private A Temporal Odyssey

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

"Not just anypony could pull off a spell like that," Blue Note said. "It must have been a really powerful unicorn, or perhaps a creature with some kind of special ability. Would anypony know who would want to get Princess Twilight and her friends out of the way? Why would somepony do this?" Equestrian was in danger; that much was certain. Their strongest defenders were now powerless.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling gave a shrug of confusion when Blue Note asked all those questions that were directed towards the whole group. 

 

"Your guess is as good as mine Blue Note. I don't think any of us has any idea other than the Princesses or the bad guy itself! There HAS to be someway we can find out who and why the perpetrator's doing all this!" Sterling then sat down on the floor, deep in thought as to what to do next...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note nodded at Sterling Crimson. This wasn't an easy mystery to solve, short of the perpetrator descending upon them and turning them into stone as well. Blue Note shuddered at the thought. It was a possibility though. If even Princess Twilight couldn't stop the magic, what could somepony like her do faced with this threat? She looked uneasily around. Hopefully, somepony would find an answer soon.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@lincolnshirepony

 

For a time, DJ just sat and stared. He couldn't fully take in what he was seeing. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Red's beloved Applejack... Suddenly, he noticed something that made him feel even more horrified. A single tear... frozen on Twilight's face. Not of fear, but of sadness... He couldn't look any longer. Getting up, he turned to Vinyl. As the two looked at each other, they hugged, Vinyl trying to stifle a cry. "DJ... are... they gone...?" she whimpered.

 

"I... I... don't know..." he replied slowly. "But we will find out..." Suddenly, he realised another pony was with them, someone he had never seen before. "Hello there..." he said to the mare slowly; he was still in shock over the whole course of events. "I'm DJ, and this is Vinyl. We've been with Clover and her friends for quite a while too, but we've never seen something like this before. Who... what could have done this...?"

 

"I am afraid I know all too well just what has done this...." a voice said as a figure stepped out of the crowd.

 

"P...Princess Celestia!" DJ said, quickly bowing. "You... you do? Is there anything we can do for them? What CAN we do?"

 

Sighing sadly, Celestia looked at her former student and her friends. "This is not a matter that is wise to be discussed in the street. We should return to the castle, where I can explain this in a safer place, where wandering ears cannot hear us. Rest assured... 'he' won't return tonight...

Edited June 27, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Steel Accord, "A spell," Clover replied. "A very powerful unicorn, like King Sombra, could have done this. It is not a spell that can be easily undone, but rest assured, the mane six are not lost forever. They could be restored, with the right magic." Clover thought back to the dark mage that she and Stargazer had captured. This was similar magic to what he had done, but the dark mage was still imprisoned. So it must be somepony else.

 

@, When Celestia spoke, Clover asked, "Shouldn't we have the statues brought with us? If we leave them here, who knows what may happen to them? The right magic could restore them, but not if the statues are damaged in any way."

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"I agree, Clover," Princess Celestia replied. "It is not safe to leave them here. I will make certain that my Royal Guard take them to the vaults. They will be vigilantly be protected by the Guard there. However, I do not think that 'he' desires to do anything more to Twilight and her friends at this moment in time. We must hurry though. Time will not be on our side from now on..."

[Inactive01 5,299]

@Pripyat Pony

@Budding Night

 

Sterling nodded when Princess Celestia suggested that the statues be kept under their care for the time being. The last thing he wanted to see was seeing the statues break in any way possible. He also overheard Clover mention that the statues could be restored with the right magic. 

 

"What magic are we talking about here Clover...?" Sterling asked, as his curiosity piqued. Sterling then turned towards Canterlot Castle, eager to leave the scary place of Canterlot's alleys...

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

((OOC: And now, we head to the castle ))

 

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Budding Night

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@lincolnshirepony

 

Celestia ordered the guards to transport the mane six carefully to the vault, before beckoning to the group to follow her. Looking at Vinyl, DJ nodded solemnly, and the two trotted off after the Princess, hoping the others would follow.

 

*a few minutes later*

 

"I think it is time I told you more about this creature," Celestia said, now they were in the throne room. "First, the enchantment on Twilight and her friends cannot be removed by normal magic, even such as powerful as Clover's. It will take another form of magic, which I shall explain later. But first, there is the matter of the thing that attacked them. His name is Pen Umbra. He was once an ordinary pony, a great poet in fact, but something corrupted him, turning him into the nightmarish creature he now is. I honestly thought he had vanished or died millennia ago, as he disappeared thousands of years ago. He was corrupted by a terrible power. My sister encountered it over a thousand years ago, and with only a fraction of it's full power, it caused her to become its servant... The Nightmare Spirits...."

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@,

 

"Your Majesty," Steel said with a removed hat and bow, "I understand my friends and I have had an . . . interesting history together but why trust us with this information, or, as I sense your are building up to, this quest? Surely a foe that could so easily do away with the Elements of Harmony is beyond our ability to combat." 

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note was shocked to see Princess Celestia herself on the street. She had lived in Canterlot for years and had never been this close to the monarch. She wanted the group of heroic ponies to follow her. Blue Note was unsure if she was welcome to join, but the darkness was eerie and she did not want to be on the street alone. Walking back home on a normal night could be terrifying. She made an impulsive decision to follow the group. Maybe she could be helpful too.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Steel Accord

 

Celestia turned to Steel and nodded as she listened. "I have chosen you and your friends because you have all already proven yourselves strong enough to overcome much adversity! You were all able to defeat Raven, a feat that myself and Luna struggled to do many years ago. You have all journeyed long and far together, and I feel a special bond between you all that I has only ever felt between Twilight and her friends. You may be Equestria's only hope..." she added saddly.

 

Composing herself, she returned to the problem at hand. "I should probably explain exactly what the Nightmare Spirits truly are. The ones that consumed Umbra and took over my sister are only a fraction of their true power. To fully understand this situation, we must look back many thousands of years. Before Luna's corruption, before Discord and even before Sombra...

 

"When 'they' appeared, they attacked mercilessly... Even I do not know where they came from, but they appeared in forces beyond comprehension. Some ponies were consumed by their evil, and either became servants of their will or their power was drained and they were cast aside like Twilight and her friends have been. They even took control of a young poet, who became the leader of their main forces. It was the very same Pen Umbra I mentioned earlier. His heart hungered for knowledge of these forces, and in turn, they consumed him and used him like a puppet...

 

"The land was failing, and it seemed all was lost.... Even myself and my sister were defeated! And then, a small glimmer of hope appeared. A unicorn appeared amidst the chaos. Unafraid of the forces that plagued the land, he sought to destroy them and return peace to Equestria. He is not known for his deeds in this time, as they are long forgotten by many, and yet he is known by most, if not all ponies. It was Starswirl the Bearded...

 

"Starswirl had been blessed with a powerful magic, much like yours Clover, and with his intelligence and determination, he discovered a way to defeat these forces and return peace to the land. He created a powerful weapons, known only as 'the Darkstar', which trapped the Nightmare Spirits and freed Equestria from their wrath. However, the details of this weapon are beyond even my knowledge!

 

"All was not well though, as it seems that not only a fraction of its power remained, but it seems that Umbra also survived this weapon. He is likely to be searching for a way to restore the Nightmare Spirits to their former power. For while he is at the front of their forces, he is not their leader. There is another. None have ever seen his face, but he holds immense power beyond imagination! If the Dark One is released, I fear Equestria will not survive..."

Edited June 28, 2014 by DJ-BRONI3

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling listened intently at the story Princess Celestia was giving to the gang. It was becoming clear that this dark force was indeed one to be reckoned with, able to make puppets of even the smartest of ponies. It even made quick work of the Elements of Harmony, supposedly the strongest force Equestria has in its disposal! Sterling in some fright, wondering exactly how they were going to best this great foe and spirit. Sterling continued to listen, wanting to know more on how to defeat this great devil...

[Commander Bubbles 1,343]

"Take down an ancient enemy that has power beyond comprehension," Red responded to the Princess. "What are you, nuts?!"

Even vengeance has standards, Talon determined after hearing the Princess speak.

"This guy is probably thousands times worse than Raven!" Red exclaimed, "And it's supposed to be easy just to stroll in and say 'hey, we're here to kill your ancient old leader that nopony has ever seen, hell even done a proper analysis on!' This is crazy talk, Princess! If the Elements turn into stone, then who knows what's gonna happen to us!"

It certainly sounded like a job only for the foolhardy. The odds did not stack in the group's favor, and Red felt no sense of security with this job. Not even that teeny, tiny, microscopic chance of success was something Red wanted to risk his life for right here. So what was the point, he wondered.

Edited June 28, 2014 by ~Drunken Pelipper~

[lincolnshirepony 527]

No pony had commented on Blue Note's presence, which she didn't necessarily mind. She was used to being a face in the crowd, a clarinet in an orchestra. She was skilled at blending in and blending together, never calling too much attention to herself. Perhaps this explained why she hung around at the back of the group, almost separate if not for her decision to stick with them. The night would only become more frightening.

 

Listening to Princess Celestia, safely in the back, terrified her more. Who had a hope of stopping such powers. She could understand the doubts of the ponies put to the task. This was no common foe.

[Zhooves 843]

As the guard entered, North almost choked on a big piece of cheese his sister tried to shove down his throat.
"Ye need to eat to grow..." was her only argument, while she too had a piece of loaf poking out of her mouth.

Finishing her loaf, and helping North with the cheese, she carried her brother, who were catching his breath, along after the others.

When they arrived at their destination, North had finally recovered, and they both stood there and watched the statues.

"Lifelike." Midnatt said.
"Aye, I recognise one or two, but overall I wonder who they are..." North continued.
"I wonder if they have not been turned into onyx..."
"Must be some viktig-ponies, seeing as the others look stressed."

Staying close to the group, they followed the bright, winged unicorn to the castle. North almost had to cover his eyes when looking in her direction, though Midnatt's eyes almost sparkled in awe when looking upon her.

They both listened, seeming very interested as the bright one spoke of dark beings and a poet, and something that had happened to Luna.

"This sounds almost like a fairytale from back home..." Midnatt commented, still having that spark in her eye, though her face spoke more of adventure than awe.
"Aye, but this might be more real than them." North added, seeming to take things a little bit more seriously.

Edited June 28, 2014 by Zhooves

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@

 

Turning to Red, Celestia sighed sadly "Indeed, it seems a most insurmountable task. However, if you do not succeed, Equestria will fall to their power once again, and so only through success will we survive this. I know this is a very difficult task, but you are all Equestria's last hope!"

 

@@lincolnshirepony

 

Celestia had noticed this pony follow the rest of the group to the palace. She did not think this mare a threat to the group, but she did seem like she could become a friend... Maybe it was fate for her to join them...?

 

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Budding Night

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@lincolnshirepony

 

"I am sorry to have dragged you all into this," Celestia continued, "but you really are Equestria's best hope of survival against this coming threat. I'm afraid I can't say what this 'Darkstar' is, nor where to find it. Only Starswirl the Bearded knew it's exact location. I do feel I know a way to learn more on this weapon, but I will come back to that later. First, I have this to show you..."

 

One of the Royal Guard appeared carrying a small book on his back. Bowing, he placed it before Celestia and left the room. The book was a strange blue colour, that appeared to shimmer and change in the light. It was covered in small stars, each of which shone brightly as if they emitted their own light. Levitating it before her, Celestia addressed the group.
 

"This is one of Starswirl the Bearded's lost books. He wrote this shortly after the defeat of the Nightmare Spirits, and few copies exist in this land. Even in this book, there is little information on the Darkstar. The only real reference to it is in a strange poem written in the final pages. I thought nothing of it before, but now it seems that it may be a prophecy or a clue that Starswirl has written down in case such an event were to happen again. I will read it to you now...

 

"A hero bold will rise anew,

Descending from the heavens blue,

Accompanied by a powerful band

Of heroes from across the land.

Will find and use the mighty Darkstar

To fight the darkness with its power,

To save the land from the end times.

All this is true, because it rhymes..."

 

Smiling slightly, Celestia said, "I had thought because of the last line that Starswirl had maybe meant it as a joke for anypony who came across this book, but now I am not so certain. It does seem that in order to save Equestria, you must fulfil this prophecy. I do not know how you will acoomplish this, or even if, but I can say that you are the greatest chance we have of our success..." She stopped suddenly, her brow furrowing. "Hmm... this wasn't here before..." she said quietly.

 

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"There is something else written here... Something I was certain was not there before... I cannot read it though. There is some sort of powerful enchantment on it, and I cannot seem to be able to read what it says. Maybe you can understand it, Clover...?" Bringing the book over to Clover, she showed her a series of strange symbols, completely indecipherable to even the ruler of Equestria...

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling continued to listen intently at everything that the princess was saying. He knew the Princess was supposed to be giving as many answers as she could when it came to this terrible evil that lurked the Equestrian realm. But Sterling was given more and more questions as the Princess continued to explain. Especially when they got to the part about the poem that would save Equestria, written by Starswirl the Bearded.

 

"All this is true, because it rhymes? Really Starswirl?" Asked a confused Sterling, wondering why such a humorous line would be placed in the poem. Sterling then continued with a more serious question,

 

"Who is this hero bold who will rise anew, descending from the heavens blue?" Sterling then realized that they had to use the Power of Darkness to win over evil... Which sent another jolt through him. This was going to be a much harder task than even Raven...

[Steel Accord 6,660]

@,

 

"I'm with you Red. However, with this riddle, we at least have some form of clue. Let's face as well, without the Six, who else even stands a chance at conquering this evil? Would you rather curl up in some corner and wait for death or worse to come, or fight so that you may at least die on your hooves?" 

@,

 

Steel approached DJ in a hushed tone. "What do you think Captain? Do you think we have a chance? If you vouch for our ability then I will follow." Steel said to his dear friend. "I've never been the most intelligent pony, I make things up and I approach problems head on. That's why I turn to you, you're a leader. That's why we all turn to you. However, if you ever need to talk, don't be afraid to. Even the Princess needs Her consul."  

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Steel Accord

 

DJ nodded in understanding, a worried look on his face. "I have to say, I don't like our chances here. But then I don't like Equestria's chances either. And I'd certainly rather die trying than not try at all!" He smiled, trying to sound a little more optimistic. "If anyone can do it, we can! I'll make sure not to let you all down! I really appreciate your support, Steel. You're right, even the strongest of us need a little advice. I may have to take you up on that sometime!" he added, chuckling. "Nevertheless, this won't be easy..."

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@, Clover looked at the markings. At first, they just seemed to be mindless lines drawn on the page, then, somehow, she was able to read them. Clover read the writing from top to bottom, then turned to Celestia. "It's a spell," she replied. "A very powerful one. I will not read it aloud, as I fear it might damage the throne room... perhaps I could demonstrate it someplace less valuable? The gardens maybe? Also, the nature of the spell is that only a royal Alicorn can perform the spell. I don't know why I can read it, and you can't... maybe the enchantment applies to all but newly crowned Princesses? There can't be any newer Princess than me!"

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling continued to ponder what the signs were possibly saying at the moment. However, his interest shifted towards the blue pony who had joined their ranks out of thin air. Noting that his other friends were preoccupied with the problem, Sterling decided to trot towards the blue pony, wondering exactly who she was... He trotted slowly to Blue Note, while letting Evening catch up with the others on the know how of the evil that lurked the world...

 

"So Blue Note @lincolnshirepony... where are you from exactly? I'm currently a doctor at Manehattan's Hospital after attending U of Manehattan's medical school!"

Edited June 28, 2014 by Sterling Crimson

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Pripyat Pony

 

"Interesting...." Celestia whispered to herself. "If it is indeed a powerful speel, I agree with you. The gardens will suffice. However, that is still a very odd enchantment... Come, we should go to be gardens. In fact, it will be time for sun rise soon. I will meet you all in the palace gardens as soon as the sun has raised." The alicorn quickly left the room to make preparations to raise the sun.

 

"I think we'd better get going then," DJ spoke up. "We're right behind you, and ready to go when you are Clover! Just lead the way!"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@, "We'd better head out straight away," Clover replied. "I'll use the time while we wait for Princess Celestia to do a shield spell so that you're all protected while I say the spell in the book. That way, I can be sure that you'll all be safe, just in case anything untoward happens."

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

@@Sterling Crimson

@@Budding Night

@@Steel Accord

@@Pripyat Pony

@

@@Zhooves

@@lincolnshirepony

 

"That sounds like a good plan," DJ replied. "Except that we don't want anything to happen to you either! Please make sure it's safe before you read it! We should get going though, it shouldn't take too long for the sun to rise!" With that DJ trotted off in the rough direction of the palace gardens, Vinyl following.

 

*soon after*

 

When everypony arrived at the gardens, they found Celestia was already waiting for them! "I trust you are prepared, Clover?" Princess Celestia asked. "If so, I wish you all the best." She smiled, knowing her student would succeed no matter what. Just what this spell was, however, she could not say...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@@Sterling Crimson

 

Celestia's words had unsettled Blue Note. This would truly be a difficult task, requiring the strongest of magic. Everything she knew was in danger. Her nervousness threatened to overwhelm her, but Sterling Crimson came up to her and asked her a question. Answering while they walked to the garden was a welcome distraction.

 

"Oh, I attended the music school at the University of Manehatten!" Blue Note gave him a wide smile. "I grew up here in Canterlot, but Manehatten is where I consider home now. I'm back temporarily for a job." At least she hoped she wouldn't be stuck in Canterlot permanently. Though with the impending doom facing Equestria, she wasn't sure if it mattered much.