Persistence is Key 01 - Beginnings

By Alicia N Miltan

When two Alicorns show up to crash Prince Covet Dawndrop's coronation; he wakes up after the incident as an Earthpony... And a Pegasus? And a Unicorn! He's become three! But how? And where even is he?! Follow the beginning of the adventure that changed his life in Persistence is Key: Beginnings!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Persisted Keys
• Release date: Feb 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9781805174547

Book preview

Contents

One - The Rip-Tide

Two - A coronation crashed

Three - The soul that was split into three

Four - City and Coast

Five - The morning of mist

Six - The attack on the train

Seven - Familial Conflict

Eight - Uncluttering the Canvas

Nine - Confiding struggles

Ten - The journey to Southern Ceyonait

Eleven - The lily’s riddle

Twelve - Ceyonait’s Great Barrier Reef

Thirteen - On rainy days

Fourteen - The Hourglass of Lavender Fire and Ice

Fifteen - Lost Souls and Troubled Doubts

Sixteen - Transition

Seventeen - Dismissal of a Mayor

Eighteen - Autumns Gatherings

Nineteen - The Last Day

Twenty - Returning to Whistleheight

Twenty-One - From the Undermension

The Glossary of Spells

~ Chapter One ~

The Rip-Tide

If it hadn’t been for the fact that light had managed to penetrate the walls of the brick-laden room, Covet Dawndrop would’ve never have known that it was, indeed, the daytime. Groaning, he proceeded to toss and turn to avoid the shimmering light that was touching his bed and glimmering straight onto his eyes when he opened them. He didn’t want to get up, but he knew he had no choice. Soon, he knew that his father or brother would come and wake him regardless of his wish to remain in bed; it was in their natures after all.

You see, Covet Dawndrop was a part of a Royal family. Specifically, the Royal family of the continent Manestralia. His father, King Crimson Sunrise, oversaw both him and his brother Stardew. Crimson was, as his name suggested, a crimson-coloured stallion. His Mane was always fixed and styled thanks to the crown that he wore, whilst his eyes the quite the opposite. His eyes providing a stark contrast to the darkening crimson around them; shimmering like a pair of moons in the night sky. His horn was curved, much like Covets and Stardews. Although it was far bigger than his own. It almost reflected his own age as he had been the ruler of Manestralia for over a millenia after all. His wings also showed his age, being far bigger than the average Pegasi’s wings.

However, his brother was different. His mane wasn’t styled, and his wings weren’t big. Infact, both Stardew and Covet had around the same sized horn and wings. Being young Alicorns, they knew that they would one day be in the same stage as their father. Stardew also had a coat of red hue; although it was almost as if a salmon had been plucked from the water with the colour of palish red covering him. His mane was much like Covets in the sense that it was covered in three colours. However, whilst Covet had red, gold and purple in his mane with a red tail, Stardew possessed three varieties of blue. Light blue, Deep blue and a colour sort of resembling a dulled turquoise. All of the mane waving to the ends like the waves in the sea. Then there were his eyes. Eyes that held a distinct pink colour to them. Almost like two pink roses in their colour.

Then there was Covet himself, he held his purple, gold, and red mane as well as his tail. Then there was the case of his orange coat. It wasn’t saturated orange, It was moreso, a pale sort of orange. An orange that looked like a light sandstone covered in this barrage of almost eye-offending colours. It was almost a mystery to everyone, including himself, as to how he even managed to get this amount of mismatched colouring to himself. It wasn’t as if he minded though, it kept colts, fillies and fans away from him. The contrasting blue eyes that he held however, reminded most ponies of tropical waters; with their azure blue tone. Compared to his father and brother however, he always felt as if he were an outsider. The family member that didn’t belong. It’s not as if he actually was, but his self-doubting nature allowed him to feel this way.

Though, today, he had no time to doubt himself. He had to get up, and fast. About ten minutes passed as he got himself out of bed and trotted slowly to the curtains to open them. His room, being akin to a pigsty, made traversal by hoof hard. However he managed. He wasn’t the best with his rooms tidiness; and he rarely allowed the castle staff to come in and clean the place. Infact, the last time he did that was before he was chosen as the rightful heir to his father’s throne quite a few years back. He always recalled grinning widely as his brothers face grew angry at the announcement; and he also remembered the fight that ensued because of the announcement. It sent his relationship with his brother down to the abyss as far as he was concerned.

It was then, however, when he heard a knock. He rolled his eyes as he assumed that this was the castle staff, not thinking that it could’ve been anyone else. Who he was greeted by as he turned the wooden door surprised him. It was, as it turned out, his brother Stardew. On Stardews face held the expression of tedium. The expression one would give when they had to do something that they really didn’t want to do. It took a slightly tense moment of the two just standing there before Stardew spoke, with a distinct Oceanic accent.

Still see you’re wakin’ up eh? He asked. Before Covet could respond, a flash of bright light came from Stardews horn. By the time Covet could look around, he heard things behind him. He turned to find that Stardew was recovering a suitcase that Covet thought he had already packed. Now what do you think you’re doing?! He shrieked with anger as he tried to stop Stardew from opening it. Oh calm down would yeh!? I’m just makin’ sure that you ain’t forgotten to pack nothin’ important! Stardew responded, managing to get Covet off the suitcase before it broke, as it looked as if it were about to.

Covet yawned for a moment before seeing Stardew use his magic to assort every item. He also noticed a list that Stardew had. Looking closer, he noticed that it had quite a few items that he was checking off as he went along and it was all written in messy handwriting. A product of rushing. Going through the list, it was all written in dark blue ink and read as the following:

A list of essentials for checking on cover Description automatically generated

By the time Covet had finished reading this short list, he noticed that Stardew was adding the things that were missing and had a big cross next to them. Before he could protest about anything, he saw his towels and his small comb that he kept floating past both him and Stardew, and placing themselves neatly within the suitcase. Seeing that everything was neatly placed and organized like Stardew wanted, he closed it. With a nice simple zipping sound after he managed to zip it shut.

Your room is, ah, like a jungle! Stardew then said, looking around in slight annoyance. Ye’ should really let one of them cleaners come in and clean the place, you know?. I don’t need the roasted seagull to tell me what to do Covet then responded, with a hint of annoyance in his voice. Stardew must’ve picked up on this, as he responded with a tone reminiscent of offense, saying I’m not tryin’ ter upset you! But this dump needs a clean!. Covet simply frowned as he tried to use his magic to move Stardew back to the doorway, however before he could Stardew managed to break free and proceeded to get very upset.

You know I COULD’VE let yeh stay sleepin’ and yeh would’ve ruined the trip we’re going on! Trottnest Covet! Our favourite spot! Can’t you- but before Stardew could finish that sentence, Covet interrupted. Oh yeah, the same island we go to for vacation every year!? The one that reminds me of what you called this room? A, what was it, dump!? Yes I remember now! he shouted back. His way of speaking making his words seem blatantly sarcastic. The two stood looking at eachother with anger for a good moment or two before Stardew took a breath and trotted past Covet to the entrance of the room. He seemed to have another moment standing before he spoke. When he did, he simply said Be outside in half an hour before finally trotting off, stomping his hooves down the hallway and down the stairs presumably. Once Stardew was out, Covet simply muttered to himself  Yeah, head off mate and then got to work getting dressed.

It had been twenty-five minutes before Covet got himself outside of his room. Shutting the door behind him, he carried the suitcase with him as he made his way down through the castle and out to the entrance. This morning wasn’t a very packed morning, no overwhelming amounts of castle staff barraging him every step of the way, no guards escorting him. It was him and his suitcase together alone. As he made his way through the castle, he began to see the regular. Paintings with golden frames, curtains adorning the castle windows as he made his way past the castle garden entrance, castle staff moving back and forwards as if he weren’t there. He supposed they were busy with other things and that they couldn’t stop to bother him. Which he liked immensely. He preferred his walks and travels to be undisturbed. Almost like his favourite kind of coffee, almost bitter black.

It took about another five more minutes before he finally made it outside. The air of the nearby sea wafting into his face. The distinct smell of salt penetrating his sense of smell. He looked around and saw a carriage not too far away from him. He made his way hesitantly to the carriage before feeling relief after seeing his father poking his head out of the carriage at his son. The look he sported however was one of annoyance, rather than pleasure at seeing his son.

There yeh are! What took you so long boy?! Crimson shouted as his son got inside the carriage. I thought I was on time? Surely I wasn’t late? Covet immediately asked. Angering his father wasn’t on his to-do list today, so he naturally had a sense of urgency about himself. That’s when Crimson laughed. This confused Covet until Crimson responded. Yeh’re always such a serious one Covet! Lighten up boyo you’re five minutes early!. This little joke his father seemed to have played did not go well with Covet all. He sat on the opposite side of the carriage, on the opposite seating to his father. He didn’t want to say anything to his father, but it was evident he was annoyed to say the least. He put his suitcase down next to him and waited for Stardew.

About a moment of awkward silence later and Stardew came galloping in. He slammed his suitcase against Covets in rushed panting and then sat next to their father. And here you were saying I was going to be the one late Covet snickered to himself. Aye I never said nuffin’ like that! Stardew protested. However before either of them could continue, Crimson spoke in a somewhat stern voice. One that didn’t sound angry, but one that sounded very much serious about what he was about to say. I want you two to behave this weekend, you both hear? All I hear lately is my two sons arguing. Spend this weekend bonding or something to that effect, you both understand?.

There was a moment of silence in the carriage, until the carriage started moving. In unison, Stardew and Covet both said I’ll behave if he does which surprised the pair. They looked as if they were about to argue, until Crimson broke the tension with a sharp flap of his wings, relaxing as he looked out of the carriage window. Honestly you two make me nauseated when you both argue Crimson then said. Both of the brothers did an eyeroll as the carriage pulled off down the road by the two Pegasi pulling it.

The carriage ride eventually ended about an hour later. The sun having shifted slightly in the sky. When the carriage stopped, the brothers used their magic to lift their suitcases out, before following their father out to the ferry they were taking. The ferry in question being a part of the transport to Trottnest island. It took the three of them about twenty minutes from ferry once they got on. The number of passengers being a surprising number. Whilst travelling,

Covet enjoyed the look of all the neighbouring islands that made up the continent of Manestralia. There was his home island, Coltney Island. Then there were the other two. Harlingmane Island and Perihoof Island. Both were about as big as Coltney Island. Both also had about as many cities as Coltney, which was exhausting when Covet and Stardew used to get along and hosted the continent-wide festivals known as Alifest’s. Infact, being on the ocean and seeing all three islands prompted the question. Stardew, do you remember our very last Alifest?.

Well, obviously. I won. Why? He asked, slightly confused. Even if you won, it’d be nice if we ended up hosting one last one. EVEN IF our last one was me VS you Covet then responded with some reminiscing in his head. He remembered the songs they sang together when they travelled to each city they were in. Two days of non-stop touring and seeing their elite Hoofball teams playing off against eachother. The intense three versus three games. He even remembered the ten times matches and the one hundred times matches that gave the winning teams one hundred or ten times the amount of goals they scored. It was nice. To remember that.

By the time Covet had snapped back to his senses and back to the real world around him, the ferry had just pulled into the Trottnest port. Everypony began trotting off with their luggage. Being the last to get off the ferry before it filled up with passengers. Covet, Stardew and Crimson made their way to the hotel they were staying in, Crimson going up to the vacant desk. Now why don’t you two go ahead and have some fun at the beach? I’ll check us in he then said, lightly shoving the pair to the entrance whilst he trotted forward.

The two began trotting out to the nearby beach. Not saying a word to eachother. They made their way to the water and Covet began swimming in. He’d always felt home in water. Never quite knowing why. Stardew followed in after him and, after about ten minutes, Crimson joined them but stayed on the beach. Covet noticed his father never really went into the ocean every time they were at the beach. It was strange. He’d never join them each year they were here. It wasn’t until he started thinking about it, that his brother splashed his face with water. Race yeh he said as he began swimming to one end of the beach and back.

About an hour later of back-and-forth racing and the two were certainly having fun. It wasn’t often that these two bonded. It wasn’t often that they even got along at all infact. They were so busy being preoccupied with their competition between eachother infact, that they completely disregarded the fact that the current seemed to be pulling them further and further away from the shore. After their last race however, they certainly noticed.

How did we get so far out?! Come on, let’s swim back Stardew suggested. However, as if by magic, the tide refused to let them. Pushing them further and further to the deep oceans. Why don’t we fly back? Stardew asked. Before he got an answer though, a jet of blue magic hit Covet, stunning him long enough to start sinking. Luckily, Covet was able to swim back up to the top of the water, but when he tried flying out, he couldn’t. That’s when he turned around. Giving him a small second to notice a figure out in the horizon. He couldn’t tell who it was, but when he pieced together that this figure had probably been the one to shoot the spell at him, they were gone.

Stardew, looking concerned, decided to ask the obvious. You alright? Did that spell hurt yeh?. I can’t fly. No matter what I try I can’t fly! Covet shouted, very much in a state of shock and panic. Stardew, sensing this, responded quickly. Alright, just stay calm, I’m gonna try an’ lift yeh he said. His horn glowing and drops of magic forming. After what felt like an age, but was really a few seconds, Covet was out of the water and the two headed for the shore. Covet being carried by Stardew.

When they got back to the shore, Crimson noticed the two. Crikey Covet, you’ve gotten that lazy? he chuckled. Covet however didn’t take this politely. How dare you! Incase you HAVEN’T guessed, I couldn’t fly! he responded in defense. Crimson seemed confused until he was told by Stardew what happened. Crimson looked concerned. That concern growing when he noticed that no matter the spell he used, Covets wings refused to open. This magic… It’s not normal… But it couldn’t be…? he said to himself.

Couldn’t be who? both Stardew and Covet asked eachother. No-one. Just speaking out loud. It was probably the cold of the sea or… Something Crimson responded. Though, both Stardew and Covet knew this was false. The cold of the sea never made wings stiffen up. Disregarding the fact that the sea was actually warm. It always was in Manestralia. Except for the final quarter of the year. But it was the third quarter of the year. Not the final quarter.

A few hours later, after the three had gotten off the beach, nightfall hit. The beautiful sunset that the last minutes of the day had, however, didn’t manage to diffuse the tension from the last few hours. None of the three said a word to eachother. Infact, Covet had kept himself in their suite. He was busy reading something. Something very fascinating to him and something he shouldn’t have had. The book was named "Fae; The ancient folk of light and darkness and had a golden pair of fairy-like wings on the front. He was in the middle of reading about something called Enchanted". However, that’s when he was interrupted by Crimson.

Covet why do you have this??? The stuff in this book is rubbish! Crimson spoke. His magic taking the book away from Covet. Hey I was reading th- but before he could finish his sentence, Stardew came in the room. Silence fell on the room like a blanket of heavy snow, until Stardew broke the tension. Dad, yeh know we’re never believin’ what you said earlier about the sea cold, right?. Crimson frowned. Now that’s enough about that! Whatever it is, we’ll get it fixed. After all, with Covets coronation- however Crimson seemed to have struck a chord. "Oh right, his coronation" Stardew muttered.

Now you listen here, my decision is FINAL! Crimson responded, raising his voice. Stardew knew better than to push about it and just stayed quiet. We better go to bed. I think an early start tomorrow would be good. After all THAT’S only a month away Covet suggested. With that, the three took one final look at eachother, before Crimson left the two brothers to hold out the tension before they fell asleep, taking the book with him. Little did Covet know that this was going to be the last month of his life in Manestralia. For something would happen soon that would change his life forever.

~ Chapter Two ~

A coronation crashed

It had been about a month since the vacation weekend. To Covet, it honestly felt as if all the good that happened during that time was but a distant memory once more. After losing access to flying thanks to the spell that had hit him, his emotions had reached a high several times. This, in tandem with the fact that he was told to keep his condition between his brother and his father meant that many arguments had occurred. He'd often be shouting at his father or brother, and there would always be a reaction. It was stressing to say the least.

However, today would be a big day. Specifically, his big day. He’d waited many months for this, and it was finally going to happen. It was the day of his coronation. A day all about him- And nothing but him. Even if Stardew was angry or upset with him, he couldn’t do anything to Covet without angering their father. Covet found this to be a somewhat acceptable trade off to the fact that this coronation was something that he couldn’t refuse (considering he didn’t want this to even happen). He took what he could get given the circumstances.

The day started as any normal day, waking up and very slowly getting himself together. About a week earlier he had been fitted for some armour and a cloak that he was supposed to wear on this day. The cloak being made of a very luxurious fur whilst the armour was made of what appeared to be completely pure gold. The armour covering his chest and legs. It didn’t feel complete to him, but he knew that, soon, the crown would be the finishing touch of it all. The cherry on the top of this, already highly anticipated day.

Over the course of ten minutes, he put it on to try it out. He had obviously tried it beforehand, but just wanted to see if the perspective of time would have changed his viewpoint; given that last time he thought he looked slightly ridiculous. To his delight, the perspective of time had fully managed to allow him to see the full set from a different and more positive view. The only issue that kept popping up in his head from that point onward was the crown being absent. He didn’t like it. But again, he had to reassure himself that, yes, everything would be great by the end of the day. That’s when he put the armour and cloak back where it was before heading outside of his room.

The castle, once he stepped out of his room, was fully operational. He’d noticed an increase of security measures after him, Stardew and his father had gotten back to Coltney Castle, but today was exceptionally annoying. Everywhere he went, he saw guards trying to escort him off to his father. It irked him to know that they were so keeping such an annoyingly close distance to him. He tried many times to just fly up and down the stairs, but to his unfortunate reminding, his wings were still locked by the spell that had hit him. So, every time he almost fell off the stairs many times, the unicorn guards would always have to rescue him. No matter how many times this happened though, he would never get used to it.

It had been about another good twenty minutes before Covet managed to get peace when he tricked the guards, using his magic very slightly to produce a sound that replicated his fathers voice in their heads. Once they had all galloped away, he slipped into one of the other corridors and managed to find himself outside of his brother’s room. He almost banged his head on the door out of keeping watch for the eventual time that the guards would have been fooled, but he figured it was worth it for his own peace.

With a flicker of his magic, he opened the door. Even though his brother had told him many times that he was absolutely forbidden to enter, he proceeded to do it regardless. It’s not as if he would find out, he was busy planning things with his father as far as he knew. When the door turned, he saw a neat room. One with a cozier atmosphere than his. Infact, as he walked around, he noticed it was the stark contrast of his room. Whereas he kept his curtains mostly closed all the time, his brother seemed to embrace the sunlight and it was clear from the breeze that he also embraced the cool ocean air.

He also, however, happened to notice an open box. Inside the box, was something he didn’t quite expect. It was the posters they designed for the Alifests they had planned together. All in near mint condition too. The Apples versus Oranges poster. The Pegasus versus Unicorns poster. The first festival they hosted which was the Early Morning versus Late Night poster. Then, of course, he saw the final festival they hosted which was the Covet versus Stardew poster. There were four others as well, but before he could reminisce on the memories he held from those festivals, he felt a rather harsh smack to his head. Something rather big and heavy had hit his head. Not hard of course, but enough to cause him to turn around in an instant.

When he turned around, he was met with a very angered Stardew. He knew why Stardew was angry of course, entering his room was something Covet shouldn’t have been doing in the first place. However, what happened next was something Covet didn’t expect. Instead of shouting at him, Stardew used his magic and pushed Covet out of the room, with the simple words of  Get. Out. Coming from Stardew’s mouth. Then following a slam of his door. Well that was polite Covet said to himself sarcastically as he slowly got up. He shook his head slightly as he turned to leave the corridor; and that’s when he let out a slight groan of annoyance.

Ah, there you are.

Covet looked at his approaching father. When he got closer, Covet could see that his father wasn’t too happy to say the least. "You know, I’ve just heard from the guards that they swore they heard my voice calling them. Strange, considering I never said any such thing. Makes me wonder who’d do something like that Crimson said, with a very big hint in his voice that he knew it was him. Covet however tried to play into the conversation. Oh yes, it was very strange when they suddenly ran off. Obviously, it’d make you wonder when we think about who decided to increase security".

Both of the stallions in the hallway stared at each other as neither spoke past that point for a good and solid moment. That was, until Crimson spoke. I did that to ensure you were safe. Attacks like that don’t just happen out of nowhere. I have a very bad feeling about what’s to come. Can’t you understand that at least? he asked. There was a tinge of concern hidden in his voice, as well as some anger at the fact that Covet was ignoring his words, increasing as the question ended. Covet didn’t respond to the question as he rolled his eyes and tried to change the topic.

So, in terms of the coronation, it starts around three, right? Covet asked his father in a louder tone than previously. Crimson responded with equal loudness. "Yes, It does. Now if you’ll be so kind as to follow me to the throne room so we could get through the rehearsals I’d appreciate it. It seemed as if Crimson’s patience was wearing thin at this point. Before anything bad happened between the two of them, Covet decided to trot onwards. Well come on then, this coronation isn’t going to perform itself now is it?" he said as he passed his father; and so the two found themselves trotting off to the throne room. No words exchanged for the entirety of their walk.

About an hour later, both Crimson and Covet were inside the throne room rehearsing. The throne room being decorated in gorgeous and vivid scarlet banners; that hung with the outline of gold. The emblem on the banners resembled that of a sword in front of a shield, with a simple fire outline. This, too, was covered in lovely golden colouring. On the floor, a perfectly laid red rug was spread out; reaching from the entrance of the room to the throne itself. As for the throne, it was of a lovely golden hue in the outline of the plush red fur that inhabited the back and the sitting area of the throne. Above that, the sword and the shield in the banner hung. Almost as a symbol of great achievement. Covet however, didn’t think it was such. How could a rusted sword and shield be so momentous? It was baffling to him.

As he was thinking about this, Stardew entered. He seemed to have calmed down from his initial anger when he saw Covet in his room and proceeded to trot past Covet to their father. Alright, so what do I have teh’ do? Stardew asked their father. Oh honestly Stardew, yer getting as bad as he is! Crimson replied with some semblance of joke in his tone. Just stand to the side, that’s it Crimson then added as Stardew did just that. Now, let’s go over this once again Covet. I’ll start speaking and one of the guards will escort you from the room down the hall. From there, you’ll walk up. I’ll do my speech and then the crown will be placed on your head. That sinkin’ in boyo? Crimson then asked Covet.

Got it

Good. I don’t want you ruinin’ this for yerself or us! Crimson responded to the two worded sentence that Covet had formed in response to Crimson. Stardew however, looked slightly lost, but spoke nonetheless. However, it wasn’t about what had just been spoken about. Instead, it was about something else.

Father, there’s been reports

Ey’? Reports of what? The guests drinking Apple Cider already? It’s only two in the afternoon! Crimson jokingly said.

"No, not about something like that. About ponies seeing what they could only describe as a blue alicorn in the shadows of the streets of Coltney. Specifically over the last few days. I… I’m worried" Stardew responded. The last word he said was specifically quiet. Whilst he wouldn’t admit it, he did care for Covet. He just couldn’t, in his mind, get rid of the lurching feeling that something would go wrong today for his brother.

A blue alicorn? Covet asked with intrigue. Stardew rolled his eyes. Yes Covet. A blue Alicorn. Like the oceans. Like the sky. Like you when you lose. Blue he then smartly shot as he held heavy degrading tones in his words. Meanwhile, Crimson