Starlight

 

Chapter 1.

 

Gift

 

>You slip silently from behind the tapestry into Luna’s study, the secret panel whispering shut behind you.

>Glancing around quickly you spot the balcony door slightly ajar, a glow of magic shining through the crack.

>Like smoke you slip to the door, peeking through, you see her.

>Her dark wings spread wide. Stars twinkle in her mane and tail as they blow in an unseen breeze. The long spire of her horn glowing as she raises the moon.

>Your heart skips a beat at her beauty, watching this is the highlight of your day.

>You carefully widen the crack in the door, stepping through to stand behind her as she completes her spell.

>”Good evening Anonymous.” Luna says without turning. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yes my Princess.” You speak softly, almost breathlessly.

>She turns her head, cocking an eyebrow at you.

>”What’s on your mind Anon? You rarely call me that in private anymore.”

>You relax, leaning back against the door frame.

“Oh, nothing. Just watching you raise the moon reminds me how regal you are. I got caught up in the moment.”

>She chuckles, a small smile on her lips as she turns and walks past you into the study.

>You follow her in and take a seat on the floor in front of her desk as she settles onto a cushion behind it.

>”We don’t have a lot on the agenda tonight.” Luna states as she starts shuffling paperwork around.

>”Two new bat ponies were born and are being brought for blessings. An ambassador from Saddle Arabia is here but Celly is handling him. He might drop by as a courtesy but I hope not. I also need to look over the plans for the fireworks show next week, and that's about it. Unless there are any petitioners.”

“Then we can go early tonight. Good” you reply. “Any word on my sister? I haven't heard anything in months.”

>”No. The last word was a review of her show in Baltimare. Nopony has seen Trixie or Glimmer that we know of. They were headed for the Crystal Empire but never showed.”

>You let concern show on your face. You don't hide things from Luna. Wouldn't do any good, she can usually see right through you.

>”Don’t fret so much about it Anon. Trixie is strong. I taught her well and she's past that boastful attitude that got her in trouble before. She’ll turn up. Her and Glimmer might be hiding out in the woods somewhere doing ‘friend’ things”

>She winks at you, causing you to blush.

“You know they don’t have that kind of relationship Lulu. And I will worry about her. She’s the only family I have left in this world.”

>Trixie was your adopted older sister. Her mother found you in a hollow stump on the edge of the Everfree forest when you were an infant. They added you to their little family, Trixie and her mother, Serendipity.

>You traveled Equestria and worked in the magic show. Being a strange creature that nopony had seen before made for a good attraction.

>Things were good until you were about sixteen summers old and your mother was killed.

>Events eventually led you here, to be Luna’s students. You had no magic but your unusual body makes you well suited combat.

>While your sister learned magic from the Night princess. You learned swordcraft, hand to hoof combat, and how to become one with the shadows.

>You have been with the princess for eight summers now. Becoming her personal guard, and close friend. Trixie left four summers ago to find her fortune on the road. You’ve only seen her a few times since she left. When she comes through Canterlot to do a show.

>You feel a poke in your side and are startled from your thoughts.

>”Hey, come on. We need to get going.”

>She scoops up a pile of scrolls with her magic and heads for the door.

“I have something I need to take care of. I'll be there shortly.” You say as you stand and pull aside the tapestry, pressing the release for the secret panel.

>”Don't be too long. You know how bored I get.” Luna says before you step through.

“Yes Princess” You say as you wink and disappear into the secret passageway.

>Moving through these passages you can go anywhere in the palace unseen. It's pretty useful for a personal guard like you.

>Only you and the Princesses, and a few select other guards know about them.

>You prefer this mode of travel when alone because it's faster.

>Within minutes you are in the solar wing of the palace.

>You peek into Princess Celestia’s study and see her on a cushion behind her desk.

>She is relaxing with a book, a cup of steaming tea and a slice of cake before her on the desk.

>You pop open the panel and slip from behind another tapestry causing the Princess to jump, startled.

>”Anonymous! Must you startle me like that? Announce yourself, please!”

>You chuckle as you drop to your knees in front of the desk, sticking a finger in the icing on her cake and licking it off.

>She scowls at you, but only for a second.

“Is it ready?” you ask, “She’s headed for night court and I'd like to present it there.”

>”It is.” Celestia says, lifting a long box from behind the desk with her magic.

>Setting it in front of you on the desk, she pops the latches and lifts the lid.

>Lying on deep blue velvet is an Odachi. It’s nearly as long as you are tall.

>The scabbard you know. You’ve spent hours over the last few months working on it. Polishing the onyx. It’s so dark it seems to absorb light. Inlaying a hundred tiny diamonds that twinkle like stars in the field of black.

The sword is what you want to see. Celestia has been working on and she has kept it a closely guarded secret.

>The handle is wrapped in black silk with more diamonds in the lacing.

>The pommel is a polished moonstone, Milky white with smoky looking depths that seem to swirl with light.

>You gently lift the massive sword and draw the blade.

>There is a flash as the blade clears the scabbard, pale light flooding the room.

>The glow settles into shifting patterns of light that dance along the length of the blade as the stars inside it twinkle.

>You gasp in surprise at the sight. It’s as though the Milky Way is captured in the blade.

“How…?” You ask, at a loss for words.

>Celestia’s eyes twinkle with mirth as she looks at you slyly. “I learned a few tricks from Starswirl in my time with him. Like how to forge a blade from starlight. It’s basically a magical construct, maintained by the enchanted moonstone. I’ve been dumping magic into that stone a little at a time since my sister returned from her exile. It should hold the enchantment for several hundred years, and Luna can add her own magic to it, letting it last forever.”

>You step back and take a stance, gripping the handle with both hands you swing through several moves, testing the balance.

“It’s flawless.” You say, returning the blade to the scabbard. “What about maintenance? I assume it doesn't need sharpening.”

>”Nope!” states Celestia proudly. “And I don’t know of a substance in existence that it can't cut, except maybe another star blade.

>Starswirl owned one, but that is lost to time just like him.”

>Her ears droop a little, sadness for a long lost friend apparent in her eye’s for a moment.

>You place the sword back into the box before turning to wrap The Princess in a hug.

“Thank you so much Celly. I’m glad I came to you for help with this gift. Lulu is going to love it!”

>Celestia’s eye’s light up again at your praise and she returns the hug.

>”Make sure you keep her safe Anon. I could not bare to lose her again. If she gets hurt on one of your hunting expeditions…”

>You cut her off with a scratch behind her ear.

“Don’t worry Celly, she's safe with me. We have yet to find anything I can’t best...including you.”

>You boop her on the nose and turn to pick up the case, heading for the door.

“Now, let’s go. She should be done with her duties and ready for Petitioners by the time we get there. I have the lunar guard waiting in the wings to witness the presentation and you will be with me.”

 

*******

 

>You are Luna. Night court is almost over. The page informed you that there is only one petitioner left to hear.

>You wonder where Anon has gotten off to, he should have slipped in through the secret entrance behind your throne by now but he hasn't shown up yet.

>The side doors open and a compliment of your Lunar Guard walk in on each side flanking the path to the throne.

>”What is this?” You ask aloud, not really concerned. This must be the ambassador from Saddle Arabia so an honor guard was required.

>The doors to the throne room open and you see your sister and Anonymous enter side by side.

>”Hello my sister.” Celestia speaks, “Have you forgotten what day this is?”

> “No Celly, I have not forgotten. I told you I didn’t want a big deal made of this.” You hang your head in shame.

>It’s been ten years since your exile ended, and you returned to reign terror on your sisters kingdom once again. If not for Twilight Sparkle and her friend’s using the Elements of Harmony on you to bring back the good inside, it would have ended badly.

>You hate to be reminded of the pain you caused.

>”No ‘big deal’ Lulu. Anon and I simply wish to give you a gift, to commemorate your anniversary.”

>Anon steps forward and goes to one knee at the foot of your throne.

>He holds out a long slender box to you. Almost as long as he is tall.

>Celestia pops the latches on the box and lifts the lid with her magic revealing the contents.

>Your breath escapes from your lungs in an amazed gasp.

>There in the box, nestled in deep blue velvet, is an Odachi.

>You reach out with your magic and gingerly lift it from the box, admiring the diamonds that twinkle like stars in the scabbard.

>”It’s beautiful Celly!” You squee in excitement, noticing the moonstone in the pommel.

>It pulses with magic, almost glowing with internal light.

>”What enchantment is this? I sense your magic in the stone Celly.”

>You inspect it closely, admiring the smoky depths of the stone.

>”Draw the blade my sister and see for yourself.” Celestia smile’s.

>Anon stands and steps back, tucking the case under his arm. A stoic expression on his face.

>You hold the sword before your eyes, removing the scabbard quickly in one motion.

>A flash dazzles you, clearing almost immediately to a muted glow.

>It takes your breath away. When your eye’s focus on the blade you see a galaxy of stars dancing inside. As beautiful as your night sky overhead, contained in a deadly, razor sharp instrument of death.

>”A star blade” you breath “I havn’t seen one of these since Starswirl the Bearded used to teach us magic. Where did you find it?”

>You look back to Celestia, amazement in your eye’s.

>”We didn’t find it Lulu. We crafted it. Anon wanted to give you something special that would complement your fighting style and be practical on your hunt’s. He crafted the scabbard and I forged the blade.”

>”The moonstone is charged with my magic. I have been putting a little in each day since your return ten years ago. Saving it up for just such a gift. It powers the enchantment that forms the blade. You can add to that charge as well as draw from it, but only do so in times of great need. Last resort type situations. There is enough to power the blade for several hundred years without any being added.”

>You stare at the blade in awe, watching the stars dance up and down its length.

>”Does it have a name?” You ask, unable to take your eye’s off of the beauty.

>”It is yours to name Lulu. Name it and it will know it’s master.”

>Celestia steps back to Anon’s side, giving you space.

>You stand from your throne, taking a stance you spin the blade, working through an attack pattern. Slashing and whirling so fast the blade all but vanishes. It’s balance in your magic so perfect it feels like flowing water. You bring it to a stop in a defensive position.

>”I know your name.” You speak to the sword, a smile on your muzzle.

>”Starlight”

 

 

Chapter 2.

 

Hunt.

 

>Deep in the heart of the Everfree forest. Past Zecora’s hut and even the castle of the two sisters, there lies a clearing. Shrouded in shadow with a small patch of moonlight in the center.

>It’s into this moonlight that you step, silent as a ghost. Luna is at your side. Her ears perked and alert for any sound.

>You stand still, relaxed and listening. The forest is silent around you. No bugs chirping or small animals rustling in the underbrush. You can almost hear Luna’s heart beat next to you as you scan the trees ahead for movement.

“It’s here” You whisper.

>”I can smell it, Anon. That way.” Luna points to your left with her horn.

>You slip back into the shadows of the trees and crouch down.

“Let it come to us. The breeze is shifting in that direction so it should smell us. We’ll ambush it here.”

>You quietly unhook your sword from your belt and grip the scabbard, ready to draw the blade as Luna readies Starlight.

>”I can’t wait to try this out. That manticore doesn't stand a chance.”

>Distantly, in the direction Luna pointed, you hear a twig snap. Then the light rustle of a leathery wing against fur.

>You wait patiently. Sometimes a hunter has to be crafty enough to let it’s prey hunt it.

>The manticore is good. Silently stalking you with the skill of a seasoned beast. The reports Luna has received say that this creature is extremely dangerous. It’s killed two ponies already who were working on the edge of the forest.

>You and Luna have been scouting this area and found it’s nest a few nights ago. The manticore wasn't here then, off hunting in another part of the forest.

>You picked this spot for an ambush before hand and Luna simply teleported the two of you here.

>A silent growl sounds from behind you and you spring to your right. Rolling over your shoulder you come to your feet drawing your sword. Luna dodged to the left and the manticore’s pounce landed on empty space where you were standing.

>You slash at its right wing, severing it at the joint and preventing it from escaping.

>The beast releases a mighty roar turning to face you. It’s stinger tipped tail coiling to strike.

>There is a flash of light behind the creature as Luna draws Starlight, lopping off the tail in the same motion. The manticore roars in pain, spinning to swipe it’s massive paw at Luna.

>The paw passes through empty air where Luna was standing. This throws the beast of balance and it stumbles, giving you a chance to sink your blade in it’s side.

>The manticore howls in pain as your blade bites deep but it’s agony is very short.

>Starlight slides effortlessly through it’s spine, severing the head and ending the threat.

>You withdraw your blade and wipe away the blood with a cloth, returning it to the scabbard.

>Luna twirls Starlight, slinging blood in an arc over your head and returns it to it’s scabbard.

>She’s standing in the patch of moonlight, a huge grin on her face. For the second time tonight she takes your breath away. Her delight in violence is frightening to everypony so she never shows it. But you share that delight so she knows she is safe sharing it with you.

>Your hunting trips always turn out like this. The thrill of the kill looks so good on her.

>You stare at her over the corpse between you until she notices you looking.

>You look away quickly, hoping the darkness hides your blush.

>”That was...easier than I expected Anon.” Luna says quietly as she surveys her kill.

>”I thought it would put up more of a fight for such an old and crafty beast.”

“We are the most dangerous thing in this wood Lulu. There isn’t anything here than can put up much of a fight.”

>You draw the short skinning knife from your belt and set to work cleaning your kill. This pelt will make for a nice cover when winter comes. The head will be stuffed and mounted over the mantle in Luna’s study. Every part of the beast will be used.

>You work in silence. Luna assisting with her magic. When you are finished you both are covered in blood and sweat. Luna teleports you and your kill back to the palace. Directly into your workroom beneath the dungeons.

>You appropriated this space for processing your kills. Far away from the palace proper and any ponies that couldn't handle the carnage.

>Most of the meat will go to the Diamond Dogs after you butcher and salt it for preservation.

>Luna heads to the bath that is located beside the workroom to wash away the blood and gore while you stretch the hide and prepare it for tanning.

>You quickly butcher the meat, setting aside the best bits for yourself and salting down the rest. After you finish cleaning your knives you join Luna in the bath.

>She is relaxing in the hot water, eye’s half closed and humming a tune.

“You seem happy” You say, removing your blood stained armor and stripping to your boxers.

>You slide into the hot water opposite the princess and begin to scrub away the grime.

>”I am warm. The gift you and my sister gave me is perfect. My blood lust is sated, and I am clean. Of course I am happy” She smiles at you, lighting her horn she tosses you a brush with her magic.

>She stands and walks out of the tub. Grabbing a towel in her magic and drying herself off.

>You watch her discreetly. Hoping she doesn't notice.

“That was a good clean kill, and now the workers near the Everfree will be safe. At least until something else shows up. I wonder what ponies did when you were in exile. I know Celly wouldn’t hunt like we do. She can’t squash a spider.”

>”They hid in their homes at night, terrified of the darkness, I suppose. A thousand years ago I kept the dangerous creatures in their place. But hiding and suppressing my blood lust slowly made it worse. The reason we hunt now is because I know I need to sate that lust so it doesn't take over and rule me.”

>She finishes drying her mane and passes you a towel as you exit the pool.

>”Celly understands this too, now. That's why she encourages me to do this. She can’t share in the fun but I wouldn’t want her to. Her heart is to pure and I’d hate to see what something like tonight would do to her.”

>You grab a clean robe from a rack against the wall and wrap it around you.

“I’m glad she can’t. That means more fun for me.” You say as you head back into the workroom. Luna at your side. “If not for my mother and sister raising me to be kind, and you training me to control myself, I would be the monster you were hunting.”

>Conversation’s like this were normal between you two. Being open about your violent urges to each other let the pressure off like a safety valve.

>When you were young and on the road you would get into trouble. Lashing out at heckler’s and people mistreating your mom and sister. You had a mean streak that you tried your best to hide and it terrified these peaceful ponies.

>More than once you and your family had to flee some small village or town because of your anger. Luckily you never actually hurt anypony, though you wanted to badly.

>When your mother was killed, defending Trixie from an Ursa Major, you lost it. You managed to get Trixie and escape but once she was safe you tried to go back. All you could think about was killing the monster and you would have died trying if Trixie hadn’t used a spell to knock you out.

>When you woke you and Trixie were far from the scene of the accident. You lashed out at her for not letting you go back but she took it without a word.

>After you ranted yourself horse she simply said: “Now you’re all I’ve got. I will not lose you too.”

>The sadness in her eye’s broke you. You didn’t speak a word to anypony but Trixie for months.

>Trixie did a few shows on her own while you watched from the sidelines. She started getting frustrated because she didn’t know all the tricks. You finally decided together to come to Canterlot and try to get her into Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns.

>Things didn’t go as planned but they turned out better. For here you found your calling.

>And Luna.

>You reach over and scratch behind her ear. She responds by leaning into your hand.

“So what do you want to do with the rest of the night? We have a few hours before sunrise.”

>”Maybe you need to get some training in. You missed that manticore’s heart with that thrust. It should have been a killing blow.”

>You laugh at that.

“I missed on purpose. I wanted you to get that kill so you could break in your new blade.”

>She turns on you at that statement, actual anger in her eye’s.

>”Do not ever do that again! I have taught you never to hesitate.”

>You step back in shock at her sudden outburst. She hasn’t snapped at you like this in a while. >”What if I had stumbled and missed my blow. It would have turned on you and your blade would have been trapped. You could have been…”

>The anger in her eye’s gives way to concern. You raise an eyebrow, a small smirk forming on your lips.

“Could have been what? Injured? Killed? You care that much?

>She quickly hides her concern with an irritated look, snapping a wing at you, and walking towards the door.

>”You are insufferable sometimes Anon. I should make you run laps around the walls til sunrise.”

 

******

 

>You are Luna. As you settle into a cushion in your study you open your book.

>An ancient tome on Yakastani culture. You need to study this particular ritual for initiating trade for the upcoming summit.

>But you’re finding it extremely hard to focus on the strange words of their language.

>Stupid Anon. His antics are making it hard not to acknowledge the feelings you have been hiding so well for quite some time.

>His dumb stunt in the forest could have gotten him killed and you just realised that you wouldn’t like that.

>Not at all.

>He has never done that before. He’s always ruthless and deadly and never holds back for any reason except in training. To intentionally miss a killing blow just to give you the satisfaction of striking it…

>He does nice things for you all the time but in combat that’s too risky and he knows it.

>The whole point of training him and molding him into what he is was to keep him safe.

>When you get distracted by other things like letting your partner try out her new sword you wind up hurt or dead.

>Your new sword…

>Starlight.

>Now there are some feelings you can feel. The most wonderful gift you have ever received.

>Celly and Anon really out did themselves this time.

>It’s beauty is unmatched by any weapon you have wielded in all your years.

>When you called its name in your throne room it became a part of you. Some strange magic took place at that moment that you’ve never felt before.

>It’s almost like...you found a piece of your soul you didn't know you were missing.

>You had the same feeling when Trixie and her strange adopted brother became your students.

>Since your return from exile you felt like you were lost. You resumed your duties raising and lowering the moon and watching over the dream realm.

>Everypony was nice to your face but you could sense their fear of you, especially in their dreams.

>Fending off Nightmare Moon in other ponies dreams was a regular occurrence for a while. They could forgive you in the daylight but that doesn't clear the subconscious which produces dreams.

>Things got better after the first Nightmare Night, altho Twilight and her friends stopped that from being another disaster.

>Still, you felt empty and without purpose until Trixie and Anon came.

>Anon thought Trixie would benefit from Celestia's magic school. They had lost their mother and while not children, they were still young and on their own. After hearing their story, your sister knew exactly what they needed.

>You.

>So they became your students. And filled a hole in your life.

>You taught Trixie magic. She was a strong magic user but lacked formal training that most unicorn fillies received. Being daughter to a traveling show pony, most of what she knew was simple illusion spells.

>You built on that foundation. After four years she decided she was ready to head out on her own.

>Anon on the other hoof had no magic. But in him you discovered something few others had.

>The potential for great evil. His anger seemed to be part of his nature and though he was very good at controlling it, you knew from experience what could happen if it wasn’t given an outlet.

>So you started him on combat training. Drilling into him all the martial arts and combat knowledge you could round up. The best swords ponies and hoof to hoof combat experts you could find were brought to Canterlot, and you trained together.

>He quickly outclassed even you in everything. Becoming the strongest fighter this world had ever seen. And with the training came discipline and control for both of you.

>You found a kindred spirit. One that could understand your violent bloodlust, a side effect left over from your fall, and help you channel it.

>Together you traveled Equestria. Hunting down beasts and monsters that posed a threat to your kingdom.

>Over the past eight years you have become very close. Able to almost know the other's thoughts. And you fought like a single entity. Perfectly complimenting one another.

>But what you felt for him was more than friendship. It was more like…

>No.

>You shake your head, snapping yourself from that line of thought.

>Glancing at the clock you see it’s almost time to lower the moon. You had let your thoughts ramble long enough.

>You get up, stretching your stiff muscles and head for the balcony.

*******

 

>You are Anon.

>You muscles are starting to burn. You are nearing the end of the fourth lap around the castle walls. One more to go.

>Luna was just teasing about making you run but you went and did it anyway.

>You needed to clear your head, and get away from her before you say something stupid.

>It’s getting harder to suppress your feeling toward Luna.

>You realised several months ago that you were falling in love with her. Around the time she was preparing for the Grand Galloping Gala.

>You normally don’t get involved with those preparations and just stay out of the way, but this year there was a changeling threat.

>Intel was received stating that a nest had sent infiltrators posed as various staff and even some guest. Security had to be tightened and everyone had to be checked and double checked to weed out the imposters.

>Twilight had devised a spell that would reveal a shape shifted drone without hurting regular ponies.

>They found thirty drones in the various members of staff and caught eight more trying to pass themselves as guest’s the night of the Gala.

>Luckily nopony was hurt and you and Luna dealt with them, and their nest, permanently.

>But during the preparations you never left Luna’s side. Eating meals together, bathing, dressing, even sleeping in her room.

>You couldn’t take the chance there would be an attack when you weren’t around.

>You and Luna were close anyway. She was your best friend. But being constantly glued to her side for almost two weeks changed things for you.

>After the Gala was over you found yourself alone on patrol, or in your room, and all you could think about was Luna.

>You would wander into her study and sit with her and read when you normally would be training with the guard.

>You sat beside her in night court more than you used to, listening to her handling her various duties.

>And you haven’t missed a moonrise since.

>Speaking of moonrise…

>As you round the corner to the last stretch of your fifth lap you notice the sun is coming up.

>You glance up at the solar wing and can see the tip of Celestia's horn over the edge of her balcony.

>It’s time for breakfast/supper.

>You head towards the training floor and grab a quick shower, washing away the sweat from your run.

>Then you head for the dining room, should be right on time.

 

 

Chapter 3.

 

Mirror.

 

>Deep in the frozen tundra, miles north of the Crystal Empire, a lone pony pulls a cart.

>An occasional gust of wind blows snow around the pony, but a shield of magic diverts the snow and cold away.

>A closer look reveals a mare, blue coat and silver mane, a purple cape and pointed hat covered in stars.

>She trudges across the frozen waste alone, the only sound besides the wind is the clop of her hooves and the creak of the wagon wheels.

>Her focus is intense. She stares straight ahead, only glancing at the sun to note its position in the sky.

>As the sun touches the horizon the mare stops. Pulling a lever on the side of the cart she prepares for the night. As the cart shifts into a small shack, she uses her magic to light a small fire and set a cook pot.

>After a scrumptious vegetable soup she banks the fire and pulls out a book. Settling under the warmth of her cape she begins to read.

>A journal, it belonged to her mother. About a year ago the mare received a package. Inside was this journal and a letter, no signature or indication of who sent it.

>All the letter said was who the book belonged to and to follow the clues if she wants the truth.

>The more she reads the more questions she has. Her mother was a traveling magician that lived a very adventurous life before she came along.

>Sometimes her writing didn’t make any sense, just nonsense words and drawings of strange creatures.

>The most interesting parts were the spells. Magic from other worlds, strange summoning rituals, and old dark magic. Things the mare was afraid to try. A few of these spells even look like necromancy.

>She shivers and closes the book, pulling out a scroll she begins to write a letter.

Dear Princess Luna,

I am writing to let you know that I am ok. I know I haven’t contacted you in quite some time but I have been keeping up with my studies. Somepony sent me my mothers journal and it is full of new spells. I’m actually writing this to request your assistance. If you can find the time, please join me in my dreams tonight. I need to talk to you.

Your ever faithful student: G.P.T.

>She rolls the scroll up and ties it with a dark blue ribbon, then casts a spell causing the note to pop out of existence.

>Rising from the fireside she heads into her shack to sleep.

 

 

******

 

 

>You are Luna, reclining on a cushion in your study reading the latest Daring Do book.

>Don’t judge, a Princess can indulge.

>Anon reclines on a sofa near by, reading some random book on transmutation magic. You briefly wonder why he would be reading that but only for a moment, He always reads strange things.

>Suddenly there is a flash of light and a hollow pop, a scroll bounces off your nose and lands on your book.

>You look down in surprise and see the dark blue ribbon, you know immediately who it’s from.

>Grabbing the scroll in your magic, you unroll it and read quickly. Glancing at Anon you see him watching you expectantly.

“She is fine. She needs to speak with me as soon as I can. I’ll give her time to get good and asleep and go visit her dreams.”

>You mark your place in the book with the ribbon and rise, stretching your back.

“Let's go get some air Anon. I need to stretch my wings.”

>You head for the door, waiting for Anon to place his book back in its spot on the shelf.

>He’s always so neat and tidy, never leaving things out of place.

>You watch as he slips his sword into his belt before walking out the door.

>No matter where he is or what he is doing that sword is there. If not on his side or in his hand it is within reach, he even sleeps with it.

>You gave up a long time ago trying to convince him he didn’t need it ‘all the time’.

 

>Later. Stretched out on your belly in the grass. You and Anon came to rest somewhere deep in the gardens.

>Just sitting and watching the night go by, smelling the night air and enjoying the sounds.

“Trixie should be asleep by now Anon. I’m going to go check on her”

>”I’ll be here.” Anon replies, snapping to attention and going on alert.

>You reach out with your magic and pull him down on the grass beside you.

“Will you relax. Nothing is going to attack us in the middle of the royal gardens. Besides, nopony even knows we are out here. Just...sit.”

>You close your eyes. Reaching out to the dream realm and feeling for the familiar bit of magic you know is your student. It doesn't take you long to find her and you slip your consciousness into her dream.

>You find yourself on a snow covered field. A few yards away sits Trixie's cart.

>A small fire burns outside and lamp light shines through the windows.

>You taught Trixie how to dream her location if she needed to, this looks to be somewhere in the far north, past the borders of the Crystal Empire.

>As you approach the door it opens to allow you entry. She is sitting at a table, a book in front of her. She looks up at you as you enter.

>Rising from the table she bows to you. “Thank you for coming, master.” she says with humble reverence.

“If you don’t get over here and give me a hug I’m going to wake you up, violently.”

>You stomp a hoof on the wood floor to punctuate your statement.

>Trixie springs from her bow and flings her hooves around your neck, almost knocking you over. You return the hug, wrapping her in your wings.

“It’s good to see you little one, you look well.”

>”It has been a while Lulu.” She releases you, dropping her formal attitude and addressing you normally.

>”How are thing’s going at home? Is my brother behaving?”

“Everything at home is fine. Anon is in perfect health, except for the permanent worry line he’s developing in the middle of his forehead. You really should write more often, just so we know you’re ok.” You flash her a stern look and she sighs.

>”I know, I just don’t have the time to think about it anymore. Since I received this.”

>She points a hoof at a large book lying open on the table where she was sitting.

“And what is this, Trixie?”

> You walk over and glance at the page. Neat and tiny writing covers every available space on the both pages.

>”It’s my mother's journal. I don’t know who sent it to me but I got it about a year ago. There was a letter with it that told me it belonged to my mother and to ‘follow the clues if I want the truth.’ So that is what I have been doing, and why I am here.”

“And what truths have you learned?” you ask.

>”Lots. My mother lived quite a life before she had me, and she was not what she appeared to be. Judging from the spells she has written down in here, she was quite the mage. Some of this stuff is over my head, and some of it is downright scary.”

“What do you mean by scary?”

>”Like eldritch, dark, other-worldly, and almost necromantic type scary.” Trixie levitates the book and shows you a drawing. It’s some kind of summoning circle you’ve never seen before

>”I can’t reproduce the spells here because I can’t understand enough, but from my mothers descriptions of them I’m starting to learn. I don’t like what I am learning.” she closes the book and sets it back on the table.

>”Anyway, the entries have led me here to the place where my father disappeared. There is some special location here that allowed them to open a portal to some other dimension. When my father went through it closed before mother could follow. She didn’t have the reagents to open the portal again so she had to go back to civilization for more. By the time she was ready to return, she had discovered that she was pregnant with me. According to her writings it was hard, but she decided to give it up and have me here where it was safe.”

“So, I assume you have the reagents and you intend to open the portal yourself?” Trixie nods “You know I can’t let you go alone.”

>Trixie rears up on her and legs and lays a hoof across her chest, holding the other out to you.

>”The Great and Powerful Trrrrixe will accept your assistance, kind Princess.”

>You fall over laughing. Trixie holds her pose for a few seconds before joining you on the floor.

>When you both catch your breath you get back on your hooves and help Trixie up.

“I will gather some things to help you and come to where you are. I can teleport to the Crystal Empire and come on hoof from there.”

>You get the information and a promise from Trixie to wait for you before casting the spell to leave the dream.

 

 

>When you awaken you feel a weight pressed against your side. Turning your head you see Anon leaning against your whither, sword across his knees and staring off into space.

>You poke his ribs with your muzzle causing him to jump and roll away. Chuckling lightly you get on your hooves and head for the castle.

“Come on Anon, we need to pack.”

>”Pack for what?” he asks, following you “Where are we going?”

“To meet your sister.”

 

 

******