The Cloud Knight Series Book One: Risen Wings

by Redstreak

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, Adventure, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe
Length: 12252

The heir to the throne of Equestria unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. It is only through perseverance, diligence, and hope that he will be able to blossom out into his intended destiny.

Prince Skylar is what one would least expect a king's heir to resemble. He is lacking in confidence, talent, and overall strength. However, this is a destiny he cannot escape. Having witnessed a life changing event, Skylar must embark on a journey spanning several new lands in order to achieve retribution not only for his family, but for his kingdom as well. Set in a time many centuries after the events of the show, Skylar must learn to either trust in himself or be forever swallowed by the darkness that not only threatens his country, but the entire world as well.

Published 2013-04-24 07:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-05-12 13:37:06 UTC

Prologue

Book 1 - Risen Wings

Prologue

From the ancient scrolls in the library of Canterlot:

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together, and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn. The younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all different types of ponies.
But as time went on, the sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night.
One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her but the bitterness in the young one’s heart transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon. She vowed she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to Ponyville, the Elements of Harmony.
Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon, and harmony was maintained in Equestria for generations.
However, on the longest day of the thousandth year, Nightmare Moon escaped from her lunar prison and once again brought fear to the ponies of Equestria. Her elder sister, Princess Celestia, entrusted her pupil, Twilight Sparkle, with the task of regathering the Elements of Harmony and defeating Nightmare Moon.

Along the way, the young pupil acquired the friendships of five special ponies, each representing their own unique element: Applejack, the element of honesty; Fluttershy, the element of kindness; Pinkie Pie, the element of laughter; Rarity, the element of generosity; Rainbow Dash, the element of loyalty. In the end, Twilight Sparkle herself was revealed to be the embodiment of the lost element, magic. Through their combined efforts, they were able to quell the beast within and restore Princess Luna back to her former self. Due to their heroics, these newfound friends were given the honorary title of the Mane Six.

As time went on, these six ponies continued to courageously battle new dangers that threatened to disrupt the peace and unity of the land of Equestria. The Discord Incident, The changeling Uprising, The return of The Crystal Empire, even the ascent of Princess Twilight and her subsequent return to a royal-less existence, along with other monumental struggles, have become important markers in official history texts.

As their fame grew throughout the Equestrian Kingdom and throughout the surrounding countries, The Mane Six, wanting to continue peace, established a new federation of the Royal Guard, taking up government positions as its leaders in the capital of Canterlot. This newly improved federation could not have been created at a more fortuitous time, for in distant lands a storm was brewing that would bring the Mane Six to the brink of destruction. However, that will be saved for another time. This is not their story, not yet.

Sometime after this storm (the current records do not give a specific date,) an era of tranquility settled over the land. To commemorate this lack of turmoil, a grand ball was to be held in Canterlot. Guests from as far as the outer edges of the neighboring countries were invited to attend this event that was to be in celebration for two days.

On the eve of the second day, an extraordinary feast was held in honor of the anniversary of Princess Celestia’s birth. As the dinner came to a close and the guests began to deliver their gifts, a cloaked beggar entered through the front door of the main hall. Princess Celestia, not being one who turned away those in need of help, asked the vagabond wolf what it was she needed. The beggar revealed that she was merely passing through and had run out of food nearly a day ago. With every pony in Canterlot having been congregated in the castle, she feared that this was the only place that held any hope of obtaining sustenance. The princess immediately ordered a plate be brought forth on which this new arrival could dine.

Due to the princess’s benevolence, the beggar wolf brought out a potion she had taken with her from her village. Her original intent was to sell the mixture in order to have money to take back home, but now decided to offer it to the princess in gratitude for her generous hospitality. The wolf explained that whosoever drank the elixir would experience an inner peace like no other, and, as a result, would have their magic increase three-fold for an undetermined amount of time.

The beggar thanked the princess once more before quietly departing the castle, never to be heard from again.

As night fell, Princess Celestia retired to her bedchambers and, remembering the elixir, retrieved it from the pouch of her satchel. Thinking an increase in her magic would ultimately prove beneficial to the interests of Equestria, the princess calmly drank the mendicant’s gift. However, no sooner had the concoction passed her lips than did Celestia become violently ill.

For days she was not able to leave her bed; her magic had stopped working, and others’ magic took no effect on her. Her sister, Luna, took on the role as ruler of both sun and moon in her absence. As time went on, unfortunately, Celestia’s state of health grew worse and worse. Her once vibrant and colorful mane faded to dull shades of gray, her once ample frame slowly growing thinner with every missed meal. Luna, heartbroken over her sister’s deterioration, began to fall apart herself.

One morning, Luna woke to check on her sister to find that breath no longer flowed through her. Within a day Luna herself died, some saying that the sisters’ spiritual bond was so strong that one could not bear to live without the other. The next day they were both buried in a private section of the castle gardens. It is said that, according to legend, their spiritual energies were so infused within the sun and the moon that the heavenly bodies continued to rise, even after their guardians’ deaths.

While a wave of mourning swept throughout the kingdom, the mages of the Canterlot Court knew it was pivotal that the successor to the throne be elected quickly. Through a unanimous vote, Princess Cadence ascended to the position of ruler, thus beginning the dawn of a new era for the nation of Equestria.

As the flow of time continued, new generations of ponies came to power as the older generations died off. One day, the throne was down to a young mare, Princess Terra, and her husband, Prince Firma, who ruled with a kindness not seen since the days of Celestia. And unto them a son was born...

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I lower down into a takeoff position and tense every muscle in my body. There was a soft wind blowing and I held the hope that maybe I could use it as leverage to keep me up in the air.

Looking at the distant horizon, I feel another undercurrent of nausea sweep through the pit of my stomach. I had begun to lose count of the amount of times I’ve pitched myself off ledges with the faith that my name would finally live up to it’s perceived expectations. Skylar, my name was given to me by my parents, Princess Terra and Prince Firma, to symbolize that the eternal, endless expanse of the sky would match the endless opportunities ponies are provided by the fair land of Equestria and that I could one day provide those same opportunities to my people. The blue horizons are like that of an infinite blanket, covering the land in a blanket of bright days and starry nights, giving hope and wonder to those that venture to peer up at that beautiful, cloud-speckled canvas. How ironic that such a name was given to a pony that still can’t even fly. However, one never succeeds unless they continue to try. And who knows, maybe this time it will work...

I take off at a full gallop, gaining speed as I race my towards the end of the runway. My mane flies behind me and my heartbeat quickens as the deciding moment draws closer with each hoof step. Upon reaching the end, I jump and, after pushing myself through a sickening moment of hesitation, spread out into my full wingspan.

I try to dive into the wind current but it’s no use,my wings aren’t strong enough to sustain my weight. I fall and crash straight into the large, carefully maintained hedges that surround the inner courtyard, tumbling and rolling throughout the thicket with no chance to protect myself. I feel the thorns and branches scratch and claw at random places all over my body, surely cutting deep enough in some areas to draw blood. Finally, I come to a stop and try as delicately as I can to make my way out, bracing myself what was expected to come. Already my face was growing hot and a losing battle had begun to unfold between me and the tears threatening to push their way out.

“ Awwwwe, am I starting to hear waterworks, Crylar?” the taunting has begun. The voice belonged to Flynn, a light gray pony with a luminescent silver mane that the term stereotypical jock could fit to a T. He was of good build with beginning to define muscles that every mare simply drooled over. Too bad he had a brain the size of an oat.

For about as long as I can remember he’s always relentlessly harassed me, constantly berating me and telling me I’m the worst possible heir to the throne Equestria could ever have. Well we’ll see how awful I am when I appoint him head jester...

“Yeah Crylar, should we go ahead and call for a pegasus to help us with the coming tear storm?” Swift Wing, one of Flynn’s idiotic cronies calls out while Flare Feet, the other one, guffaws with a sound that reminds one of a dying cow. It’s actually quite nauseating how those two follow him around like parasitic shadows. Then again, over the years I’ve come to realize that they probably can’t survive without each other. It’s not until they are all three together that they add up to one functional brain. Well, maybe a half one.

“And once again the maturity of you three astounds even the wisest of us. Seriously, at this age you would have thought we would have left the petty insulting back in our newborn colt and filly days. Guess I should remind myself who I’m talking to though...” a familiar, more melodic voice chimes in from nowhere.

I look up from where I’m still laying after having dragged myself from the hedges and see the cute and light figure of Ophelia slide in next to those three. She was one of the first ponies I had ever felt a real friendship with. We were born around the same time and naturally spent time together as we were both palace ponies and attended the same regal school as all the others whose parents belonged in Canterlot’s most exclusive inner circle. She had a bright, fiery mane while her fur consisted of different tinges of yellow and orange. On her flank, a cutie mark outlined in the image of the setting sun stood as testament to her infamously passionate and often times too intense personality. Seeing her there defending me gives rise to another wave of oh so noticeable blushing that I’m still desperately trying to learn how to control.

“Guess I should remind myself to watch out or else Crylar’s ‘girlfriend’ is going to come beat me up,” Flynn mocks back with a roll of his eyes.

“First of all I’m not his ‘girlfriend,’ we’re simply friends,” ouch, “and second of all, Flynn, you are not worth even one second of my time beyond the bare minimum conversations you’re lucky to get from me.”

“Oh I’m not worth your time, yet you seem completely pleased with giving all of your attention to that pathetic excuse for a future ruler who at this point can’t even fly,’ Flynn snaps back. “Not even that, the royal brat doesn’t even have a cutie mark yet, and his skills in magic are laughable for someone who is supposed to have come from a regal bloodline. If it were up to me I’d-”

“Enough!” the voice of our teacher, Comet Flash, booms from several yards away. “This dribbling nonsense from all of you will cease at once. I am here to teach what is supposed to be Canterlot’s future brightest and greatest, not the miscreant children of the streets.”

Flynn as usual arrogantly mumbles under his breath to obtain what he stupidly feels is his right to have the last word. “If Crylar is considered one of our land’s future brightest and greatest than our kingdom better prepare itself for its inevitable downfall.” Well someone is being demoted from jester to dungeon tester.

“I said that’s enough! Now, I want all of you to return back to your outdoor training activities and if even one slightest mishap or peep comes from any of you...” our teacher pauses before dramatically shaking his head, “well let’s just say they still haven’t found the rest of my last troublesome pupil.”

Several of the students let out exasperated groans, yet nonetheless they began to trudge their way back to their respective areas. From the corner of my eye I see Flynn wait until he’s just behind our teacher’s back before he spits towards the ground in my direction. One day I’m going to make sure he pays for everything he’s done...

Suddenly, I feel a hoof connect one of my front ones and I am slowly helped raised to my feet.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk this will absolutely not do at all,” my teacher mumble to himself as he closely inspects the damage done to my body. I tilt my own head to see just what exactly has happened. Though it’s not too terribly severe, I see numerous scratches and bloodstains that completely cover me all over. The stinging pain from several of the cuts are enough to make my eyes begin to water again, yet this time I’m better at keeping my over sensibilities at bay. I’ve already embarrassed myself enough today, might as well save my teacher from having to deal with my admittedly sensitive tendencies.

As he continues to look over me, he opens his mouth and unexpectedly begins a conversation with me, not that he hasn’t before but it’s just they’re usually rare from him.

“Why exactly do you let others do what’s meant to be your job?” he asks.

“I-I’m not exactly sure what you mean sir,” I reply, already preparing myself for the lecture that is sure to come. In the back of my mind I’m fairly sure I have an inkling of what this is about, but I’d rather avoid it for as long as I can.

“It’s no secret that you’re the target of sometimes quite harsh bullying at the hands of a few certain ponies,” he remarks as if I’m not supposed to know my own tormentors’ names, “And yet it’s never you who takes the charge in standing up for yourself. You rely on others to come to your rescue and frankly, it is quite concerning when it comes from someone who is to one day rule an entire nation. How can one do that when he can’t even take control over his own battles?” A current of shame sweeps through me and I can no longer look him in the eyes. He sighs softly and continues, “I’m not saying any of this to drag you down any further than you already feel, it’s to hopefully spark something within you. I take note of all my pupils, and I can tell that you are destined for something important. However, if you continue to cower down with your tail between your legs, any kind of fate may all just pass you by.”

“It’s just so unfair!” I accidentally blurt out. The anxiety that had been building up inside of my finally starting to trickle out of me like drops of water that eventually builds to a devastating torrent. “They’re right! Every single one of them are completely right about me! Out of everyone here I’m one of the worst in over half of our studies. Sure I’m fairly skilled in my book courses and decent in magic but that can only get you so far. I can’t fly, I don’t have my cutie mark even though the others have had theirs for several years now, and I most likely really am one of the worst examples of a future king to be! I never asked for this kind of life so why must I endure all this heartache and stress?” more tears have begun to flow down my cheek. This is the first time I’ve ever publicly hinted at my dissatisfaction on one day taking the throne. It feels... refreshing.

My mentor stood silent for a moment and let out the breath he had been holding in. “No one ever asks for the life they are given, it just simply happens. We can either take what’s thrown at us and deal with it the best we can, or we can forever bemoan our sad existence and waste what could very well end up being a life full of unknown rewards. Remember that everything happens for a reason, only you can figure out what that reason is.”

I look back up to him and notice that a small smile has taken form during our talk, another rare occurrence for him. I can’t help but give one back and timidly wipe at my tear stained cheeks.

“I suppose you’re right sir, I just hope that when that reason comes I’ll be able to know what to do,” I reply, feeling a little bit more optimistic than when our talk had first begun.

“Just remember that everything takes time and understanding. You’ve got a great head upon your shoulders, don’t let it go to waste,” my teacher concludes with another small smile. He turns and starts to make his way back to the rest of the students in order I’m sure to resume inspecting their training.

“By the way,” he calls to me from over his shoulder, “before I came over here to reprimand you heathens, I had received a message for you from one of the guards. Your father wishes to see you as soon as you can come. He is currently residing in the throne room and due to the wording of the letter I'm sure it's something at least fairly important. Seeing as it's the reigning prince who calls you I suppose I'll give you my permission to leave your lessons early. Now run along, Prince Skylar.”

I nod my hand in understanding and I begin to take off at a nice paced gallop to the courtyard exit, thankful for my chance to leave.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The clack of my hooves reverberate off the walls of the large hallway located just outside the entrance to the throne room. With each new step, a fresh wave of echoes scatters off only to mix with the old ones, creating a seemingly endless stream of clatter that only adds to the already chillingly lonely aura of the Canterlot Castle. Even after living here as long as I have it’s still something I’ve never really gotten used to.

The castle is the main center of business here in Equestria’s capital city, it’s history being rich in every different avenue possible, both good and bad. People have fallen in love here, captivated by the light of the moon in each other’s eyes as they both decide to step outside to catch a breather from the current gala. Peace negotiations have been reached in the castle’s great study here during times of war, the current prince or princess at the time signing their name through magic upon a treaty to finally end the bloodshed currently being waged on some distant war torn country. It was here that our nation saw it’s first, and thankfully only, public execution of a ruler, his greed having crippled all of Equestria and left countless ponies homeless with many dying on the streets through starvation. For me, however, it is a place of isolation, the main reason being due to its size. One could start at the entrance and walk at least a good hour without meeting a single other pony, at times giving you the false impression that you’re the only pony left in the world, as if everyone in your life had suddenly been spirited away and never to return. It is an unwanted truth that in the end only seems to make my thoughts on my future that much more dull and unappealing. The cold marble and imposing gothic structure doesn’t exactly help the castle’s level of cheeriness either. If I were alive during the time, the building’s architect just might have been Equestria’s first execution instead...

I reach the door to the throne room and pause, waiting for the last echo of my hoofsteps to fade away before slowly closing my eyes. I take a deep breath, and in a matter of seconds I have my mind cleared of all background thoughts so as to allow myself complete concentration on the object before me. Then, I feel it. It starts at the tip of my horn, a tingling, euphoric sensation that settles over the rest of me like a numbing warmth before exiting back out my horn in what feels like a burst of heat, all of this taking place in no more time than it takes a flash of lightning to rip across a turbulent, stormy sky. Before I even open my eyes, I already hear the turning of the door knob that is soon accompanied by the first sounds of the door’s hinges creaking as they start to swivel back, allowing me entrance into one of the most famous rooms of the castle.

The throne room spreads before me like a miniature enclosed museum. I take a step inside, using my magic to close the door back behind me before taking a moment to survey this familiar yet still somehow foreign territory.

In this room, it is as if time itself stands till. A subtle calmness pervades about the place that seems to soothe all those that enter it, leaving first time visitors in a state of awe as they try to take in the magnitude of the scene displayed before them. I myself have visited here countless times, though even now I still have yet to be numbed to that all intrusive wonder that, without fail, slowly inches itself through me unnoticed like the silent tiptoes of cat’s paws while it hunts for its prey.

It is here that it can be said that time, in all three of its modes of its existence, converges into one eternal meeting point. Along the walls stand beautiful, grand stained glass windows that represent time in its past essence, each window representing its own moment in history to remind the reigning prince or princess of the triumphs and defeats of those that lived before them, both royal and civilian. Farther down the room stands the actual throne seats themselves, their appearance and composition not having changed since they were first created during the rule of the first princess. They are tall, rigid monuments etched out of silver, the edges having been outlined by the brightest, most luminescent jewels that have ever been found in the mines of Equestria. The seats, where I one day shall find myself enthroned, symbolize the present as reminders of the royal party’s duties; having also strategically been placed directly in line of sight with the doors so as to be the first things seen when one enters, serving as a cautionary reminder to the prince or princess that they are always being watched. Beyond that, lastly, lies the open entrance to the balcony. It provides a mesmerizing view of the land beyond that stretches out for miles upon miles, embodying the essence of the countries citizens and how every decision the prince or princess may make from then on shall directly affect them, finally bringing the room’s time trinity to an end with this last representation of future. A pleasant smile slowly forces its way across the length of my face, the sheer majesty of my surroundings momentarily causing me to rethink my earlier nasty comments made about the castle’s renowned architect. Well... almost.

With a sigh, I notice that my father is absent, meaning I’ll simply have to wait for him to show up, probably when he gets finished with some last minute annoyance that’s apparently far more important than a meeting with his son he set up himself. I suppose until then I’ll take the time to properly look around as I’ve never been in here alone before. I make my way to the outer edges of the room so as to get a better look at the stained glass windows, letting my thoughts tumble back into the forlorn realm of days gone past. I walk past them at a steady pace, my face painted into a state of reverence as I imagine all the struggles, heartaches, and celebrations depicted in each panel that these ancient ponies had to endure. I check them off one by one in my head as the images bring back stories and lessons from my daily history classes, the remnants of their legacies now only kept alive by these crystalline reflections and in the tombs of old, forgotten textbooks. The Silver Mane Wars, the terrible wildfires that swept across the great Equestrian fields, The Night of a Thousand Stars, each one a different petrified moment in Equestria’s deep, rich chronology. There is one in particular, however, that I feel more obligated to stop in front of.

The window pane rises before like a thin, monumental tower, it’s iridescent glass shards illuminating before me in a rainbow hued light. The creation of this icon was handled with such grace and care that at times it seems to breathe and move as if it had a life of its own. In it, there stands a group of five distinct ponies, each with a similar metal necklace that clings to their necks. Above them stands a purple pony surrounded by a soft white, lustrous glow as she stretches her newly generated wings for the very first time. It is the beginning moments of Twilight’s ascension from favored pupil to fellow princess, her transformation a gift from her mentor, Celestia, for her years of hard work and dedication to the studies of friendship. I stare at her for a moment feeling a slight knot forming in the pit of stomach. I wonder, how did she feel in these moments? Was she scared, afraid that she might have to leaver her friends? Or was she excited at the unknown possibilities that in a split second had suddenly become open to her? I wonder if when that day comes I will be like her, beaming at the newfound duties and responsibilities that come with protecting and maintaining the peace and wellbeing of an entire nation. Only time will tell. Her chance has already come and gone, soon it shall be mine.

I turn my attention towards the far end of the room, slowly trotting towards the end of the room where, out on the balcony, a new scene spreads before me. The market square of Canterlot hums with busy patrons hustling to and fro, many entering pristine, high class shops while others happen to notice an acquaintance they haven’t seen in a while and begin to strike up a friendly conversation. Beyond that lies the residential and entertainment districts of the capital, every aspect of both continuously being updated and changed to conform to whatever new trend happens to work its way into the often scattered minds of our city’s most posh ponies. Further out stands the high walls surrounding the city as it’s biggest line of defense, separating us from the rest of Equestria. Outside the walls lies the open wilderness. From my perch on the balcony, I can see Equestria spread out before me for miles upon miles, like I’m staring at a life sized atlas. Before me sprawls vast plains that at times are bordered by dense, unfamiliar forests. Off to the east, the Trough River snakes its way throughout the land, fisher ponies settled into its calm waters waiting for the next bite. Everywhere I turn I see paths crisscrossing like a giant puzzle, connecting villages to towns to large cities, some having been erected as far back as the country’s founding. Far off to the north stands the Saddleback Mountains, a natural barrier between us and whatever country lies beyond.

My mind has trouble taking it all in. One day soon I shall inherit all this, a crown placed upon my head will seal the deal on my fate. At that point I shall be the ruling prince, the live of millions of ponies will be thrust unto my hooves and I, and my wife should I find one, shall be solely in charge of their well being. Every decision I make shall come with a price and, whether good or bad, I shall have to answer for. All of it is enough to make my head spin.

I’m just getting interested in what appears to be two young colts down in the market square playing a trick on an unsuspecting pony when I hear the creaking of doors coming from the entrance to the throne room. I turn to see my father making his way through the double doors, a look of annoyance upon his face. He is a pony of considerable physique, and though at first he seems intimidating, he is able to maintain an air of gentleness about him. He is covered in short, light brown fur with a dull gray mane. Upon his flank rests his cutie mark, a rugged, snow capped mountain.

“I’m sorry I’m late son,” he says in a voice much softer than one would imagine for a pony of his size, “a city representative from Manehattan showed up from nowhere and had some matters to discuss.” He travels the length of the room until he stops next to me out on the balcony. He turns his head to survey the view just as I had a moment before, a warm smile appearing upon his face. One thing is for sure, no one can ever deny that my father has a great love for this nation and its people.

“It’s fine father, I understand that at times things come up. What exactly do you need to discuss with me?” I ask as I turn my head back to lazily continue watching the ponies down in Canterlot. The unsuspecting pony has just slipped on something the other two ponies had inconspicuously put in the way of his path, the contents in the bags he carries flying into the air and landing all around him.

“Your mother and I have been discussing the matter of your birthday lately. Though at first there was some opposition to the idea, we believe you are ready for your first task as prince in training,” he finishes with a mock bow to me, waiting to see what my reaction will be.

Though my face remains in a state of calmness, my heart betrays me. I feel it start to beat against my ribcage at a growing speed, my stomach seems to twist with a sense of both nervousness and doubt.

“And what exactly does that entail?” I ask, hopeful that no hint of tension is evident in my voice.

My father raises himself back, a slight flicker of disappointment flashes across his face at my perceived lack of enthusiasm. “As is custom for all those born into the royal family, you are to take a trip by foot to a city or town in Equestria of your mother and I’s choosing to meet with their mayor. As it isn’t too far away, we have decided that you shall travel to Ponyville, an appointment for you has already been set up with Mayor Bloomingdale. You leave in the morning, just a bit after sunrise.”

At this point it is obvious that I have become unsettled. “Alone??” I finally manage to ask after a few failed attempts from my brain to properly process the action of speech. “Doesn’t this seem just a bit hasty to spring on me from out of nowhere?? What if something happens to me on the way there?” Now I’m starting to breathe heavily. I can’t even fly successfully yet I’m being asked, no, told to walk at least four hours to a town I’ve only seen in pictures? This has to be a joke.

I suddenly feel a hoof placed onto my shoulder and I look up into my father’s face, his kind gaze already slightly calming me down with what seems like a magic of their own. “I believe in you, son,” he says. “Though you may not can fly just yet, it doesn’t really even matter anyway, this is a journey meant to be taken by foot. Besides, your magic is adequate enough to help you with any small problems you may encounter. I promise you that you are going to be safe. Plus it gives your mom and I more time to plan for your party next week while you are gone,” he finishes, the goofiness sliding back into his voice.

For a small moment I believe him, and in that small moment I can actually see a glimpse of myself taking the crown from my father, unashamed and proud. However, it is short lived. For all the pep talk, I’m still just a flightless, cutie markless wimp. What choice do I have though?

“What all do I need to bring?” I enquire timidly.

“All of that shall be decided by you,” he states calmly. You are growing up, and it is high time you begin learning how to make those kinds of decision on your own. You will only be gone for one day so the only advice I could really give is to just pack lightly. You will eat lunch with the mayor tomorrow during your visit, any snacks you want to take for your trip there and back just simply take from the kitchen. Otherwise, everything else is just up to you.”

With that, we both turn and head back into the throne room. My father tells me he wishes he could stay longer just to talk, father and son bonding and all that, but he has an urgent meeting with the chancellor that he is already late for. We part ways just outside the hallway leading back to the throne room, him going down to the castle’s library while I make my way up towards my family’s bedrooms. Once I’ve entered mine, I retrieve my satchel from under my bed and begin to brainstorm for whatever I could take that could come in handy. It’s hard, though, as I’m still overwhelmed with thoughts on the very reason that I’m needing to pack in the first place.

From my desk drawer I pull out my compass and a decent sized water bottle, slipping them into my carrier before exiting room and making my way down several flights of stairs, eventually ending up in the wing of the castle reserved for classes. I slowly walk down the hallway until I reach the door marked with my teacher’s name, lightly tapping on the door with my hoof so as to announce my wish to enter. He grants me permission with a swift, “Come in!” and I step into room full of organized desks and shelves stacked with neat, worn books. At the front of the room sits Comet Flash, perusing, as he is usually found, over a rather large and ancient looking history book he most likely found in some dust ridden section of the castle’s library that no pony under the age of three hundred probably even remembers exists. He looks up from his book and provides me with a puzzled stare.

“Prince Skylar, what exactly brings you here? Classes have already been let out and I told you that you did not have to come back today,” he says with an edge of annoyance in his voice. He absolutely hates being interrupted from a book so I expected to at least be a little bit crabby.

“Well you see, sir, I came here to ask a favor of you. I need to borrow a map of yours, particularly one that details how to get to Ponyville. My father told me I have to travel there alone tomorrow and-”

“Ah! The Fledgling's Walk!” he interrupts with great enthusiasm.

“Yes, that, but you see-”

“This is a very important moment for you! Every prince and princess before you has had to do this very same thing. You should be proud my boy! It means you’re royal training has officially begun and that you are about to enter a new phase of your life, one full of many great ups and downs.” He begins searching through a great pile of documents and after a few minutes pulls out a map of Canterlot and the nearby areas. He eagerly places it into my hands and begins moving me towards the room’s exit. “What are you doing just standing here?? You have a great task ahead of you! Don’t just sit here and lollygag around, get busy and start preparing!” and with that I’m shoved out into the hallway, the door quickly slamming behind me.

I let out a sigh and begin heading towards the main stairs. Comet Flash is usually a very calm and collected pony, yet once he becomes excited about something there is no chance in trying to talk to him. However, he is right. I need to get prepared as soon as possible if I hope to get to bed early and collect an adequate amount of sleep for tomorrow. As of now I have the compass, an empty bottle, and a map. I guess if I’m going to stick with my father’s advice of packing lightly all I have left to obtain are just a few small rations of snacks for the walk. I start to head down the stairs that eventually lead to the kitchens, my thoughts becoming preoccupied with the subject of food, not knowing that tomorrow would set into motion events that would forever change my life.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Everything that is familiar and welcoming to me has suddenly become a ghost town. The streets are barren and empty, everything lifeless when only yesterday ponies milled about full of life and laughter. Mares, stallions, colts, fillies, those that had families and jobs and passions, they are all gone as if vanished into thin air. Time itself seems to have sped up at an alarming rate, turning everything into aged disuse in only the blink of an eye. The shops lined up and down the street have fallen into disrepair, their windows broken as if shattered by a multitude of large objects, signs now hang lopsided from storefronts with half the paint faded and unreadable, and, upon peering through the busted windows, cobwebs and dust blanket the insides like an otherworldly, snow covered land.

Things were no better in the other sections of town as well. Houses lie in shambles with their roofs caved in, their doors resting haphazardly on their hinges as is if they had been forced open against the owners’ wishes by some cruel intruder. Looking at it all causes my stomach to twist into knots of severe worry.

What troubles me the most about all of this is that I have no idea what could have happened here. It is as if my memory has been stolen from me, wiped clean without leaving the slightest bit of a hint on how I might could get it back. There are still some things I can remember if I try hard enough, though. I go through the small list once more in my head to make sure that I still even have that.

My name is Skylar. I still can’t fly. I’m pretty decent at magic. I live in the Canterlot Castle. My parents are Terra and Firma. I like a pony named Ophelia. There’s a pony I hate named Flynn. I will be a leader one day. I...

I pause and stare at the ground blankly. That’s as far as I can remember, my mind going cloudy if I try to concentrate any harder. I try again, but I can feel a sharp pain beginning to grow at the front of my head and I stop before it gets any worse. I sigh and stamp at the ground in frustration. Maybe if I search more throughout the city I’ll find the answers I need. There has to be something here I’m missing.

I look up at the house I have stopped in front of and take in it’s dilapidated state. It is no different than any of the other houses around it, decaying, discarded, lifeless. However, I have to start somewhere, might as well be here.

I slowly take the few steps up to the front door and cautiously move my head past the door frame to peer inside. The damage inside is too much to have been done by just any petty, random thief. Most, if not all, of the furniture has been knocked over and completely ripped to shreds in places. The couch cushions have their stuffing ripped out and strewn all about the floor while the chairs in the dining area lie on their sides and are covered with what seems to be... teeth marks? What in hell could have left those kinds of markings? Suddenly, being in here alone doesn’t sound like the best idea anymore.

I walk back out of the dining room and am about to leave when I hear a small crash come from upstairs. There is a noise of scampering that dies down almost as soon as it started. I feel a chill run down my spine and wonder if maybe somepony is still here after all.

“H-hello? Is anypony there?” unsurprisingly I receive no answer in return. By now I want to turn around and run, run back to the safety of the castle and into the arms of my mother and father who are sure to protect me with all their strength. The only problem is, what if whatever happened here got them too? This thought causes me to break out into a cold sweat. My head is screaming to my legs to get them to move, to get them to start running to the castle to know if my parents are ok or not. They will not budge though. Instead, they begin taking me up the stairs toward the source of the noise. It’s as if I no longer have control over my own body.

I take each stair one step at a time and pause once I’m at the very top. There is a hallway stretched out before me, yet there are only a few rooms at the very end, probably a couple of bedrooms and a bathroom. One of the doors, the one at the very end, is slightly ajar while the others are closed. Is that where the noise came from? I hesitantly move towards the end of the hallway, finding there is nothing forcing my feet this time. I suppose as long as I’m moving in the right direction I can keep at least some sense of control. That means somepony is here though, most likely a unicorn, there magic is the only thing I can think of that would be able to make my feet move on their own.

I finally make it to the end of the hall and pause at the edge of the slightly open door. I have to be careful. Whoever is in there could very well likely be the one who destroyed this house, and I doubt they would be averse to ripping me to pieces if given the chance. I turn one of my ears towards the door, but I hear nothing coming from inside.

That can’t be though. I know for a fact I heard a loud crash coming from up here, and they don’t just happen on their own. Somepony is here, but I should at least be able to hear something coming from that room; walking, breathing, anything. I’ve been met with silence, though. By now, my heart is beating at such a rate that if there was somepony in there I would have definitely been heard. I lean my head farther out, just far enough that I can peek through the door crack and try to chance a possibility of seeing something. Even this, though, is met with bizarre results. From the small area of the room I can see there is nopony in there. In fact, there doesn’t seem to be anything in the room at all; no furniture, nothing.

At this point I’m beyond confused. Gathering my nerves about me, I take a deep breath and burst through the door only to have my suspicions confirmed. The room before me is completely empty, not even a window that could allow somepony to escape just before I came in. But then, what made that crashing noise? Who was using magic on me?

I run back out of the room and use my magic to open the door to the next room. Empty. The third and last room. Empty. What the hell is going on?

I come down the stairs back to the first floor living room at a gallop but stop when I notice that something is different. There is what appears to be... hair scattered all over the floor that definitely wasn’t here when I first came in. I pick up a strand with my magic and bring it closer to get a better look. It seems thick, much too thick to come from the mane of a stallion or mare. So then what could it have come from? And how did it get in here in the first place? Furthermore, what was the point of leaving it here at all? It had to have been placed here while I was upstairs, yet they chose not to confront me and instead decided to just leave. This whole ordeal just becomes more bewildering by the second.

Out of fear of being enclosed in that house any longer, I head back outside where I at least have a better sense of surveillance in case whatever left that fur decides to come back. I turn my head left and right to survey up and down the street and find myself alone, the street empty for the most part besides a wandering piece of trash being blown by the wind here and there.

I’m just about to begin walking back down the street from where I came when, suddenly, I hear what sounds like the scampering of feet coming from behind me. I quickly turn around but find that there is nothing there. I look up and down the alleyways of several of the houses around me and find them clear of anypony or anything as well. Did I just imagine it then? I pause briefly to try and consider all the possibilities when out of nowhere I hear a low growl that seems to come from everywhere at once and this time I know I’m not imagining it.

I take off at a full gallop down the street, but whatever seems to be making that noise appears to be following me as it’s only getting louder and louder in my ears. I make it to the end and round the corner only to find myself coming face to face with the pavement, I’ve tripped over something in my haste to escape. I feel my nose slam into the ground hard but there’s no time to inspect it now. I jump to my feet as the growling in my ears reaches and I close my eyes to prepare my horn in case I’m about to have to fight for my life. That moment never comes, though, as the noise stops just as randomly as it started.

Every muscle in my body screams at me not to relax, to keep myself tense in case this is all just a trick, but after another few minutes of silence I know something is up. I open my eyes to peer back down the road I just came from to find that, like everything else in this city, is empty.

I’m starting to come to the conclusion that maybe I’m starting to lose my sanity from too many failed flying attempt hits to the head when I turn around to get view of the new street, and that’s when finally see it. There is blood everywhere. It runs in multiple thick streams down the road giving off a sickening stench. It’s splattered across the outside of almost every building here, yet there’s something more to it. In many places the blood has been formed into what seem like strange, archaic markings, ones that I have never seen before and have absolutely no idea how to read. What really grabs my attention, however, sends chills down my spine and causes me to almost vomit out of fear. At the end of the street stands a figure, a tall, tannish-brown wolf lifted up on its hind legs staring directly at me, it’s fangs bared in what appears to be a warning sign. Then, out of nowhere, he starts to race towards me.

I don’t even have time to process one coherent thought before I’m off in a flash. My hooves slam onto the concrete with full force as I gallop as fast as I can away from the wolf, having no idea where I could possibly hide. I turn another corner and there before looms the castle just a short distance away. Of course! If I can just make it there in time I can try to find my parents and have them expel the intruder from the city.

I’m almost to the bridge that leads to the entrance of the castle grounds. My heart is beating wildly in my chest, my body completely drenched in sweat, but I can’t slow down now, I’ve come too far and for all I know that wolf could be right behind me. I just have to make it to the castle and everything will be fine...

Within seconds, I hear the clops of my hooves hitting the wooden bridge and already I feel that much safer. Finally, I make it across and, in a final burst of speed, I charge through the doors of the castle’s main entrance and then collapse in a heap onto the floor of the lobby. I can finally afford a sliver a rest, my parents’ magic that envelopes the castle should offer me some protection, at least for now.

I frantically lift up my head and look back towards the open doors. As far as I can tell there is no one out there. Did he just give up? I scramble to my feet and allow myself another moment to catch my breath before I start heading up towards the stairs towards the throne room. My parents are usually there at this time of the day and I have to know if they’re ok.

I slow down my pace once I make it to the hallway just outside their room. Even though it’s a normal occurrence for me to not see anyone on the way up here, this time it only seems to add to my already heightened sense of fear and worry. I’m just about to the door when something out of the corner of my eye catches my attention. I look out of the window overlooking the city and the sight before me almost brings me to my knees. There among the ruins of Canterlot stands the wolf that I saw earlier, but this time he has friends. They are placed randomly along multiple rooftops, waiting, watching me. It is more than I can handle. I race through the door into the throne room where I find my father standing at the far end on the balcony.

“Father!” I cry as I run up to meet him, the anxiety dripping heavily from my voice. “What are you doing! Cannot see our city is being destroyed right-” I pause look out over the balcony railing in complete and utter disbelief. There before my sprawls the city of Canterlot, completely unharmed and with ponies milling about as if all is right with the world.

“I, I don’t understand any of this. Just moments ago I saw-” I am cut off by my father as he motions for me to be silent.

“Skylar, how do you plan to be the ruling prince one day when you can’t even overcome your own insecurities and fears?” he asks without even looking at me.

“Wh-what are you talking about dad? Did you not see the-”

“You know a mother bird always tosses out its young from the nest to force them into learning how to fly. Pity for those that aren’t ready for the task, it’s quite a long drop to the bottom,” my father finishes ominously.

“Father you’re absolutely making no sense I-” suddenly, I feel one of my fathers muscled arms place itself under my stomach in a tight grip. I look up at my father in confusion and find him staring back at me, his eyes shining cruelly as the warmth I’m used to seems to have disappeared.

“So Skylar, let’s see if you’re ready to leave the nest,” my father states as coolly as if he had just made a comment on the weather. Before I can scream in protest, I feel myself being lifted up by his arm and thrown over the railing. Time appears to freeze as my mind is unable to comprehend what just happened. I try to cry out, but my mouth produces no noise. I fall faster and faster towards the ground below as I try to force my wings to flap to no avail. My heart feels as if it’s about to explode and my mind has gone completely numb. I am about to die. I scream at my wings to work and they keep flapping and flapping and the ground keeps moving closer and closer but nothing’s working and I try and try and in the last few seconds I close my eyes and embrace for impact and almost at the ground and-

I shoot up in my bed. I’m covered in what feels like a sea of cold sweat, my sheets completely soaked. I’m breathing heavily, the imprint of the last few moments of the dream still fresh in my mind. It made absolutely no sense though. Why was Canterlot destroyed and my father acting like that? More importantly, out of anything I could have seen in my dreams why a wolf? Wolves haven’t been seen here in a few centuries, to have dreamt of not just one but several seems very odd.

Once I’ve finally calmed down, I hop out of bed and move to my room’s window that overlooks the courtyard. It’s still dark outside, but the light tints of color on the horizon indicate that the sun is close to rising. I yawn and turn my attention to the mirror next to me. My cloud white mane is still a bit messy and there are still small damp patches of sweat scattered here and there on my sky blue fur, but overall I’m at least somewhat presentable and it won’t take too long to make myself more so for the mayor later today. I’m still skeptical on this whole undertaking to Ponyville, but I know once my dad has already made his mind up on something there’s no way I’ll be able to get out of it.

After bathing and checking to see if I have everything ready in my pack, I head down to the main dining hall to catch a quick bite of breakfast. The room is empty when I arrive, and after a few minutes of searching I settle on a couple of apples and a few wheat muffins.

I’m almost finished eating when I hear the sound of opening doors coming from behind me. I turn my head to see Ophelia and I immediately turn my head back around in such an overly dramatic way that she had to have noticed. I’m such a dork sometimes...

“Well I see you’re all packed and ready to be off,” she says, beginning the conversation as she slides into the seat across from me with an apple in her own hoof. “I take it you’re excited to go?”

“N-not really,” I reply, trying to hide a blush. “It’s just I don’t want to be coming back home as it starts to get dark so I figure it’s just best to leave kinda early. Plus this is something that was pretty much forced upon me.”

“You had to start doing stuff like this eventually. You’re going to be a leader one day and it’s just time that you start living up to that,” she remarks rather coolly.

“Sheesh I know, I know. Believe me you’re not the first pony to be telling me that on repeat,” I reply back kind of irritated.

“I figured, but it’s just that everypony wants what’s best for you and the kingdom. We’re all going to have to start growing up soon, you more so than others,” she finishes as she takes the first bite of her apple. She chews for a bit before starting up again, “Sorry I can’t make it to your birthday celebration next week. I was really looking forward to it but unfortunately my family and I are going to be out of town by then.”

“What??” I blurt out, a few pieces of my wheat muffin fly out of my mouth and land on the table to which she gives a slightly judgmental stare. I give a sheepish smile and clean it off before going back to badgering her. “You suddenly decide to tell me you’re not coming right as I’m about to leave and think I’m not going to be bothered?” I ask to which she only replies with a noncommittal shrug.

“There’s nothing I can do about it. My father is having a business meeting with some ponies out in the Crystal Empire and thought he would make it a family vacation at the same time. I tried to talk him into letting me stay but he just wouldn’t go for it,” she says and I can tell that she honestly is a bit sorry.

I sigh and finish off my last muffin, “When do you all leave?”

“Shortly after you do. My father wants to be there around noon as today is the start of their weeklong holiday, Crystatinzia. We probably aren’t going to be back until a couple of days after your party... Once again I really am sorry about this,” she replies. She stands up out of her chair and begins heading out of the room, “I’m going to go get ready. I’ll make sure to bring you back something from the festivities. Don’t forget to take care of yourself when traveling today!” and with that she’s gone. I send a small smile her way even though she can’t see it and I start moving to leave the room myself. It’s almost seven and I need to start heading off. I’m about to use my magic to open the dining hall door when, to my surprise, it swings open on its own before I get the chance.

That’s when I notice certain pony making their way into the room, their trademark obnoxious crying out, “Well if it isn’t Skylie about to head out all by his wittle self.” Great, Flynn.

“What are you doing up this early?” I ask, already feeling my amount of brain cells starting to drop just from us being in the same room, “and shouldn’t you have a couple of ponies surgically attached to your hip?”

“Who, Swift Wing and Flare Feet? I can actually function without needing to have those two morons constantly trailing me. Can’t say the same for you with always having to have Ophelia come and bail you out of crap,” he snidely adds.

I ignore the jab and roll my eyes, “So if you just see them as nothing but morons, why keep them around?”

He shrugs with a small, cocky grin and moves past me to pick up a bagel off of one of the dining tables, “They’re good for a few laughs every now and then and basically just doing whatever I ask, nothing more than that. Though they’re two of the most annoying ponies I’ve ever met, including you of course, having them to boss around probably won’t get boring for quite awhile, and once it does I’ll simply just find some other ponies who are just as idiotic.

“And to answer your earlier question, the reason I’m up so early is that I want to enjoy every possible minute of your absence. I’m sure having you gone for a day will be a breath of fresh air to the castle as someone who actually deserves to command it will still be here,” he says with an arrogant gesture towards himself, “now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get that day started.” He walks past me, making sure to “accidentally” bump into me as he goes.

I feel myself start to get a bit angry. “Good luck trying to command anything when you’re on your knees scrubbing the dungeons,” I mumble under my breath.

“What did you say, Crylar?” he asks as he turns his head back to me with a glare.

“Oh, n-nothing,” I quickly reply, “just that I hope you have fun with your day. I’m sure with your leadership you could turn this city into the Canterlot of my dreams.”

He fixes me with a blank stare, “I knew you backed down easily but, sheesh, now it’s just getting embarrassing.” He finally exits the room and leaves me, thankfully, to my own plans. Jackass.

I carefully leave the dining hall, making sure I don’t step on any inflated ego Flynn might have dropped on the way out, and head towards the castle’s entrance. There I find my mother and father patiently waiting for me with kind, warm smiles.

“I see you’re ready to go,” my mother, a leaf green pony with a slightly darker mane and an oak tree for a cutie mark, calmly remarks.

“Well I suppose I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” I reply rather frankly. I walk up to both of my parents and give them each a hug. I’m honestly still a bit frightened at the thought of doing this by myself, but something about the way my parents watch me makes me feel just a bit more reassured in myself.

My father playfully bumps my shoulder with his hoof, “Don’t forget you’re to meet the mayor at Ponyville’s city hall around noon where she’ll take you out to lunch where you’ll both simply discuss some trivial matters. Afterwards, take a tour of the city if you like. Your mother and I are both confident that you’ll be able to handle yourself and make it back here this evening safely. We both love you very much and hope that you learn something from today.”

I give them both a sincere nod, “I promise I will do my absolute best.” I position the pack so as to be more comfortable and head out of the large double doors to the outside world.

* * *

“Did you have a strange dream last night?” Princess Terra asked, turning to her husband now that their son could no longer be seen.

“As it turns out, I did. I take it you had one as well?” Prince Firma asked in return, receiving his wife’s nod as an answer. “Something must be happening out there, something big. If so, we need to be ready. Go and alert the guards discreetly to just begin keeping their eyes open for anything. I’ll consult Comet Flash and see what he thinks about this.”

Both the prince and princess ran off hastily in their different directions to perform their assigned tasks. Unfortunately for them, however, the events that would change the fate of Equestria had already been set into motion, leaving behind any hope they could possibly have of stopping them.

* * *

I’ve been on the path to Ponyville for a couple of hours now. The forest trail is peaceful in the warm, morning sun and at the rate I’m going I should be there within the next hour and a half. I lift my water bottle with my magic in order to take a drink and decide to take a moment of rest.

I place myself in the shade of the trees that line the edge of the path and begin to take out one of the apples I saved from breakfast from my satchel. I take a bite out of it and, for some reason, my thoughts begin to drift back to the dream I had last night. It all still seems so vivid to me, and, honestly, it’s its quality of realness that makes it that much scarier. This one felt more personal than any other dream I’ve ever had, as if I had actually, physically gone through the experience in real life.

Even now I feel as if I’m falling back into the dream. I can recreate it all in my head as clear as glass, the sights, the smells, the wolf’s growling, the growling that seems to be growing louder with each passing second, the growling that I feel is no longer coming from my head.

I whip my head around only to find myself face to face with a timberwolf. He sits there, poised to attack yet waiting. My body goes numb with fear, and in that second I lose my ability to think properly. We’ve been warned against it time and time again in class by multiple teachers, but I can’t help myself; I run. I jump to my feet and take off in a full blown gallop. I make it back onto the path and travel about a few yards when out of nowhere three more timberwolves appear before me and block my path. I cry out at the sight of them and turn in hopes of escaping from where I came, but it is too late. Another three have already started creeping towards me from that direction so as to eliminate any chance I have of escaping.

Out of instinct, I go on the defensive, attempting to use my magic in hopes that one of my spells could help me break free. No matter what I try, though, nothing happens; I’m far too scared to clear my mind and focus on my magic.

The timberwolves continue to move closer towards me, and I begin to feel their hot, rank breath hit my fur. Though my mind is still frantically trying to produce magic, part of me has already accepted the fact that this might truly be the end. That is, until I hear the sound of someone snapping their fingers from somewhere in the trees.

The timberwolves prick up their ears and let out a soft whine. I’m no longer the focus their attention, they have stopped moving towards me and they perk up as if they’re standing at attention.

“Strange, isn’t it?” a new, rough voice calls out from seemingly nowhere. I turn my head to see if I can find where the voice came from, but I see no one. I turn back around only to see a new wolf standing outside the circle of timberwolves. This, however, is an actual, furry wolf like the one from my dreams. He has a shaggy brown-blond coat with a lighter fur patch on his left arm in the shape of a crescent moon; His presence sends a fresh wave of panic through me. “You ponies found a way to tame dragons and used to have them as pets, yet you all still nearly pass out at the sight of Timberwolves. Did the memory of your princess’s fate really scar your image of all wolves that badly?”

For a moment, I am taken aback by his sheer bluntness, “What exactly are you doing here? Princess Cadence banished your kind from this land right after the assassination of Princess Celestia by one of your people. W-what do you want with me anyway? Why use a pack of Timberwolves?”

“To get your attention, of course. It’s not everyday that I happen upon the son of the current prince and princess of Equestria all alone in the woods. Tell me, are enjoying your little trip to Ponyville so far?” he asks.

“H-how the heck do you know where I’m going?”

“I know quite a lot of things, Prince Skylar. For example,” he snapped his fingers once more. Out of the woods two more timberwolves appeared, dragging with them was the sleeping form of a royal guard. “I found this one about fifteen minutes ago trailing you by about five hundred yards. Didn’t your father and mother specifically tell you they completely trusted you to embark on this little excursion alone? Well,” he gestures towards the passed out guard with his head, “I guess your parents aren’t too sure of you after all.”

I’m at a complete loss of words as to how this absolute stranger in just five minutes managed to take down a guard, snare me in a timberwolf trap, and succeeded in chipping away a small piece of the once pristine image I had of my parents.

“How did you know that about my parents? Furthermore, how did you manage to take down one of our trained sentries?” I ask, seeming to only find more questions than answers each time this stranger talks.

The wolf pulls from his pack a small, purple bag and reaches inside. He pulls out a small pawful of a strange, golden dust, points it at one of the timberwolves, and blows the dust into its face. Immediately, the wolf begins to sway as if in a drunken haze and then collapses to the ground, dead asleep.

“There is more magic in this world besides the kind that comes from your horn, prince. Kinds of magic that you will never know or be able to understand. As for your parents, you should know the answer already. The royal family has lived by this rule for years, ‘you are always being watched.’ Remember that word, always. I think both I and this guard have given enough proof of this. Always be on your guard, you never know who is hidden in the shadows,” the wolf finishes with an air of mystery.

This wonderland of events this past half hour has left me dazed and unsure of a lot of things. It hurts me to know that my parents, two of the very few people who I believed had full faith in me, had gone behind my back and asked a guard to trail me out of worry. I understand it was most likely for my own protection (apparently needed considering the situation I’m in,) but something about the whole ordeal completely crushes me. My own parent don’t believe in my ability to handle myself. I look up to the wolf, trying hard not to cry.

“Who are you?”

He gives me a final smile, “I’m merely the spectator.” With that, he reaches back into his pack and pulls out a new object, a small colorful ball. He slams it to the ground where it explodes with a loud bang, sending a choking wave of smog up into the air, blinding me. It clears away within seconds, and with it the wolf and the timberwolves, leaving behind only the sleeping guard and me. I give him a hard look of discontent and head on towards ponyville without him. I’m not supposed to know he’s here and honestly, for now I feel like being alone.

The last words of the wolf still echo in my mind, but for now I’m angry at him too. I continue down the path, blocking him from my thoughts and wondering if this day could possibly get any worse.