Seeds of Darkness

Vector silverlay 43 by estories-d7gsvti — by Estories

Spoliers*

The Story[]

Seeds of Darkness is created by EStories, which can be found on Deviantart [1]. The story is about an magic-sucking pony who tries to fit in while deciding if she should go against her leader or not.

The Start of a New Friendship[]

While Twilight is reading a book, she suddenly hears a sound. She goes to check it out to see that it is a mysterious glowing red and black ball. Once it gets closer to her it begins to suck the magic from her. Rainbow notices the red glow coming from Twilight's house an rushes to Twilight's window. She is shocked by the glowing red and black ball sucking away magic from Twilight. Twilight uses her magic to crack the ball, causing the ball to burst into a bright red light and with a sound that alarmed

Ball sucking Magic from Twilight — by EStories

Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, Spike, Rarity, and Luna. Applejack walks to Twilight's house. Twilight gets up around a cloud of smoke and sees a dark blue unicorn who looks just like her except her hair is blueish-gray, blueish-white, and light gray. She notices Twilight and begins sucking her magic again. Applejack notices Rainbow Dash and asks if she is alright. Rainbow replys that she is and goes to pounce on the dark blue pony breaking her horn and knocking her out.

The blue pony dreams of being in a pitch black place, noticing her horn hurts from Rainbow Dash, she pleds to not be left in the darkness again, as the darkness starts to consume her, she starts a light and runs towards it. She wakes up with a bandage on her honr and to a salad, an apple, a glass of water and a note from Twilight. The note says "Good morning, Silverlay, enjoy your meal". The blue pony wonders who Sliverlay is, then walks down the stairs. Spike and Twilight have a little talk about the blue pony, Spike grows worried for Twilight, but Twilight knows the only way to save her and the blue pony is to become the blue pony's friend. Spike says something about Luna was right. Twilight tells Spike if they try to break the connection between them, the blue pony would disappear, and Twilight woul lose her magic. She tells Spike to check on the prepations of the others, saying if the plan works we won't even need three days.

Twilight walks up to the blue pony's room, being met by a salad that the blue pony threw at her. The blue pony wonders why she broke her horn, Twiight replys she did not and Rainbow did it from pouncing on her. The blue pony wonders why Twilght canceled her spell. Twilight knows that she is an Umbra pony.

Umbra Pony[]

Twilight tells how she knows that what Umbra ponies are. She found out when the two Alicorn sisters came after the blue pony fainted. Ages ago, Umbra ponies lived in Equestria in the era of darkness.

The blue pony's master Obsidian was the one who ruled the land, he did this by performing the forbidden spells. With his magic he created Umbra ponies which were the blooming of the seeds of darkness. Umbra ponies are able to drain the magic of any pony. If the magic is drained from the pony, the pony disappears. This is why the spells Obsidian used are now forbidden. Princess Luna told Twilight that Umbra ponies don't have their own heart, they just follow orders from their master. They are also born with the memories of a pony, and have no name. Their master disappeared a long time ago for an unknown reason. Twilight didn't believe what Luna said about not having a heart, and gave the blue pony a name, her new name is Sliverlay. Twilight believes that shadows understand what real light is.

Twilight thinks that the magic of friendship can save them both, Sliverlay laughs at the idea, saying friendship won't save you.

A New Dress[]

Twilight takes Sliverlay with her to Rarity's house to get a new dress. Rarity at first acts nice for Twilight's sake demanding Sweetie Bell to go upstairs. After trying on many dresses, she finds the perfect dress for Sliverlay. Rarity asks Twilight to leave to give Silverlay some privacy and for her to work her magic on

Sliverlay. Sweetie Belle takes a peek outside the door and marvels at the "Blue Twilight". She rushes out to get Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, but along the way is another Umber Pony, this one a pegasus shaped like Rainbow Dash

After trying on a number of different dresses and learning Sliverlay is doing Rarity a favor by doing so, she decides that the seventh is her favorite. Rarity insists that she can have it, claiming that it makes her smile, and that's all she wants out of her. When she notices a replica of Princess Cadence's wedding dress, Rarity tells Twilight that she needs to talk to Silverlay alone about what Celestia said. They need to figure out just how much "Twilight" is in her, and she may open her heart easier if Rarity talks to her alone. While it's never nice to conspire behind a new friend's back, it's the only way she can think of to keep both her and Silverlay safe. Rarity claims that Twilight knows it's the right thing since she's see the way she looks at Silverlay now. What none of them notice is the Umbra Pegasus Pony spying on them from the window.

Who is "Silverlay"[]

Silverlay enters and anxious state of mind and questions the reason for her existence. Her thoughts reveal that she wanted to drain Twilight's magic so that Obsidian could return, which she fears. She can't understand why she fears doing exactly what she was meant for and comes to the conclusion that these are all Twilight's emotions and she shouldn't worry about herself or anypony else. Rarity snaps her back when she sees that her frowny face has returned. Silverlay explains that Rarity's effort's to befriend her are in vain, and that she still fully intends to drain Twilight's magic and usher in the end of Equestria. Her horn being broken has only delayed the inevitable. In response, Rarity asks that if she had a choice in any of this, would she cease her plan. She refuses, claiming to feel completely remorseless for her actions. Rarity doesn't believe her when she sees tears dripping down her cheeks. Silverlay denies that those are "her" tears. Everything she is made of is a mirrored manifestation of Twilight. She claims that Rarity should be hating her, despite everything Twilight is doing for her. Finally, she snaps and demands to cease being called "Silverlay", claiming that is not who she is. She accesses one of Twilight's memories and reveals that "Silverlay" was the name of an imaginary friend Twilight had when she was a filly and forgot about in due time. Rarity realizes that this is why Twilight defended her from Princess Luna and wonders which one is suffering more, Twilight or Silverlay. And so, Rarity informs Silverlay that whatever she is manifested as, she is still real to everypony around her and she has a right to decide for herself regardless of who's memories they belong to. She has the right to be Silverlay if she wants, and she should not be obliged to keep herself from it.

One or the Other[]

Back outside, the Rainbow Dash Umbra pony from outside sees that Silverlay is opening up her heart to Rarity's assumption, revealing that it is the mastermind behind this whole thing. With its plans delayed, it uses magic of its own to get inside Silverlay's mind seeing as how it's in no position to fix her horn. Silverlay tries to ask Rarity if she can really be her own self, but is interrupted by a splitting headache. Things go from bad to worse when the magic from the Rainbow Dash Umbra somehow makes her regress to her evil ways. She yells at Rarity and accuses her of trying to decieve her with Twilight's own feelings and memories, which she poses. Twilight appears and claims that that's exactly why none of them would ever do such a thing, and that she would love to have a sister. In order for them both to be safe, Silverlay needs to let Twilight find a peaceful solution to their mutual dilemma. Just then, her headache returns, much to Twilight's concern and she runs away realizing she can't change. Twilight tries to go after her, only for Rarity to tell her she needs to be alone so she can achieve inner balance based on what was given to her first and what she gets from her memories. She runs into town and has a debate in her mind about her duty as an Umber Pony and wanting to trust Twilight. She screams, not realizing that Fluttershy was there, scaring her away. She realizes Fluttershy wanted to have a picnic with her and a voice inside her head (possibly from the Rainbow Dash Umbra) makes her realize that an Umbra pony who tries to be a normal pony, won't have any luck. Tears drip from her face again when she realizes that she is in reality "nothing". She calls to Fluttershy and she looks back, clearly noticing she's in a fragile emotional state. Silverlay apologizes to Fluttershy for yelling at her and confesses that nothing feels right to her because of what she is and what she's suppose to be doing. Fluttershy pulls her picnic back together and agrees to listen to what else she has to say, not realizing that another Umber creature is spying on them in the form of a bird.

From Dark to Light[]

A flashback from earlier that day takes place in Canterlot, where Celestia uses her magic to unlock a hidden door to a room containing a crystal ball. Celestia walks toward it, closing the door behind her and dreading that the day to break out the secret she has kept from Luna has finally arrived. Inside the crystal ball is Holly, yet another Umber Pony with the exact same crystal ball which the two ponies are using to communicate with each other. Back in Ponyville, Silverlay and Fluttershy are enjoying their picnic and Silverlay expresses how she can't be friends with her or anypony else because she doesn't want to be anypony's downfall. She claims that she is nothing but a spell to be canceled at any time. She shouldn't have feelings or emotions, only the drive to do exactly what she was casted for. Fluttershy hugs her and tells her that she'd love to see the image of her and Twilight as sisters, and that she would never cancel her spell. Fluttershy sees everything coming true and tells her that she herself is real and there is nothing wrong with her wanting to be happy. Silverlay finally opens up her heart to the chance of having friends. Although, still skeptical about things ending in disaster, she decides that she wants a fair chance, much to Fluttershy's delight. However, delight turns to terror when the Rainbow Dash Umbra shows up with sinister plans in mind for them both.

Darkness Falls[]

While Twilight is having tea with Rarity, they discuss the idea of introducing Silverlay to Princess Cadence and Shining Armor to strengthen the idea of her becoming a sister. However, their conversation is interrupted when she senses something ominous in her mind. Rarity is afraid Silverlay did something bad, but Twilight reveals that whatever it was, she sounded scared. Silverlay orders Fluttershy to find Twilight, only for the Rainbow Dash Umbra to order Silverlay to freeze in her tracks and lie down. The monster reveals itself as not an Umbra Pony doppleganger of Rainbow Dash, but rather an Umber creature that somehow overtook Rainbow Dash's body. Not even she expected for Silverlay to be overtaken so soon and the reason she doesn't cancel Silverlay's spell, wishing her out of existence for her betrayal is because she is still connected to Twilight and she still needs her magic. She uses her magic to fix her horn and plans to devour Fluttershy next. Silverlay tries to resist, but is overtaken by the Umbra Monster's command to go to sleep. She passes out much to Fluttershy's horror, and in her mind, she can hear Rainbow Dash's voice. She playfully mocks her for giving up so soon and questions why she's letting some body snatcher call the shots. Rainbow Dash orders Silverlay to stand up against her since she's "tied up" at the moment, but Silverlay can't muster up the willpower to do so. Rainbow Dash gives her that willpower by reminding her that she's a manifestation of Twilight, and Twilight has never given up in the face of danger. With those words said, Silverlay wakes up and confronts the monster, much to it's confusion.

Rise of Silverlay[]

With Silverlay's horn repaired, her connection to the Umber creature within Rainbow Dash is restored and she can hear its commands in her head again. Only this time, she refuses to listen to any more of the tyrant's commands. She is in control of her own self and no longer considers herself as a worthless spell. The Umber Tyrant's voice may be loud, but Rainbow Dash's is louder. The Umber Tyrant doubts Silverlay can save Rainbow Dash or herself, and Silverlay fires a warning shot from her horn, revealing that she doubts it just as much as it does. But that won't stop her from saving her friends here and now. Twilight sees the red glow from before and knows that it can only mean one thing. Silverlay is draining magic from herself, and with every blast of the magic stored within her from Twilight brings her closer and closer to her demise. If all of Twilight's magic is used up, she will cease to exist. Silverlay confirms that she knows exactly what she is doing, much to Fluttershy's horror. She knew from the start that she wouldn't be able to remain and that she'd have to go eventually, and she doesn't care as long as Twilight and the others are safe. Rainbow Dash talks Silverlay in her head again, confused as to what she's about to do. With the her strength draining like the magic, Silverlay asks Rainbow Dash to tell Twilight she didn't know about the other Umber Pony and reveals that she's going to sacrifice every last ounce of her magic to destroy them both. Rainbow Dash pleads with her not to go through with this, but Silverlay charges up her horn and prepares to fire. The Umber Tyrant reminds her that she will be destroyed if she goes through with this and demands to know what she is thinking. Silverlay smugly reveals that she is "doing what feels right" and unleashes a full-charge unicannon onto the monster. Refusing to let Silverlay sacrifice herself in vain, Rainbow Dash forces control of her body and freezes the Umber Tyrant in the air for a direct hit and the monster explodes and a crimson energy discharge. Rainbow Dash is cleansed of the evil and returns to her normal state in pain from the unicannon blast. She plummets to the ground, but Twilight catches her with her magic in the nick of time and asks Rainbow what happened. Rainbow Dash laid sorrowfully on the ground unable to speak until Fluttershy shows up with tears in her eyes. All she can say is that Silverlay has vanished.

Last Words[]

Silverlay reappears, landing in another part of the woods, completely drained of magic and unable to move. All alone and her life ebbing from her body, she silently wishes for Rainbow Dash to be alright and reminds herself that she couldn't stay. She will gladly be remembered for what she did for everypony who wanted to be her friend and silently apologizes to Twilight for ruining the memory of her foalhood imaginary friend. For what it's worth, she would've gladly accepted the offer of becoming her sister cries at no longer having that chance. Closing her eyes and preparing to fade away, there is a flash of light and another voice is heard within her brain. Holly, the Umber Pony Celestia was talking to on the Crystal Ball, reads her mind and sees everything she just did for Rainbow Dash. Holly demands answers from Silverlay before she disappears forever as to why she did what she did instead of following Obsidian's orders. She'd still be alive if she had done what she was meant for, and Rainbow Dash wasn't her friend. Silverlay confesses that Twilight loved Silverlay as a filly and she showed that same love when she gave her that name. While Applejack runs in a hurry looking for her, Holly remarks that Twilight is indeed a caring pony, as she didn't hesitate to refer to her as a sister. With Silverlay fading out of existence, Holly agrees to cast a spell just for her and reveals herself to be the bird-like Umbra Creature from town that was spying on her and Fluttershy.

A True, True, Imaginary Friend[]

Silverlay regains her physical form and strength just as Applejack finds her. She helps her up and asks what could've happened, but Silverlay doesn't remember anything and believes that it was all a dream. However, she regains enough to remember what happened with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Still believing they're in danger, she declares they have to find Twilight before passing out again. She wakes up to find herself being carried back to Sweet Apple Acres on Applejack's back, much to her embarrassment. Applejack agrees to get Twilight for her after she explains what just happened. Silverlay recounts how she thought she was the only Seed of Darkness to have been sent and used Twilight's magic to save Rainbow Dash. Applejack agrees that it would explain Rainbow's recent behavior, along with her strange eye color. As for how Silverlay ended up in the forest all alone, she goes on about how she was starting to vanish and thought that the only way to stay existent was by draining more magic. Applejack stops her, saying all's well that ends well because she saved Rainbow Dash and everypony else. Silverlay is still unsure of what happened, but Applejack sticks with the fact that she knows the truth when she sees it and heads off to find Twilight.

Old Situation, New Perspective[]

In the clouds, Holly talks to Celestia through the Crystal Ball, revealing that she is an Umber Pony in the manifestation of Celestia created over a thousand years ago. She asks to understand why she keeps her a secret from Twilight. Celestia says that knowing the truth would guide them onto the wrong path, and that they need the choice to follow their own paths unconditionally. Celestia gave the order to save Silverlay because she wanted her to have a chance, which Holly still believes is a mistake. She remarks how much Celestia has changed in the last one thousand years, considering how much they used to fight. Now she's risking everything for Silverlay. However, Celestia says that this mission is not the only reason she called her up. She tries to explain further, but Holly hangs up on her and heads off to Ponyville to patrol for more Umbra Ponies that may be lurking around. Celestia talks to herself about how the situation was different back then, and how they only saw each other as fiends instead of friends like Twilight and Silverlay see each other. Celestia heads off to return the crystal ball to it's secret chamber and recounts to herself how it all happened. How she brought light into the era of darkness, defeated Obsidian, and learned the importance of friendship just like Twilight did. When she was younger than her, she, just like Twilight, was obsessed with her studies and wanted nothing more than to make her world a better place, especially when Luna was born. She wanted to be there for her until the bitter end and felt like she couldn't do that until she discovered her destiny there and then. She heard rumors about the land of the Umbra Ponies and was the first alicorn to set hoof in such a place. She wandered the place for hours looking for Obsidian or any signs of life, but all she could experience was the cold and complete lack of sunlight. When she set up a campfire after dark, she felt like coming to this land was a complete waste of time, only for a seed of darkness to sneak up behind her and take her magic. The comic ends with Celestia describing what it felt like; being drained of life and not being able to fight back. The only thing she could feel was the fear of death.