Always On The Move..

Bright red eyes gazed up towards the heavens, which was darkening with the fall of the sun. Through their slitted pupils, the evening's last rays were reflected, though their light seemed to be devoured by the black. T'was a bit difficult to watch the sunset from the forest's floor, what with the entwining branches and their countless leaves obscuring the sky, but enough of the celestial event could be seen. In silence, those eyes continued to absorb the beauty, until at long last the light was extinguished.

Onyx's lids slowly drew shut as she inhaled deeply, feeling her diaphragm contract and lungs expand with the crisp autumn air. She held it, ears twitching to the beating of her own heart, which pounded harder and harder the longer the breath was held. In one slow, even gesture, the tainted air was exhaled, and eyes reopened. This time, they focused upon the thinning end of the forest, beyond which a sturdy dirt road stretched.

Metal clanked as she took a step forward, ringing loud and proud from her slender neck and muscular back. At the same time, the silver bracelets around her fetlocks and shanks jingled musically, or rather noisily in her opinion. The mare's metal components were concealed beneath a smooth velvety cloak of black, one whose hue matched the coat upon her own flesh. From beneath the erect hood protruded a majestic horn, whose tip was battle-sharp.

Her pace was slow, cautious, almost suspicious. While her speed might have been almost craven, Onyx was far from frightened, and carried herself with both dignity and security. Merely, the unicorn was in no rush to reach the forest's end, for beyond she knew lied civilization. Indeed, upon reaching the outskirts, the opened space was almost overwhelming, and she froze in place, staring out down the road that reached for the horizon.

Having no idea where the path lead, she snorted, then looked back up to the stars for an answer. But their twinkles were silent, as was the great motherly moon. The dark is my friend, by journey has been long. I shall need shelter soon, and food for energy. Onyx thought, her ears pricking at the irritating fact. There is no sense in delaying the inevitable. With a nod in self-agreement, the unicorn went back to her gentle walk, fantasizing all the while what she might come across in the end..

"Oh my! Watch out!"

A flash of blue and green cut across the unicorn's path, abruptly cutting off her stroll. The blur impacted with the road but meters from her, kicking up a dust cloud that fanned outwards from the sight of impact, and sure enough, dirtied Onyx's once pristine cloak. She swore beneath her breath while shaking herself clean, and giving the fabric a few pats with her hoof. Narrowing eyes glared at the misshapen figure within the dust, failing to blink even once while it gradually thinned and dissolved.

To her surprise, a Pegasus stood bowed before her, blue-green snout touching a patch of grass that randomly sprouted on the path. She seemed to be nuzzling it lovingly, and it wasn't until the unicorn stepped to the side for a better perspective that she understood why. Amongst the green was a single flower, whose petals were as white and luminous as the moon itself. The Pegasus carefully pawed at the earth around it, digging deep enough as not to disturb the flower's roots, but enough to free it from its ill-placed spot.

Onyx tilted her head curiously to one side, watching the pony replant the flower beside a tree, which yielded one great root in an arch, to act as its protector. Once she was finished, and gave the land a reassuring pat, the Pegasus happily trotted over to the cloaked stranger.

"Well hello there, hun! Sorry to have startled you as I did." The Pegasus politely bowed, smiling the whole while.

Onyx cocked a brow, a gesture that went unseen beneath her hood. "It's..fine." She replied, walking around the other.

For a moment, it seemed as if the Pegasus wouldn't follow. But, sure enough, she turned about and galloped on after the unicorn. "No, wait, please!" It was rather simple for her to catch up, and then keep pace with the other. She ignored the grunt that came from the mysterious mare. "The least I can do is buy you a drink- you must have been traveling for quite some time, given how deep the woods go."

"I'm..fine." Onyx replied, resisting a snarl. Whoever this Pegasus was, she was far too nice for the likes of her. The unicorn was undeserving of kindness. She quickened her pace. Alas, a rumble from her stomach revealed her farce, much to her dismay.

"Tee-hee, I heard that. Zephyr Botanica shan't take no for an answer!" The Pegasus exclaimed. "There's a nice little inn further down the road- I spotted it earlier. I'm sure we can get you a nice cup of cider and some sweet treats in your belly."

Onyx stopped dead in her track. An inn? That would mean the possibility of a crowd- something she really didn't care for, especially in her less-than-tip-top-shape. Zephyr stopped beside her, a look of concern on her face. "Is..something wrong, darling?" She inquired. "...No." The unicorn lied. "Good! Then lets get going, shall we? The night grows darker, and these woods are filled with dangers.."

That flower was a Moon Blossom. Zephyr stated matter-of-factly, her head held high with swelling pride. There weren't many who could easily identify such a rare flower. "It only blooms at night, under the full moon. The rest of the time, its petals are tightly shut, making it look like nothing more than a common weed." Orchid eyes looked the other pony over, whom reluctantly walked beside her. It was hard to tell whether or not she was being listened to. But ever the optimist, the pegasus smiled brightly and gave a short chuckle.

Onyx glanced over a shoulder and back down the path, to where the flower had been moved. Those flowers were often used in potions and elixirs in those texts. She would have to remember to retrieve it later- it could come in handy sometime. "I hear the petals, while in bloom, have potent mystical properties, due to the moonlight's influence." While not a talkative mare, she wasn't an outright rude one, either.

The pegasus blinked rapidly, amazed that the unicorn knew of that fact. "Why, yes, you're right. Though I've never been able to extract it, personally. I do know of someone who has, though.. Her eyes rolled up and to the right as she recalled that specific pony's face. It was a famous unicorn of silver coat, silver and black mane, with plentiful gil and a rather established family. Noticing the other's stare, Zephyr blushed a bit, unsure whether or not she should name names. "Nothing too extreme, really. They're more of a physical ingredient than a magical one." She blurted out, being mindful of the secretive details.

Onyx nodded, slowly. As an ingredient? Why would a unicorn use the physical and not the mystical properties? That doesn't make much sense- even those unfamiliar with all magical aspects should be able to at least sense the aura it contains. Hm. Her focus returned to the path ahead, and more importantly, to the sullen little building that seemed to have been randomly built on a rough patch of weeds and dirt. It was composed of rotting logs, some of which had little maggots wiggling out from tiny holes, others were decorated with spiderwebs and rusted nails. Yet, despite the chaotic construction, from the sounds of the drunken laughter and jeers, it sounded to be quite popular.

Zephyr slowed her pace down, Onyx followed her example. The two of them stared at the Inn, wincing in sync as a glass audibly shattered somewhere inside.

"On second thought.."

"..I think we should head somewhere else.."

Heartspan walked causally down the road. His black cloak hung about him , it's hem dragging on the ground, and it's hood pulled up so that only his sharp white horn protruded from it's dark recesses. Suspended above his left shoulder in a bubble of shimmering azure magic hung his saddle bag. Before him suspended in a similar aura was an ancient tome of so called “ forbidden magic”. The light emitting from his horn allowed him to both read and navigate the road now that night had descended on white tail wood.

As he walked and read he could not help but find his eys drawn to the apple size gem he used to fasten his cloak shut. The deep blue black with it's thousands of star points drew his gaze and it was only with great effort that he was able to pull himself back into reality. He could feel the ebb and flow of power radiating both from the gem and from the book. The way they mingled was both mysterious and somewhat of a concern. He shook his head banishing his thoughts in order to continue his study. Casually glancing about he was surprised to find he had wandered far enough to come across a rather dismal looking tavern and two mare. One a unicorn judging by the horn and one a pegasi.

He bowed in a slightly old fashioned manner.

“ Good evening ladies.” he greeted them as he began to walk past.

A shiver ran down Onyx's spine. Every follicle of her coat stood on end, the flesh beneath tensing and straining. Her eyes snapped wide open, slitted pupils constricted to the point they were barely visible amongst her red irises. That feeling.. It's so..familiar.. She felt as though a cloak of cold had fallen upon her, though she failed to shiver- on the outside at least. Deep within her core, where her spirit resided, the poor essence trembled and swirled, as though wishing to escape its prison of flesh and bone. It made her stomach churn and brow furrow. But I am so far from the Empire.. Where could this possibly be..

"Where would you like to-" Zephyr cocked a brow as she stared at her traveling companion, whom had grown stiff as a board. She frowned and waved a hoof before the other's muzzle, but the unicorn failed to so much as blink. Clearly, something was wrong. Thinking it could possibly be the inn, the pegasus looked back at the building, wincing each time she heard a thump or another glass shattering. She then turned more fully to her friend, her ears perking straight up as she caught the subtle sound of hoofs. Someone was coming, though with the blanket of dark around them, it was hard to tell whom or what- despite the eerie glow that matched each step's bounce.

Onyx turned to face the newcomer, her posture still tense, though hidden behind her own cloak. Her eyes were fastened on the book that hovered before the pony, from which she sensed a dark power. Zephyr, ever the sweetling, smiled broadly in welcome.

"And to you as well, kind sir." She returned the pleasantries, bow included. It was rare to find someone so sophisticated these days- more so out in the middle of no where.

The unicorn continued to stare, even as he stalked past. "You need to go." She grumbled, while slowly turning to follow the mare's path.

"But why?" Zephyr inquired with concern laced in her tone. Her orchid eyes wandered to the stranger, then back to the mare. Clearly, there were unicorn matters to attend to- perhaps she recognized him? "Well..ok. You be careful though, ok? I won't ever forgive myself if something happened to you and I wasn't there to help." The pegasus deeply sighed and unfurled her wings.

Onyx took off into a sudden trot, vaguely aware of the sound of flapping wings behind her. She was focused on the mare, whom she fell into pace with beside him before too long, and without much effort. "That tome.." The unicorn began, her mouth drying out with a bit of fear. "If you don't mind my asking.." It was wise to choose her words carefully. "Where did you happen upon it?" Her heart thumped heavily in her chest, beating with such intensity that it ached..

Heartspan was pleased that at least one of the mares had returned his pleasantries. He could vaguely remember a time when he was shy and wary of strangers but somehow he had seemed to have moved past that bridge, and without even realizing it. He continued on his way mentally forgiving the unicorns awkward behavior. He had been like that once but a lot had changed since he had left his partly burned home in ponyville some three month before and had become a wandering scholar of sorts.
He returned his attention to his reading, carefully perusing the ancient script. Very soon however he found himself startled near to death as a mare suddenly fell into step beside him. His heart lurched and he gasped in surprise as her words suddenly brought him free of the pages of his book.

“ That Tome.....” , “ If you Don't mind my asking....” , “ where did you come by it?”

he turned his head sharply toward her as he slowed to a stop. While he did not know her he would not of forgotten someone he saw only a few moments before. She was hooded and cloaked in the same manner as himself and a unicorn to boot.

“ you mean this one I am reading?” he asked as he drifted the book more clearly into her view. “ I purchased it from some earth pony a few months ago in manehattan.....it's not your is it?”

his question was framed in a tone of voice that held disappointment and concern over the potential loss of the book.

“ I can give it back, but I need it for a little first, there are some formula I must study before I return it.” he offered hesitantly.

Suddenly realization dawned on him. He pulled back his hood revealing his short uncombed grew mane and snow white coat.

“ Say, if you are familiar with the text maybe you could help me figure out some of the things in here. Some of the alchemical formula are strictly for use in zebra alchemy and I am having difficulty converting it into pure unicorn magical theory. “ he spoke with enthusiasm. That seemed to wilt as he continued “ aaah, I know it is a forbidden book but ...well.......anyway my names Heartspan” He finished off lamely.

He was unsure of what this new unicorn might say. In either case he was armed with a short sword and his own magic if she became troublesome and this thought calmed him some.

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“ you mean this one I am reading?”

She nodded once, and slowly. "Indeed."

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“ I purchased it from some earth pony a few months ago in manehattan.....it's not your is it?”

Her heart skipped a beat, causing her chest to tighten and mouth fall agape to a silent gasp. Purchased? That tome was not only ancient, but incredibly powerful and not to mention rare. And yet it had been legally obtained at a place called..Mane..hat..tan? Onyx repeated the city's name a few times, correcting the pronunciation mentally until it felt right. "No, it isn't. I'm just surprised someone would be..vendoring it.." The mare paused, lifting a inquisitive hoof to her muzzle. I wonder whom this merchant is, and how he or she obtained the tome in the first place.

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“ I can give it back, but I need it for a little first, there are some formula I must study before I return it.”

At this, her eyes widened. So, he was indeed delving into the dark arts. T'was a difficult faction of magic to understand, even harder to perform. And once one lost their mind in the passages upon the paper, so too did their soul follow. Onyx remembered how it felt, reading such dark texts, at the heed of her master. The power was overwhelming, it surged through every ounce of her being. Though it felt great, she would later realize it also corrupted at the same time, and would forever leave a taint on her.

The unicorn finally blinked when he removed his cloak, revealing a pale, pure coat and silvery mane. Her heart squeezed again, knowing well that the innocence within him would soon darken and be reflected on his magnificent hide.

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“ Say, if you are familiar with the text maybe you could help me figure out some of the things in here. Some of the alchemical formula are strictly for use in zebra alchemy and I am having difficulty converting it into pure unicorn magical theory. “ he spoke with enthusiasm. That seemed to wilt as he continued “ aaah, I know it is a forbidden book but ...well.......anyway my names Heartspan” He finished off lamely.

She closed her eyes while nipping at the rim of her hood, which she then tossed off. Revealed was a stunning mare of a black coat, with a flowing red and black mane. From her forehead, a long, spiraling horn stood erect, while red eyes, fitted with slit pupils, were bared with the parting of their lids. "I am familiar with these passages, as well as many other tomes of the ..less than acceptable nature." Carefully, she rounded the colt until she stood beside him, giving her a better look of the page he was on.

"I'm Onyx. Onyx G-"The mare cut herself short. "Onyx Pariah." It was painful to have almost stated her former, true surname. More so because it reminded her of that which she lost, and sought to discover. "If you truly wish to divulge in these arts, I will aid you. But, I would like to know just where you purchased this tome. Items such as these are rare and few- if the vendor had other scriptures in his possession, he might be worth a visit."

Heartspan had not missed the catch in her voice as she introduced herself but he let it pass as the beautiful mare moved next to him to better peer into his book. He gave her one long look. She was every bit his polar opposite in color. Her eyes caught his attention with their slit pupil and blood like color. He did his best to scrutinize her without being noticed. In the end he decided he liked the look of her and more so her knowledge of the subjects he wished to study.

He turned his eyes once more to the tome in front of them as he spoke to her, his enthusiasm entering his voice quiet easily and very much unmasked.

“ Well, Onyx....as to the vender, it was just some passing pony of a rather less than acceptable nature “ he began, testing her phrasing of things as he spoke “ He did have another pair of tomes like this, I purchased them all. “

He drifted his saddle bag over to where she could see it.
“ I have them here if you wish to look at them.” he offered politely. “ I am glad you are willing to lend a hoof. Most ponies would not be so...er...polite. However, I think perhaps I should share with you a little secret as to my intent. I....er.....I plan to make a pony out nothing, out of just bits and pieces of nothing. That though is just a second step on a little bit longer path......” he stated rather bluntly.

he blushed as he spoke. He was not sure where his plan had originated, but he could feel without doubt that it's success was important. He knew it was dangerous to be so open with anypony but sometimes a pony just had to make a gamble. She seemed sincere and interested in aiding him and so he felt taking her into confidence only right.

The writings were intricate- more chaotic expressions via diagrams and artistic illustrations than words. Due to their foreign nature, the prints were difficult to decipher for those whom lacked the tome's native tongue, but fortunately she had dabbled in it long ago. As her eyes studied each marking, her brain cranked into gear, working to break down the pieces into a less complicated form. The colt beside her was watching her- she could feel it- but the mare chose to focus on the task at hoof, rather than his potential critiques.

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“ Well, Onyx....as to the vender, it was just some passing pony of a rather less than acceptable nature “ he began, testing her phrasing of things as he spoke “ He did have another pair of tomes like this, I purchased them all. “

She didn't bother looking away from the tome as he addressed her. Instead, the unicorn conjured a light white aura at the tip of her horn, through which she conjured a levitation spell of her own, gesturing it towards the saddlebag on her flank. The material unbound itself, and from it a blank scroll was brought over to her, where it unraveled itself. A quill followed after, as well as a vial of black ink. With little focus, she undid the vial's top and had the quill's tip dip inside, coating the sharp end with the black ink.

Using her magic, Onyx began scribbling notes upon it, doing her best to bring the page into a clearer context for Heartspan. "Did he mention from where he came? Where he was headed? Or did you manage to catch any special features that would distinguish him from another pony?" There were many spells that could help her in her hunt of the merchant, but none that didn't need assistance of some sort. She'd need a picture of him, or perhaps an article of clothing to conjure a location spell. If worse came to worse, if he bestowed upon the colt a former location or future destination, she could travel there as well.

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“ I have them here if you wish to look at them.” he offered politely. “ I am glad you are willing to lend a hoof. Most ponies would not be so...er...polite. However, I think perhaps I should share with you a little secret as to my intent. I....er.....I plan to make a pony out nothing, out of just bits and pieces of nothing. That though is just a second step on a little bit longer path......”

Quirking a brow, Onyx had her parchment roll up, the notes finished for the most part, and had it hover before Heartspan to take. In exchange, she dismissed her magic and turned towards his saddlebag, to examine the tomes of which he spoke. Before she could poke her nose to look about, her ears perked up, then folded a bit. His intentions were rather odd, if not completely irrational. While she had heard of such monstrous fascinations before in her texts, the unicorn couldn't recall anyone having been successful.

"That would be an incredible feat. But one that would most likely cost you dearly." The mare turned to him and looked directly into his eyes. "These arts require sacrifice. And not from an outside source. You will suffer for your success." She wasn't threatening, but rather stating facts. "The dark powers are unlike any other. They are strong, incredible, and stronger than most." For a moment, a green color illuminated the white of her eyes, swallowing them whole. "You will make yourself an outcast to most, and perhaps lose yourself as well if you will is not strong enough." Purple flames danced from the corners of her eyes. "You must be willing to face the consequences, and be strong of both body and heart. Are you?"

Though the night was dark by its own rights, the area around Onyx grew darker still, as if all the shadows of the forest were condensing around her. The dark powers she conjured were minimal by her standards, but enough to bare a true sense of foreboding.

Heartspan's deep blue eyes fixed on her red ones as he listened intently to her. His azure magic catching up the parchment she had hovered over to him. He watched as color and fire danced intermittently in her eyes. When she had finished he nodded once firmly even as a deeper darkness descended over the forest.

“ Onyx my new friend. I am very familiar with the process of equivalent exchange. All things in this life come with a price that must be paid even the vaunted force called 'friendship'. Even at that I have already paid the price for something I made. I am strong enough for what must be done and for the toll it will extract from me.” he said kindly “ besides in the end it will all be worth it. I aim to create an alicorn, one more powerful than all the princesses combined. I cannot stand celestia and her hypocrisy nor can I stand her servants nor those she keeps as puppet figures. So I will make someone to oppose them and to serve as protector of those of us who fall below the necessary level of wealth and influence.”

He took a small step away from her and gave her an appreciative bow and a wide grin.

“ Today has been fortunate for me. You are a most helpful and kind pony. I am glad we met.” he said brightly

Onyx listened to him attentively, the purple flames continuing to flicker through the air and lick at her cheek. She could feel the darkness embracing her, pressing against her flesh, strengthening its fibers. The cold deepened still, so intense that a frost even collected at her hoofs. One ear twisted towards the ruined inn, having been reminded of its existence via the thump of a patron no doubt passing out on the dusty floor. Knowing that at any moment they could be stumbled upon, she dismissed the conjured essence, which fizzled out almost instantly. And as the flames died, and the whites returned to her eyes, the veil of shadows lifted, those that had been stolen returned to their original creators.

"I am glad you're both familiar and willing to pursue. It takes a rare type of pony to willingly continue down the path of darkness, especially while being aware of the costs." The mare looked him up and down, inwardly grinning the whole time. She was developing a new-found respect for him. It had been ages since she last related to another- in fact, the last pony she interacted with on a close level was her master. Thinking of him, even briefly, brought about a great sorrow and a burning rage. "I mourn for that which you sacrificed, knowing well of the feeling of loss. But I congratulate you in your strength."

Her eyes widened when he mentioned his intentions. "An alicorn, you say? How..interesting." Onyx's brow furrowed at the mentioning of Celestia's name. Had it not been for her, she would have lived a much happier, healthy life. "I must concur- the 'princess' is nothing more than an over-pompous fool of a mare. Her reign has continued for too long." Again, her ears flicked to the inn. She lowered her voice. "I hoped to unlock the secret behind an alicorn's creation myself. But before I could.."

The unicorn sighed and shook her head. There was no sense in bringing up her past, especially when it physically pained her to do so. When he bowed, she returned the gesture, a grin creeping across her muzzle. "Fortune smiles on us both this evening." Darkly chuckling, Onyx raised back to her full height. "I foresee a great relationship between us. But perhaps this conversation is better spoken elsewhere. There's no telling what sort of ears listen in these woods."

Heartspan nodded cordially. He was glad to have met a pony who both despised this fool called celestia as well as desired to uncover the art of alicorn production as he would call it. This talk of the dark path was somewhat troubling since as far as he had ever remembered thinking, there was no such thing as a light or dark path in anything. It was all subjective to the opinion of those in power. Those in power determined what was considered the norm, what was good, and what was evil. Perhaps later he would share this bit of wisdom with his new friend.
He looked first one way up the path and then he looked the other way.

“ Well, we can go where ever you like. I have a home in ponyville but it is rather damaged from some recent study and there was a small trouble with the solar guard so I would prefer not to go there but aside from that the choice is yours.” he replied as he tucked both his books and the parchment into his saddle bags.

He studied her for a moment as he waited to hear her decision. She was clearly adept at magic and most likely a lot better trained in it than he himself, but that would only be for a short time as his studies no doubt would lead to a wealth of things he had not before taken the time to learn.

“ I certainly hope our 'relationship' proves to be good, but even if it doesn't, at least it starts good.” he commented. “ One day we should form a society of unicorn spell casters. An enclave where in we could take back control of our own art. I don't like that celestia runs the school for magic. I also don't like that such a gifted unicorn was transformed into this abomination. Long ago there were no alicorns, and I would theorize they had such an enclave to govern their craft during that time.“

He looked up in the darkness of the night, past the forest canopy.

“ our princess, the one we make, it will not be a governess nor seen as anything more than it is. We will govern 'her' much more wisely than those who created celestia managed to do. “ he looked back at onyx with a small sad smile “ there is a lesson in celestia's existence I think, unless of course she is well and truly following her original programming. That in itself is a frightening concept but very well possible.Anyways, where will we go my new friend. “

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“ Well, we can go where ever you like. I have a home in ponyville but it is rather damaged from some recent study and there was a small trouble with the solar guard so I would prefer not to go there but aside from that the choice is yours.”

Ponyville..she recalled that town's name. While she never had the 'pleasure' of visiting the area, the books in her younger school days did have a few vague pictures, and it was a large enough region to be marked upon maps. If it's indeed a small a town as I suspect, it could be a double-edged sword for and against my favor. No one would know me there, I'm sure, but at the same time, close-knit places such as that tend to have a close community. I'd be noticed, and I'm sure many ponies would become too interested in a stranger. Especially one that looks like me.

Onyx sighed, recalling how once her mane had been a beautiful white, so full, bright and crystalline that it shimmered. Her eyes had been normal back before the corruption set in, too.

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“ I certainly hope our 'relationship' proves to be good, but even if it doesn't, at least it starts good.” he commented. “ One day we should form a society of unicorn spell casters. An enclave where in we could take back control of our own art. I don't like that celestia runs the school for magic. I also don't like that such a gifted unicorn was transformed into this abomination. Long ago there were no alicorns, and I would theorize they had such an enclave to govern their craft during that time.“

She mildly smiled. "I haven't had many relationships, that's for certain. But I feel we share a kindred spirit- I can only see us benefiting from one another." While her knowledge of the mystical arts was great, her connection to the current state of the world was not. He could help her figure out what had changed since her blackout, and perhaps regale her with a new spell or two, more recently discovered. If nothing else, his knowledge of alicorns would be quite useful- though while he wished to create one from naught, she yearned to become one herself. That fact she'd keep to herself, though.

"Magic is an art that most take for granted. There are many forms that have become forbidden, even forgotten, the latter of which I hope to rediscover." Onyx nodded. No doubt there were libraries with tomes dated back eons ago, from whence the first unicorns discovered the essence that was magic.

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“ our princess, the one we make, it will not be a governess nor seen as anything more than it is. We will govern 'her' much more wisely than those who created celestia managed to do. “ he looked back at onyx with a small sad smile “ there is a lesson in celestia's existence I think, unless of course she is well and truly following her original programming. That in itself is a frightening concept but very well possible.Anyways, where will we go my new friend. “

She scraped a hoof across the ground, watching as the dirt parted from the silver armor. Her eyes rolled back to Heartspan. "I fear alicorns possess a power that makes even mine pale in comparison. If we hope to control such a creature, we'll need to be prepared. There are artifacts of old that were purposely constructed to enforce control on another- to bend one's will to the owner's own. But that wouldn't be enough. We'd have to create a means of suppressing one's magical essence as well, lest the alicorn's strength becomes overwhelming even for 'her.'" Onyx rolled back her shoulders, the armor slabs upon them clinked softly against one another.

The mare looked up and squinted. "I know where we can find the texts necessary for what I hope to create. But I'm not sure how welcomed I'd be." Sighing, Onyx craned her neck to the colt, her eyes met his. "I am not familiar with this..region. Do you know of a library that might have old texts, ones long forgotten, within their alcoves?" Perhaps her old books were copied to newer editions. "If not, a more common library might do. It's been..quite some time since I've visited one. It may just be that the tomes were recreated."

Heartspan listened patiently. He was certain they would find a benefit with each other. Her knowledge of magic seemed well superior to many ponies he had met. He turned back toward ponyville and civilization. Thinking to himself as he listened to her.

“ well I know for certain of two libraries. Ponyville has one though I doubt it will have what you are looking for. The only other one I can think of is the great library of Canterlot. That for certain has many ancient tomes and would be our best bet. “ he replied. Casually.

He started to walk toward the town slowly so that his companion would not fall behind.

“ I have also given thought to this power difference you mention. I agree that forced control will only lead to a bad end for us and for our creation. However, suppressing its power in any way will only create an exploitable weakness. What we need to do is breed into it a natural tendency to be subservient. This also creates a weakness and so we must find some balancing factor.” he stated

He paused momentarily to look at his companion as he continued.

“ I was thinking to myself “ what power can defeat the elements of harmony and the magic of friendship'. Chaos failed, all weaker negative emotions would fail, then it hit me. The only power strong enough to combat such a thing. 'Emptiness, lack of caring in any sort of a way. Complete lack of emotion.'This combination can defeat any emotion based attack positive or negative. Balance this power with proper breeding, choice of materials, and careful planning and we will be able to ensure our servant will be loyal and without weakness. “

He continued walking again slowly.

“ I am not at all worried that our creation will not be able to handle her own power. Her very design will ensure that as an impossibility. I mean, I don't see any others of her kind unable to control their power, nor any unicorn really. We all are properly trained. You, Me , and everypony else. “

he continued in silence. He liked that she was such a cautious pony. She offered unique insights and a pleasant conversation. He looked forward to learning more about his new friend but even more so to what they would create. He thought deeply and as he did he spoke without really thinking.

“ You know, I don't see the light and dark side of magic as inherently good or evil. To me magic is more simple than that. I find that what people see as dark or evil is just a misunderstanding of the brutal cost one form of magic has over the other. We filter the sources of power through the lens of our own opinion and the broad opinion of our society. I think it is the Spellcaster's intentions that truly make a magic evil. This thought makes Alicorn magic seem more simple. If unicorn magic comes in two forms , one light and one dark, then alicorn magic is simply the merging of the two into an entirely new form of magic. I think it is the raw amount of magic that an alicorn possess in its spirit that makes it so forbidding and dangerously powerful.” he commented absently

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“ well I know for certain of two libraries. Ponyville has one though I doubt it will have what you are looking for. The only other one I can think of is the great library of Canterlot. That for certain has many ancient tomes and would be our best bet. “

She nodded solemnly. I know of Canterlot's, and the vaults. Not intimately, but perhaps enough to find what we require.The unicorn squinted, conjuring her brief memories of the place. When she was but a filly, Onyx had a fine thirst for magical knowledge. Having been birthed and raised in Canterlot, one of her most frequent visits was said library, which almost became a second home to her. If only I had been accepted into Celestia's school.. Mentally, she sighed. There was no sense in daunting on the 'if only'.

With ease, she matched his pace, her ears twitching and tweaking as every hoofstep rattled her armor. While she had become accustomed to its noise, the vastness of the forest as well as its eerie silence made each clink deafening.

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“ I was thinking to myself “ what power can defeat the elements of harmony and the magic of friendship'. Chaos failed, all weaker negative emotions would fail, then it hit me. The only power strong enough to combat such a thing. 'Emptiness, lack of caring in any sort of a way. Complete lack of emotion.'This combination can defeat any emotion based attack positive or negative. Balance this power with proper breeding, choice of materials, and careful planning and we will be able to ensure our servant will be loyal and without weakness. “

Her eyes found his as they walked, pinna twisted to listen attentively. The Elements of Harmony? I believe I've read about those. But I thought they were a myth? In an elder tome, there was mention of special magical stones of great power, but it failed to list many details. Onyx tried to further jar her memory for aid, but found the effort to be useless, if not strenuous.  If Heartspan spoke the truth, she was in disbelief regarding the strength of chaos. She had seen much done through the dark arts, including the ravaging of an-

The mare shook her head violently. No. I will not recall that day.

His speech concerning emotions hit a bit too close to home for her. She had been forced to lock hers away, lest her magical prowess get the best of her. Even when she was little, the horn upon her head was capable of great things. Dangerous things. For the sake of herself and all others around her, the unicorn taught herself to conceal her happiness, sadness, and so forth. While she still felt, much to her dismay, it was in controlled amounts. I wonder what I'd be capable if I was fully successful. Should I even try? What sense would power be if I couldn't enjoy it?


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“ I am not at all worried that our creation will not be able to handle her own power. Her very design will ensure that as an impossibility. I mean, I don't see any others of her kind unable to control their power, nor any unicorn really. We all are properly trained. You, Me , and everypony else. “

All the training in the world couldn't help me. Nor do I believe it ever will, lest I lost the essence that is myself. If only he knew of her past, such a statement would be quickly abolished. But rather than reveal such a personal portion of her past, Onyx merely nodded to keep him content. Curse you, Celestia. If only your judges had accepted me, I could have been great. Instead, I'm an outcast, due to your negligence. She growled low and to herself. But there is this colt. I can see us doing much together. I will become what I was meant to be, even if my destiny was truly what my master intended it to be.

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“ You know, I don't see the light and dark side of magic as inherently good or evil. To me magic is more simple than that. I find that what people see as dark or evil is just a misunderstanding of the brutal cost one form of magic has over the other. We filter the sources of power through the lens of our own opinion and the broad opinion of our society. I think it is the Spellcaster's intentions that truly make a magic evil. This thought makes Alicorn magic seem more simple. If unicorn magic comes in two forms , one light and one dark, then alicorn magic is simply the merging of the two into an entirely new form of magic. I think it is the raw amount of magic that an alicorn possess in its spirit that makes it so forbidding and dangerously powerful.” he commented absently

Onyx couldn't keep the smile from creasing her face. He had some very good insight into magic, even if some of it was completely wrong- at least in her opinion. "While I do agree on the matter of perspective, there are techniques that are born from darkness, other still from the depths of true evil. Those are the arts I am familiar with, more so than others." While it was a shameful fact, there was no sense in denying it. "It's hard to explain, less you delve into it yourself. But you can feel a sinister presence, one that chills to the very core. It must be embraced, or you'll find it overcoming you body and soul."

Heartspan's thoughts about alicorns was most intriguing. [i]I believe with enough magical knowledge on one end of the spectrum, one could achieve that level of being. Celestia is a creature of light, one pure, and full of justice. It made her stomach churn to regard the princess as such. "What exactly do you need for this task of yours?" Onyx inquired. "Texts, tomes and scrolls will suffice for myself for some time, but it sounds like you are in need of reagents."

Heartspan listened and smiled at his companion.

" I will have to defer to you in matters of dark magic and as far as what i need i am just barely at the outset of my studies, but i think finding you is exactly what i needed." he commented " i figure if we don't stop for anything we can take the last train from ponyville and be in canterlot by morning. Provided you don't mind the company."

He took in a deep breath of the night air. he felt himself quite at home. It was a delight to meet someone so well versed in magic, who wasn't a wretch, and who also shared his world view. he felt perhaps they might even conquer the entire world not just equestria.

" So i have to find this darkness that chills my very soul and embrace it? " he asked more to the empty night than anything else.

He turned to Onyx a sudden thought coming into his mind.

" So now that you are a dark spellcaster are you incapable of doing conventional 'good' magic or 'light' magic, whatever you want to call it?" he asked.

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" I will have to defer to you in matters of dark magic and as far as what i need i am just barely at the outset of my studies, but i think finding you is exactly what i needed." he commented " i figure if we don't stop for anything we can take the last train from ponyville and be in canterlot by morning. Provided you don't mind the company."

"Train?" Onyx titled her head curiously to one side. [i]Oh, yes, that's right. I remember that locomotive. It was such a noisy thing. Slowing down to a stop, the unicorn looked at the hardened earth beneath her hooves, and to the cloak that billowed around them. "I know of a much better method of transportation." Stretching a foreleg forward, she revealed a section of silver armor plastered from her coronet to her elbow. Her white hoof was pressed to the dirt, then dragged, as she began drawing symbols of old.

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" So i have to find this darkness that chills my very soul and embrace it? "

Still focused on her art, the mare didn't look at him to answered, but did so nonetheless. "If you dare cast a spell of devious origins, yes. Your will must be strong, spirit stronger. Darkness consumes the weak and overtakes it, adding to its own strength. If you show even the slightest hint of hesitation during a cast, you're doomed to fail." She had learned such first-hand. While Onyx had had her own master, there were others in the alcoves. Other apprentices of other teachers, none whom could compare to her own or herself, but they still sought out the same dark arts. Many had perished. Others wished they had.

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" So now that you are a dark spellcaster are you incapable of doing conventional 'good' magic or 'light' magic, whatever you want to call it?"

The unicorn had managed to draw many symbols in the ground, all of which were arranged in a circular pattern large enough to fit herself and Heartspan. At last, she looked up to regard him, while gesturing with a hoof for him to join at her side. "I learned of no such things. My mentor was of the dark. When I was little, I tried to apply for Celestia's school, but was rejected. Had her judges accepted me, who knows? I might have been apt in the light. But I've embraced the darkness, and wish to continue growing strong in it." Even if it was still forbidden.

"This is an old spell, but it should suffice." Onyx stated as she gathered her thoughts, and began to picture a specific street deep within the maze that was Canterlot.

He watched the mare draw her elaborate patterns in the dirt. The moon glinting off her exposed armor. He had wondered why every so often she would jingle and now he had his answer. He stepped closer committing as much of the crafting of the pattern to memory. Thinking about her words as he did so. He would master this dark magic, he was committed despite his view on the nature of magic. Here was a practitioner of the very art he desired to master and he would do well to pay attention to her words.

For the first time in a long time he felt himself on the correct path. Through the spaces in his memory he was able to cobble together a feeling of being lost, of not fitting in with the way society in equestria had been designed. Now though, as he learned these dark formula and as he conversed with someone who held his same opinions and desires, he found himself at home. There were so many things he just could not remember. Where he got his original training, people he had spoken too, why he had been a certain way and why now he was so different. He shook his head as he banished the thoughts.  

He could commit himself to these sorts of devious spells, his own magic required such commitment. He was familiar with the inherent risks. It was sort of a comfort to realize how much his own magic mirrored these dark arts. A sudden movement caught his attention and he looked up into Onyx's red eyes as she gestured for him to join her amid the ancient seals and sigil.

 "I learned of no such things. My mentor was of the dark. When I was little, I tried to apply for Celestia's school, but was rejected. Had her judges accepted me, who knows? I might have been apt in the light. But I've embraced the darkness, and wish to continue growing strong in it."

He words burned away his stray thoughts pulling him back into the real world. He smiled warmly as he moved to stand beside her atop the pattern.

“ ah I see.” he replied.

"This is an old spell, but it should suffice."

He watched her as she spoke, seeing the concentration on her face he kept silent, but he felt himself pleased as he watched. Everything seemed to be going in the right direction.