The Dark Ages: The True Tale of Equestrian History

by Dragonas77

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Original Character, Adventure
Length: 11723

Twilight has been sent a new shipment of books from Celestia. Included is a strange new book that will completelly change her view of history as she knows it.

Twilight has been sent a new shipments of books from Celestia. This isn't strange, she usually gets new book shipment every week. What is strange, however, is that the Princess asked Twilight to read a particular one first, while giving a cryptic message that it is somthing she needs to know.
This story is all about the creation of Equestria as a whole, and does use OC characters for the roles.
Please note, this was mostly written just before season 2 started.

Cover art belongs to johnjoseco

Published 2013-04-08 16:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-04-08 16:20:02 UTC

Prologue

Twilight Sparkle awoke sharply to a knock at the door.

"Spike, would you get it?" Twilight said, already trying to fall back to sleep. No answer came.

"Spike..... Spike?" Twilight got up, going over to Spike's bed.

Twilight,

I'm sorry to have rushed off, but Pinkie Pie had some baking she needed done, and wanted my help. Her oven isn't working in case your wondering.

I'll be back within a few hours,

-Spike

"Well, that's odd." Twilight muttered to herself.

The knock came again, louder this time.

"Oh yea!" Twilight shouted, beaming with delight. She was expecting this, Celestia was sending her a new shipment of books from Canterlot, and she couldn't wait to dig into them!

Twilight rushed over to the door, and saw a gray pegasus pony with a large crate beside her. Twilight wondered how this one pony could have possibly lifted all those books herself, but was too eager to read her new books to think about that impossibility any more.

The mailmare brought the box into the house, and dropped it on the ground with a THUD in the center of the library.

"Um... thanks?" Twilight said. She was thankful for the books, but she was a little mad about the damage to the floor. She could fix it fairly easily, but it still perturbed her.

The cross-eyed mare nodded, and flew out the door, on to her next delivery.

"Well, that was wierd." Twilight said to herself. "So, what did Celestia send me this time? Mathematics? Alchemy? New spells? Oh I hope its a few new spells!" She gleefully clapped her hooves together. A moment later, she used her magic to open the crate up, and began searching through the books to find the note Celesia always included.

"Aha!"

To My Faithful Student Twilight Sparkle,

I hope your studies of the Magic of Friendship go well? As usual, here is another shipment to help you along the way. I would make one recommendation, start with the largest black book in the box, there are some things you need to know from it.....

-Princess Celestia

"Interesting, I'm suprised she asked me to read a certain one first." she muttered to herself. "She's done wierder things though, like that one time when she..... Ah!" Twilight said as he pulled out the book in question.

The large black book was hard cover, and heavy. It had golden glyphs on the front of the book, saying in the Old Pony Speak "Genesis"

Twilight levitated it over to her desk, and began her work, just as Celestia had asked.

Author's Note

The first chapter of my first ever pony fanfiction. Not sure how good it will be, but I hope you enjoy the ride. And yes, it was originally written for the first National Pony Writing Month back in 2011, so most of this was written before Season 2 began.

Genesis

Book 1

Genesis

War, war never changes. Throughout time, all creatures big and small have fallen prey to conflict. It is, unfortunately, everypony's nature. While not well known, it is a vital part of our history. Lost for so many generations, so few now know its true tale, save Princess's Celestia and Luna. The current generation only knows the lies and myth passed down. But, it's time. Time all of Equestria know.....

The Dark Ages
The True Tale of Equestrian History

Chapter 1: Creation

Since the sun first rose over our fair lands, and the first hooves were set upon the ground, conflict has existed. It is the saddest fact, but a true one. Even our own creation has its roots in strife.

The Steed, May He Reign Forever, created the world. After, he created the sun and the moon and the stars. The Steed then created the first life with two strands from His mane. One formed Princess Celestia, the other, but a few moments later, Princess Luna. He instructed them, and taught them personally. He gave them their powers over the day and the night, and then left them to shape the world as they deemed fit.

Celestia and Luna lived hapily for a time, but pony nature, even so long ago, took over. Luna became angered when Celestia ended her beautiful night. And, in turn, Celestia became enraged by Luna forcing the sun to pass over the horizon. The two sisters fought, until they came to an agreement. Both agreed to create one being, and those beings would then decide in a test of magical ability who was to be the rightful controler of the Heavens.

In retrospect, we can now see how far from the Steed they had strayed, for He had wanted them to coexist and create the world. Insted, they created strife and anger where none should have existed.

It is a sad, little known about chapter in Equestrian history. All that is known is that each princess formed a being, presumably a pony, from the elements and magic entrusted to them by the Steed. After that, nothing is known of what happened, except that the two became even more angered with each other.

Luna then departed, and began her plan.....

* * * * *

How sad, that the creation of the perfect Alicorns had turned into a war almost instantly.....

* * * * *

Luna created a sanctuary for herself, and her creations, in western Equestria, in the mountain range. She wanted only to see her precious moon, and never see her sister's sun. She hid away in the mountains, and had her creations burrow out a cave in the side of the mountains. Here, she formed the Order of the Night, her own army. The army consisted of ponies, but not like you or I, they were the earliest ponies ever known of, and were "rough". They couldn't speak yet, couldn't preform magic, and were dull earthy colors. Lunas army tended to be of dark earth and or the mountain's blackest stones. That, and her magic, formed her army.

Celestia created her own sanctuary, along eastern Equestria's shores, so as to raise the sun she controlled. She created her own army, again, out of the elements, to combat Luna's forces. Her army was formed from the white sand of her lands, and of the white stone pebbles along its beaches.

After a year of silence between the two, the attack came. Luna, with her followers, attacked her sister's stronghold in the dead of the night. She had specially crafted this night, holding her power in check for the past few weeks beforehand so as to make it as dark as possible.From all sides, the ponies from the Order of the Night rushed the compound.....

* * * * *

Mayhem broke out. It wasn't organized in any way. After the first few seconds of slaughter passed, a real battle erupted. Ponies from each side battled tooth and hoof against one another. The fighting stretched on, minutes turned to an hour, and hours into days. The darkness still engulfed the compound, and still Celestia's soldiers were able to hold the compound from within.It had turned into her worst nightmare, a siege. She wasn't prepared for this, and had no choice but to charge, or retreat. She, and what little remained of her Order, charged the compound. So many fell, but Luna had made it, she had accomplished her goal, and gotten into the inner sanctum of the palace after so many hours of constant battle.

"Little Sister, why do you do this?" Celestia asked of her. She stood tall in the inner sanctum, fresh and strong.

"You know why, Big Sister, I should control it! It is mine! The Power the Steed gave us should have been for me, and me alone!" Luna shouted, almost incoherent. She was exausted from the battle, and from the taxing spell of creating and reforming all her soldiers constantly. But, the exaustion wan not what had caused her ravings now, she knew. She was truly hurt, and somthing was wrong.

"Sister, please, what ails you?! Let me help you!" Celestia cried out, tears streaming down her face. It was her way of showing sympathy to her sister, even in this dire circumstance.

"'What ails me?' Do you really not know? How naive, it's your power I seek, for I am the stronger, and should be the one to make and rule the world!" Luna mocked her sister. She then jumped forward, aiming to stab her sister with her horn.....

"What!? What magic is that!?" Luna screamed upon being stopped.

Celestia knew not, but it was of her doing it.

"It is I........ The Steed........ He who you should have followed from the start. Why do you seek to gain power through the downfall of others, dear Luna" The Steed echoed in both princesses heads.

"I...I...I want it. I needed it. It should be mine!" She said out loud.

"Nay, this is not my bidding, dear Luna. Forgive me for what must be done....." Uttered the Steed, his voice growing faint.

"What? What are you going to do?" She demanded. But no response came, verbally at least.

A blinding white flash erupted from Celestia's horn, and she began floating in the air. She wasn't doing this, Luna realized, it was The Steed, acting through her own Sister!

The Steed took control, it wasn't Celestia's doing. The Steed formed 5 orbs around Celestia, forming the Elements of Hermony in an attempt to rebalance the world. A crown, the Spark, was formed on top of Celestia's head.

She floated up, and with one blinding flash, Luna was gone.....

* * * * *

As we all know now, Luna was banished to the Moon over the course of the millennia. She lived off only her magic, which the Steed allowed her to keep. He didn't seek to kill her, just to reform her of her ways.

* * * * *

Celestia, fell a few feet after she was released from the Steed's grasp.

"No!" she shouted, hating what she had done. Hating what He had forced her to do. Tears ran down her face, as she lay in her ruined castle's remains. Her ponies surrounded her, the three that had survived the siege, mutely trying to help her, nuzzling her. As she fell, her first true magic happened. A miracle.

As her tears fell, the ponies around her nuzzled up against her, and the tears fell upon them. As they did, a "change" occured. They begain speaking!

"Why do you cry, Princess?" asked one of the ponies. Suprised, and scared, Celestia jumped up, expecting some new trick from Luna, but it was no trick. Her ponies wer actually talking. They were helping her. All that night she talked with the three remaining ponies. All of Luna's remaining guards had vanished and turned back into their elements when Luna had been sent away. Those three became Celestia's companions, and for the next few weeks, she lived with them, in perfect harmony. Balance was finally bestowed upon the world, even though it had taken a great tragedy to reach such balance.....

* * * * *

Author's Note

Quick thing here, before a giant war breaks out in the comments over this. Yes the name of the book and an obvious reference to the Bible. Not trying to be religious here, just thought the name of the book, Genesis, meaning the start or begining of somthing, was a good title for it. And yes, I did slip a little "God" stuff in, with "The Steed" being "God".

Oh, and the first lines of the book is a reference to every Fallout game. They all begin and end by the line "War, war never changes". Along with this line, I plan on writing a full battle portion, a full on war, but maybe Twilight will find out about that part of Equestrian history next time...

I know that some people probably will question my changing of Luna's story. I did take literary creativity, and played with it a bit. I thought that the book from the very begining of the show was a lie, a cover-up of what really happened. I thought just refusing to lower the moon wasn't a good enough reason, even for Trollestia, so I thought attacking her sister was a better reason for her being banished.

A New World is Born

Chapter 3: A New World is Born

"Girls," Celestia called, magically enhancing her voice so they would hear. "Please come back, I have a task for you all!"

Within a half hour the three had trotted back, happy to serve Celestia. All three had been whispering, wondering what they were supposed to do this time.

"Settle down, my little ponies. I have a huge task for you all. I want you....." she paused, just make them squirm with anticipation. "To make the world."

All three stared, wondering how, and why, Celestia would give them this task.

"Um, Princess, not to question you or anything, but isn't the world arleady made?" The purple Unicorn asked, logically think it out.

"Yes, but I want you to make the cities of the world. You each will be the mother of your own races. Each of you, I task with making a city and creating ponies of your own kind to inhabit it." She paused, waiting for them to shout, or complain, or at least burst with happiness, but they just sat there waiting. She was proud, then continued, "I know this is a huge task, so I will give each of you the magic to make what you need happen, happen."

All three hopped up and began hugging each other. They couldn't have been more overjoyed.

* * * * *

The Pegasus pony was the first to start construction of her own world. "Of her own race" she thought. It was a daunting task, but she had a few ideas. Most prominent, the sky. She was a Pegasus, as would be her race, so why not incorporate flying into their lifestyle?

She raced toward the sky, and began to push clouds about, this way and that. She compacted many of them, forming solid walls of clouds. Out of her own mind, creations seemed to form of their own will. She barely needed to think, and her body made what she wanted. She knew it was the magic, but it still amazed her.

From under her own hooves, spires, houses, and entire towns formed. A flying city for a flying race. Could it be more perfect?

After weeks of building, through the use of magic, she finished. The little blue Pegasus had made one central city, which she entitled Cloudsdale. She made a few other surrounding cities, more stretched apart. And she made everything floating on the magic of the clouds, permanently airborne.

The final, most dificult task lay ahead though. The ponies. She had to make the ponies, to sculpt them of the clouds, and bring them to life. She was scared, but the magic took over and formed a basic template each time. A blank pony stood before her each time, and she just made subtle changes, all by thinking.

"Make that one yellow with a blue mane, and that one green with a ..... oh I dont know! I can't do this!" she said to herself. But, Ceslestia's words spoke to her.

"You each will be the mother of your own races." Celestia had said.

"I can't be a disappointment to Celestia!" she said, growing in volume until she was almost shouting. "I..... I MUST make them! I can do it!"

And she did. She sculpted perfect Pegasus ponies to live in her city's. She made wings for each one, and picked the colors of each pony she made. She made them all unique, and all for Celestia.

She looked back, pleased with her work, as they all came to life before her eyes. They all knew their place in the city, their jobs, their families. She saw all this, and rushed off to tell the Princess of what she had accomplished.

* * * * *

The Earth pony rushed off, just like her blue coated sister, to build her own world. The light brown pony had set out to build her city to please the Princess. She wanted to be unique, and close to her element, the Earth itself, and wanted the location to reflect that.

For almost a week she hunted accross all of Equestria for the perfect spot. Finally, she found it.

"Perfect!" she said, beaming at the sight of the valley before her. Mountains lined one side, and a rolling plains on the other. The grassy valley dipped ever so slightly, and that was where her town would be.

"Let's start." And with that, she began the long process, making the town what she envisioned. She refused to use magic if she could do it herself. She was stubborn like that, and made all the homes by hoof. She only used magic to craft the materials she needed, and to lift the heavy pieces of the houses.

It took several weeks, but she did it. And almost all by the sweat of her mane. She looked at the little village, only twenty or so houses, and with a central tree in the heart of the village. She looked down, and was proud of her work.

But the toughest task still lay ahead. She still needed to fulfil Celestia's second order, to make her own race.

It took many tries, and many more days, before she finally was pleased with her work. She had crafted so many molds from the magic, but none of them seemed perfect to her. She hated how she had to use the magic, but it was nessasary.

She had first formed the ponies of the bare dirt, but they fell apart. Next, she tried, mud, but it wouldn't stay in place. She tried water, and it spilled forth the instant she tried. Frustrated, she stomped her hooves, and found the answer!

"Earth!" she hollered. "It needs earth! It needs all of these things, a bit of mud, a bit of water, some dirt, some clay, and a tiny bit of sand. It's what the earth really is, a mixture....." she marveled at this revelation, and soon began to craft her masterpiece. She used the clay, the sand, the stone, and every natural bit of the earth, and made her perfect pony.

"It's......" she looked at it, mouth working wordlessly, "It's me....." She had unintentionally crafted a replica of herself. It was so unnerving she couldn't look at it, and the magic took over, making it what her mind wanted. It carved out stronger, thicker legs, and a palette of different colors. The magic worked, the earth pony not even realizing this as she hid her face from her own work, until a croud of almost thirty different ponies circled her. She looked up, amazed.

"What are you crying for, miss?" A tan colt asked her.

The brown Earth pony checked, and she hadn't even realised she was crying.

"I'm.... I'm crying....." she sputtered out inbetween brief sobs, "I'm crying because of how proud I am of all of you."

The whole village cheered at this, and hoisted her up, carrying her down into the town she had just made.

She was so happy, words could have never described her joy. She was showed her own town by its new residents, and each resident magically already knew their own house, and their mate. It was a sight to behold.

They arrived back at the town center soon after, and the brown Earth pony said, "I christen this place, Ponyville!"

All the residents cheered again. She gave a small smile, and then explained to her new creations that she had to go, but would be back soon.

"I have to tell the Princess, she will be so proud!" the pony said as she ran back to the where place Celestia was.

* * * * *

The purple mare had lingered for a whle, while the others had run off almost immediately after Celestia had given them the tasks set before them. She knew better though. With her magic, she took a nearby branch and began making her city in the earth.

Hours later, she had made scale models of every building in the soon to be city, and architectural plans written beside each one. It was perfectly laid out. True to the Princess's prediction, she had laid out everything before even begining. She smiled, reflecting on what Celestia had said about her.

* * * * *

"Ok, so the spire will go here, and the library will go there....." she muttered to herself, as she looked over the spot she had chosen for her own city. It was right next to a mountain, perfectly guarded on at least one side, should a time of war ever come again.

After reconstructing her scale model to work from, she began forming the building blocks to make her city from. She harnessed her new magical power, now enhanced by Celestia for this task, and began carving out perfect white stone bricks. Out of the mountain she made them, and built the city right alongside its peaks.

* * * * *

Many weeks later, she steped back, and gazed down at her work. The little purple Unicorn had done it, she built the city all by herself. She did rely heavily on magic to make it, but it was a city made for magical ponies.

"It will suit them perfectly!" she thought to herself. One final touch was needed on the city itself though. She cast one more spell, and permeated the entire city with a hint of magic. All throughout the city, a slight white glow emanated from everywhere. From the bricks, to the roofs, to the streets below, everything had a slight radiant glow.

"I christen you, Cantelot! The city of Magic!" The young pony proclaimed.

She was about to leave, but she suddenly remembered the second part of Celestia's task.

"How could I have been so foalish! I had planned it all out, but forgot the ponies who would inhabit it?!" she scolded herself.

Immediately, she set to work, crafting a perfect pony template to work from. It was a exact copy of her, and from there, she replaced it for each pony, but each with their own unique changes from herself.

"No pony should be like another. We are all unique....." she said as she worked, magically bringing the unicorns before her to life.

The unicorns stumbled a little bit, unsure what was happening, where they were, or even what they were. After a long lecture by their creator, all the other unicorns finally understood, and the magic seemed to take over and they all magically knew where they belonged. Each knew what their job in life was, and each instantly recieved their own mark upon their flank, relfecting their passions.

Proud of her work, the Unicorn took her leave from the city she had made and headed back to Celestia to tell of the work she had done.

* * * * *

Author's Note

If you question them building entire cities in such a short period of time, all I have to say is, it's MAGIC!

A Name of Power

Chapter 5: A Name of Power

The purple Unicorn awoke, and thought the sky had fallen. A white layer lay over her head. It took her a minute to remember it was Celestia's wing covering her. She shifted, streaching out from being curled up all night long.

"Good, ...good morning, Princess." the Unicorn said, still sleepily streaching out.

"Ah! Your awake! Good." Celestia said, moving her wing ever so slightly as to see the face of the little mare beneath her. "The others have been anxiously awating your return. Now, shall we begin?" Celestia guided the pony onto her feet, using her wing to support the pony. The pair went over to where the other ponies lay. The light brown Earth pony was sitting quietly, waiting patiently. The blue Pegasus, however, was pacing and occasionally flying to deal with her boredom at having to wait. She knew Celestia was right, they had to wait, but it was still BORING!

"YES! Finally! Now I can tell you all about my amazing city I made!" The Pegasus said when she saw the Princess leading the purple Unicorn over. She flew down next to them, and just as she began to talk, Celestia silenced her with a rase of her hoof.

"No, little one. You must learn patience." chastised the Princess, gently.

"But-"

"I'm sorry, but your going to have to wait." Celestia said, feeling truly sorry to hurt her, even if it was only delaying her story a little bit.

"Let us begin. Element of Earth-" Celestia started.

"Please, call me Spirit. It's a name I've come to call myself in my head, if that's ok with you, Princess Celestia..." she said, bowing a little in shame at the end.

"Rise, Spirit. It's what I intended all along. I wanted you to develop your own names, each of you. And I know you each have....." She said, looking at the other two sitting beside them.

"Well" said the Unicorn, "I've come to think of myself, as, well, um....."

"Out with it already!" The blue Pegasus shouted, growing impatient. Celestia shot her a glare that silenced her.

"Well, I began calling myself, Dawn, after the sun you magically bring up each day." she said, feeling shy.

"An excellent name, Dawn" Celestia spoke, giving her a soft nuzzle.

"Well!" said the blue Pegasus, hopping into the air, "I've got a name to top all of you! I'm called Dash!" she said, triumphently flying around. She alighted next to the others again, beaming proudly.

"As it should be, you have all found your names. The magic that I placed upon each of you gave that effect, so the Steed tell's me." Celestia said, motioning to each pony in turn. "Now, let us begin, as we should, Spirit."

* * * * *

Author's Note

Before anyone yells at me, let me clarify about their names. Spirit is just one I made up on my own, but I guess it is based on Applejack a bit regarding her abilities. Dash is just a obvious reference to Rainbow Dash, but this isn't Ranibow, this is just a character with the same color coat, and base name. Dawn is just a play on Twilight's name, Dawn being from the begining and Twilight being the end (I am not a clever pony). And I still used Twi's coat color. This is a thousand years before any of the mane 6 though, so these are not the same ponies.

Also, if anyone notices, yes the title of this chapter, and the first 2-3 lines, are a reference to somthing. Awesome points to you in you know what it is.

Celestia's Choice

Chapter 6: Celestia's Choice

"Now, tell me. Tell me what each of you have made for the land. What have you made for each of your own races....." Celestia said, pride obvious in her voice.

"Well, Princess, I created a little village for my race to live out of." said Spirit, the brown earth pony. She was shy of telling what she had made at first, but grew steadily more used to sharing her tale with the others. "I ran across the width of all of Equestria, trying to find the perfect spot. I wanted it to have meaning, to embody the earth itself. I settled on a little valley, on the east side of Equestria. There was a rolling meadow there, with a river running beside it, and mountains along one side. I thought it perfect, a true embodyment of the earth's natural beauty."

"Well done, Spirit" Celestia praised. "And what about its residents?" she queried.

"That was easily the hardest part. At this point, I had already made the town itself, all the buildings, a few farms and their lands, and so on. I tried to make the ponies out of the dirt, but they just fell apart when I tried to use the magic to bring them to life. Then I tried the mud, and the same thing happened." Spirit said, enthusiastically telling her tale. She stopped though, when she noticed Celestia was giggling. Spirit was mad that the Princess would laugh at her frustration, but decided not to voice her concern. She didn't need to, because the Princess put words to it.

"Please * giggle * dont be * giggle * upset. I just know * giggle * what you went through." Celestia managed to say inbetween bouts of merriment.

"Well, ok. Anyway, I was making the ponies, but after a while, I realized I needed real Earth! Not just dirt, but Earth! A mixture, the dirt, the mud, the water, the stone! All of it!" She said excitedly. "And when I did it, the ponies magically knew who they were, and where they belonged. The magic really must have made my thoughts a reality, to make them not even question anything at all." Spirit said, thoughtful.

"Yes, magic truly is a wonderous thing!" Celestia said, flying a few feet into the air in her joy. She settled back down a moment later. "You have done as I asked, well done, Spirit."

"Thank you, Princess." Spirit said, bowing slightly.

* * * * *

After a light repast, consisting of wild flowers from the clearing they were in, the three regrouped.

"It is time," Celestia said softly, "for another tale. Since you were so patient throughout the last tale, I'll let you tell your own story now, Dash."

"YES!" she cheered. "Now listen to this!"

"Dash, please, just a little humility....." Celestia chided.

"Hu... mili....what?" Dash said, contorting her face with each part of the word.

"Learn to tone down the theatrics, Dash" said Dawn, who the blue pegasus had almost forgotten about.

"Oh.... ok. Well, I decided to follow Celestia's request, as I like to think we each did, I tried to make it reflect my element. In my case, the sky and the clouds. I built a city sculpted completely out of clouds, with a LOT of help from the Princess's magic. Anyway, after making sure it would float on its own, I set about the second part, making the ponies."

Here, Dash looked away, slightly ashamed.

"I..... I sort of feel bad for this, but they all are just like me, with a few little changes....." she said, growing meeker at every word.

"Dont be frightened, little one." Celestia calmed her. "It's ok. They are unique, rest assured of that. The magic I gave you made sure of that." Celestia nuzzled Dash, and Dash nuzzled back, tears of relief flowing out of her.

"Thank.... Thank you...... Princess....." Dash said, in between sobs.

"Shhhh. Everything is ok. Cloudsdale, your city in the clouds, is a wonderful home for all the unique pegasi in Equestria. And your mind made them all so unique."

"Re... Really?!" Dash said, still crying, but less intensely.

"Of course. Would I lie to you?"

"No"

"Than you know I speak the truth. You made tham all unique, and you made a city truly reflecting your element. Well done Dash!" Celestia said. The other two cheered at this, making Dash feel accomplished, and she settled back into her normal, if less energetic for the moment, self.

* * * * *

Another meal passed before Celestia called for the third, and final, story to be told.

"Now, let us hear the final part of this tale. Dawn, if you would?" Celestia said, motioning for Dawn to get up and begin telling her tale.

"Well, I..... uh..." she stuttered out. She was nervous. She was afraid her tale wouldn't be as good, and she would dissapoint Celestia. "I, I'm sorry..... I can't..... I just can't....." Dawn said, falling to the ground and hugging her hooves. The other two instantly sprung forward, and began comforting her. Celestia was pleased they instantly knew how to try and help a friend.

Celestia moved forward, clearing the two away from the purple mare with her wings.

"Dawn, It's ok. We all get nervous. Don't be afraid to be scared, be afraid of not showing what you are capible of! You made somthing amazing, simply tell us what it is....." Celestia said, wispering to the little purple mare.

It worked. She got up a minute later, and slowly began telling her tale. She was quite methodical about it too. She told of all the plans she had in her head, the prototypes she had made. Then she went over the location she chose, then the architecture, and the materials she used. Finally, she got to the main point, the ponies.

"I wasn't sure what to do at first, and admittedly, I had forgotten about making them until I had begun to leave the city. It was quite simple at this point, the magic took over and made a template of myself each time. I just made the modifications of what I wanted them to look like and be, in my head. The magic did the real work, and then it brought them all to life!" Dawn shouted at the end. She startled Dash, who had fallen asleep over the course of the very, very, very long story.

"Wha! Where! I.... What?!" She questioned, still trying to figure out where she was.

"Dash! You fell asleep on Dawn?" said Spirit. She poked her. "We didn't fall asleep during your story....."

"Yea, but mine was never this BORING!" She said, yawning on the final word.

Dawn continued, unperturbed.

"After giving the unicorns I had just made a good lecture on their place in the world, and what they each were, the magic took over yet again. They each seemed to know what they were ment to do, and where to go. I left shortly after, and ended up right back here." Dawn said, rubbing her hoof a bit shyly at the end.

"An exelent tale, Dawn!" Celestia said, nodding enthusiastically.

"Th... Thanks..... Princess....."

"There is one more matter to deal with though." Celestia said, ominously.

"Really?" The three said in unison, wondering.

"Yes. I need to pick where I, myself, will live. And I think......" The paused, and all three ponies leaned forward expectantly. "I think I'll take up residence in Canterlot."

"Really?!" All three said, all three were shocked.

"Yes! I don't mean to spurn you two, but Canterlot is the central location, and governing-wise, it makes the most sense. Also, the city is the "City of Magic", and I think I'm going to teach the other unicorns how to use there new powers. I may even open an academy....."

While Dash and Spirit looked slightly dissapointed, Dawn couldn't have been more overjoyed.

"REALLY!? You really mean it Princess!?" Dawn said exitedly.

"Yes, but please, don't feel spited. It is just that I picked the central location. I'm not favoring one of you over the others. I... I know it's tough for you to understand, but it really does make the most sense." Celestia said, trying to put their minds at ease. After a few more minutes of explaining, it finally worked, and they were convinced Celestia was right, as always.

The Princess then went to each, removing the magic she had given each of them, and gave them one final instruction, one final order to carry out.

"Live free. Go and live as normal ponies. Have friends, have fun, and do as you wish in Equestria. Be free." Celestia said, giving her own version of a blessing upon them.

The three teared up, and gave Celestia a big group hug. They agreed, and went their seperate ways, each promising to visit the others soon.

And so, Dash flew away to Cloudsdale. Spirit ran back to Ponyville. And Dawn, accomponied by Princess Celestia, journeyed to Canterlot.

It was their last meeting all together, for quite some time.....

* * * * *

Author's Note

I had always thought of Canterlot as the central location in Equestria, hence it being the capitol. At the begining of season 2 (when I wrote this) I don't believe this was confirmed yet. So, yay for guessing stuff in the future! Which is now the present. The future is now!

And if anyone still thinks this is somehow Rainbow Dash, do you really think she would cry like that in front of her friends and the Princess? nope

A Question of Faith

Chapter 7: A Question of Faith

The journey took but a few days for Dawn and Celestia to travel back to Canterlot. Neither of them minded the journey; they loved each other's company. Dawn told Celestia all about her ideas throughout the day, and Celestia showed Dawn new forms of magic during the night. It was a mutually beneficial relationship.

"...And so, thats why I chose stone as the building material for Canterlot." Dawn said, finishing one of her many stories. She was amazed that Celestia was really this interested in her, and her stories. She thought it impossible, even for the Princess, to be this interested in boring details.

"Princess?" Dawn asked.

"Um... oh! Uh...yes, Dawn?" Celestia said, somewhat startled.

"Are you really interested in my stories, or are you bored and just being overly polite? And don't lie to me, Princess. I want to know the truth. I can handle it, whatever it may be..." Dawn said, absolutely.

"I... I'm sorry. I am interested, I've just been thinking a lot, and was lost in my thoughts." Celestia said, blushing a little at her blunder.

"It's fine, Princess. We aren't perfect!" she said, and skipped off further along the path they were following.

Celestia was worried. She had been thinking so intently about this, that she had completely forgotten the story Dawn had told her. She barely remembered the basic subject of the story. It was difficult for her to accept, but this decision would be worth it in the end, if she could actually go through with it.....

* * * * *

Later that same night, the two settled around a fire Celestia had ignited with her magic. They had decided to stop for the night, as Dawn was exausted.

Dawn was intently staring at the fire when she said, "I wish I could cast spells like that....."

Celestia flinched, wondereing if Dawn had guessed her plan after all her careful planning to hide it from her until the right time. She was relieved but a moment later.

"But I know I will be able to in time, and with lots and lots of practice!" Dawn said, eagerly. She wished so much, as every young filly does, to grow up faster than her body will let her.

"Well, I think that can be arranged....." Celestia said crypticly. Dawn spun around, almost falling into the fire in her excitement to ask Celestia what she meant.

"What?! You can help me?!" Dawn asked, both amazed, excited, and suspicious all at the same time.

"I can, but I need a favor of you first." Celestia said. She looked away, and in her mind asked the Steed if what she was about to do was right. No response came.

She sighed.

"Well, answer me this. Do you trust me? Do not answer this question lightly, as it will decide your fate. Do you trust me? With you life, in your heart, and as your creator, do you trust me?" Celestia said with all the authority of the Steed himself.

Long minutes passed, and Celestia knew Dawn was heeding her advice and truly thinking it over. She was thankful at least for that much.

Dawn had the foresight to plan ahead, and predict what the future may hold for her. Celestia knew she was working out any possibility she could glean from her cryptic hints, but knew she would never truly know what was in store unless she accepted.

After nearly a full hour had passed since the question had been asked, the silence was broken.

In a soft voice, almost a wisper, Dawn said, "Celestia, I know not what the future holds for me, but I trust you with all my heart and with my very life. I would die for you if need be, and I will accept your offer to help me if that is needed."

Celestia opened her eyes, she had kept them closed for the time she was waiting. She nodded, then began crying. She rushed and nuzzled the little unicorn, with tears streaming down Celestia's face.

"Um, Princess? Why are you crying?" Dawn asked, returning the nuzzle.

Through the sobs of happiness she felt, Celestia said, "Oh, I, I'm just so happy you accepted. The Steed had me ask you those questions, and here is your reward...." Celestia backed away, standing about a pony width from Dawn now. "Dawn, will you join me? Will you join me and be my personal student to teach my magic to?"

Dawn rushed forward and hugged her new teacher. "Oh yes! Of course, Princess! Thank you!"

With that, Dawn's apprenticeship began.

* * * * *

The next day, around noon, the pair arrived at Canterlot. They could see the white bricks shining off in the distance hours before they actually arrived at the city proper.

"Well, we are finally here." Dawn said, eager for what awaited her in this new apprenticeship under Celestia. She was still trying to consider what the implications may be, but she was so exited, she barely cared.

"Yes, but now the real work begins." Celestia replyed. "I have a task we need accomplished, and it will be a good start on your apprenticeship. You do need to learn finer magical control, and this will help. I want you to build an academy. An academy for you to learn in, and for future generations of ponies to come to to learn magic."

Dawn could hardly contain her excitement, but managed to get out a short "Yes." in response.

"Good, now, please begin. And I do have one requirement. You, and you alone, must build it. No help will be given from any other pony. You may ask questions to me, and I can guide your hoof, but only you may accomplish this task. And you must use only your magic to accomplish this all. Am I understood?"

"Um... * squeak * ... yes..." Dawn said meekly, feeling quite intimidated by the task ahead of her now.

"Good, than go!" Celestia commanded, and gave her a solid push of magic to get her to start moving forward. Dawn rushed off, her mind flying with ideas, and her worry growing with every passing second.

She knew she could do it, but her mind proved to be the most powerful enemy. It brought doubt upon her, and she wondered if Celestia would like her work. Would she accept it? Would it be good enough? Could she even do it alone? All these and more worries crossed her mind, but she still pressed on.

"Celestia has given me a task, and I will do my best to complete it! By the Steed I will!" Dawn said to herself, saying this little mantra to herself.

* * * * *

Author's Note

If your confused a little bit about Celestia's questions, think of it like an oath of allegiance. Dawn is basically swearing herself to serve Celestia, even though she doesn't know how she will serve her.

One Final Test

Chapter 8: One Final Test

Nearly three months later, Dawn approached the newly completed Palace. Celestia had built it in just under a month for herself. Dawn entered, and Celestia immediately greeted her with a soft nuzzle.

"Ah, my student. What news do you have for me?" Celestia asked somfly, still nuzzling her.

"Great news, Princess. It is done. I finished the Academy, as you had asked." Dawn answered.

Celestia looked up, intrigued. "Show me."

* * * * *

"Well, here it is. The new Royal Magical Academy for Ponies." Dawn said proudly. "Um, how do you like it, Princess?"

"It is perfect, Dawn. I couldn't have done it better myself. Faster, yes, but never better. You have a students mind, and used this perfectly, giving each room what it needed, what spells it would require, and making it all so elegant at the same time! I'm proud of you, my faithful student."

"Th- Thank you princess..." Dawn said, bowing. She was overwhelmed with the sheer amount of praise. It was what she had wanted, yes, but never did she actually think it would actually happen.

"Would you mind giving me a tour? A private tour?" Celestia asked.

"Oh! Of course!" Dawn said, opening the doors to the Academy as the words left her mouth.
For well over two hours, Dawn brought the Princess throughout the Academy, showing what she had built, what various rooms where for, and what spells and protections she had given the rooms. It was a truly amazing experience to be alone with Celestia, and she basked in every moment of it.

"Well, I do believe thats every single room in the Academy, Princess Celestia. So, are you pleased?"

"Yes, my little pony. I'm quite happy with your progress. You didn't know it, but there are multiple purposes for this building."

"Oh? Like what?"

"Like the obvious purpose, to train both you and future students here on magic. But also the more subtle, like having you buld the entire complex, stone by magical stone, and learn magical control. You've improved so much just by this task alone, yet you don't realize it." Celestia said. "Here, this will prove my point. I want you to take this puzzle. Lift it into the air, and assemble it all, holding it in mid-air the whole time."

Dawn did as she was asked, and levitated the pieces out of the box they were in. One hundred brightly shaped flat pieces now floated in front of her face. It was quite difficult, but she kept them all suspended there, and then began to think of which pieces go where. Piece by piece, she did it. After nearly fifteen minutes, Dawn did it. The completed puzzle hovered in the air, completely assembled by magical means.

"Wow, I didn't know I could do that....." Dawn said, amazed at ther own abilities.

"That is what practice will do for a pony. Their skill becomes more refined, and since your special talent is Magic itself, it comes much easier to you than to others." Celestia said. "Now, the real training can begin....."

* * * * *

Dawn stood before the Princess. It was finally her time to shine. She had spent many months training and practicing, all leading up to this one moment. One final test. 'Her' final test.

"Now, Dawn, please begin with the rudimentary skills. Start with, lifting this apple." Celestia said, in an even emotionless voice. Dawn knew she was proud of her, but couldn’t show it.

Dawn did as she was instructed, and the tests continued on. She lifted objects, froze water, melted metal, and even grew an entire tree to maturity. The tests got harder and harder, until Dawn thought she was at her limit and was almost ready to give up.

"Stop. You have been deemed competent. But one final task remains. It is a personal task, one I request of you and you alone. I want you to go forth, and gather your sisters. Bring Spirit and Dash here before me, then I will give you all my istructions."

* * * * *

Author's Note

Awesome points to you if you can figure out where I came up with Dawn's tests from. (Hint: Its the same place as the references in chapter 5)

The Gathering Storm

Chapter 9: The Gathering Storm

After a week of traveling, Dawn reached Ponyville. It was an amazing sight to behold what Spirit had actually made for herself. Dawn had crested the hill, and saw all of Ponyville laid out. The mountains were a protective wall along its side, and a river ran on its opposite side. It was perfect, and it bordered the Everfree Forest. Fertile ground was all around, and many farms, large and small, dotted the valley.

"Wow..." was all Dawn could say. She was truly speechless. She had only heard the description by Spirit herself, but it was so much better in person.

She journeyed into town, taking her time and enjoying the view and the town's architecture. After seeing a few ponies, she worked up the courage to ask one of them.

"Um, excuse me. Do you know where Spirit is?" Dawn asked, timidly.

"Why, of course! Silly foal, every pony knows where she is! I'll show you to her!" said the brown colt, happily nudging Dawn forward.

After a ten minute walk, the colt, who Dawn now knew was named Teddy, led her to a farmhouse on the outskirts of Ponyville.

"Here we are, Miss Dawn." said Teddy.

"Please, just Dawn. And thank you Teddy, you really helped me out!"

"My pleasure. Its just the natural thing to help another pony in need."

Teddy trotted back to the main center of Ponyville, and Dawn went on toward the the farmhouse. She soon found her goal.

"DAWN!" a voice cried, as the owner crushed her in a big hug.

" * urp * Can't - breathe - " Dawn squeaked out.

"Oh, sorry Dawn." she said as she released Dawn.

"It's – it's good to see you too....." Dawn said, gasping as air rushed in to her lungs.

"Yea, where you been, Dawn? I thought we were all stickin' together?"

"Yea, sorry." Dawn replied, rubbing a hoof on the back of her head. "Celestia asked me to be trained under her. She wanted to train me how to properly use my magic."

"Wow! Congratulations. But, why are you here?" Spirit asked.

"Celestia wants us all back, to speak with her personally." Dawn said seriously.

"But-"

"She said you must come, and I'm not to leave until you come with me."

Spirit stopped. She thought for a few minutes in silence.

"Well, I guess I got no choice! Let's go get Dash!"

* * * * *

"Ok, give me a minute. This spell is really complicated." Dawn said, gathering magical energy into her horn.

"You really think this will work?" Spirit said, nervously looking at the clouds in front of her.

"Of course! I've done this plenty of times back at the Academy." Dawn said, gathering even more power.

"I've never done this up on real clouds up in the real sky before, though...." Dawn mumbled to herself.

"What was that?"

"NOTHING! Just, thinking... there!" Dawn said, just as she released the magic. Both of their sets of hooves glowed ever so slightly with a faint purple glow.

The two of them cautiously stepped forward, putting more and more weight on the one hoof they were each probing the clouds in front of them with. It held firm. The spell supported them!

"See? I told you it would work!" Dawn said happily, and relieved it actually had worked. She was still slightly scared, as was Spirit, but neither pony would admit it aloud.

* * * * *

After a few minutes of treking up through a path in the clouds, and a few uncomfortable pegasus rides, they reached Dash's house. It was a strange sight to both of them, a house made of clouds, with a rainbow waterfall flowing down the left side of the house. A large rainbow arced over the house, from one cloud at the base, to the tip of the house.

The pair approached the house, and Dawn cautiously knocked.

No response came back.

Dawn knocked yet again.

Nothing. Not even so much as a, 'Go Away!'."

"Lemme' try, Dawn." Spirit said, and she bucked the door in. The cloud door evaporated away into the floor below them.

"Hello?" Dawn said, feeling quite scared to be intruding in somepony elses home.

"Dash, you get out here right now!" Spirit commanded in a booming voice.

A soft "Huh?" is heard, and a few seconds later, Dash trots out of a side room. The other two run up and hug her. Dash pushes them aside after a moment, she is still half asleep.

"Why, * yawn * ,why are you girls here?" Dash questioned through a series of yawns.

"Well... we-" Dawn began.

"Actually, the better question is, * yawn * , how are you here? How are you standing on the clouds here? I thought, * yawn * , only pegasus could do that?" she sleepily said.

"I used my magic, Dash." Dawn said, holding up a glowing hoof for Dash to see.

"Oh, that's..... wierd..... anyway, why are you here?"

"Celestia said we're to go see her!" Spirit burst out.

"Cool! Just let me..... awwww come on! You really had to break down the door?!"

"Hehe, oops?" Spirit said, rubbing a hoof to the back of her head.

Dash moaned, and went about rebuilding a quick barricade of a door, nothing fancy, just a solid door to replace the busted down one. In a matter of a few minutes, she was done.

"Wow, how did you-"

"Hey, I am made of the clouds and wind, I can make 'em how I please better than anyone around!" She put the door up, and checked it worked properly. "Now... lets go!"

* * * * *

End of the Road

Chapter 10: End of the Road

The three took nearly another week to get back to Canterlot. It was twilight when they finally arrived back at the castle. immediately, the Princess called them over upon seeing them enter the main hall. She had all her other guests and all her staff dismissed, she needed to tell them, alone.

"What is it, Princess?" Dash questioned, once she was given a signal it was ok to talk freely now.

"Somthing I wish had never occured, has come to pass." Celestia said ominously. She turned her back to the ponies, and began reciting her tale.

"Over the past few months, a new race has come to this land. I doubt you know of them, they have stayed on the outermost edges of our lands."

"What are th-" Dash began, before both of the others covered her mouth.

"As I was saying, they stuck to the edges of our land, and I allowed such. They were causing nopony any harm, unless someone deliberately wanted trouble. Which, I'm afraid, somepony did. A farmer who felt his land was being threatened by the creatures decided to take the law into his own hoof. He attacked the beast."

All three gasped

"Yes. But don't fear for the creature, he is prefectly fine. It is the farmer who took a turn for the worst. The creature fought back, and felled the farmer. He died there, the first ever to face these strange new creature in our lands. Unfortunately, he won't be the last. These creatures, Dragons, as they have come to call themselves, have said the attack was an act of war, and intend to attack with their full might any day now."

But, Princess. Why would this concern us? I know it is a horrible thing, but what can we do about it?" Dawn asked.

"I'm sorry to make you do this, my little ponies, but I have a task for you all. It is most dangerous, and....." she gave a slight gasp as she was now crying slightly. "and..... you might..... not ever see one another again." Celestia said, still unable to face the trio behind her,

All three began crying, and hugging one another. They didn't know the task, but they knew this may be there last chance to be together.

"Girls, please. Your task is this, each of you will rally your races, and prepare for war. I never thought this would happen, let alone it being so soon..... but yes, I want each of you to be the commanders on the field of battle. Please, do this, for me. For all of Equestria." Celestia said, finally facing her ponies on the final lines. Tears still streamed from her eyes, but she comforted the trio of ponies as best she could. She spent almost a hour nuzzling them, and just trying to calm them all down.

After an hour, a messenger ran in, a letter in his mouth.

"P-Princess! Letter!" the messenger panted out.

"Thank you." she said as she grabed the letter with her magic, and began reading it. The three ponies watched her face change and contort. From seriousness, to sadness, to anger, to literally no emotion at all. She was hollow by the end of the letter, no emotion within her.

"I'm sorry, but you must all depart, now. Your kindgom needs you. Preform this task, for me, for all Equestria. Have no fear of death, but know, it may be at hoof. I am sorry, but that is all. I have nothing more to comfort you, for war is truly at hoof. Within the week, the dragons will attack Canterlot, and only Canterlot. They plan on killing me, and asserting their control by killing me off. It... it is a tough thing to think about, but I must go and prepare for battle as well. I suggest you each rally your people." Celestia said this all with a even, but low, monotone voice. No emotion whatsoever colored her voice.

The three were ushered out, all three in a daze from what they had just seen and heard. And for what was to come.....

* * * * *

Author's Note

If there is intrest for it, I will write more of this story.
And thank you for reading up to this far.

Born of the Elements

Chapter 2: Born of the Elements

Celestia lived the near perfect life those next few weeks. She didn't have Luna, but she did have her three new friends. Amazingly, she had cast magic without even intending to. She had gifted them their speech, and broke them from their mute prison.

"Celestia?" asked one of the three ponies. "What shall we do today?"

Celestia looked up, startled yet again. She loved her ponies, but it still startled her every time they spoke. "Well, I have a 'suprise' for you all" Celestia said crypticly.

The three bounced happily, shouting their thanks, without even knowing what the gift was.

A few minutes after Celestia finally calmed the ponies down, she led them to her suprise.

"Wait, what is this?" questioned one of the ponies.

"I don't know, I don't see anything....." said the second.

"Dont worry, my little ponies. Your gift lies before you. And now, to shape you as you should be....." Celestia said. She then directed each pony into a seperate spot in front of her. After this, her horn began to glow, and all three of the ponies were raised into the air. The ponies were scared, but soon calmed, knowing Celesia would never hurt them. She continued to raise them up, until they were about ten feet off the ground. Then she spoke to them.

"I will make you what you should be. Your form shall reflect your personality." Celestia strained to say, still working her magic simultaneously. "First, the brave one of the group. You are the strongest, and never run away. I bestow upon you, the Earth." and with that, earth was magically raised up and covered the whole pony's body. A moment later, it fused with her, and she was lowered back to the ground. She was now a light brown, the color of the earth itself. A reflection of the very earth that had made her what she is now.

"Next, the fast one of the bunch. You are always the first to volunteer, the first to be there for a friend in need. You are a bit careless, though, but we are all only ponies." and with that she worked her magic again. This time, she took the winds above and swirled them around the pony before her. They whipped around and around, and she was tinted light blue now. But, somthing strange had happened.

"What, what are these, 'things'?" asked the pony who had been wrapped in the wind.

"Wings, my dear. I gave you the power of flight, to reflect your free spirited personality. You are the first Pegasus, the flying ponies of Equestria." Celestia gently said, beaming with pride.

"And what about me, Princess?" asked the last pony, still held in the air, unchanged as of yet.

"I've not forgotten you, little one. For you, a special gift, a piece of myself. Magic....." Celestia wispered. Both Celestia and the last pony began to glow, and radiant light shone off the new purple pony.

"What is this?" the pony asked after being lowered to the ground. She had reached up and found a strange bump protruding from her forhead.

"A horn, my dear pony. You are the first Unicorn. You are gifted with the power of magic, and can use the magic of the world around us. You are the most logical of the bunch, the careful planner. You think everything out before doing anything, always planning ahead." Celestia said warily. She was shaking, barely able to stand from the amount of magic she had just used. Celestia began to fall, and all three of the newly transformed ponies rushed and caught her.

"Thank you, my little ponies. Thank....." she weakly said, and fell asleep right there.

* * * * *

The three ponies had time, and came to an agreement amongst themsleves. One of them was to always watch Celestia, to guard her and protect her. They rotated every few hours as to who was her protector. The remaining two, during their time not guarding the Princess, were expirimenting with their new powers. They learned quickly, and soon, all three had a basic understanding of their powers they were given. The Pegasus could fly for about a minute at a time, though not very high. The Earth pony could run much longer and faster than her sisters. And the Unicorn could now lift objects and move them around. It was very basic, but they were all proud of that they had figured out on their own.

* * * * *

Celestia awoke, and the Unicorn pony was standing beside her.

"Oh, what are you doing, little one?" Celestia weakly asked.

Suprised, the Unicorn jumped back a little, then regained her composure. "I'm guarding you Princess! We all have, and we're learning too!" the Unicorn merrily stated.

"Oh, my! How long have I been asleep?" Celestia asked.

"Only a few days."

Celestia felt foalish for exerting herself that much, to have slept that long. She resigned to scold herself later. "So! What have you all learned?" quizzically asked Celestia. She had a few ideas, but wasn't really sure what she had wrought upon the world.

"Let me go get them!" called the Unicorn, running to get her sisters.

* * * * *

They assembled before Celestia an hour later, all three were proud and smiling.

"Now, may we show you, Princess?" asked the three in unison. Celestia gave a slight nod.

First the Earth pony stepped forward. She was light brown, confident, brave, and strong, just as Celestia had intended. She lept forward, showing her abilities to jump and then proceeded to run. She ran for a good ten minutes before the Princess stopped her with her magic. Celestia has impressed.....

Next, the Pegasus trotted forth. The light blue Pegasus bent low to the ground, spread her newly formed wings, and jumped straight up into the air! And how majestic it was, she was made of the winds, and it truly showed. She was a natural flier, elegently performing loops and spirals, before landing in front of Celestia a few minutes later.

"Well done" she thought to herself. "The Elements truly seem to have bonded with them....."

Finally, the Unicorn stepped forward. The purple pony was scared, barely able to stand, but Celestia could sense the power within her.

"Go ahead, my dear. Show me, show us all, what you have learned." Celestia encouraged.

And it worked. The Unicorn straightened, then dipped her head as her horn began to pulse ever so slightly with a faint purple glow. It quickened, building its tempo, until it was a solid purple blaze erupting from her horn. Then, she released her magic, and lifted the stones surrounding her. She held nearly fifty small stones all around them, at eye level, for almost a full minute. Then she collapsed, falling to her knees and the rocks fell back to the earth.

Celestia and the other two ponies rushed to help her.

"You should not have taxed yourself so. But I think it is worth it, you are learning and pushing your limits, all of you. Well done, my faithful students. Well done indeed." Celestia prased the bunch. All four nuzzled each other, and then Celestia gave them an odd request.

"Turn around, and don't look until I say so." she asked. All of them wanted to question her, but knew she was helping them, though they didn't know how.

Celestia went to the first, the Earth pony, and touched her horn to the pony's flank. She cast the most complex shell she had ever cast, not even knowing how she herself had done it for quite some time. She always knew it was a blessing of the Steed. She touched her flank, and upon it, placed a Cutie mark. It was shaped like a boot, indicating the strength within her, and the running she had preformed.

Next, she touched the Pegasus's flank, and bestowed her mark. It was a single wing, for the amaging flight she had preformed, and would no doubt perfect in the coming times. Lastly, she approached the Unicorn, and bestowed her mark. A pink and purple star, representing the burst of magic that would grow stronger in the future.

"Ponies" Celestia said, beaming with pride at her work, both the ponies and the marks, "You may look. I've given you each your own mark, a symbol of both our connection and your own unique talents."

They were all so happy, they scampered off to train and learn even more. Celestia knew they just wanted to show off to her, but it taught them to discover themselves.

"Thank you." she said quietly once the three ponies were gone. She thanked the Steed for his blessing and guidance, for without him, they would be but bits of stone and earth. They would have no mind or tongue, but now, they are true ponies.

* * * * *

Arrival

Chapter 4: Arrival

After a month had passed, Celestia knew the cities would be done. Magically, she summoned the ponies to her. She gave them the urge to return to her, as quick as possible.

After only a single day, the Pegasus pony returned. She was the first of the three, and eagerly wanted to tell the Princess about her work. She began, but.....

"Hush, little Pegasus. Your fellow ponies will be here soon." Celestia said, stopping the pony's words dead in her mouth. "Why not wait for the others to return, then you can tell us all about what you've built!"

The pony nodded, and began the long, long, long wait for her fellow ponies. She didn't know why she had to wait for the others, they were so slow, and she wanted to tell Celestia now! But, she honored Celestia's request, as she was easily the wisest and knew what should be done, and when.

* * * * *

Next the Earth pony arrived a few days later, she came running into the clearing, panting.

"I ran..... the..... whole way..... Princess." The brown pony panted out.

"Took you long enough....." said the blue Pegasus softly. Celestia glared at the Pegasus, and she quickly apologised.

"Come, rest. We still have one more who needs to arrive before you tell your tales to each other." Celestia said, putting a wing over the panting pony. She guided her to a clear spot, and laid her down to let her eat, and sleep.

* * * * *

Finally, the last one arrived. The purple Unicorn trotted in, a full week after the Pegasus had first arrived. She came in at night, her horn casting a faint purple glow, piercing the night's shadowy grasp.

Celestia awakened at her approach, even before she could see the little Unicorn. She waited, and set her own horn aglow to guide the little Unicorn home. Only an hour later, she walked in to camp, weary, and barely able to stand on her hooves.

"You should not have tired yourself so," Celestia said softly, so as to not wake the others. She placed a wing over her purple pony, and led her to some food she had prepared for the arrival of the ponies. "But I'm glad you are here now. Please, rest now."

"Thank..." the Unicorn said.

"-No. No need to speak yet little one. Just rest." Celestia said, and forced the Unicorn to lay down by the pile of food before her. Celestia stayed up all night, illuminiating the surroundings for the Unicorn, and making her feel comforted and loved. She was safe. She fell asleep under Celestia's wing, the feathery wing becoming the world's softest blanket......

* * * * *

Author's Note

If you are thinking that me capitalizing 'Unicorn', 'Pegasus', 'and 'Earth' is a spelling mistake, it isn't. It's used kind of as their name, or as a title. But that changes soon...