked, “What is your name, guard?”

“Stratus,” the guard responded. “Good day to you, your highness.”

Shadowscare trotted quietly to Luna’s quarters. The hallway echoed with the sound of hooves. Thunder rumbled outside. The pegasi had scheduled a rainstorm to come over before the coronation. This would symbolize a rebirth and clean the new noble of any of his or her faults. Shadowscare opened the doors and found Luna surrounded by Guards.

“You’re coronation has been postponed till tomorrow,” Luna said as Shadowscare closed the doors. “There are more pressing matters at the moment.”

“Like what?” blurted Shadowscare.

“The Crystal Empire is under attack.” Shadowscare went pale at this news. The Crystal Empire was one of the strongest kingdoms in all of Equestria. If it was being taken over in such a short amount of time, then who or what that was taking it over might have the potential to destroy Canterlot in a matter of days. Luna conjured a screen in the air. This screen was like a tear in the air. It was blank at first and then it produced an image. A unicorn in the Crystal Empire answered on the other end of the screen. It blurred for a second and then returned. The unicorn began to speak.

“Is this on? Princess Luna?”

“Yes, my child,” replied Luna.

“Good. We have not made much progress in the last few hours. Whatever is attacking us is sprouting large black crystals everywhere. “

“You mean to tell me that we don’t even know what we are fighting?!”

“I’m afraid so, my princess.” The unicorn turned around as a large black crystal erupted from the ground beside him. “Some of my men have been infected by this crystal. Whatever it is, it is preventing them from casting any sort of magic.”

“What is the outlook of this battle?”

“We need reinforcements as soon as possible! We can’t hang on much longer . . . oh no.” The screen blurred. It returned momentarily to reveal a dark figure attacking the guard. Crystals grew everywhere. Luna looked down and looked at Shadowscare worriedly. Shadowscare was terrified. What monster could this land produce that could destroy one of the most peaceful, but well armored, cities in all of Equestria. He also worried for the ponies still there. The guards, the shopkeepers, and all the crystal ponies that Shadowscare had met there years ago might be annihilated in one day. When the screen returned, the unicorn guard was no longer standing where he had been. In that position was another unicorn whose horn glowed red with anger and rage and eyes that glowed with hatred. Shadowscare stared and could not believe his eyes. Before him was the brother that he had left in northern Equestria. Sombra smiled at the fear that was emitted by the ponies in the room.

His grin grew larger. He scanned the room, looked straight at Shadowscare, and said, “Good to see you again, brother.”

4 Curses

Shadowscare gulped at the sight of his brother’s wickedness. Sombra glowed with hatred and rage: an anger that probably started the day that he had decided to leave him for the wide world of Equestria. Sombra looked at Luna who then closed the screen. The fear had seemed to power Sombra. Luna could not stand the possibility of feeding this monster the energy it needed to continue fighting. She looked up, and then she too was consumed by anger at the very disruption of peace. Not to mention her soldiers were there. Ponies she had known personally. Luna refused to leave them in the Empire to be submitted to the will of Sombra. She returned to her senses and spoke to the guard beside her. “The Crystal Empire has fallen. Spread this message to as many soldiers as possible. We must do our best to recapture what this monster has taken from us. We will storm the Crystal Empire as one army. And if all else fails, we will rescue as many ponies as possible. Now go!” Luna paused at this as all the guards left. She waited until all but Shadowscare had left. Shadowscare looked up at the resilient princess as she sat on her throne. She looked at him in his dark purple eyes. “Something is troubling you, my child. Pray tell, what is bothering you?”

“That unicorn was my brother. Before I came here and before I first met you in the tundra, he was the only family I had left. My father disappeared and my mother was taken by sickness. He and I were left to fend for ourselves. He was always envious of me. One reason was because I had received my cutie mark before he did, yet he was older than me. He had blamed others for the loss of our mother. One day his anger caused him to burn down the very village we had lived our entire lives in. His anger was only increased by me abandoning him.”

“Do you still love him?”

“He is my brother. No matter what he does, I will still consider him family and love him as such. I know he has done awful things in his time, but I cannot blame him for being the way he is. He was raised like he is now, by a tough parent. My father was big on the ‘survival of the fittest’ rule. He believed that you cannot be weak in order to acquire the things that truly make you happy. I would have been the same way had my father not disappeared when I was such a young foal. The answer to your question is yes; I still love him.”

“Then if you were in my position, what would you do to save the Crystal Empire from falling to your brother?”

Shadowscare did not answer this question immediately. He had caused his brother enough pain already. What would be able to stop him now? Somehow he had gained enough knowledge on spells to manipulate the crystals within the empire. Would Luna and Celestia contain the might to destroy the monster his brother had become? Shadowscare lacked the stomach to make a decision like this, but he needed to give an answer soon. Of course they could defeat him. There was no more time for argument. It was time to act. He refused to let the ponies that had helped him in his journey become the puppets of a truly evil unicorn. Shadowscare thought for a second if his brother could find it in his heart to forgive him twice. But a unicorn like Sombra was truly heartless. Sombra was no longer his brother. He was a destroyer, and must be punished like he should have been years ago for burning down the very cradle of life for both Shadowscare and Sombra. He closed his eyes and said, “Do whatever you must to save the Crystal Empire.” Luna nodded and flew away.

Six days passed. Army after army attempted to reclaim the Crystal Empire. Each one limped back to the gates in defeat. Sombra, who now referred to himself as “king,” had enslaved the citizens of the Crystal Empire. The bright sunny skies that used to hover above the Crystal Empire were now darkened by shadow. The land was bleak and black crystals were everywhere. King Sombra had various architectural projects being constructed while he used the fear of everypony to power the barrier that prevented the crystal ponies from escaping. The only achievement of the past seven days was that Luna and Celestia’s armies were able to save the crystal prince and princess from slavery. One strange aspect of the battle was that Sombra released all his prisoners of war at the end of each day. They were mostly unscathed after being captured, but they returned with a curse. All the unicorns were infected with the black crystal. The crystal that prevented spell casting, often caused dizziness, and would sometimes backfire if a spell was cast with quick ferocity. So far, there was no cure.

During this siege, Luna and Celestia were with their soldiers giving orders outside the Crystal Empire and attempting to reason with King Sombra. The coronation of Shadowscare was postponed until the Crystal Empire returned to its rightful prince and princess. Shadowscare had spent the past six days studying in the day and gambling in the Shady Trough at night. Each day it was the same routine. It was the sixth day, and it was happy hour. The Shady Trough was a popular bar for the day time guards of Luna. Inside they gambled, they drank, and they laughed, and they talked. Shadowscare arrived at the counter that sixth night to try and forget about what was going on in Equestria at the moment.

“I’ll have a pint of cider,” ordered Shadowscare as he slid his bit across the counter.

“Here again?” asked the bartender. “I wouldn’t have thought that you of all ponies would ever end up here like the rest of these dogs.”

“It’s tough times,” returned Shadowscare after taking a sip of the cider that was placed before him. “I’ll get back on my hooves as soon as this Crystal Empire situation is over.”

“Well best of luck to you,” said the bartender.

Shadowscare continued to drink. Then he heard a call from one of the poker tables. Shadowscare turned around and saw a pegasus waving at him. He got up from his place at the bar and sat next to this pegasus who had a large sum of bits at his side.

“Shall we?” asked the pegasus. He shuffled the cards. “The name’s Nightshade. You’re new to this joint aren’t you?”

“I’m not new to many of the ponies here, but I am new to this bar.”

“Well then, how about a nice little round of poker? Let’s start this game. No chips, just bits.”

“Fair enough,” sighed Shadowscare as he pulled out a pouch filled with bits. Nightshade’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the bits. Gold was the only thing that Nightshade had ever trusted in this world. It would never betray him, sell him out, or talk behind his back. He looked up at Shadowscare in his depressing scowl. This was no ordinary pony; this pony actually had some money to his name. “Will this suffice?”

“Greatly,” responded Nightshade as he passed Shadowscare some cards. “We don’t get many high paid scholars like you in here much. It’s good to look out for each other in a world like this one. I couldn’t help listening to you over at the counter. So this Crystal Empire thing has hit the two big sisters hard, eh?”

“You mean to tell me you don’t work for one of them?” asked Shadowscare who tried to focus on the cards and not the conversation.

“I am an ex-Wonderbolt, so yeah. It’s hard for me to find work with that curse still resting on my shoulder, so I make some extra bits here.”

Shadowscare watched the twinkle of gold in Nightshade’s eyes. Nightshade was obviously anxious to claim his prize. “Tell me,” started Shadowscare, “have you ever had a family member that has come back from almost nothing to haunt you in your work?”

“What kind of question is that?” asked Nightshade.

“Well basically that’s why my life is turning upside down.”

“Interesting. Maybe you are overreacting? No. I’m guessing this situation is pretty serious. One wouldn’t come here for six nights in a row and drink as many ciders as you have if it wasn’t serious. Hmm, tell me what you fear most out of this.”

“That my life’s work may be ruined by the acts of a jealous brother, that I may be scorned by everypony for being related to a monster, that I may lose the sole reason I came to Canterlot in a dark and ugly battle? Ugh. I’m not sure which is worse.”

Shadowscare glanced over at Nightshade as he lost his poker face. He grinned menacingly. “Hah, I win!” yelled Nightshade as he placed his cards down on the table. Time had passed quickly since the beginning of the conversation. Shadowscare felt generous though at giving away the sheer number of bits to this pegasus. Nightshade quickly grabbed the bits and began to walk away. He turned around. “Nice try, brother, but I’m not one to lose a game. You take care of yourself and have a drink on me.” Nightshade tossed a bit toward Shadowscare who proceeded to pick it up and buy another cider at the counter.

Shadowscare left the bar after reflecting for many hours over that last cider and returned to his quarters. It was nearly dawn of the seventh day. He had spent his entire week’s pay at the Shady Trough, yet he felt no better than before. He arrived at his quarters to find Sappina waiting for him at his door. “Spent the night out on the prowl did we?” asked Sappina jokingly. Shadowscare rolled his eyes. “Hey, I wanted to apologize for my behavior back at the library. I should be happy for your ‘crowning’ award. It seemed as if you weren’t even happy to become royalty. It’s not my place to decide fate. When you read the letter, my jealousy got the best of me. Please forgive . . . uh, are you okay?” Sappina looked at Shadowscare who collapsed from fatigue.

Shadowscare opened his eyes. Sappina was right above him, staring into his eyes and him into hers. “Apology accepted. And curse the creator of this chaos for making a mess of the Crystal Empire.” Sappina laughed with Shadowscare. She helped him into his room and left him to rest.

Miles away, outside the Crystal Empire sat a massive army. They camped on the very edge of the black mist that surrounded the empire. The veldt that used to surround the crystal empire where the snow ended had been turned to desert. The mist shifted violently with the wind. At the very gates of the empire stood the princess of the day and the princess of the night. “King Sombra this is your final warning!” yelled Celestia with all her might. “Release the crystal ponies from your enslavement now or we shall do it for you.”

It was a few seconds before King Sombra finally responded. He laughed, but a small amount of fear was emitted also. He was confident that he had the upper hand. “Don’t you dare enter those gates! If you do, I will set a curse upon the entire empire: a curse that will last more than a millennium.”

“He is bluffing. I say we use the elements as soon as possible. This siege has gone on far too long.” Celestia was tired of watching the crystal ponies suffer. She had saved the crystal empire’s prince and princess, but that was not enough to her. The longer those inside the empire suffered, the ponies of Equestria would suffer with it.

“Hang on, my sister. He seems very convincing. Look at what he has done. Don’t you think that a curse like that is easily achievable by one who has taken an entire empire with only a one-pony army?” Luna was just as eager as Celestia, but she still had the patience to deal with Sombra. Luna had focused primarily on saving the crystal royalty. The people were a second thought. She need the job to be done right in order to ensure that the proper royalty returned to the throne and returned happiness to the crystal ponies.

“Enough! This ends now!” In her anxiety to finish Sombra once and for all, Celestia sparked the elements.

Luna pleaded, “Sister, wait!” But it was too late. Luna joined in the spell being cast by the elements of harmony. Their eyes glowed with white light. From their horns a beacon was cast at Sombra. Lights flew everywhere. Sombra was turned to a dark shadow that engulfed his whole body. He was disrobed as the shadow he had now become was formless. The armor and clothes he had acquired fell to the ground. He looked angrily at the princesses who cast a second incantation that banished him to the ice from whence he came from. Sombra roared as he was cast into a parted sea of ice which then closed upon the shadow with the red horn. It looked as if all struggle was finally over. The Crystal Empire was saved.
Then the earth began to tremble. A black shadow surrounded the Crystal Empire. This shadow was not Sombra, but merely a creation of his. It folded inward like an ocean wave and engulfed the empire. The shadow thinned and the empire was no more. Luna glanced over at her sister with anger because of her rushed irrational decisions. Sombra had not bluffed. He had cast the curse upon the empire before Celestia and Luna had even attempted to stop him with Elements of Harmony. Luna, Celestia, and the entire army traversed the land looking for any sign of the empire, but they were unsuccessful in finding even the slightest trace of the empire. The sun rose on that seventh day to a world that began to crumble without the reflection of hope and love from an empire now lost to ages.

5 Memories from the Lost Empire

Shadowscare had arrived at the Crystal Empire, the pride and glory of the north. The depot was on the very edge of the grassland that the Crystal Empire sat on. The warm light blinded Shadowscare but warmed him. It was a feeling that he had never experienced naturally. In the village a fire had to be kept to keep everypony warm, but there was no need for fire in the Crystal Empire. Sparkling Crystal erupted from many parts of the grassland to form a grand entrance to the empire. Inside, the crystal tower loomed above the city. Shadowscare only guessed that one could see for miles from the top of that tower. Above the city was a glowing ray of light that resembled the aurora borealis. Beautiful flashes of greens, blues, and yellows were emitted from the top of the tower. Shadowscare knew magic was involved, but the stunning view made him wonder how it all worked together.

Shadowscare had returned the foal to his saddle. He had wondered what he was to do with the child now that he had made it through one of the toughest challenges northern Equestria had to offer. Should he just stay in the Crystal Empire? He could find work somehow. Whatever he had to do to make money for food and shelter, he would do it. Somepony was counting on him. He would support this foal. It was not his responsibility, but he had taken it upon himself to give the foal a successful life. This unicorn had been with him for less than two days now, but he was already attached.

Shadowscare entered the empire like a tourist. Out in the daylight, the crystal ponies trotted around their city. Each one of them had a blue, pink, or a white coat that reflected the sunlight. Their manes were like cut gems. All of them were happy. They talked, sold goods, entertained each other, and beautified every bit of their empire. Everything sparkled. Shadowscare felt like he was a speck of dirt upon this polished empire. He felt unclean when all around him were ponies whose coats reflected the sun’s powerful rays of light. The first place Shadowscare toured was the elaborate market that surrounded the legs of the crystal tower. Each wooden stand was set up with various goods and arts. There were baskets, crystal berries, brilliant robes of many colors and shades, and various forms of entertainment. Jesters, jousts, and musicians lined the streets with open hats and pouches for bits. He wished to thank the musicians for their beautiful serenades, but he had only two bits. When he was young and lived in the village, Shadowscare and his brother had little use for bits. Many ponies just traded supplies for supplies. Sombra and him had survived by supplying the town with firewood. Many ponies lacked the time to collect wood, as the various numbers of other activities and chores took up most of the day. Most of the time, the wood was traded for food. After their mother had passed, they sold their cottage in order to buy some decent tools for cutting down trees. It would be the only way they would collect any sort of income. Sombra had discovered his gift with fire magic when their flint and steel had gotten lost in the woods. At first it was something that entertained Sombra, but then he became obsessed with fire. His very eyes glowed and flickered like the tip of the flame. He began to burn excessively. Shadowscare had noticed his brother’s unhealthy obsession, but he had decided it was not his place to interfere with something that kept his brother happy and entertained. Now that he looked back, he realized that intervening would have been a good idea.

The crystal ponies yelled joyfully at him and his foal. “Buy this! Hey there stranger! Watch this! What a cute foal!” The merchants sold many things to crystal ponies, but they wanted to appeal to tourists more. He looked and tried not to take too much of the merchants time. Each merchant attempted to catch his eye, but he could not buy anything anyway.

But something grand did catch his eye. Between a crystal stalactite and stalagmite was a light blue crystal heart that shined like the sun in midday. It floated and slowly rotated in a counter-clockwise motion. “This had to be the source of the aurora that streamed from the top of the tower,” thought Shadowscare. It was like the blue sky of day, but it was a peaceful as a star in the night. A strange feeling of happiness and purity shot through him as he gazed at its magnificence. The magic was spreading into the crowd. Or was it being supplied? He was no unicorn when it came to basic magic. Shadowscare was not the only one interested in this crystal heart. Earth and crystal ponies alike gathered in a circle to view its spectacular wonder. The heart drew ponies to it like moth to a flame. After a few moments of inspiring awe, Shadowscare moved onto the next spot in his tour: the crystal palace. At the entrance he was greeted like a king. There were lovely crystal ponies painting, sketching, and sculpting in the palace. Some ponies were simply making sure everything was neat, orderly, and in place. What surprised Shadowscare was the lack of guards. The Crystal Empire proved itself to be a very trusting empire.

The carpets were rose red with designs of gold and silver. Walls glistened with the light that shone upon them. It was pure beauty; it was a rarity, and yet it was not happiness for Shadowscare. This is what Shadowscare had travelled for: a place that would be beautiful and safe for him and the unicorn. However, this beauty and magnificence made him feel small and insignificant. He was nothing special in a kingdom where everypony is beautiful. It was a strange feeling, but he felt like he did not belong here. His coat did not shimmer and shine, he had no art to sell, and he had no prestige in the Crystal Empire. Had he come all this way just to turn back? He looked at the young foal who was in awe at how big everything was compared to him.

“We cannot stay here if I cannot support myself,” whispered Shadowscare. In that moment it was decided that they would travel to a place where he can make some bits to buy food and supplies. The Crystal Empire was amazing and grand but it was just not the place. Shadowscare turned around, but something caught his wandering eye again. It was the crystal princess.
She was pink in color, had a long flowing mane of candy-like colors, and had a cutie mark that resembled the crystal heart. She was also adorned with the most magnificent gold garments that Equestria could possibly offer. The crystal princess spread her wings and amazed the crystal ponies with her magic. A spark was cast from her horn that spun, sparkled, and flew like a hummingbird toward the ceiling. It exploded and sparks flew like fireflies in a moonlit garden. She looked at her subjects, and she was proud. She was proud of her ever-growing kingdom, of the ponies who made it glorious, and she was proud of the light and hope that her subjects gave to the crystal heart that spread through all of Equestria. She looked at the doorway and spotted a pegasus that was visiting her palace that was with a young unicorn. This place was perfect, yet she was confused as to how he could be so unhappy in her kingdom. She looked him straight in the eye, winked, and smiled at him.
Shadowscare looked at the crystal princess and watched as she winked and smiled at him. Could this really be for him? He looked around to see if there was anyone else nearby, but he was alone. He blushed and smiled back.
The princess noticed the smile and was happy that she had brought out happiness in someone who was saddened even in a place like her own empire. In that smile she could feel pure radiance and joy coming from him much like the crystal heart did. She was pushed along by the crowd of adoring spectators and resumed her trot around the castle.
Shadowscare left the castle feeling much better than he had before. “This may not be the place for you and I, little guy, but there are other places we can go. Places where we can become prestigious, earn money, and be skillful in our talents. I know you haven’t discovered you’re talent yet, but maybe I can help you.” The unicorn foal stared blankly at Shadowscare as he went on speaking. The foal’s large eyes were looking right into his. In his eyes, Shadowscare saw the same shade of violet that his eyes were given. It was like they were related in some way. Shadowscare continued to the train depot. Where would they go? Filly Delphia, Manehattan, and Canterlot would have jobs for sure.
At the depot was a stallion behind a counter. He was wearing glasses and had a thick mustache. “I need ticket for the cheapest train possible. I need to get to Canterlot, Manehattan, or Filly Delphia.” The stallion behind the counter looked up from his seat. He reached across his desk (knocking over a couple of things in the progress) and began to look at times and prices.

“You’re in luck,” said the mustached stallion. “There is a deal on tickets to Canterlot today. That will be twenty bits.”
Shadowscare looked at his measly two bits. “Anything cheaper?” asked Shadowscare. “Something for two bits?”

“Two bits!” The stallion laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. “These trains require fuel, and fuel costs money. Therefore, a train ride is expensive. You’d have better luck just using your wings instead.”

Shadowscare flapped his tired wings. He needed to rest them. Another flight like the one he had taken could easily wear him out. Flying was not an option. Shadowscare trotted away and started to wonder how he could get to Canterlot as soon as possible. It would not end here. It was his destiny to save the foal and begin life anew. He would find a way. Shadowscare always had.

While he sat wondering what to do, a train pulled up to the station. Steam erupted from the engine. The whistle blew and ponies began to exit. One by one they walked toward the depot and the Crystal Empire. A boxcar opened and a rugged stallion hopped out. He was orange with dark gray eyes that scanned the depot. His mane was so dirty that one could only guess that it was the same color as his eyes. He pulled out his guitar from the boxcar and began to play.

Author's Note

Eh. This chapter wasn't much, but it introduces two very important characters.

6 Luna's Curse

In the present, the ponies of Equestria began to find out the events that had transpired at the siege of the Crystal Empire. In defeat, the two sisters limped their armies back to Canterlot. They walked with their tails between their legs. One sister was angry at the other for being impatient while the other wondered if there was a way to bring back the lost treasure that had disappeared. They both felt shame, however. Each step was another kick in the flank. They had been counted on to save the empire, and they failed the mission. Canterlot felt the gloomy atmosphere when the two sisters returned. Word spread like flies and ponies became aware that they had lost. Before any of the scholars or subjects were able to see Luna or Celestia, Celestia asked for privacy while she had a word with her sister.

“I’ve thought about something on the march back,” started Celestia to Luna. Celestia then shut the door after her two guards had left the room.

“Yes, go on,” Luna replied.

“It’s about that scholar of yours: Shadowscare. You told me he was the brother of Sombra, correct?”

“Where are you going with this?” said Luna who began to wonder what plan her sister was up to.

“I believe it would be best if we do not coronate him. We should up the number of required achievements in order to become royalty and various tests should be given to find out whether that pony has the skill to be a royal. We cannot have anyone getting as powerful as Sombra. We cannot trust everypony anymore. There are some who are set on a destined path to try and bring chaos into this world. Not to mention if the people found out that Sombra was his brother . . .”

“His coronation has already been approved!” snapped Luna with anger. “You have more royals on your side than me already!”

“They belong to both of us,” said Celestia calmly.

“That’s not how they see it!”

“Don’t you see that we need to protect our citizens? We cannot just give away power unless we are absolutely sure the ponies we give it to will not do something to destroy Equestria. How do we know that our subjects truly want what’s best for Equestria?”

“How dare you question the loyalty of my subjects! I will do as I see fit in my niche of our government.”

“It’s supposed to be our niche,” responded Celestia. “It is what we were destined to do: rule together.”

“Then you need to trust me and my subjects more.” The door opened. “If you’re ideas has more precedence than mine in the decision-making process, then we are not equal.” The door opened. The sisters turned their heads and stared at the pony at the door. It was the crystal princess. She was still as lovely as the day that Shadowscare had seen her. It had been twenty years but with her immortality as an alicorn, she would not age. She was tired though. Dust had gotten mixed into her candy-colored mane on the march back to Canterlot. The armies of Equestria had traveled all the way back to Canterlot in about three days. The sisters both eased their anger at each other to ask the crystal princess what was wrong.

“Am I interrupting?” asked the polite crystal princess. “I’m so sorry if I am but . . .”

“No, I was just about to leave,” Luna interrupted as she strutted out of the room.

“What can I help you with?” asked celestia.

“I’m guessing the prince and I will have to stay here until we find a way to bring back the empire. Do you have room for us?”

“Certainly,” replied Celestia as she summoned a paper and quill. She quickly scribbled something onto the paper, rolled it up, and sealed it. “Here, present this to the stallion in the quarters above this room.” Celestia handed the note to the crystal princess.

“Thank you, your majesty,” said the crystal princess. “Forgive me princess, but I heard most of the lively conversation from outside.”
“My apologies,” said Celestia. “My sister is being difficult at the moment.”

“It’s not that. I wanted to talk about Shadowscare. Years ago I saw him enter my crystal palace with a young foal. He was saddened in a place as beautiful and amazing as the crystal empire. I smiled at him, and he smiled back. In that moment I felt the radiance of good in his heart. I believe we can trust him. Something tells me he can do great things if we give him the ability to learn magic.”

“I’m sorry, but this is a decision that should be made by me and Luna alone,” replied Celestia as she walked with the crystal princess. “I believe we should wait and only present this gift to him when we know he is ready.”

“Very well, your majesty.” And with that, the crystal princess left to find her prince.

When Luna entered her quarters, Shadowscare could feel the anger that had shrouded her. She stomped with each step and slammed the door behind her. Shadowscare jumped at the noise from the door. “What is the matter, your majesty?” asked Shadowscare who was surprised by her angered mood.

“Celestia cost us the Crystal Empire, yet she does not see how. I warned her not to assault Sombra with the Elements of Harmony until we were certain that it was safe to do so, but she ignored me.”

Shadowscare’s stomach sank. He expected the princess to return with good news rather than defeat. “I have been asleep, my princess. This is the first I am hearing of our defeat. When I woke up I heard the army returning so I came here and waited. This is disheartening news. What has become of the Crystal Empire?”

“It has disappeared due to a curse,” replied Luna with a sigh.

“What has become of the crystal prince and princess?”

“They were rescued and will now stay in Canterlot until we bring the empire back.”

“And what of my brother?” asked Shadowscare somberly.

“He was turned to shadow and banished to the northern ice. He is not dead. Instead he is trapped for eternity in a frozen prison.”

Shadowscare shed a tear. His brother deserved his punishment, but at the same time he felt pity for him. Sombra would be alone again. How had he learned to do such destructive magic? Shadowscare was filled with many questions, but now was not the time to ask all of them. He had one final question for Luna. “Is this the only reason you are mad, my princess?”

Luna burst in anger at this question. “No, Celestia doubts you as my subject and questioned the loyalty of all my subjects.”

“Will she not coronate me then?” asked Shadowscare.

Luna paused and grinned. She had gotten an idea. It was a rebellious idea that would show Celestia that some decisions could be made without her input. Luna began to pace as she recited a spell. “I just thought of something,” started Luna. “I need to become more independent. I have tried to reason with her, but she will not listen. She wants to add to the number of achievements one must accomplish in order to become royalty. I am putting my hoof down and saying that I will do as I please and instate rules to my subjects when I want to.” She finished reciting the spell. A light burst from her horn that rushed toward her loyal subject. It surrounded Shadowscare. He was levitated up into the air. The light removed his wings and covered him like a cocoon would do to a caterpillar. The light intensified. It flashed. Luna blocked covered her eyes with her hoof. When the light faded, Shadowscare slowly floated to the ground. He opened his eyes. His head felt heavy and he was dizzy. He flapped his wings to make sure they were still there. When he regained his bearings he felt a part in his hair. Shadowscare fluttered like a butterfly over to the closest mirror. When he looked at himself, he saw a long horn on the top of his head. He turned around and saw Luna who was fatigued by the power of the spell. She was breathing heavily, but was laughing at the success of the incantation.

“There, it is done. You have your coronation. You have long life, wings to fly, and a horn to make magic with. Now help me prove Celestia that she is wrong in her distrust of your loyalty. Swear to me that no matter what, you will remain loyal to me.”

“I swear to be always loyal to you, Princess of the Night.”

“Good. Now show me some magic! Feel the energy and radiance within you. Conjure it into a light.”

Shadowscare struggled. He imagined it, took a breath of air, and attempted to create light. He tried once. No effect. He tried twice. Same result.

“You need to become the light,” commanded Luna. “In order to cast a spell you must have the feelings of whatever you are trying to create. For instance, to create fire you must feel the warmth, energy, and power that fire holds.”

Shadowscare was breathing hard. He listened to Luna. He remembered the hard winters of the north, the fires that warmed the homes of each pony home, and the power that it had to destroy the village. In that moment a blaze erupted from his horn. Luna flinched and put out the flame. Shadowscare reminded himself of Sombra when he had first discovered how the spell for fire worked. Luna’s eyes widened in surprise. Her subject had just created a destructive form of fire on his first attempt. “Maybe it runs in the family,” she thought. She stared at him with a fearful look. He had accomplished something that might take others days to figure out. Yet he had created something dangerous. Fire must not become an obsession of Shadowscare’s in order for her plan to work. Luna began to question if her decision to make Shadowscare an alicorn was a good idea. Could Celestia have been right to question his trust? Could he become just as bad as the brother he had been raised with? No. She would not let this happen. It was too late to go back on this decision anyways. “Perhaps we should practice after a long rest. You need to get used to carrying the extra weight on your head.”
Shadowscare nodded at this. He quietly left the room while the princess watched him with her wandering eyes. When he closed the door, he heard somepony yell from down the hall. It was one of Luna’s guards. It was Stratus.
“What is this nonsense?! I cannot just be kicked out of my quarters like this!” Stratus was rereading a note when Shadowscare walked by. “So you’re telling me that Celestia could not give up a room for her guards?”
The Crystal Prince and Princess stood in front of Stratus as he raged. Shadowscare looked upon the familiar face of the crystal princess. It had been twenty years since she had seen him. In the Crystal Empire his book was popular among many of the crystal ponies. When she noticed him, she caught a glimpse of the horn that now adorned his forehead. Surprise echoed through the princess. Based on the conversation that she had overheard, the crystal princess was aware that Luna had just disobeyed the commands of her sister. She turned around and faced Stratus who continued to make a scene. “Hopefully I will be right about him,” thought the crystal princess.
Shadowscare opened the doors to his quarters. It was dark, and he would have lit a candle if the fear of starting a fire in Canterlot castle did not restrain him. His magic might be unpredictable. He was going to try again to create light. He took a deep breath. Inside he felt the glowing sensation of light. He needed it. Radiance and hope filled him and a light sprung from his horn. It was dim, but it was a light. Nothing more, nothing less. Shadowscare smiled at his progress.
“So you have become an alicorn I see,” said a silhouetted figure leaning on wall next to the fireplace. “I am happy for your success.”
Shadowscare was alarmed by this appearance. The figure stepped into his light. It was a stallion that Shadowscare had recognized from the train in the Crystal Empire all those years ago. His name was Sporco Speranza. Shadowscare remembered his dirty mane, his dark gray eyes, and his orange coat. “Sporco?” questioned Shadowscare in the dim lit room. “I didn’t think you made it to Canterlot. How . . . ? Why . . . ? What are you doing here?”
“Come now, friend! Is this how you treat guests now? I remember a pegasus who was kind and needed help finding his way in the world. You haven’t changed that with time, right?”
“I’m sorry,” said Shadowscare as he hugged his friend. “It’s just surprising to see you here. I thought I had lost you long ago.”
“You never truly lose a friend on the inside,” said the wise Sporco Speranza with his usual accent. “I am here with an important message. I need your help. Come! Have a seat and listen to me now.”

7 Filthy Hope

Sporco Speranza dazedly walked out of the boxcar. He pushed his dirty, rustled hair out of his face. It had been a rough train ride to the crystal empire. The bumpiness had left a crick in his neck and an ache in his back. But he cared not for such pains. No. Instead the earth pony pulled out his guitar and started strumming to the tune of “Don’t Fence Me in.” He had no idea where he was at first. The trains had taken him all over Equestria. He looked up and saw the crystal palace gleam in the fading orange sunlight. “You’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it a million times,” muttered Sporco. The Crystal Empire was the usual stop for the North. He had seen the crystal city, its ponies, and its treasures. But he had no reaction to them this trip. For everything was happy here. Not a single pony would be sad in this wondrous place . . . except one.

Sporco looked over at the discouraged pegasus who sat with a young foal. He looked at them with a puzzled look. He continued to strum his guitar like it was nothing. He tried to ignore any sense of wanting to help. It was not his problem. It was not his place to get involved. Perhaps it is a misunderstanding? These were some of the questions that crossed the mind of Sporco. He tried hard to ignore these questions too. It poisoned his soul. He wanted to do the right thing, but he did not want to do something wrong. He was also afraid that his help would be rejected. He was going to be neutral. What did being good ever do to him? It got him robbed. It forced him into exile. It relinquished him of his family. Although Sporco was old and had no family of his own, he had a brother. His brother had many beautiful and wonderful foals. He loved his nieces and nephews just as much as he loved his brother, but they were ripped from him. It was a distant memory, but it was still a sting that would never heal.

The burning itch inside of him was too much. It was in his heart to only do well, and he refused to let this opportunity to add some good karma to his soul. He crossed the depot and stood above the pegasus and his unicorn foal. He put his hoof out to help the pegasus in getting up. The two ponies looked up at him, and the first thing that he noticed were their matching eyes. “Need help, my brother?” asked the generous Sporco.

Shadowscare looked up at the dirty ruffed up pony in front of him. He had just called him his brother. It was hard to think about brothers at a time like this, but Shadowscare accepted the title. He put his hoof out to get some help back up on his legs. “Who was this mysterious stranger? Should I trust him with my current partner in travel?” Shadowscare had these thoughts as he rose from the ground.

“Well?” questioned the dirtied earth pony.

“Yes, my friend. I need to get away from this empire in order to find work. There is no work here for me as a simple, regular pegasus. I have traveled a great many miles in the freezing cold of the north. My wings are tired and my legs ache. I need to get on a train to the closest city with work. I had hopes on Canterlot, but I do not have enough bits to ride.”

“Enough bits? But the train rides are free.”

Shadowscare was confused by this response. It was obvious that this pony was insane. Shadowscare was tempted to just walk away, but something in his gut told him to continue talking with this pony. “What do you mean by free?” asked Shadowscare with a puzzled expression on his face.

“I mean that I ride free all the time. I found this great cart in the back and inside are various packages. I have never bought a ticket from this depot or any other depot in Equestria. I am quiet and I cause no trouble. I am like a ghost within the train.”

“Could you take in a lone, ambitious pegasus and his unicorn friend?”

“You mean to tell me that this is not your son?”

This question surprised Shadowscare also. He had no relative connection to his foal, but he could see where somepony could see the resemblance. Their eyes were almost like complete copies of each other. Shadowscare wondered whether he should lie to this sketchy pony, but his will to help others in need touched Shadowscare. “No, this is my adopted foal.” Shadowscare looked down at his young unicorn who smiled back at him.

Sporco saw the emotion that was emitted from the pegasus. He knew that these two ponies had a connection that would make them go far. He was a ferryman, and they were two travelers who needed a ride over to the other side of their river of problems. The train whistled. Sporco looked back at the train and then looked back at the two ponies. He spoke quick and brief. “I am more than happy to give you some room in my boxcar. Now, quick! Up on your hooves, my friends!”

Shadowscare picked up his foal and rushed behind Sporco to the boxcar. Sporco grabbed the handle of the door and struggled to get it moving. Eventually the door budged open, and it revealed a boxcar full of mail. Packages of various sizes in light brown wooden crates filled much of the space. “It seems they have stuffed my quarters with more mail,” stated Sporco. “We will leave the door open. I guess we can all sit on the edge of the boxcar.”

The train whistle blew again. Steam burst from the engine and it started to move. In a quick movement both Shadowscare and Sporco leaped on the train. Still carrying the foal, Shadowscare sat down and put the unicorn in his lap to sleep. The train gained speed. Shadowscare sat on the edge of the train and just stared as the sun set on the horizon. The Crystal Empire began to fade in the distance. The last memory Shadowscare had of the Crystal Empire was the flash of green as the sun ducked out of view. The flash reflected off of the castle. He remained silent as a cool breeze rushed through his mane.

Sporco looked at his passenger and decided to break the ice. “I forgot to mention this earlier, but my name is Sporco Speranza. I must ask, are you from Equestria?”

“I am from one of the villages located in the northern mountains,” answered Shadowscare. “Are you from here?”

“I am not actually. I came here from a land much like Equestria. A place called Prance. At one time It was just as beautiful, just as grand, and just as happy. And yet it just crumbled.”

“What happened to your home?” asked Shadowscare who had not often heard of foreign lands.

“The royalty began to become greedy. They did not provide for their people, and a revolution started. It was horrid. Before anyone knew it, a storm had arisen. A sea of ponies united for a free kingdom. They marched upon their capital and demanded that to be taken care of. Chaos ran rampant in the kingdom. I was ripped from my family because I believed that we needed our royals still. I wanted them to become more understanding of the people, but I did not believe anyone needed to get hurt. I was taken to a trial. The judge was merciful, but he gave me a punishment nonetheless. They exiled me from Prance, and so I came here.”

“How did you arrive in Equestria?”

“I walked in the desert in the South. I found a train track and I followed it until I saw a train. I hopped aboard unnoticed and found it stashed full of apples. I was so hungry and thirsty that I decided to eat a few. It was the most delicious taste. The fruits were ripe, red, and juicy. I had decided to stay with this boxcar as long as possible. I did for a while, but then I found a better car with more room. When the train arrived at each town and city, I would explore its wonders. Then I would climb aboard a boxcar and ride it to the next town. Over my days of riding the rails, I have seen sights that I will remember for an eternity.”

“Did you have any family in your homeland?”

“In Prance I had no wife or foals, but I had a brother. My brother had a wife and many wonderful foals. I was separated from them when I was exiled, and I have hoped that someday I will return to Prance and rescue my family. I don’t even know what has happened in Prance since I left. In this land the ponies do not discuss foreign issues often. I asked a few ponies if they even knew what Prance was and they answered no.”

“It must be hard being here all alone,” said Shadowscare to his new friend.

“I have met many ponies here. It is not at all as bad as being locked away for the rest of my life in an inescapable prison for my crimes of opinion.”

“What have you learned about Equestria?” Shadowscare was curious to Sporco’s answer to this question. Since he was from the North, he knew very little about the mainland.”

“There are many wonders in your land here. One part of Equestria that I have wondered if I should visit someday is the Everfree Forest. Many ponies fear the creatures that lie within. I am interested to see what unique things call it home. Another thing that I have learned is that the Buffalo tribes that live in the Southern part of Equestria are not amused with the recent expansion of ponies into their land. They seek revenge and will derail trains in the south to show that they mean business. Changelings are creatures that are most curious to me though. They are love-sucking creatures that are full of holes. They can take the form of anypony in their memory. They are nothing but pests. Not to mention spies to some. I have heard of a few cases where some ponies have actually tamed Changelings into being spies.”

The unicorn foal was fast asleep in Shadowscare’s lap. The moon had taken the place of the sun and darkness surrounded it.

“Do you have a name for your foal?” asked Sporco who tried to change the subject.

“I have thought of a name for him, but I have often wondered if he will like his name.”

“By the looks of it, you have made him happy. I am sure he will agree with any respectable name you present to him.”

Shadowscare leaned towards Sporco and whispered a name so softly into his ear. Sporco responded by nodding. “It is a good name, my friend.”

“I have one final question for you this night, Sporco.”

“Ask away,” responded the filthy earth pony.

“How did your rulers get taken over? Aren’t they invulnerable as alicorns?”

“Alicorns are different from simple ponies. They are gifted with long life, magic, and flight. They are strong and often brilliant, but they are not invulnerable. They can be defeated and feel pain like any of us. They can stay alive longer than most ponies, but they can still be taken by disease and wounds.”

“But what about our princesses? They control the sun and the moon. Therefore, aren’t they gods?”

“They are more powerful than just your average alicorn. In fact I would consider them truly immortal. However any other royals fall under the characteristics I have listed.”

“I am Shadowscare, by the way. Thank you for helping me.”

“It was no problem for me,” replied Sporco. “I must ask you a question also. How did you come to possess that sword in your saddle?”

Shadowscare had almost forgotten about the supplies that he brought from the village. “It was something that was passed onto me,” Shadowscare lied.

“May I see it?” Shadowscare passed him the blade. Sporco gasped in awe as he scrutinized every detail of the blade. “This blade is made of strong earth pony mined metal. Each detail was done well by a unicorn with creative designs. The Hilt has a beautiful purple gem that has been carved into the shape of a heart. This is the Crystal Empire sort of equipment. From what I learned when I was in the city, the royalty sold all the swords when they believed that an era of peace was upon them. This here is a rare sword. Keep it close.”

Shadowscare took the sword back. He was surprised at the amazing find he had looted from the rubble of his burned village. Shadowscare was happy to have a piece of history. He vowed to protect it from that point on.

The night continued on. Sporco grabbed his guitar and played a sweet tune that spread across the land like an echo of hope. He played his heart into each of his songs. The train continued at a normal speed towards Canterlot. The snow turned to grass and the air was warmer than before. As they continued, the moon continued to fly across the sky. And for a moment, it seemed as if everything was peaceful in the world.