Star Swirl the Bearded: In the beginningby Br0nyb0y123ChaptersChapter 1: The Test has been setChapter 2: A Big Challenge will lie aheadChapter 3: The Quest has begunChapter 4: Red RoamerChapter 5: The Everfree TimberwolvesPrologueChapter 1: The Test has been setIt was a long day in Canterlot, a long, hard, difficult day for Star Swirl the Bearded, the nickname that has stuck to him and he hates it. Star Swirl has spent the entire day learning spells and other magic with Princess Celestia, and now he just wants to lie down, and possibly sleep for the rest of the day. He has just arrived at his small but comfortable home, wondering if Melody is in. He opens the door by twisting the knob with his teeth. He steps into his house to see Melody sitting at her desk writing a note possibly to her parents back in Apploosa, she slightly turns her head and asks Star Swirl, "Hi Star, how was your day?" Star Swirl replies, "It was busy, I'm going off to bed, Melody" "You sure you don't want some dinner, there's some soup boiling in the kitchen" Star Swirl had a quick sniff to smell that it was chicken soup, it smelt delicious. "Well, I guess I can sit down for a bowl" Star chuckled to himself. "That's the spirit" Melody said and smiled. She stood up and folded her note with her unicorn magic, she walked over to the kitchen door and then said to Star Swirl, "Just take a seat, and I'll fix a bowl for the both of us" "Sure thing" Star Swirl replied. Star Swirl took his time stumbling towards the table and sat on the seat beside it, he was starving because the only thing he had to eat all day was a banana before his teachings, so he didn't have enough time to eat anything else all day. Melody then came out of the kitchen levitating two bowls of steaming hot chicken soup, and placed one in front of him. She then sat down and placed her soup in front of her. "So, have you completed the teleportation spell yet?" She asks him. "No, not yet. Who was the note for?" He asked back. "My Mother" She said and then sipped on her soup. Star Swirl also had a taste of the soup, it tasted great "Oh yeah? How are things in Apploosa?" He asked. "She said business is going slow, but good." "This soup is great, Melody" He changed subject almost finishing the soup. "Thanks Star. What do you plan on doing after you finish the soup?" She asked curiously. "Probably gonna get some shuteye" He said as soon as he finished the soup. "Oh, OK, I'll probably see you in the morning then, Star" "Sure thing, Mel" He said, "Goodnight" Star Swirl stood up from his seat and magically levitated the empty bowl into the kitchen sink. He walked over to Melody and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, O'bearded one" She jokingly said. He hated that. But he gave Melody a put-on jolly grin, and now it was off to bed for him. He slowly stumbled up the stairs and walk into his bedroom, there wasn't much in his bedroom except from his bed, a desk for writing and studying, a hat and jacket stand, two shelves with old spell books and his bedside table which was used whenever a message from Princess Celestia would arrive at his home and keeps a candle on there as well. He took off his hat and cape and placed them both on the hat and jacket stand, he then jumps into the bed sheets and blows out the candle on his bedside table to the left, he relaxes and has a day off his teachings tomorrow and he can't wait. About 3 hours into Star Swirl's sleep, Melody had already went to bed as well. Star Swirl was dreaming about him completing the teleportation spell he had been working on for quite some time, while Melody was dreaming about meeting up with her parents. The night was silent and calm, nopony was outside, all you would hear is the sound of the wind. But an small explosion like sound came from Star Swirl's room, the explosion left an array of green, the explosion woke Star Swirl up almost instantly. He looked to his left to see it was a scroll from Princess Celestia, he magically unsealed the scroll from the ribbon that kept it tied, he unraveled the scroll and it read, Dear Star Swirl, I know it is very late but me and my younger sister require you and your assistant's presence at the castle immediately, some terrible news has occurred, and we desperately need you and Melody to come to the castle as soon as possible From Princess Celestia Star Swirl instantly got up, he was still extremely tired, but all the same, he got up quickly. He levitated his hat onto his head and the same with his cape. He stormed out his room, in a flash, he would write an note to the princess indicating he was on his way, but that would take up too much time. He then burst into Melody's room, almost instantly waking her up as well, Star Swirl was a bit shocked that she wasn't woken by the explosion. "Eh? What's going on?" She asked groggily. "The Princesses require us to be at the castle immediately" Star Swirl replied. "Wh...." "I don't know why, just get up please, Melody, and put your hood on" He demanded to her before she could finish her word. Star Swirl threw her hood on her bed beside her and she put it on. The both of them ran down the stairs and in the blink of an eye they had flashed out the door and are galloping towards the castle now. It took them 5 minutes to reach the castle by running, but they finally made it. Star Swirl and Melody both knocked on the Palace doors and a guard answered it quickly, "Star Swirl, let me take you to the Princesses. Is your friend coming with you as well?" Asked the guard. "Yes, Plato. She's a friend of mine who has also been invited by the Princesses" He replied. "If you would come with me this way" The three ponies walked quickly through the main hall of the Castle, with Star Swirl almost going ahead of the Guard, Plato and Melody, who is still tired, walking behind them a bit slower. The three make it to the doors that led to the throne room, Plato opened the door and the two unicorns walked in, they both saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sitting side-by-side, with Luna slightly shaking, shaking in fear, something wrong has happened. "Princess Celestia. Princess Luna." The two ponies said and bowed. "Rise, Star Swirl the Bearded and Melody Greenmane, something bad has happened in Equestria" Celestia said in her strong commanding voice. This wasn't good, with one of the princesses shaking in fear and the other saying there's bad news, Star Swirl had already knew, that a test had already been set for them both. Chapter 2: A Big Challenge will lie aheadStar Swirl and Melody risen up, "What news, your Highness?" Star Swirl asked. "An enemy of our past has returned and threatens us with war" Said Princess Celestia. "Who? Who has returned?" Melody asked, still feeling extremely tired. "Queen Chrysalis" Princess Luna answered. "The Changeling Queen?" Melody also asked. "The very same, miss Greenmane." Princess Celestia answered. Star Swirl had encountered Queen Chrysalis once before, as a child, she had killed his parents when he was 5 years old, after a changeling raid in Manehattan. He has a personal vendetta with the Changeling Queen. "You want me to kill her, once and for all?" Star Swirl asked with his teeth gritted. "We simply want you to defeat her, yes" The Princesses both said. "It would be my everlasting pleasure, your Highness-es" Star Swirl replied with a sarcastic in his voice. "We knew you would say that, we know about the Manedhattan raid, Star Swirl. We both know you have a strong vendetta against Chrysalis." Princess Luna said. "What are they talking about, Star?" Melody asked with curiousity. Star Swirl sighed, "When I was a 5 year old colt, me and my parent Manehattan, one night there a changeling raid,and both of my parents were killed by Chrysalis" "Oh, for the love of Celestia, sorry Star. And also apologies for the blasphemy, your Highness." Melody replied. "It's OK, Melody" She replied. "But one thing puzzles me though." Melody said. "And what would that be?" Luna asked Melody. "How come the both of you can't defeat her with your own magic?" Melody asked Both of the Princesses sighed with despair, "Our magic is simply not powerful enough to defeat her" Celestia replied with shame. "Why did you call us here to defeat if the both of us are simply weaker than you two?" Star Swirl asked after his short silence of thinking to himself. "You must defeat her with the Elements of Harmony" Both the Princesses replied. "How? May I remind you, Princess, there is only 2 of us" Star Swirl replied with sarcasm. "You do not use sarcasm in me and my sister's presence ever again, Star Swirl the Bearded!" Luna shouted with rage. "Calm, my sister. The young bearded unicorn makes a good point, and he has a reason for using his sarcastic tone. But yes, there is only 2 of you, Star Swirl, at the moment, but me and my sister had a vision that on your travels to the Changeling Hills that you will confront 4 other ponies that will help you defeat Queen Chrysalis with the other 4 remaining elements, but of you ponies will find which element that will suit you best" Princess Celestia said in her calm, relaxed voice. "OK, your highness, when should we leave for our journey?" Star Swirl asked. "Either tonight or the crack of dawn" Celestia replied "Well, me and Star, should get some rest before out long journey, we'll pack our sacks for the morning though" Melody said. "That sounds like a good idea" Princess Luna replied. "I agree" said Princess Celestia. "OK then, your royal Highness-es, me and my good friend and assistant, Melody Greenmane, will leave for the Changeling hills tomorrow morning, me, her and 4 others will defeat Queen Chrysalis once and for all" Star Swirl said and bowed, as did Melody. "We have faith in you, Star Swirl and you as well, Melody, may we may grant you the best of luck." Princess Celestia said for the last time. "Goodbye Princesses" Star Swirl and Melody both said. The 2 princesses nodded their heads for a goodbye, the 2 young unicorns walk out the throne room, and then out of the castle, they head home to rest then, the big challenge will lay ahead. The 2 ponies make to their home, Melody still feeling sorry for Star Swirl's parents decided to ask him once they both got in and Star Swirl up the stairs, "Do you want to talk about it?" Star Swirl, who was half-way upstairs, asked, "Talk about what, Mel?" "Your parents?" Melody asked with some-what regret. Star Swirl signed with anger and shame, then said "I was 5 at the time, me and my parent were just in the house after watching a stage play on the founding of Equestria, after about half an hour after we came home, my father noticed a loud explosion outside our house, it was the changelings, they were pillaging us and setting our homes on fire......" "How many were there?" Melody asked. "About 200 at the least, my father went outside to check a bit more, me and my mother heard a blast and saw an array of a dark turquoise light, my father's head had exploded and brain and puss splattered all over the wal..." Star Swirl went white and looked as if he was going to be sick, he ran down the stairs and went into the kitchen, he vomited into the sink, Melody followed him to help him. "You don't need to talk about anymore" Melody said while also trying to help him with the sink. "I'll still tell you the rest" gurgled Star Swirl, with chunks of vomit still in his mouth. "OK then, you mentioned about what happened to your father" Melody replied. "Yeah, after he father was killed, my mother knew changelings have targeted the house, she knew she was next, so she told me to get behind her then, there she was, Queen Chrysalis had walked into my home, she had turned herself into the form of my father, my mother then cried , "You monster!", Chrysalis just laughed. She didn't care one bit. She came up to my mother, and she......" Star Swirl paused, a small tear came down from his left eye. "What happened Star? You can tell me" Melody said. "She blew off her legs, torturing her, and my mother, in her last screaming words said "Star Swirl, baby I love....." you, she was going to say you, but a quick laser-like flash to the head left the sentence unfinished, the blood from her head, sprayed on me, I didn't move, I didn't cry, I just wanted to die. But NO, Chrysalis, she came to me, she said a few word I'll remember forever "I won't kill you, infant, I'll let you live, and I'll let you grow into a descent of darkness, I have scarred you for life, and there is nothing you can do about it" She then chuckled to herself and she and her changelings left my house, It was only me and the remains of my bloody parents carcasses left in there." "How did you end up here then?" Melody asked. "A few soldiers from Canterlot had came into Manehattan to check the damage and search for survivors of the raid, and I was found by an Earth-pony soldier called Bronze Sword, he adopted me and I lived with him and his wife, a Pegasus called Forest Flyer, who was a good friend of Princess Celestia and got me my magic lessons, and if it weren't for them, I wouldn't have found my best friend" Star Swirl finished. "Who?" Melody asked. "You, Melody, you're my best friend" Star Swirl replied. Melody gave Star Swirl a hug and comforted him, saying, "We'll find Chrysalis and she will pay for what she's done to everypony she's traumatised." "OK, but we'll begin our trek to the Changeling hills tomorrow morning, I'm completely tired" Star Swirl yawned. "Same here" Melody yawned back. The 2 ponies agreed to pack there bags in the morning, but now it's time for them to go to bed, Star Swirl almost slept instantly, as did Melody. For tomorrow they begin their dangerous quest towards a place of ruin, despair, hell fire and brimstone. Chapter 3: The Quest has begunMorning has came, it seemed like it would be an ordinary morning, but this was the morning when Star Swirl and Melody would venture towards the Changeling Hills, once the both of them got out of bed, they packed their bags with everything they needed for the journey, they each brought a loaf of bread, a water bottle, Melody carried the tent and Star Swirl brought his spell books and equipment for cooking food. "So, off we go then, Mel" Star Swirl said. "Yeah" She sighed to herself. Melody left the house first and Star Swirl soon followed after her, he closed and locked the door to the house and the both of them set off on their adventure, this was a time before rail roads and steam trains so they walked, with Canterlot being a upon a mountain, the two had trouble going down the mountain, it was cold and a bit dangerous, "I hope this is the penultimate time I go up and down a mountain" said Melody. "Huh, you're telling me. Why penultimate?" Star Swirl replied and asked. "Because when we get back we'll be heading up the mountain again" She replied. "Uhh, Mel?" Star Swirl asked. "Yeah?" "We would be going up a mountain for the third time, no, fourth time, remember we're heading to the Changeling Hills" Star Swirl remarked. "Oh, damn" Melody laughed to herself. Star Swirl laughed as the two of them almost made it down to the bottom of the mountain, Melody stumbled down quickly as if she couldn't stop herself, once she got to the bottom she fell on her front with an "oof"-like sound, "Woah, watch yourself, Mel" Star Swirl chuckled to himself as he helped Melody up with magic. "Thank you" Melody said while also blushing. "Your welcome, can you pass me the map please?" Star Swirl asked. "Sure thing" Melody passed the map to him. For what the 2 unicorns didn't know is that there were being watched from above as a changeling is watching them, with a spell cast upon him knowing whatever he sees goes on Queen Chrysalis' crystal ball in the Changeling Hills. "Queen Chrysalis!" shouted out a changeling guard. "What is it?" Chrysalis asked as she sat on her throne. "Roberto has found the location of the 2 that are being sent to kill you" The guard told her. "Well? What are you waiting for? Show me" Chrysalis demanded. The guard was carrying a crystal ball that caught everything in Roberto's sight, he placed it on the side of her throne. She watched the crystal ball to catch the sight of both, Star Swirl and Melody. She then laughed hysterically, and her guards looked at her as if she has gone crazier than usual, one of her guards decides to ask, "What's so funny, my Queen?" "It's just, that I know that young bearded fellow" She laughed, "I killed his parents" The guards didn't know if they should laugh or not, for they haven't this side of Chrysalis in a long time. So they all decide to give a slightly sarcastic chuckle, "Oh, for the love of Celestia, and Luna, you two have really outdone yourselves this time" The Queen speaks to herself. "Umm..........when abouts did you kill his parents?" One of the guards asked. "Around 20 years ago" She laughed again, "Listen, Akira and Django, you 2, go to the Everfree forest, for I have a plan which says, that this young bearded fellow won't make it to the Changeling hills alive. Ha, Star Swirl the Bearded, and who's your little friend? Ha, the Princess-es think only 2 ponies can use the 6 elements of harmony, they must be stupid and crazy, but I wonder if he still remembers me? Ha! He probably does." "My Queen, my indication says that he has a strong vende.........." A guard paused, and falls on the ground dead, He has been killed by Chrysalis. "I know he has a vendetta against me, but I've got a plan for him, let's just say it includes Timberwolves and an Ursamajor, good luck, Star Swirl the Beard" She grinned with slight deception. Chapter 4: Red RoamerStar Swirl and Melody have made it to Ponyville, where everypony was walking around, heading to different shops, markets, bars and bakeries. Most people seemed to be heading over to a place called Sweet Apple Acres for a mug of cider, But Star Swirl and Melody wanted a quick drink at somewhere a bit less crowded, so they caught the sight of a cider bar that looked like it hadn't been open for months, the bar had a sign above it which was the bar's name, it said, El espinazo del diablo It was translated "The Backbone of the Devil", the two unicorns went inside the deserted looking bar, to see, that it wasn't as deserted as the duo thought it would be, as there was a lot of ponies there but not very as happy and cheery as the ponies outside. The bar was dark, as no light were coming through the dirty and grimy windows, it was only lit up by candles spread around the bar tables and walls. Star Swirl and Melody decided to sit at where the bartender was, "What may I get you fine folk?" The bartender asked. "Can I get a mug of apple cider please?" Melody answered and asked. "And can I get pear cider please" Star Swirl asked. "Coming right up" The bartender said, "So where you folks from? I ain't seen you around Ponyville at all" He said while was making the two drinks. "We're both from Canterlot" Star Swirl replied. "Ah, Canterlot. You guys just visiting?" The bartender said as he placed the two drinks in front of Melody and Star Swirl. "No, we're just going to have these drinks then heading off" Melody replied. "Ya headin' back to Canterlot?" he asked. "No" Star Swirl said, he turned his head left and right to check if no one else looked like they were listening to the conversation, he then whispered "We're both on a quest in favor of Princess Celestia and Luna, to The Changeling Hills" The bartender paused for a moment in shock, he then went closer and whispered "Why ya'll heading to the Changeling Hills?" Star Swirl sighed, "Queen Chrysalis has risen once again, the both of us are sent to defeat her with the Elements of Harmony" "Woah, that treacherous old bitch has risen again? I would wish you good luck but I wouldn't know what you'd do with it" The bartender said. The door then unexpectedly crashed open, and then an Earth pony with a dark grayish coat and a black mane and beard, and a cutie mark of a knife, Melody and Star Swirl turned around to see that the pony was heading here. "You gotta move out the way, fella" said the bartender. "Why?" asked Star Swirl with curiousity. "That there is Blades, and I shoulda told ya this earlier but you're sittin' in his seat, I bet you, he come over and tell you to move" Said the bartender. "Oi, you, unicorn in the fancy hat. Get out my seat!" Shouted Blades. Star Swirl just looked at him and said, "No, I think I'll stay here" Blades clutched onto him and said with his teeth gritted "I was asking, I was telling" "I know, and I'm still not moving" Star Swirl replied with confidence. "Leave him alone" Melody interrupted. Blades let go of Star Swirl and shoved him off his seat, he then sat down beside Melody and said, "Well aren't you a hot piece of ass?" he said while stroking her right hind leg. "Get your hands off her, Blades" a voice called from the distance. Star Swirl who was on the ground in pain, decided to try and use magic, he horn lit up but instantly turned normal again, so he tried again and the same thing happened again, "Sorry, friend, but magic don't work in here, there's a spell cast on this place, if you fight this guy, you'll have to do it the old fashioned way" said the voice, as he came out of a dark, secluded part of the bar, "You can't make me let go of this pretty piece of ass, Red" Blades said as he groped Melody thigh tighter "That's why the both of us are going to kick your ass right now" Laughed the appropriately named red stallion. Red lent a hoof to Star Swirl and helped him up, Melody had a small tear drip from her eye, because she was scared of what Blades was going to do to her, "Now, what you're going to do, Blades, is let the missus go, and get out of here" ordered Red. "No!" Blades spat at Red. Star Swirl got up and clobbered Blades with his left hoof, and knocks out his tooth, but Blades feels no pain and just says, "Bad idea" Blades then clobbers Star Swirl with a left hook, almost breaking Star Swirl's nose, Red punches Blades, knocking him off the seat and letting go of Melody's thigh. Red proceeds to punch him in the face repeatedly, blood spreading everywhere and Red shouts at him, "YOU'RE GONNA LEAVE, RIGHT NOW!" "OK, OK, just stop punching" Blades pleaded. Blades then stood up and ran out the door with no hesitations, Star Swirl gets up with the help of Red and Melody, he then says, "Ouch, that son-of-a-bitch busted my nose" "You'll be fine friend, let me buy you two, it's on me, what's your names?" Red politely asked. "I'm Star Swirl and this is my friend, Melody, and thanks for buying a drink for us, what's your name?" Star Swirl replied and asked. "The name's Red. Red Roamer, and I'm glad to meet you" Chapter 5: The Everfree TimberwolvesRed has just bought a second mug of cider for both Melody and Star Swirl, he also bought a glass of milk for himself. Star Swirl, who has just had his nose cleaned after taking a massive punch to the face from Blades earlier on, says to Red, "Thanks for what you did back there, Red" "It's alright. Blades isn't the sharpest knife in the cupboard, despite his name" Laughed Red. "Yeah" Laughed Melody. "So not be rude, but I overheard your conversation about that dreaded bitch Chrysalis rising again, is that really true?" Asked Red. "Yeah, sadly, I've got my own personal vendetta with the Changelings and their Queen" Star Swirl replied. "Same here" sighed Red. "Why? What did they do to you?" asked Melody. "I'll tell you, if you tell me afterwards" replied Red. "Deal" Star Swirl agreed. "OK, back around two years ago, the Changelings unleashed timberwolves out into the Everfree Forest, and me, my wife and my son, were out on a walk, I made it out, but my wife and son weren't so lucky, I remember one of the timberwolves, he was big and one red eye and one green eye, he was the one that took them away, I call him Coltfisher" sighed Red, "Now you tell me your vendetta" "My parent were killed by Chrysalis around twenty years ago, when I was young" replied Star Swirl. "Damn, I'm sorry to hear that Star Swirl" Red said. "Same for you" Star Swirl Replied. "Didn't you say you were on a quest in favor of Princess Celestia?" asked Red. "Yeah, and Princess Luna too" Melody said after she finished her drink. "Good golly, Princess Luna. I'd plow that until next July" chuckled Red. "Eww, can you please not say that again?" Melody asked. "Ha, sure thing. Can I ask you two something?" Asked Red. "Sure, ask away." Replied Star Swirl. "Well, you two seem to be fine people and I wanna help you with your little problem, and also I ain't got nothing to live for, so I'm going to try and fulfill my vendetta, whether I die or not. Please, it's really the only thing that keeps me going" Red said. Star Swirl sighs a little, "If you want to, but I don't want to have somepony dying and it's my fault for letting them in this party" "It's OK, I can handle myself, did you see what I just did to Blades?" laughed Red. "I know, but I don't want anyone to die" "I promise I'll do the best I can" Replied Red. "OK" Sighed Star Swirl "But before we leave for the rest of our journey, do you to stop by your home, to pick stuff up or anything?" "Yeah, I just need to pick up my back pack, and some supplies, like food, water, stuff like that" Red replied. "Should we just head over now?" Melody asked. "Yeah, why not?" replied Red. "Eh-hem?" the Bartender interrupted. "Oh yeah, sorry Cletus, how much is that?" asked Red. "Six bits please Red" the Bartender, Cletus, replied. Red chucked over the six bits and Cletus caught all of them in the same hand, the trio walked out the bar not knowing that they have been watched once again by Roberto the changeling who was disguised as a Pegasus, With the spell that took his sights over to Chrysalis' crystal ball. The trio make it over to Red's home, a small little hut, but looks warm and cozy none the less, he goes inside and says, "Wait here, but I can still talk, alright?" Red said. "Sure thing" Melody and Star Swirl both replied. "OK, I'll be back outside in two minutes" Red said as he went inside his house. "You mentioned that the timberwolf that killed your wife and son, was called Coltfisher?" asked Star Swirl. "Yeah, what about him?" Red replied. "Why is he called that? If you don't mind me asking?" Star Swirl asked. "Well, he was originally just a ponies tale, a piece of folklore, ponies said that he was a deformed timberwolf with one red eye, ponies said he lured young colts into the lakes of the Everfree Forest and fished them out and killed them" Red explained as he walked out of his home with a back pack of supplies, "But I never knew the legends were actually true until I saw him 5 years ago, and that was first and only I saw him and the final time I saw my wife and son, so not only have I got my own vendetta with the changelings for releasing Coltfisher, but I have my own vendetta with Coltfisher himself" "The Changelings are monsters, they'll do anything to cause misery to anypony, always be aware of that, Red" Star Swirl replied. "I suppose, well, there's no turning back now" Red replied as he looked at his home, for what he thinks will be the last time he looks at his house, he placed his hoof against the door as he thought of the memories of his wife and son, it looked as if he was going to cry. "You OK, Red?" Melody asked. "Yeah" Sniffed Red. "I'm fine, just memories" "I understand, Red, but we have to go now" Star Swirl explained. "Alright then, let's go off on a quest" Chuckled Red, feeling a bit more happy. The trio walked away from Red's house, Red looked back a few times at his home, as if he thought it was taken away from him, like a criminal taking candy away from a baby, the trio made to the edge that met between Ponyville and the Everfree Forest, the three took one step into the border, they all knew that they were in Hell. The forest seemed quiet, not quiet as if you would be in a secluded area and you can briefly hear other ponies in another area, but this was unnaturally quiet, so quiet that you can't hear the rustling of leaves in the big, dark, monstrous trees, the forest was dark and extremely difficult to see through the shadows, the trio were all scared of what they could come across next, a timberwolf, a poison joke plant, or even Coltfisher? They don't know. All they know is that they had to be consistently aware, because the only way pass the forest was through it, because going around it would take them forever. No one spoke while they were walking in the forest, with Star Swirl leading them levitating a map in front of him, with Melody in the middle, because if she was at the back, she'd be too scared, so Red Roamer was at the back, being aware that Coltfisher could be near by, seemingly stalking him, so Red kept his eyes peeled. The silence was scary as well, but the silence was broken by the sound of a snapping branch, that made the trio instantly stop in their tracks, "What was that?" whispered Melody. "Quiet" ordered Star Swirl. The bushes surrounding them, started to rustle, the first rustle of branches they've heard during their time in the forest. In the shadows, they saw lights, green lights, green sparkles, they instantly knew they were in trouble, then Star Swirl and Red caught sight of a small red light, they were in bigger trouble now, Coltfisher has found them, "Run!" shouts Red. The trio ran like hell, the timberwolves were fast, but the trio were somehow faster, all the timberwolves were slower than the three except from one, Coltfisher. Coltfisher, the red eyed timberwolf, barely just bit off a part of Red's tail and knew that he had seen Red before. The trio were terrified once a fork came to the path, they weren't sure where to go, so Star Swirl, who was in the lead, took the right, Melody and Red followed after him, as did most of the timberwolves, including Coltfisher, however a lot of them did go left. The trio made it over to what seemed like a stone door, leading towards a cave of some sorts it was closed, with writing on it, saying. Beware, the Diablo Dogs Star Swirl knew he would be in more trouble, for he knows what the Diablo Dogs are. Large, monstrous, horned hounds lurking the depths of the Everfree Caves, and now the only way to escape from the timberwolves, is to go into the home of something much deadlier and vicious, Star Swirl came up with a plan and said to the rest once they all stopped in there tracks, "I'll put a force field up, guys, it'll give you enough time to open the door, but HURRY! I CAN'T HOLD IT FOR LONG" he said once he stood his ground and placed his force field. Melody and Red, both dashed to the stone door, Melody decided to use a bit of her magic and Red helped push it, using his unique strength, the two opened the door, but Red, saw Coltfisher claw violently at the force field, and froze for a while, remembering the roars and blood curdling screams on the night his wife and son were killed, a tear dropped from his eye, and instantly unfroze and shouted for Star Swirl, "STAR, RELEASE YOUR FORCE FIELD, JUST RUN IN HERE!" Star Swirl backed up quickly, released his force field and went inside the cave, losing his hat to the timberwolves, he pushed the heavy, stone door with his magic, almost closing it, but one thing was keeping it unclosed, Coltfisher's leg. Star Swirl tried his best to try and snap his twig and stick made arm, but it didn't work, and the trio were wetting themselves in fear, not knowing what to do to get rid of him, until an idea came to Red. He picked up an near-by rock and repeatedly smashed the rock against the leg of the deformed monster, snapping it off finally after about 20 smashes, then Melody and Star Swirl, got the door shut, but it was pitch black. A blue light then appeared from Star Swirl's horn, lighting the dark spaces that surround them, "Is anyone OK?" Star Swirl asked. "I'm fine" coughed Melody. "I sprained my hoof, but I'll be fine" gasped Red. "You sure?" Star Swirl asked once again. "Yeah, should we wait until they leave outside?" Red asked. "No, they'll wait, and besides it's locked from the inside, the only way passed this cave is through it" Star Swirl gulped. The three looked down the empty cave tunnel, they weren't sure what would come next, well, Star Swirl was. Prologue1100 years ago, before the days of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, there was Star Swirl the Bearded and his assistant, Melody Greenmane, during the time when Star Swirl was the student of Princess Celestia. The fair and noble Princess has foretold of a crisis in which even her magic can't stop, the dreaded Queen Chrysalis has risen once again and has unleashed her changelings upon Equestria, and in his first quest, Star Swirl and the faithful Melody must travel towards the Changeling Hills and defeat Chrysalis and her changelings. But this is what is yet to come in this story, this is the story of the forgotten legacy of Star Swirl the Bearded
Chapter 1: The Test has been setIt was a long day in Canterlot, a long, hard, difficult day for Star Swirl the Bearded, the nickname that has stuck to him and he hates it. Star Swirl has spent the entire day learning spells and other magic with Princess Celestia, and now he just wants to lie down, and possibly sleep for the rest of the day. He has just arrived at his small but comfortable home, wondering if Melody is in. He opens the door by twisting the knob with his teeth. He steps into his house to see Melody sitting at her desk writing a note possibly to her parents back in Apploosa, she slightly turns her head and asks Star Swirl, "Hi Star, how was your day?" Star Swirl replies, "It was busy, I'm going off to bed, Melody" "You sure you don't want some dinner, there's some soup boiling in the kitchen" Star Swirl had a quick sniff to smell that it was chicken soup, it smelt delicious. "Well, I guess I can sit down for a bowl" Star chuckled to himself. "That's the spirit" Melody said and smiled. She stood up and folded her note with her unicorn magic, she walked over to the kitchen door and then said to Star Swirl, "Just take a seat, and I'll fix a bowl for the both of us" "Sure thing" Star Swirl replied. Star Swirl took his time stumbling towards the table and sat on the seat beside it, he was starving because the only thing he had to eat all day was a banana before his teachings, so he didn't have enough time to eat anything else all day. Melody then came out of the kitchen levitating two bowls of steaming hot chicken soup, and placed one in front of him. She then sat down and placed her soup in front of her. "So, have you completed the teleportation spell yet?" She asks him. "No, not yet. Who was the note for?" He asked back. "My Mother" She said and then sipped on her soup. Star Swirl also had a taste of the soup, it tasted great "Oh yeah? How are things in Apploosa?" He asked. "She said business is going slow, but good." "This soup is great, Melody" He changed subject almost finishing the soup. "Thanks Star. What do you plan on doing after you finish the soup?" She asked curiously. "Probably gonna get some shuteye" He said as soon as he finished the soup. "Oh, OK, I'll probably see you in the morning then, Star" "Sure thing, Mel" He said, "Goodnight" Star Swirl stood up from his seat and magically levitated the empty bowl into the kitchen sink. He walked over to Melody and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight, O'bearded one" She jokingly said. He hated that. But he gave Melody a put-on jolly grin, and now it was off to bed for him. He slowly stumbled up the stairs and walk into his bedroom, there wasn't much in his bedroom except from his bed, a desk for writing and studying, a hat and jacket stand, two shelves with old spell books and his bedside table which was used whenever a message from Princess Celestia would arrive at his home and keeps a candle on there as well. He took off his hat and cape and placed them both on the hat and jacket stand, he then jumps into the bed sheets and blows out the candle on his bedside table to the left, he relaxes and has a day off his teachings tomorrow and he can't wait. About 3 hours into Star Swirl's sleep, Melody had already went to bed as well. Star Swirl was dreaming about him completing the teleportation spell he had been working on for quite some time, while Melody was dreaming about meeting up with her parents. The night was silent and calm, nopony was outside, all you would hear is the sound of the wind. But an small explosion like sound came from Star Swirl's room, the explosion left an array of green, the explosion woke Star Swirl up almost instantly. He looked to his left to see it was a scroll from Princess Celestia, he magically unsealed the scroll from the ribbon that kept it tied, he unraveled the scroll and it read, Dear Star Swirl, I know it is very late but me and my younger sister require you and your assistant's presence at the castle immediately, some terrible news has occurred, and we desperately need you and Melody to come to the castle as soon as possible From Princess Celestia Star Swirl instantly got up, he was still extremely tired, but all the same, he got up quickly. He levitated his hat onto his head and the same with his cape. He stormed out his room, in a flash, he would write an note to the princess indicating he was on his way, but that would take up too much time. He then burst into Melody's room, almost instantly waking her up as well, Star Swirl was a bit shocked that she wasn't woken by the explosion. "Eh? What's going on?" She asked groggily. "The Princesses require us to be at the castle immediately" Star Swirl replied. "Wh...." "I don't know why, just get up please, Melody, and put your hood on" He demanded to her before she could finish her word. Star Swirl threw her hood on her bed beside her and she put it on. The both of them ran down the stairs and in the blink of an eye they had flashed out the door and are galloping towards the castle now. It took them 5 minutes to reach the castle by running, but they finally made it. Star Swirl and Melody both knocked on the Palace doors and a guard answered it quickly, "Star Swirl, let me take you to the Princesses. Is your friend coming with you as well?" Asked the guard. "Yes, Plato. She's a friend of mine who has also been invited by the Princesses" He replied. "If you would come with me this way" The three ponies walked quickly through the main hall of the Castle, with Star Swirl almost going ahead of the Guard, Plato and Melody, who is still tired, walking behind them a bit slower. The three make it to the doors that led to the throne room, Plato opened the door and the two unicorns walked in, they both saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sitting side-by-side, with Luna slightly shaking, shaking in fear, something wrong has happened. "Princess Celestia. Princess Luna." The two ponies said and bowed. "Rise, Star Swirl the Bearded and Melody Greenmane, something bad has happened in Equestria" Celestia said in her strong commanding voice. This wasn't good, with one of the princesses shaking in fear and the other saying there's bad news, Star Swirl had already knew, that a test had already been set for them both.
Chapter 2: A Big Challenge will lie aheadStar Swirl and Melody risen up, "What news, your Highness?" Star Swirl asked. "An enemy of our past has returned and threatens us with war" Said Princess Celestia. "Who? Who has returned?" Melody asked, still feeling extremely tired. "Queen Chrysalis" Princess Luna answered. "The Changeling Queen?" Melody also asked. "The very same, miss Greenmane." Princess Celestia answered. Star Swirl had encountered Queen Chrysalis once before, as a child, she had killed his parents when he was 5 years old, after a changeling raid in Manehattan. He has a personal vendetta with the Changeling Queen. "You want me to kill her, once and for all?" Star Swirl asked with his teeth gritted. "We simply want you to defeat her, yes" The Princesses both said. "It would be my everlasting pleasure, your Highness-es" Star Swirl replied with a sarcastic in his voice. "We knew you would say that, we know about the Manedhattan raid, Star Swirl. We both know you have a strong vendetta against Chrysalis." Princess Luna said. "What are they talking about, Star?" Melody asked with curiousity. Star Swirl sighed, "When I was a 5 year old colt, me and my parent Manehattan, one night there a changeling raid,and both of my parents were killed by Chrysalis" "Oh, for the love of Celestia, sorry Star. And also apologies for the blasphemy, your Highness." Melody replied. "It's OK, Melody" She replied. "But one thing puzzles me though." Melody said. "And what would that be?" Luna asked Melody. "How come the both of you can't defeat her with your own magic?" Melody asked Both of the Princesses sighed with despair, "Our magic is simply not powerful enough to defeat her" Celestia replied with shame. "Why did you call us here to defeat if the both of us are simply weaker than you two?" Star Swirl asked after his short silence of thinking to himself. "You must defeat her with the Elements of Harmony" Both the Princesses replied. "How? May I remind you, Princess, there is only 2 of us" Star Swirl replied with sarcasm. "You do not use sarcasm in me and my sister's presence ever again, Star Swirl the Bearded!" Luna shouted with rage. "Calm, my sister. The young bearded unicorn makes a good point, and he has a reason for using his sarcastic tone. But yes, there is only 2 of you, Star Swirl, at the moment, but me and my sister had a vision that on your travels to the Changeling Hills that you will confront 4 other ponies that will help you defeat Queen Chrysalis with the other 4 remaining elements, but of you ponies will find which element that will suit you best" Princess Celestia said in her calm, relaxed voice. "OK, your highness, when should we leave for our journey?" Star Swirl asked. "Either tonight or the crack of dawn" Celestia replied "Well, me and Star, should get some rest before out long journey, we'll pack our sacks for the morning though" Melody said. "That sounds like a good idea" Princess Luna replied. "I agree" said Princess Celestia. "OK then, your royal Highness-es, me and my good friend and assistant, Melody Greenmane, will leave for the Changeling hills tomorrow morning, me, her and 4 others will defeat Queen Chrysalis once and for all" Star Swirl said and bowed, as did Melody. "We have faith in you, Star Swirl and you as well, Melody, may we may grant you the best of luck." Princess Celestia said for the last time. "Goodbye Princesses" Star Swirl and Melody both said. The 2 princesses nodded their heads for a goodbye, the 2 young unicorns walk out the throne room, and then out of the castle, they head home to rest then, the big challenge will lay ahead. The 2 ponies make to their home, Melody still feeling sorry for Star Swirl's parents decided to ask him once they both got in and Star Swirl up the stairs, "Do you want to talk about it?" Star Swirl, who was half-way upstairs, asked, "Talk about what, Mel?" "Your parents?" Melody asked with some-what regret. Star Swirl signed with anger and shame, then said "I was 5 at the time, me and my parent were just in the house after watching a stage play on the founding of Equestria, after about half an hour after we came home, my father noticed a loud explosion outside our house, it was the changelings, they were pillaging us and setting our homes on fire......" "How many were there?" Melody asked. "About 200 at the least, my father went outside to check a bit more, me and my mother heard a blast and saw an array of a dark turquoise light, my father's head had exploded and brain and puss splattered all over the wal..." Star Swirl went white and looked as if he was going to be sick, he ran down the stairs and went into the kitchen, he vomited into the sink, Melody followed him to help him. "You don't need to talk about anymore" Melody said while also trying to help him with the sink. "I'll still tell you the rest" gurgled Star Swirl, with chunks of vomit still in his mouth. "OK then, you mentioned about what happened to your father" Melody replied. "Yeah, after he father was killed, my mother knew changelings have targeted the house, she knew she was next, so she told me to get behind her then, there she was, Queen Chrysalis had walked into my home, she had turned herself into the form of my father, my mother then cried , "You monster!", Chrysalis just laughed. She didn't care one bit. She came up to my mother, and she......" Star Swirl paused, a small tear came down from his left eye. "What happened Star? You can tell me" Melody said. "She blew off her legs, torturing her, and my mother, in her last screaming words said "Star Swirl, baby I love....." you, she was going to say you, but a quick laser-like flash to the head left the sentence unfinished, the blood from her head, sprayed on me, I didn't move, I didn't cry, I just wanted to die. But NO, Chrysalis, she came to me, she said a few word I'll remember forever "I won't kill you, infant, I'll let you live, and I'll let you grow into a descent of darkness, I have scarred you for life, and there is nothing you can do about it" She then chuckled to herself and she and her changelings left my house, It was only me and the remains of my bloody parents carcasses left in there." "How did you end up here then?" Melody asked. "A few soldiers from Canterlot had came into Manehattan to check the damage and search for survivors of the raid, and I was found by an Earth-pony soldier called Bronze Sword, he adopted me and I lived with him and his wife, a Pegasus called Forest Flyer, who was a good friend of Princess Celestia and got me my magic lessons, and if it weren't for them, I wouldn't have found my best friend" Star Swirl finished. "Who?" Melody asked. "You, Melody, you're my best friend" Star Swirl replied. Melody gave Star Swirl a hug and comforted him, saying, "We'll find Chrysalis and she will pay for what she's done to everypony she's traumatised." "OK, but we'll begin our trek to the Changeling hills tomorrow morning, I'm completely tired" Star Swirl yawned. "Same here" Melody yawned back. The 2 ponies agreed to pack there bags in the morning, but now it's time for them to go to bed, Star Swirl almost slept instantly, as did Melody. For tomorrow they begin their dangerous quest towards a place of ruin, despair, hell fire and brimstone.
Chapter 3: The Quest has begunMorning has came, it seemed like it would be an ordinary morning, but this was the morning when Star Swirl and Melody would venture towards the Changeling Hills, once the both of them got out of bed, they packed their bags with everything they needed for the journey, they each brought a loaf of bread, a water bottle, Melody carried the tent and Star Swirl brought his spell books and equipment for cooking food. "So, off we go then, Mel" Star Swirl said. "Yeah" She sighed to herself. Melody left the house first and Star Swirl soon followed after her, he closed and locked the door to the house and the both of them set off on their adventure, this was a time before rail roads and steam trains so they walked, with Canterlot being a upon a mountain, the two had trouble going down the mountain, it was cold and a bit dangerous, "I hope this is the penultimate time I go up and down a mountain" said Melody. "Huh, you're telling me. Why penultimate?" Star Swirl replied and asked. "Because when we get back we'll be heading up the mountain again" She replied. "Uhh, Mel?" Star Swirl asked. "Yeah?" "We would be going up a mountain for the third time, no, fourth time, remember we're heading to the Changeling Hills" Star Swirl remarked. "Oh, damn" Melody laughed to herself. Star Swirl laughed as the two of them almost made it down to the bottom of the mountain, Melody stumbled down quickly as if she couldn't stop herself, once she got to the bottom she fell on her front with an "oof"-like sound, "Woah, watch yourself, Mel" Star Swirl chuckled to himself as he helped Melody up with magic. "Thank you" Melody said while also blushing. "Your welcome, can you pass me the map please?" Star Swirl asked. "Sure thing" Melody passed the map to him. For what the 2 unicorns didn't know is that there were being watched from above as a changeling is watching them, with a spell cast upon him knowing whatever he sees goes on Queen Chrysalis' crystal ball in the Changeling Hills. "Queen Chrysalis!" shouted out a changeling guard. "What is it?" Chrysalis asked as she sat on her throne. "Roberto has found the location of the 2 that are being sent to kill you" The guard told her. "Well? What are you waiting for? Show me" Chrysalis demanded. The guard was carrying a crystal ball that caught everything in Roberto's sight, he placed it on the side of her throne. She watched the crystal ball to catch the sight of both, Star Swirl and Melody. She then laughed hysterically, and her guards looked at her as if she has gone crazier than usual, one of her guards decides to ask, "What's so funny, my Queen?" "It's just, that I know that young bearded fellow" She laughed, "I killed his parents" The guards didn't know if they should laugh or not, for they haven't this side of Chrysalis in a long time. So they all decide to give a slightly sarcastic chuckle, "Oh, for the love of Celestia, and Luna, you two have really outdone yourselves this time" The Queen speaks to herself. "Umm..........when abouts did you kill his parents?" One of the guards asked. "Around 20 years ago" She laughed again, "Listen, Akira and Django, you 2, go to the Everfree forest, for I have a plan which says, that this young bearded fellow won't make it to the Changeling hills alive. Ha, Star Swirl the Bearded, and who's your little friend? Ha, the Princess-es think only 2 ponies can use the 6 elements of harmony, they must be stupid and crazy, but I wonder if he still remembers me? Ha! He probably does." "My Queen, my indication says that he has a strong vende.........." A guard paused, and falls on the ground dead, He has been killed by Chrysalis. "I know he has a vendetta against me, but I've got a plan for him, let's just say it includes Timberwolves and an Ursamajor, good luck, Star Swirl the Beard" She grinned with slight deception.
Chapter 4: Red RoamerStar Swirl and Melody have made it to Ponyville, where everypony was walking around, heading to different shops, markets, bars and bakeries. Most people seemed to be heading over to a place called Sweet Apple Acres for a mug of cider, But Star Swirl and Melody wanted a quick drink at somewhere a bit less crowded, so they caught the sight of a cider bar that looked like it hadn't been open for months, the bar had a sign above it which was the bar's name, it said, El espinazo del diablo It was translated "The Backbone of the Devil", the two unicorns went inside the deserted looking bar, to see, that it wasn't as deserted as the duo thought it would be, as there was a lot of ponies there but not very as happy and cheery as the ponies outside. The bar was dark, as no light were coming through the dirty and grimy windows, it was only lit up by candles spread around the bar tables and walls. Star Swirl and Melody decided to sit at where the bartender was, "What may I get you fine folk?" The bartender asked. "Can I get a mug of apple cider please?" Melody answered and asked. "And can I get pear cider please" Star Swirl asked. "Coming right up" The bartender said, "So where you folks from? I ain't seen you around Ponyville at all" He said while was making the two drinks. "We're both from Canterlot" Star Swirl replied. "Ah, Canterlot. You guys just visiting?" The bartender said as he placed the two drinks in front of Melody and Star Swirl. "No, we're just going to have these drinks then heading off" Melody replied. "Ya headin' back to Canterlot?" he asked. "No" Star Swirl said, he turned his head left and right to check if no one else looked like they were listening to the conversation, he then whispered "We're both on a quest in favor of Princess Celestia and Luna, to The Changeling Hills" The bartender paused for a moment in shock, he then went closer and whispered "Why ya'll heading to the Changeling Hills?" Star Swirl sighed, "Queen Chrysalis has risen once again, the both of us are sent to defeat her with the Elements of Harmony" "Woah, that treacherous old bitch has risen again? I would wish you good luck but I wouldn't know what you'd do with it" The bartender said. The door then unexpectedly crashed open, and then an Earth pony with a dark grayish coat and a black mane and beard, and a cutie mark of a knife, Melody and Star Swirl turned around to see that the pony was heading here. "You gotta move out the way, fella" said the bartender. "Why?" asked Star Swirl with curiousity. "That there is Blades, and I shoulda told ya this earlier but you're sittin' in his seat, I bet you, he come over and tell you to move" Said the bartender. "Oi, you, unicorn in the fancy hat. Get out my seat!" Shouted Blades. Star Swirl just looked at him and said, "No, I think I'll stay here" Blades clutched onto him and said with his teeth gritted "I was asking, I was telling" "I know, and I'm still not moving" Star Swirl replied with confidence. "Leave him alone" Melody interrupted. Blades let go of Star Swirl and shoved him off his seat, he then sat down beside Melody and said, "Well aren't you a hot piece of ass?" he said while stroking her right hind leg. "Get your hands off her, Blades" a voice called from the distance. Star Swirl who was on the ground in pain, decided to try and use magic, he horn lit up but instantly turned normal again, so he tried again and the same thing happened again, "Sorry, friend, but magic don't work in here, there's a spell cast on this place, if you fight this guy, you'll have to do it the old fashioned way" said the voice, as he came out of a dark, secluded part of the bar, "You can't make me let go of this pretty piece of ass, Red" Blades said as he groped Melody thigh tighter "That's why the both of us are going to kick your ass right now" Laughed the appropriately named red stallion. Red lent a hoof to Star Swirl and helped him up, Melody had a small tear drip from her eye, because she was scared of what Blades was going to do to her, "Now, what you're going to do, Blades, is let the missus go, and get out of here" ordered Red. "No!" Blades spat at Red. Star Swirl got up and clobbered Blades with his left hoof, and knocks out his tooth, but Blades feels no pain and just says, "Bad idea" Blades then clobbers Star Swirl with a left hook, almost breaking Star Swirl's nose, Red punches Blades, knocking him off the seat and letting go of Melody's thigh. Red proceeds to punch him in the face repeatedly, blood spreading everywhere and Red shouts at him, "YOU'RE GONNA LEAVE, RIGHT NOW!" "OK, OK, just stop punching" Blades pleaded. Blades then stood up and ran out the door with no hesitations, Star Swirl gets up with the help of Red and Melody, he then says, "Ouch, that son-of-a-bitch busted my nose" "You'll be fine friend, let me buy you two, it's on me, what's your names?" Red politely asked. "I'm Star Swirl and this is my friend, Melody, and thanks for buying a drink for us, what's your name?" Star Swirl replied and asked. "The name's Red. Red Roamer, and I'm glad to meet you"
Chapter 5: The Everfree TimberwolvesRed has just bought a second mug of cider for both Melody and Star Swirl, he also bought a glass of milk for himself. Star Swirl, who has just had his nose cleaned after taking a massive punch to the face from Blades earlier on, says to Red, "Thanks for what you did back there, Red" "It's alright. Blades isn't the sharpest knife in the cupboard, despite his name" Laughed Red. "Yeah" Laughed Melody. "So not be rude, but I overheard your conversation about that dreaded bitch Chrysalis rising again, is that really true?" Asked Red. "Yeah, sadly, I've got my own personal vendetta with the Changelings and their Queen" Star Swirl replied. "Same here" sighed Red. "Why? What did they do to you?" asked Melody. "I'll tell you, if you tell me afterwards" replied Red. "Deal" Star Swirl agreed. "OK, back around two years ago, the Changelings unleashed timberwolves out into the Everfree Forest, and me, my wife and my son, were out on a walk, I made it out, but my wife and son weren't so lucky, I remember one of the timberwolves, he was big and one red eye and one green eye, he was the one that took them away, I call him Coltfisher" sighed Red, "Now you tell me your vendetta" "My parent were killed by Chrysalis around twenty years ago, when I was young" replied Star Swirl. "Damn, I'm sorry to hear that Star Swirl" Red said. "Same for you" Star Swirl Replied. "Didn't you say you were on a quest in favor of Princess Celestia?" asked Red. "Yeah, and Princess Luna too" Melody said after she finished her drink. "Good golly, Princess Luna. I'd plow that until next July" chuckled Red. "Eww, can you please not say that again?" Melody asked. "Ha, sure thing. Can I ask you two something?" Asked Red. "Sure, ask away." Replied Star Swirl. "Well, you two seem to be fine people and I wanna help you with your little problem, and also I ain't got nothing to live for, so I'm going to try and fulfill my vendetta, whether I die or not. Please, it's really the only thing that keeps me going" Red said. Star Swirl sighs a little, "If you want to, but I don't want to have somepony dying and it's my fault for letting them in this party" "It's OK, I can handle myself, did you see what I just did to Blades?" laughed Red. "I know, but I don't want anyone to die" "I promise I'll do the best I can" Replied Red. "OK" Sighed Star Swirl "But before we leave for the rest of our journey, do you to stop by your home, to pick stuff up or anything?" "Yeah, I just need to pick up my back pack, and some supplies, like food, water, stuff like that" Red replied. "Should we just head over now?" Melody asked. "Yeah, why not?" replied Red. "Eh-hem?" the Bartender interrupted. "Oh yeah, sorry Cletus, how much is that?" asked Red. "Six bits please Red" the Bartender, Cletus, replied. Red chucked over the six bits and Cletus caught all of them in the same hand, the trio walked out the bar not knowing that they have been watched once again by Roberto the changeling who was disguised as a Pegasus, With the spell that took his sights over to Chrysalis' crystal ball. The trio make it over to Red's home, a small little hut, but looks warm and cozy none the less, he goes inside and says, "Wait here, but I can still talk, alright?" Red said. "Sure thing" Melody and Star Swirl both replied. "OK, I'll be back outside in two minutes" Red said as he went inside his house. "You mentioned that the timberwolf that killed your wife and son, was called Coltfisher?" asked Star Swirl. "Yeah, what about him?" Red replied. "Why is he called that? If you don't mind me asking?" Star Swirl asked. "Well, he was originally just a ponies tale, a piece of folklore, ponies said that he was a deformed timberwolf with one red eye, ponies said he lured young colts into the lakes of the Everfree Forest and fished them out and killed them" Red explained as he walked out of his home with a back pack of supplies, "But I never knew the legends were actually true until I saw him 5 years ago, and that was first and only I saw him and the final time I saw my wife and son, so not only have I got my own vendetta with the changelings for releasing Coltfisher, but I have my own vendetta with Coltfisher himself" "The Changelings are monsters, they'll do anything to cause misery to anypony, always be aware of that, Red" Star Swirl replied. "I suppose, well, there's no turning back now" Red replied as he looked at his home, for what he thinks will be the last time he looks at his house, he placed his hoof against the door as he thought of the memories of his wife and son, it looked as if he was going to cry. "You OK, Red?" Melody asked. "Yeah" Sniffed Red. "I'm fine, just memories" "I understand, Red, but we have to go now" Star Swirl explained. "Alright then, let's go off on a quest" Chuckled Red, feeling a bit more happy. The trio walked away from Red's house, Red looked back a few times at his home, as if he thought it was taken away from him, like a criminal taking candy away from a baby, the trio made to the edge that met between Ponyville and the Everfree Forest, the three took one step into the border, they all knew that they were in Hell. The forest seemed quiet, not quiet as if you would be in a secluded area and you can briefly hear other ponies in another area, but this was unnaturally quiet, so quiet that you can't hear the rustling of leaves in the big, dark, monstrous trees, the forest was dark and extremely difficult to see through the shadows, the trio were all scared of what they could come across next, a timberwolf, a poison joke plant, or even Coltfisher? They don't know. All they know is that they had to be consistently aware, because the only way pass the forest was through it, because going around it would take them forever. No one spoke while they were walking in the forest, with Star Swirl leading them levitating a map in front of him, with Melody in the middle, because if she was at the back, she'd be too scared, so Red Roamer was at the back, being aware that Coltfisher could be near by, seemingly stalking him, so Red kept his eyes peeled. The silence was scary as well, but the silence was broken by the sound of a snapping branch, that made the trio instantly stop in their tracks, "What was that?" whispered Melody. "Quiet" ordered Star Swirl. The bushes surrounding them, started to rustle, the first rustle of branches they've heard during their time in the forest. In the shadows, they saw lights, green lights, green sparkles, they instantly knew they were in trouble, then Star Swirl and Red caught sight of a small red light, they were in bigger trouble now, Coltfisher has found them, "Run!" shouts Red. The trio ran like hell, the timberwolves were fast, but the trio were somehow faster, all the timberwolves were slower than the three except from one, Coltfisher. Coltfisher, the red eyed timberwolf, barely just bit off a part of Red's tail and knew that he had seen Red before. The trio were terrified once a fork came to the path, they weren't sure where to go, so Star Swirl, who was in the lead, took the right, Melody and Red followed after him, as did most of the timberwolves, including Coltfisher, however a lot of them did go left. The trio made it over to what seemed like a stone door, leading towards a cave of some sorts it was closed, with writing on it, saying. Beware, the Diablo Dogs Star Swirl knew he would be in more trouble, for he knows what the Diablo Dogs are. Large, monstrous, horned hounds lurking the depths of the Everfree Caves, and now the only way to escape from the timberwolves, is to go into the home of something much deadlier and vicious, Star Swirl came up with a plan and said to the rest once they all stopped in there tracks, "I'll put a force field up, guys, it'll give you enough time to open the door, but HURRY! I CAN'T HOLD IT FOR LONG" he said once he stood his ground and placed his force field. Melody and Red, both dashed to the stone door, Melody decided to use a bit of her magic and Red helped push it, using his unique strength, the two opened the door, but Red, saw Coltfisher claw violently at the force field, and froze for a while, remembering the roars and blood curdling screams on the night his wife and son were killed, a tear dropped from his eye, and instantly unfroze and shouted for Star Swirl, "STAR, RELEASE YOUR FORCE FIELD, JUST RUN IN HERE!" Star Swirl backed up quickly, released his force field and went inside the cave, losing his hat to the timberwolves, he pushed the heavy, stone door with his magic, almost closing it, but one thing was keeping it unclosed, Coltfisher's leg. Star Swirl tried his best to try and snap his twig and stick made arm, but it didn't work, and the trio were wetting themselves in fear, not knowing what to do to get rid of him, until an idea came to Red. He picked up an near-by rock and repeatedly smashed the rock against the leg of the deformed monster, snapping it off finally after about 20 smashes, then Melody and Star Swirl, got the door shut, but it was pitch black. A blue light then appeared from Star Swirl's horn, lighting the dark spaces that surround them, "Is anyone OK?" Star Swirl asked. "I'm fine" coughed Melody. "I sprained my hoof, but I'll be fine" gasped Red. "You sure?" Star Swirl asked once again. "Yeah, should we wait until they leave outside?" Red asked. "No, they'll wait, and besides it's locked from the inside, the only way passed this cave is through it" Star Swirl gulped. The three looked down the empty cave tunnel, they weren't sure what would come next, well, Star Swirl was.
Prologue1100 years ago, before the days of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, there was Star Swirl the Bearded and his assistant, Melody Greenmane, during the time when Star Swirl was the student of Princess Celestia. The fair and noble Princess has foretold of a crisis in which even her magic can't stop, the dreaded Queen Chrysalis has risen once again and has unleashed her changelings upon Equestria, and in his first quest, Star Swirl and the faithful Melody must travel towards the Changeling Hills and defeat Chrysalis and her changelings. But this is what is yet to come in this story, this is the story of the forgotten legacy of Star Swirl the Bearded
