Dear reader,

Thank you for choosing my piece of fiction for your pleasure. As before all works, authors leave comments and I thought I would use the opportunity to clarify a few pieces of substrate that may end up being a nuisance in the future. I use the word 'may' loosely of course.

Firstly, I am entirely basing the fiction off the series and not the comics, discussions, forums, fictions, or other branches. This is for the reason that I lack the resources required to follow these and place them all in context of a simple fictional work. I will also add that the series is what drew me in first and what is the main medium of expression for the creators, so it is simpler to justify solely sticking to it.

While I have tried to be as loyal as possible to the characters, it is perfectly plausible that I have made mistakes. I not only encourage criticisms of any nature, higher and lower denominations, but I ask for it. If you think I have poorly portrayed any character in the series, I would be grateful for the warning where, if your argument is sound, I would eagerly edit and refine the work, crediting your involvement.

Further more I must state that due to the overwhelming bludgeoning of opinions on the internet and in different cultures I am unable to clarify clear punctuation rules, again any help here would be appreciated. My source for correct format is one of my favourite novels.

In closing I will end with a warning, this book may be disappointingly short for some readers who have the amazing ability to skim through a thousand pages an hour. I advise enjoying the content, because I am not one to write a lot pages on a single description.

Thank you if you read the whole foreword and enjoy.

Fate Of Friendship

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0. Prologue

A strange dream. Strange things. Strange place. There is pain so it is not a dream, there is pain so it is not a dream. They have me now. It will not last. Soon I will be free.

Morning came to Equestria with the raising of the sun. Much had changed on the previous evening with the coronation celebration lasting into the late hours of the night and every pony from Manehattan to Fillydelphia rejoicing their new princess; Twilight Sparkle. However not all had slept in the aftermath.

Twilight stood before the entrance to Princess Celestias chamber. As per her request last night. She had wanted to meet with her to discuss a matter of 'grave importance' as soon as she was able. For Twilight this meant as soon as possible and seeing her mentors nervous look made her increasingly concerned with what the 'grave' matter was.

Sleep had not been kind to Twilight, her thoughts racing with the days ahead and those now gone. Excitement and fear filled her waking moments. She was now a princess and an alicorn. Such a transformation was unheard of, admittedly she missed those chapters in the Canterlot archives. Her mind was without peace over Princess Celestias summoning. She used the word 'grave'... surely if it was that important it would have already been dealt with. Twilight could not help worrying over the nature of the matter in question. Another test to prove herself? A rite of passage all new Alicorns must take? The concepts presented themselves in an endless cascade drowning her inner calm. Regardless of what may come here she stood bright and early and ready for the new day.

She had been instructed to meet the princess alone, to her disappointment. Her closest friends were not allowed to be there. She could not help but feel sad and concerned. What secrets would need to be hidden from them? The others on the other hand seemed to be grateful, mostly for the chance to sleep in that day after their antics, and Spike was his usual sleepy self. Still she wished they were here. She laughed remembering poor spike trying to admit his crush to Rarity, how he kept falling over his words and how Rarity teased him. She did not want to hurt the little guy but letting him out grow his crush was taking a toll on her.

The stain glass windows behind her depicted excerpts of her long journey to this moment, seeing them brought fond memories. They bathed the hall in beautiful colours as the sun shone through, bringing warmth and wonder to her. She could not help scale how quickly things had changed in such a short time. Her fear intruded her nostalgia and she tried to push it from her as Princess Cadence instructed, breathing in deeply then an exhale. She was still overwhelmed with emotion over yesterdays coronation and her ascension into a princess alicorn. The experience brought with it great pride and joy however this fear was an unwelcome visitor. Was this now who she was? Could she stay in Ponyville or would she have to come live in the castle like Princess Cadence and Princess Luna and Princess Celestia? It always seemed that all the princesses were so overwhelmed with their duties and commitments. Would she now have those burdens to bear? Would the Princess expect her to leave Ponyville and all her friends?

Or am I just worrying for nothing? Her thoughts echoed in her mind. It was more than likely she was growing weary of nothing, her unfounded fears were simply intrusions into an otherwise great moment, which was a common problem she had. Following Fluttershy's advice she threw out her concerns and basked in the happiness of the moment.

The doors to the hall opened and a surprised looking Princess Celestia emerged.

"Twilight? You do have permission to sleep," she said with an amused smile, Twilight was taken aback.

"But you told me last night you had something 'grave' to discuss tomorrow and its tomorrow and I wanted to be here on time because tomorrow begins when the sun comes up and since you raise the su-"

"Twilight," Celestia called breaking the young Alicorns runaway train of thought.

"Sorry," she grinned nervously.

"I can understand your enthusiasm but you must remain calm. I said when you are able." Celestia looked over Twilight into the hallway. "A great deal has happened indeed," she commented, almost as if to herself, "Tell me young princess. Have you tried yet?"

"Tried?" Responded Twilight quizzically.

"Your new wings? Do not forget I was once a young Alicorn myself."

"I..." Twilight looked at her new wings, she could not bring herself to admit to the princess that she forgot they were there.

"Don't worry," she said understanding. "Remember to wear a helmet." She lowered her head to Twilight in a whisper, "From one princess to another, I wish I had." Twilight chuckled, seeing she was more at ease, at least than before.

Celestia trotted down the hallway heading to the entrance, beckoning the curious alicorn to follow. She led Twilight past the stained glass windows to one she had not noticed before. Normally she was always very astute at remembering details about the castle. This one however stood out. It seemed unfinished and lacking.

"Is this new?" Twilight asked. It was drab with few colours and patterns. It bore a small symbol in the centre representing Princess Luna and Princess Celestias cutie marks.

"In a manner of speaking it is new." replied Celestia, "Yet it is older than all the others here." Her cryptic description did nothing to alleviate Twilights confused expression. Her horn glowed and the window disappeared to reveal a poorly lit downward spiralling stone staircase. The contrast to the otherwise bright and joyful castle was disturbing, it looked out of place with such bare stonework and massive size. A rush of air came out and she could smell damp rock and rust on it. Her mind raced once more with wonder over what was going to happen, was this a secret room for only princesses? or alicorns? was she going to...

"Princess Twilight?" Celestia called gaining her attention once again.

"Yes Princess! Sorry Princess. I was..."

"You are a little distracted today?"

"No no, please continue, I'm sorry Princess." Being called a princess brought some embarrassment to twilight and she could feel her cheeks blush. Princess. she thought, Guess i'll have to get used to that. One of her fears was that things would change between her friends and her, that somehow their friendship would be strained. She had a warm reception but she had noticed they were on edge around her now. It was more of a suspicion and she hoped that much like everything else, it was an unfounded fear.

Celestia led Twilight down the stairs, her horn providing the only powerful source of light. The sound of their hooves trotting down the stairs carried far, echoing on the walls seemingly without end. Celestia looked at Twilight and saw the enthusiasm on her favourite pupils face. Even now she could see her eyes darting around with awe at the large descent. Her only hope was that it stayed.

"Twilight, much has happened to you since you left for Ponyville, I have seen you strive through all obstacles with your friends and I know I can entrust you with this task." Twilights attention was now firmly fixed on Celestia. "I have brought you here because this matter cannot be postponed any longer than it already has."

A loud abrupt roar rose up from the dark of the stairs gripping Twilight, halting her descent and rooting her where she stood. Her eyes widened and she peered at the dark without moving hoping in vein to catch a glimpse or clue as to what could have made it.

"That is the matter of which I speak." Lowering her tone and proceeding further into the depths. Her smile had now faded and as Twilight followed she lit her own horn hugging closer to Celestia. She wondered at the possibilities of what it could have been. It was not loud enough to be a Dragon, a Manticore?... no, it lacked the pitch...not the depth and rumble of a wolf...

The sound of chains shaking and a crash of clay or ceramic sounded. This part of the castle was such a great contrast to the rest of the rooms, there was no light from the sun, no warmth, no windows, no fresh air. The only source of warmth was the light that the two alicorns cast. They reached the bottom of the stairs and were met with the overpowering smell of damp stone and mildew. A kindly looking nurse came to greet them with a curtsy. Her face was solemn and tired, the side of her uniform soaked in what smelled like carrot soup. The visible vapours rising from her only served to illustrate the cold. Twilight let out a deep breath and saw the mist. This was a dark place that filled her with dread.

"It is becoming worse Princess," she reported. "We cannot sustain the creatures thirst or hunger. It has stopped eating altogether and refuses to cooperate. It's wounded itself pulling at the restraints and grows increasingly aggressive if we try to treat them."

"And what of its eyes?"

"They have regained their sight. It watches us now as we perform our chores, very erie...please be careful Princess." She said. Celestia nodded and the nurse went up the stairs, no doubt to clean herself up.

"Restraints? Eyes? It?" Twilight inquired. Celestia continued along the hallway and Twilight reluctantly followed. She was concerned about this creature and what would possess Princess Celestia to use restraints on it. She had a great love for all beings in Equestria and beyond but to resort to chains was something she never thought possible. What could she want me to do? Is this some kind of monster? Fluttershy would have been a better choice, but she would never come down here, it's way too scary for her. The scene played out with her and the others having to drag Fluttershy down the stairs fighting every step of the way. She felt exhausted just thinking about it.

"We are in a place I swore I never wanted to see again," Princess Celestias voice sounded sad, not the energetic sweetness Twilight always thought about her. She gestured to the walls, her light brightened illuminating them, and the cells they were adorned by. "This is, or was Discords prison back when he ruled Equestria. He would bring those whose wills were strongest down here, to break them. When my sister and I defeated him we were more than happy to seal this place forever, for we could not move it, or remove it. The magic within is too ancient. Discord himself does not know how it came into being, he merely turned it to his needs at the time." Celestia paused and focused on one cell in particular. The locks and devices within were horrors to the sane mind. The bars dividing them were unique to the others wrapped with rusted barbs and above them was a plaque with the markings (-)3|2() crudely scratched in. "I never wanted to see this again," she said bitterly. Twilight stood by the side of her mentor, she regretted not being able to provide comfort to her. She turned her gaze from the cell not wanting to see the other abominations inside.

"It was with great sadness we reopened it. Unfortunately, it is a resource that we cannot exclude. You see my pupil, not too long before your coronation there was a strange creature that came to your old study in the castle."

"What did it want in there?"

"We are unsure, it is less than open with information, however it tore up a large amount of books trying to find what it did want."

"Oh no!" she gasped in horror.

"Do not worry, the damage was not permanent and we were able to fix them."

"Thats a relief!"

"I know how much you love your books." She smiled momentarily. "We do not know what it is or where it came from, as I said it will not tell us. It's arrival however was shortly before I gave you Starswirl's old spell to fix, I believe this is no coincidence." Celestia closed her eyes to remain composed, "It pains me to have to use the restraints, to have to do to it what Discord did when he was evil." Twilight placed a hoof on Celestia, she could see she was saddened by the situation, seeing what was around she could not blame her.

"I'm sure you did everything you could."

"The decision was not mine Princess Twilight. It came from a majority ruling. Please understand Princess I tell you this now because you must understand what you face. There was a patrol that found it first, the reaction from it was very...violent and...they are no longer fit for active duty for I fear what will be a long time. One of the guards Twilight, her wings are gone. We could not save them after the creature touched it."

A silence hung in the air. The gravity of the situation began weighing on Twilight and her enthusiasm was replaced by fear. Twilight hugged Celestia trying to ease the pain. After all her time with her mentor it was clear when she hurt.

"Do you want me to reform this creature like Discord?" She asked.

"No." Celestia said sternly. "You must not listen or believe a word it says. It will lie to you, it will play on your sympathies, it will hurt you if it gets the chance. I am only asking you to find out which magic can help it. In all my time I have never seen a creature like this one." Her voice had become heavy. "You must not be fooled, it is a danger to anyone near it."

A contemptuous low laugh came from behind a large door with Princess Luna's guard posted either side of it.

"Even now it listens to us."

"It can understand us?"

"Understand and communicate, its vocabulary is quite graphic. When the first patrol... fell, Princess Luna tried to intervene and discovered her magic did not effect the creature." Twilights jaw dropped in shock.

"It's immune to magic?!" she exclaimed, "...but nothing is immune!"

"You are right Princess. We have discovered our magic has different effects on it. Our healing spells do not work, our offensive magic makes it stronger, our defensive magic is weakened by its touch. While it seems it can feel the spells, it does not react conventionally to them. Princess Luna tried to use her most powerful magic to defend us, it broke through in moments. From what I saw its hide does not resist physical attack, its speed and strength are remarkable for such a small size. It was terrifying to see its anger, so much hate, so much pain." Twilight was shocked to see Princess Celestias expression. It was the first time she saw that expression. It looked familiar to her, almost as if she was traumatised. "Eventually after myself and Luna cast the same spell we once used on Discord, it fell. The disturbing part is that it simply collapsed, as if it were tired."

Twilight's fear and nerves were getting worse. Celestia could see this by the sweat beads on her forehead beginning to form on her solemn face. She forced a smile, feeling guilty for trying to unburden her pain on such a young alicorn. She returned to her lighter tone to try to ease her.

"Understand Princess Twilight Sparkle, I make this known to you because you must apprehend what I ask."

"Princess..." Twilight began.

"You have proven yourself able to create new magic, and for this I have need of you, now more than ever. Find a way to help it or stop it."

"I really think somepony else would be better qualified to try..."

"We have all tried." Celestia said with dismay. "Ever since its arrival we have all been holding it around the clock, taking shifts to keep the restraints strong. We tried countless spells, reasoning, compassion, kindness only to be met with resistance. Discord was without success, his methods enraged it nearly to the point of madness. Your brother, Shining Armour and Princess Cadence were too met with the same. The power of their love, much like all other magic we tried, failed." Celestia paused a moment hesitating to continue, "Their attempts left Princess Cadence weakened, but she still rallied herself to attend your coronation."

"I didn't know..."

"Nor were you meant to." Celestia assured her, "She wanted to see her sister become a princess and nothing we could say would stop her. She is resting now. Princess Luna had taken her shift."

"Princess... Why tell me now?"

"As I said the problem is becoming grave since Princess Cadence is no longer able to help and we are stretched so thin. Despite all our efforts, we are forced to admit this is not a long term solution. The restraints are failing as it gets stronger, I personally think it is using the cold and lack of food or water to motivate itself. It has such inner strength, I fear it will soon break free and we will not be able to stop it again."

"But you said you stopped it once already."

"It was exhausted before the battle with Princess Luna, by the time I stepped in it was barely standing. Barely coherent, it looked as if it was mad. It plays on my sympathies, but I cannot allow it to starve or thirst. The first encounter was fortunate for us. I do not wish there to be another."

Twilight looked at Celestia in disbelief."Princess, if you cannot stop it, what makes you think I can?"

"Your skills in creating new magic. You have learned much and have done amazing things Princess, even turning Discord himself to good. You can do this. Speak with it and understand what you are up against. Bring the elements of harmony with you when they are ready. Find a way to stop it before it is too late, before it gets free.

Twilight reflected for a moment, she was not afraid of the creature or what it could do, she felt safe with Princess Luna and Princess Celestia with her. She was afraid because she could see her mentor was. "I will try Princess Celestia."

"That is all I ask." She smiled, "My sister, Princess Luna and your brother will be close by should you need them, I will send the entire guard if it be required."

"Your coming in with me right?" Twilight asked nervously. A deep growl sounded from behind the door. She could feel it reach in, grip and twist her stomach.

"I cannot. If I enter the room it immediately starts to frenzy. I do not want it to hurt itself anymore, be weary of what you say."

"But you will be here right? Please tell me you'll be here!"

Celestia smiled, "I will wait right here," She tapped her hoof for emphasis, "Should you need me Princess Twilight." She looked at the door and back to Celestia. With a deep breath she raised her hoof to her chest and breathed out as Cadence taught her.

"I will try." She repeated. Turning to the door she was in awe at the magic infused in it, the symbols and artefacts that decorated the wooden frame were powerful magic, magic she had only read about, the binding stone of the ox, the amulet of imbalance, it was magic only used if absolutely necessary. The room would be imbued with the same power, much like to chamber that held the Elements Of Harmony. Only a few who knew the magic could enter or leave.

The guard before the door stood proud and tall above her with their midnight blue and black armour shining from her horns light. The elite guard of Princess Luna were infamous for their vigilance and strength. They had been imbued with powerful magic, never needing to sleep unless they wanted to they could in theory remain vigilant forever. They both lit their horns and the door opened to the inside. The sheer thickness of it was emphasised by the large hinges that groaned under the strain of bearing its weight. Twilight tried to imagine what pony or creature this was originally made for, it must have been a mighty beast in ancient times. She could see Princess Luna and Shining Armour under the glow of their magic enforcing two massive chains that flowed to meet in the centre of the room to a figure obscured by the dark. She could feel its eyes set upon her, the tension around Luna and her brother as she stood before the now open door. Another low growl came from it and she hesitated for a moment to step in. A deep exhalation sounded from the figure, its breath passed through the glow of the light and creeped towards her before dissipating in the air.

I just hope the Princess put her trust in the right pony.