Chapters Prologue
Given Hope
A comet streaks by giving off a blue luminescence. It illuminates a figure floating in the nothingness. The comet's course slowly changed. Rotating inwards towards a humanoid figure. Looking upon him he was clad in armor that shone a midnight blue and highlighted between the the joints a brilliant red. Floating there he had brought the comet to him using his power.
As he beheld the small comet he spoke to it. He enjoyed speaking to an old friend that he hadn't seen in a long time. Having seen much on its journey since they had last parted the comet related to him of many stars that had grown life. One small planet in particular peaked immense interest. Thanking his small yet bright friend then, after returning it to its original course, he set off to the small planet of Equis.
As this happened one small pony was looking up to the stars. Seeing the odd event that happened to the comet she added it to her list of astrological notes.
"Hmmm strange? That was Starswirl the Bearded's comet."
Double checking her notes, she became electrified with glee. Quickly looking back into her telescope she observed the stars again. After observing for several minutes nothing changed she became slightly disappointed. Shaking her head, she checked her notes again.
"I watched it, the comet went off course and then stopped. Stopped! Comets don't do that do they?"
Running frantically through her small astrological library she tossed book after book looking for one on comets. Most of the books were on the floor before she called downstairs to her small purple yet number one assistant.
"Spike! Where is the compendium on celestial bodies?"
Shouting back up to her "Twilight, it’s on the desk right next to your telescope!"
Blushing slightly "Oh, right."
Dashing over to her desk, she quickly shuffled the few books out of the way and began desperately reading as much about comets as she could. Slowly she confirmed what she already knew all along.
With renewed confidence she looked back into her telescope. As she scanned the sky for anything more she came across the moon. Smiling slightly she remembered how she was helping the princess who represented the moon to overcome thousands of years of fear and rejoin with her people.
As she was thinking of this a loud crash startled her. Jumping at the noise, she bumped into the telescope. Rubbing her head and looking behind her at the pile of books that had fallen. Sighing, she began to organize them. A she did this a feeling of unshakable dread overcame all of her senses. Whipping about she stared at the telescope.
Rushing back to it and gazing once more at the night sky she saw something that truly frightened her. Everything she had ever faced paled in comparison. Racing towards Equestria and what Twilight could only fathom to be was a burst of magical energy so vast and immense that if it hit the entire planet of Equis would cease to exist. She could tell while it was not inherently evil, it meant total destruction.
Staggering under the weight of her discovery, unceremoniously she slid down the stairs. Given the state she was in she could hardly talk. Spike stared at her wondering what was wrong. Walking over to her while watching her and never blinking. Knowing that if he looked away he would miss whatever was to happen next. Slowly as Twilight regained her footing she gave an intermittent sigh, and then finally she looked to Spike.
"Spike take a note!"
Already knowing what was going to happen, he simply pulled a quill and paper from nowhere ready to take this latest in a long line of letters to the princess.
"Dear princess Celestia."
"Upon recently looking to the heavens I have come to a grievous conclusion."
Pausing in his writing, he began to chew nervously on the end of the quill. Slowly reciting the word grievous to himself in a vain attempt to spell it by sounding it aloud.
"The worst conclusion."
Correcting his words Spike continued to write hurriedly.
"Right now above our beautiful night sky an energy burst is heading towards all of Equestria. Threatening not only Equestria but all of Equis. We must act now if we are to save our planet from this dire situation. Otherwise ponykind will only have a few days to enjoy itself before being utterly wiped out"
"Always your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."
Scratching out the last words, Spike slowly understood what she had just said. Giving her another blank stare. With a look of sadness she waved her hoof towards the window motioning for Spike to send the letter. Running towards the window he burned the letter in green smoke sending it to the intended princess.
No more the 3 minutes letter Spike burped out a letter with the Princess' reply. Twilight quickly levitating it to herself, began to read the contents of the letter.
"Dear Twilight Sparkle"
"You are correct in this. This burst of energy while not malevolent is indeed dangerous. Princess Luna had informed me of this two nights ago when it first appeared above our sky. We are still trying to form a plan of action. Given the unique circumstances of the energy we cannot directly affect it as it is now. However you need not worry, it will be handled."
"Princess Celestia of Equestria"
Rolling up the letter she shook her head. It isn’t like her to completely ignore a situation like this. Looking to Spike she motioned for him to follow.
"Come on Spike lets go to sleep. There isn't much we can do and we will need our rest."
Going back upstairs they both climbed into their respective beds. Twilight laid there listening to Spike's slow breathing as he slept. Thinking about everything in her life, she regretted few things. The only one that she truly regretted but was unreasonable was that she lacked a special somepony to spend the last of the time in Equestria with.
Meanwhile among the stars above Equis, directly in the path of the energy burst stood or rather floated a lone figure. Giving his utmost to the protection of all sentient life, preparing himself for what may be his last of his space travels for a long while, he began to focus all his energy to contain and absorb the burst before it came into contact with the tiny planet.
After what was four rotations of the planet Equis' sun and moon he stood ready to take this task. Looking for the last time upon the stars that he would not probably travel again. Finally he returned his gaze to the energy burst. Reaching out with a magical net he funneled it into a compressed energy ball at the very center of his being. The force pushing back on him, he fell in the gravity well of the planet.
On the ground all the ponies were gathered in the town square. Staring into the sky, they watched as the energy burst seemed to bear down upon them oppressively. Many ponies began to cry. Twilight gazed into the sky for what she thought was the last time. As everypony began to look away, she continued to watch. Keeping a diligent eye upon the heavens.
She gasped as it began to change. "Everypony look, it is changing shape,"
Everypony looked to the sky and watched as the energy burst became less random and eventually turned into a vortex. It slowly faded into nothing more than a small pinprick of light, bursting into flames, falling into the Everfree forest. Surprised at the turn of good look, everypony cheered as the world had not ended like they had all previously thought. Everypony with the exception of one.
Twilight Sparkle stared towards the Everfree forest and wondered what had just happened. Taking it to heart she ran towards the forest to find what had fallen from the stars. Her friends watching this followed her into the dark forest.
Chapter 1
Smile little Pony
Consciousness came slowly to him. Struggling to open his eyes, he found that he couldn't open them just yet. Reaching to his face, he pulled off numerous branches that had landed on him and were blocking his vision. As light returned to his vision, he carefully extracted himself from the trench that his body had just finished digging.
Inspecting his landing area, chuckling slightly at what he had done. The trench he had just dug was 6 meters wide and only 3 meters at the deepest. Its length however was astonishing 275 meters long. He felt that he had made a respectable touchdown on the planet. Promptly turning around, he began to wander his immediate surroundings. Checking for any signs of sentient life. After a quick loop satisfied the nopony was in the within his landing area.
Checking himself over quickly, he was not surprised by what he found. Most of the armor that was once his pride and joy had been sacrificed in saving the planet. It had taken the brunt of the force from uncontrolled planetary entry. His body underneath the armor however was not harmed in the slightest. Only a few scorch marks at the open sections of his armor could be seen.
What he found next though was most unexpected. Most, if not all of his magical energies had been drained in the act of containing the magical burst. Yet he had managed to contain it within himself. Feeling it strain against the bonds that held it inside of his soul. After a tenuous examination of this new energy source within him he was left with disappointment. It was raw and wild, and not fit for casting spells.
Even before finishing his examination of himself, he heard a scream not far from where he was. Turning towards the cry for help. Flexing powerful legs he took off running, leaving a new crater where he once stood. Weaving thru the trees at tremendous speeds, quickly closing on the softening cry. Running into a clearing surrounding a swamp that was at the base of a mountain. Noticing only two details, he spotted what he had come to protect. A small pony, with an orange coat and with a magenta colored mane and tail, sat near the water’s edge staring straight up. The cry it had once given dwindled to only a small whimper. Towering over the scene was a slimy, scaly creature with five head protruding on impossibly long necks, from a bulbous body.
Whatever this reptile was. He could tell that its main goal was to consume the innocent pony in front of him. Lashing out, he hit the beast square in the chest. Sending it sliding back until it smashed into the cliff underneath the mountain. The rocks from above tumbling down creating a wall. Sealing it on the other side, away from them. The force he had used on it had dislodged the rest of his armor. Disintegrating completely, it fell from him in a fine dust, only to be blown away by the wind. Landing on the wind only to be carried into the upper atmosphere where it stayed.
He stood there holding his pose, red lines pulsed outward from the center of his chest, illuminating his midnight blue skin. With an air of finality he released his combat stance.
Looking back to the pony he had just saved, and what he saw, he did not like. The small filly was still sitting there, her eyes staring at nothing. Her small body began to shake as she was entering into a state of severe shock. Hurrying over to her, he hugged her and pulled the small filly close to his chest, speaking on this planet for the first time
"Hush now little one. You are safe with me here. Nothing will harm you anymore."
His words soft, comforting words were heard by the filly. As the shock of the situation left her the terror crept in and she began to cry. Tears rolled down her face as she pushed into him. Seeking the warmth of his body. Continuing to cradle her, he sat down began to sing.
Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hoof
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry
For one so small,
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart, always
Why can't they understand the way we feel?
They just don't trust what they can't explain
I know we're different but deep inside us
We're not that different at all
And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know?
We need each other
To have, to hold.
They'll see in time
I know
When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together
'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
I'll be there from this day on,
Now and forever more
Oh, you'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always
Always
I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there always.
Listening to the song the small filly eventually had stopped crying. She sniffled once, and wiped her tears from her eyes with her hoof.
"Thank you mister, that was very brave of you to save me from the hydra. Not just anypony would do that for me."
She didn't look up, not because she didn’t want to know her savior. She didn't want this kind pony who had just saved her, to see that she still had a few tears left in her eyes.
Listening closely he identified the changes in speech that she had from his own. Copying her he knew that he would have to change several words in his vocabulary. Knowing that if he didn’t play it careful he could very well upset her again.
"It is alright little one, I did what anypony would have done. Can you tell me thou why you are out here all alone?"
"Both of my friends were spending today with their families. But I don't have family like them, so I came out here to be alone when that nasty hydra attacked!" her voice becoming quieter as she went on. "But you came and saved me mister. I wish I had a brother like you!" she sounded very happy and hopeful with that last statement.
He hugged her tightly again, emotion coming over him. "Yes little one, I, Tenebris Sol will be your older brother"
That is when the light broke loose. Bursting from the confines that held it, but instead of zooming of it came back and begun to spin around Tenebris Sol. Within this light he changed, exchanging hands and feet for hoofs. His body became rounded, more equine. From his forehead a horn grew, and from his back wings. He had become an Alicorn. One of the rarest types of ponies of all Equis, even rarer still was that he was male. The only one to ever exist on Equis.
The color of his coat had stayed the same as his skin from before, midnight blue. From his chest red lines pulsed in intricate patterns that went all over his body. His mane and tail looked to be made of black fire.
She pulled away looked at him and gasped. She hadn't yet seen the stallion who had so easily accepted to be her brother. The first thing she noticed was when she had stared into his eyes. She saw what was to be the talk everywhere. His left eye was a brilliant purple. However his right eye was pitch black and it looked to contain the entire galaxy. Where his pupil and iris should have been there was a swirling mass of dots that resembled stars, trillions upon billions of stars.
"SCOOTALOO!"
Out of the nearby bushes six mares came out, like bat ponies out of Tartarus. All of them looked at they thought was a fillynapping in progress. Each mare began to try to strike out at Tenebris Sol when, before any of the mares could finish reacting Scootaloo jumped out of his arms and screamed
"NO DON'T! DON'T HURT MY BROTHER!"
Everypony froze except the brother, who calmly ignored the mares who had just tried to attack him. Walking forward and grabbing his sister only to put her on his back. Trotted past the mares who were still frozen in ridiculous combat poses.
Twilight who recovered the fastest, tilted her head to the side and asked the question the everypony left in the clearing was wondering.
"Scootaloo has a brother?"
Unbeknownst to the rest of the ponies the hydra had trundled of in search of easier prey. Whatever manner of creature that it had hit it, had made it feel pain. A feeling it hadn't felt in a long a time.
Having no luck finding anything the hydra tried to go back to his home. On the way there, the smallest of the heads looked at the wound, curiously it saw no external damage. Touching the spot where it had taken the hit. A wet rending noise shook the air and the beast collapsed blood drooling from every head.
Chapter 2
Home Of Our Own
Leaving the mares behind in there ridiculous poses. The pink one trying to do some sort of viper/crane kick. Tenebris Sol trotted along the path ensuring that his little sister didn't fall off. Listening carefully to the questions that she asked him.
"Are you really my brother?"
She was obviously still skeptical of what had just transpired he thought. Although he knew she needn't have worried, still she needed an answer.
"Yes I am. You confirmed that moments ago when you shouted at those silly mares."
Remembering what she had just done and her brother had just confirmed was that she wasn't alone. Giggling gleefully like a mad pony she began to watch her brother’s long mane. Flowing from him like fire, only the color was wrong. Suddenly her eyes grew wide as a pulse of red ran thru tracing intricate designs. Following the red lines flowing down his sides, she prepared to ask a question she always asked, when she saw it she stopped breathing.
"Is something wrong little one?"
Spluttering, trying to find an answer she responded the only way she could at that moment.
"Brother your flank it's blank like mine!'
Laughing he replied "Yes it is quite blank is it not"
"Your cutiemark, why don't you have one?"
"Is there a reason I should want one?
Astonished at her brother’s answer, she couldn't think of any reason why she wouldn't want one. Giving a simple yet profound reason in her mind, she gave him what she thought was the best answer
"Because everypony has one."
"In that little one lies your answer." Completely guessing at what a cutiemark was. He tried his best to give to her some truly wise words on something he had no knowledge of. "A cutiemark is the ultimate expression of yourself. Yet without one you still do great things. It means you are capable of anything. Adventures are the meaning of life. It is a journey of self-discovery that everypony undertakes. And when this journey is had with friends the potential fun increases. Every day that you live is a dedication to your heart. All a cutiemark really does is announce what you had the greatest time of achieving. An event that happened or talent that you discovered that personified everything that you are. Experience many things and the more meaning that your cutiemark will have. For everything you did to achieve your cutiemark will be your very own story."
With those last words they broke through the edge of the forest. Tenebris Sol laid eyes on Ponyville for the first time. Having survived what should have been the end of the world, the town was in full on party mode. Trotting quickly to the outskirts of town, crossing the final bridge into Ponyville. The two ponies entered on to Main Street. Trotting down the center of the street Tenebris saw the many houses and stores that lined it. Listening to the sounds that came from the center of the town only happy and joyous music was heard. On the edge of the plaza he watched as everypony present danced and sang for the sheer joy that they were alive.
At the edge of the crowd, several ponies saw the new visitor to Ponyville and simply stopped altogether. As every pony laid eyes on him they stopped one by one, until everypony had stopped celebrating. As he walked by each pony backed away in what was obvious fear.
"Which building is town hall little one?"
Before she could even answer the sea of frightened ponies parted, wanting this unknown Alicorn to leave them as quickly as possible. The new path lead towards a tall building with several flags on top.
"That answers that question."
"Wow brother it’s like your royalty!"
Highly doubting the fact that these ponies moved for him being royalty and not scared out of their little pony minds. He began to move with purpose, arriving at the base of town hall. Before he could knock on the door a mare burst out and greeted him frantically.
"Good afternoon your majesty"
Abruptly cutting her off. Tenebris Sol acted as to stop the rumor that was about to start about him being of royal lineage. Still wondering if what they were doing was from fear or the fact that they thought he was royalty.
"Good afternoon to you, however I am not royalty. You may call me Tenebris Sol, or Ten, or Sol for short."
Taken aback at the demeanor at which he had stated this so quickly the mare quickly nodded and continued on as if it had never happened.
"Very well Mr. Sol, I am Mayor Mare, please come inside and tell me what bring you to our fine town on this most joyous of occasions?"
"I am simply looking for a place to live so that I may take care of my little sister. Is there anywhere that we could stay?"
"You and your sister? Might I inquire as to who your sister is?"
Jumping up and resting her front hooves over her brothers head Scootaloo rejoiced “I Am!"
Laughing at her, and blinded by the hooves in his eyes Ten continued to talk to the mayor. "As you can see, Scootaloo and I are brother and sister. However on a more serious note is there any place that she and I can live?
As he finished saying the six mares from the swamp, burst onto the scene. They were once again taken aback as they saw Scootaloo draped over the blue alicorn's head. The pink one burst into laughter at this.
"OMIGOSH it's a Scootaloo hat!"
Waving at the pink pony Scootaloo introduced her brother to the mares.
"Hi everypony this is my brother Tenebris Sol."
Giving as much of a bow as he could with Scootaloo on his head. Red lines pulsing, dark flaming mane, he gave a short intro about himself
"It is as little one has said. I am Tenebris Sol, please just call me Ten or Sol."
With a looks of complete distrust everypony watched his movements. Ten waited patiently as the lavender mare stepped forward and introduced each mare in turn.
“I am Twilight Sparkle, these are my friends."
"Rainbow Dash" the cyan Pegasus simply nodded.
"AppleJack” the orange earth pony tipped her cowboy hat.
"Rarity" the white Unicorn turned her head and flipped out her mane.
"Pinkie Pie" the pink earth pony jumped and waved.
"Fluttershy" the yellow Pegasus who was hiding behind AppleJack
Nodding at the ponies as they were introduced Ten memorized their names and faces. Turning back towards the mayor he inquired about the house. Which the Mayor had been looking for in the book while introductions were underway.
"We have one house available Me. Sol. it is located just past the library where Ms. Sparkle lives. Ms. Sparkle would you be so kind as to show Mr. Sol where his house is at?"
"Gladly Mayor" motioning for Ten to follow all eight ponies left the mayor’s office. Twilight Sparkle being the only one who gave any measure at this new pony in their midst.
A short time later they arrived at the house. Looking at it for the first time. Ten noticed it a stark contrast to the surrounding houses. Made of stone instead of wood, and almost twice the size. Opening the front door he entered to a large foyer. Setting Scootaloo down he watched her run of to explore. All six mares waited behind him and watched as Scootaloo ran off. Applejack came up and poked him in the side
“So who do you think you are mister? Coming from nowhere and claiming to be Scootaloo’s brother.”
Rainbow Dash, deciding to give her two cents as well
“Ya, what makes you think that we will just take your word on this?”
“Girls calm down.” Twilight was trying to calm the situation knowing how hard it was to be the new pony in town.
“Twilight I do believe Applejack and Rainbow Dash are right on this one. We have no idea what this, Ruffian, will do.” Rarity applying her own thoughts on what she thought of the situation.
Turning to faces the mares, Ten affixed them in his gaze. As they looked into his eyes they gasped at how different his right eye was.
“I do not know what you hope to accomplish but whatever it is, it will have to wait for tomorrow. I am sure everypony is tired and would like to sleep.”
Rainbow Dash who couldn’t let matters lie began to antagonize him.
“Who do you think you are buster? Trying to order us around. We’re not leaving until were sure it’s safe for Scoo—“
That was as far as she got before Tenebris Sol stomped. Thunder echoed throughout the room as stone shattered and cracks ran along the walls. The room darkening as his mane and tail, flamed higher sucking out the light. His voice shook with anger.
“And where were you Rainbow Dash when she needed you! All of you. Had I not saved her from the hydra there would be no Scootaloo to speak of. Not a single one of you were there for her in her time of crisis so I don’t to hear it!
The flight taken out of her wings Rainbow Dash sat on the floor and squeaked quietly “there was a hydra?”
Running up close to inches from Rainbow’s face, anger still seething in his voice
“Yes a hydra. Now leave and don’t come back till you learn to control yourself.”
Turning with a flourish he took the stairs at the left wall of the foyer. The mares stunned at his outburst just sat there.
At the top of the stairs he shook off his anger. Thinking to himself that it wouldn’t be good for Scootaloo to see him like this.Trotting down the hallway he began to explore the second floor. Surprisingly there was no dust in each room, which had the barest of furnishings. At the end of the hallway he opened final door into a giant room. In it was a full king size bed laid in the center of the room and a chest located off to the right underneath the window. Happy with this room he went back downstairs to find Scootaloo in what would be the living room, and that all the mares had left his house.
"This house is amazing!" she was jumping for joy.
"Yes little one it is." Looking out the window he saw that the sun was falling behind the horizon. "Come upstairs little one, it’s time for a bath and then a story before bed time. Would you like that?
Going upstairs again Ten helped scoots do her preparations for bed. After that was done he took his sleepy sister to his room and began to tell a story.
Chapter Four
Once upon a Time
Long ago beyond misty mountains, and behind shaded forests, nestled in the bend of a river was a small village. In this village lived a beautiful mare. Known throughout the land as Wild Rose. Gifted by the goddesses of the land with incredible beauty. Many stallions sought to be her suitor. However she simply did not want any old stallion, who simply wanted her for her beauty. She dreamed of a stallion that could perform legends. So she gave them a simple challenge. To slay the Hydra that had made its home in the canyon where here favorite flower was located.
One day a pony came to the small village. Clad in armor he walked through. Straight down main street. He did not however stop. Continuing on, he left on the path to the canyon.
Nopony had heard from him for several days. Frightful noises could be heard from the canyon, however as soon as they began they stopped. One morning after the noises had stopped, Wild Rose stepped outside to find the hydra’s fang with her favorite flower on top. Yet no pony was in sight to claim their prize.
Several days had passed had passed and a new suitor was at her door. She sent him and all the rest that followed into the woods. To find the tree at the center that grew gems like fruit. However this time it was home to a pack of Manticores. Several weeks had passed and same as before. Ponies came to see her and then left into the forest. Most never came back. One day the armored pony came through not saying a single word, walked into the forest. Several days passed, and just like before Wild rose went outside and found three gems with nine Manticore claws surrounding the gems. Quickly looking around she saw the armored pony disappear into the fog that led away from town.
She no longer sent any of the stallions on any quest after that morning. She told them she had already found her love, and that she would wait for him. The days went by and winter was on its way. On a trip to the store she saw a pony who had worked and lived in the village since his birth. If she remembered correctly his name was Brave Heart, He was behind the counter moving boxes. Looking at him, Wild Rose noticed that he was cover in many horrible scars that were not there when she had seen him last.
Asking about them brazenly all she got from him was that he had gotten them saving a village or two from harm. Astounded at what she thought was an obvious lie, she walked away not buying anything or seeing the necklace upon his neck.
Coming back the next day Wild rose saw only the clerk. She asked of the stallion that had been stacking boxes yesterday. She asked him also about his scars. The clerk said that they were recent that he hadn’t the scars until just recently. He had disappeared for several days and came back all torn to hay’, and that he had done it twice already and was preparing to leave for a third time.
Upon hearing this Wild rose ran outside. She saw Brave heart attaching the heavy armor to his body and also that that around his neck was a necklace with one of each item that had been left at her door. She stopped him and asked him why. He had already won he heart not once but twice. Laughing he asked her does she know what she has done. Countless ponies sent to an impossible task never to return, and yet you never noticed the one who stood in front of you. I loved you once he said shaking with anger. But now I am not so sure. Shaking her off he left into the fog surrounding the village.
Later that day Wild rose went to both the canyon and the forest and saw the devastation she had brought. Knowing that for her she would have to wait for brave heart to come home if he ever did.
Ten looked down at the small filly that had fallen asleep halfway through his story. Brushing her mane out with his hoof, he wondered what she was dreaming of. So given he was to the task he barely noticed the new mare that had landed on the balcony.
Looking up he saw a stunning mare one the balcony her eyes closed in extreme focus. He could only guess as to why she was there so he stepped out onto the balcony with her and proceeded to wait for her to open her eyes.
He didn’t have to wait long as her eyes snapped open. Immediately he commented.
“And a good evening to you. Might I inquire to as why a beautiful mare is standing on my balcony in the middle of the night?
Startled the mare illuminated the area. Revealing her moon-blue coat with mane and tail that looked like the stars themselves.
The mare simply starred at him stunned. Nopony had ever questioned who she was after twilight sparkle had gone through so much trouble to make sure everypony knew her.
“I am Princess Luna ruler of the night and who are you?”
Chapter 5
Tomorrows Dawn
Given what time it was Luna was startled to see somepony awake. Not only that he had felt her presence and even further had the gall to ask who she was! Quickly thinking about this mystery pony whom she didn’t know and didn’t know her. Shaking the thoughts quickly away she looked at the stallion who had questioned her
Easily making out this pony who was before her in the darkness. Standing before her, his coat was a darker shade blue than herself. She watched him intently looking for any signs of aggression. When suddenly he pulsed and red lines ran down his coat. Astonished at what she had just seen her mouth dropped.
“It’s rude to stare and have your mouth open like that.”
“I believe it’s also rude to not introduce yourself after being asked who you are.”
“That might be but you looked absolutely adorable with the surprised expression on your face. My apologies that was a bit too much. I am Tenebris Sol, and honestly I don’t know where I am”
Suddenly he looked really confused. Spinning in circles he looked like he was trying to get his bearing. For a pony that was so sure of himself just moments ago he looked completely lost.
“What in the ff-hay am I doing here? I wasn’t supposed to make contact. This is so not good.”
Luna patiently waited as he continued to spin in circles. Growing ever more agitated. Suddenly he stopped and was facing the railing of the balcony. Rearing his head back he head-butted the railing shattering it into thousands of tiny rock shards.
Amazed at the scene that was taken place her mouth had dropped again. She had never seen a pony get so angry. Or one that had enough power in its neck muscles alone to shatter stone. And what’s more he just let out a primal scream
“AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH FFFFF-----HHHHAAAAAYYYY”
He stopped scared at what he had just done he ran inside to insure that the small filly he had just put to sleep was still deep in slumber. Knowing that she was still asleep he walked into the doorway.
“Princess I would love to talk to you and your beautiful self, but I am not in the right mind to answer any of your questions. You are welcome here at any other time than right now. I-I need some time to sort this out.”
Stepping back inside, he closed the doors with his hooves. Luna stood there head tilted to the right, eyes wide open and a look of pure curiosity on her face. She turned and returned to flying in the night sky.
Tenebris shook his head confused at what he had just done.
“What am I doing, I have come into contact with the beings of this world and become one of them and adopted the cutest little filly as my little sister.”
Looking at the small filly in the bed and stroked his mane. Smiling at her sleeping face. A frown forms upon his face after looking away. “I have broken my own vows to only observe them.”
Thinking about the past he casts himself into thoughts of his own. “Planet Alpha Terra” he thought. A world at war with its own morals. Three factions fighting over what was right, “Angels” they had called themselves. Fought for complete control, no individuality. Everyone must believe in the same thoughts. “Demons” the opposing group fought to be themselves controlled by nopony. Believing that they had to free to be alive. And finally “humans” caught in the middle of the destruction. Slowly being destroyed. In the end the planet shattered despite his machinations to save it. All life ended except for one creature he was able to save. It had pledged itself to him knowing that all causes on the planet had doomed it.
Thinking of it know. He spoke his convictions aloud. “I will bring him here. His help will be invaluable on this planet.”
Thinking his ideas aloud put a silent conviction behind them. Reassured he went to sleep. Having set his choices right in his own mind.
The next morning Ten awoke early. Scootaloo was still asleep in his bed. Extracting himself from her grasp he went downstairs into the kitchen. Looking through the sparsely furnished kitchen, he found he had the ingredients for the greatest creation ever wrought upon all the galaxies.
He had just started cooking when he heard a knock at his door. Taking of his apron he trotted to and opened the front door to find two unicorns awaiting him.
Before he could say anything they both began to give apologies so fast that he could barely understand them. Looking at them funny he was backing up as they entered his house continued the tirade of apologetic words.
“Girls slow down, I cannot understand you!”
Both of them stop and take a big gulp of air.
“Now that you are done for a second it is ok. None of you knew what had happened and acted accordingly. Now if you will please come in I am making breakfast.”
Stunned the two mares stood there with blank looks on their face. Another knock at the door produced a sigh from Ten. Opening it again he found Princess Luna and two unknown fillies at his door.
Princess Luna with all the regality should could muster with two small fillies playing around her legs said.
“We have come with Applebloom and Sweetiebell to find their friend Scootaloo.”
“Ya mister where is Scootaloo.” Applebloom and Sweetiebell said in perfect unison.
Giving a blank stare at the two fillies he simply pointed up the stairs and they were off like a bolt screaming out for their friend who was still asleep. Watching them run off, everypony wondered if they should feel guilty for her.
Ten was the first to turn away. Hearing a timer go of in the kitchen.
“Luna you may come inside and I will answer everyponies questions during breakfast.” Ten said breaking the silence that had bound them.
“AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH WHY!!” Scootaloo, careening around the corner jumping on her brothers back.
“Scootaloo why are you soaked” is Tenebris’ only answer to the chaos that is happening.
Spluttering “They poured water on me to wake me up.”
Bursting into laughter, Tenebris put plates on the stone table in the dining room.
“They got you good. That will teach you to sleep in till noon ignoring your friends. Well everypony sit down I will dry off Scootaloo than bring out breakfast.”
They all proceeded to take their places around the table as Ten and Scootaloo went into the kitchen. Moments later he came out, Scootaloo still on his back along with a giant tray. Everypony looked at what was on the tray. Not knowing what they were looking at. Each pony looked at the lightly toasted tan looking saucer with multiple square divots along the surface with wonder.
Looking at their faces, Ten asked “Do you not know what waffles are?”
Shaking their heads HE gasped at them. “What you have never had waffles! This is outrageous a crime against nature. You must eat! They are the greatest breakfast culinary creation!”
After this outburst he began to wolf down the waffles at tremendous speeds to show that they were edible. Taking a few tentative bites they all discovered that they were probably the greatest breakfast creation. At the end of breakfast, Ten had 5 waffles and the rest had 2.
Ushering them to follow Ten went into the living room.
“Brother can I go play with my friends in my room.” asked Scootaloo
“Sure you can. Keep it down thou. These nice ponies have question for me.”
Jumping up the three fillies ran up the stairs disappearing down the hall way.
It was at this point that he walked past Luna. Who in her own right was pretty big standing a head taller than either Twilight or Rarity was dwarfed next to Tenebris. Standing a head taller than her and built upon solid muscle they all swooned as they truly actually looked at him for the first time.
Ten sat down in the hoofchair. While the three mares sat on the couch across from him. All of them blushing and squirming next to each other. Twilight pulls out a quill and parchment ready to take notes of the conversation.
“I will answer your questions now, and to save time I am not Scootaloo’s real brother, but I will take care of her as such. You may have the first question now Twilight.”
Chapter 6
Personal question
An audible pop was heard, in front of Twilight appeared a quill and parchment.
“What is it like to be the only male Alicorn in existence?”
Confused Ten looked at her incredulously.
“I am me, nothing more nothing less.”
“What’s it li….”
“I am still a pony. Alicorn is just the type of pony, it doesn’t mean I am alone. Now enough, it is Rarity’s turn to ask a question”
Everypony looked at her expectantly. They were startled at his outburst. Maybe there were more male Alicorns? yet why was he so defensive.
Pausing for a moment, Rarity decided to ask a simple question to defuse the tense air in the room
“What were those delicious breakfast items you made, they were quite delightful and I would be ever so grateful if you could share how they are made?”
“Those were waffles, one of the greatest breakfast confections to ever grace my home. I would gladly share the recipe with you. I will even teach you how to make them.”
Princess Luna was fidgeting the entire time. She looked like she was about to burst. Ten finally looked at her and spoke softly.
“It is your turn now princess, what would you like to ask?”
She opened her mouth and closed it. Grasping for the words. Finally after a few moments she asked.
“Why do you have my night sky in your right eye?” she blurted out with barely restrained enthusiasm.
Nodding seriously, he waited for her to calm down after her outburst.
“It is not just your sky princess, my eye is showing our entire galaxy. All the stars that exist near and far. Yet I see nothing from that eye. I am blind in my right eye.”
All the ponies were shocked to hear this. Physical maladies were rare in Equestria. Especially blindness. As magic was a key factor in keeping health several illnesses that had been around had been found and treated. The few that were resistant to magical treatment were done either with herbs or intense research went into curing whatever ailed them.
Luna was nonetheless shocked at this outcome. “I am sorry ten, I never meant to ask a question that was delicate to ask.”
He laughed and shook his head. “ do not worry, I have never seen out this eye since I was born, however I do not worry, because there are other ways to see than with eyesight.”
Looking over at twilight he motioned for her to continue as it was her turn again.
Looking expectantly at him she asked
“Can you demonstrate you’re magic for us, I am curious to see what it looks like? As you do not have a cutiemark yet it could be anything”
At this Tenebris truly gave a frown, “I am sorry twilight, I am no longer able to feel the call of magic. It has been lost to me as one loses their life. I will never know the touch of magic again, and neither will magic know my touch.”
If ten thought they were astounded at his partial blindness they were stupefied when he said this. All three began to scan him and the room and found that no magic’s beside their own had ever been used inside his house.
He continued on, "and without magic I cannot fly either as the magical qualities of the pegasi are needed to take flight. I am nothing more than an earthpony. No less than an earthpony. There is very little for me in this world. I will have to use my hooves to forge a living.”
“With that I must begin the day’s work. Ladies if you will excuse me. I must start on my new black smithing job. I must make some wares to demonstrate my skill to potential customers.”
With that he began to walk out of the room. Everypony still present was still as stone. None of them noticed Tenebris leave. They still couldn’t wrap their heads on a life with even the simplest of magic’s embrace. The only thing it answered to them really was why he didn’t have a cutiemark. For they were innately tied to magic. It was magic that inscribed it into them. Magic that defined them and yet in there midst was a pony, an Alicorn no less that didn’t have access to any magic at all. He had done everything with his own four hooves and did it well.
Each mare slowly become unfrozen and looked at each other. They quietly left as the started to hear a ringing noise throughout the house.
Ting, ting, tang
Ting, ting, tang
A steady rhythm of the hammer hitting iron rung throughout the house. Working alone basked in the grace of flame and steel. Tenebris worked the rest of the morning. At lunch he stoked his fire with several logs he found behind the house.
In front of him he was making the sign. His first work as a blacksmith in Equestria. It saddened him that he no longer had magic. Once great and powerful and open to the ebb and flow of the entire universe. It was like losing all five senses at the same moment. There was a hole in his heart, he knew that there was very little chance of him ever getting his power back.
With his magic he lost everything. His magic was his lifeline. It had kept him alive for countless eons. And now without it he was mortal.
A single tear rolled down his snout and into the flames burning out with a hiss and crackle.
Mortal