Crossworld Between Harmony: Nightmare's Ascension

The night wasn't very good to begin with. Darkness covered the streets of Halver where citizens and merchants hide away from looters alike. It used to be a peaceful city, where trade flowed through every part of the empire. Although the civil war came to an end, crime still ran rampant throughout the nation.

Local militias and city guards were unable to halt the crime syndicate that plagues the city of Halver. The citizens pleaded Councilor Deshu to send the Partishan to stop this growing crisis.

It would be easier that way, Deshu thought, looking down from the safety of his mansion. He despised the night. It seemed much darker than ever before. Even with all this power of authority, he couldn’t help anyone but himself. With the reconstruction of the empire slowly in progress, the Partishan is stretched thin battling Scarlet remnants and rebels all over the nation. He couldn’t afford any assistance to his fair city except the mercenaries he hired to maintain order.

Deshu sighed, rubbing his head in deep thought. He should have focused the security of the city, protecting the people, and yet there were more pressing matters that needed his attention. He had spent a great deal of time and money to ensure that his secrets wouldn’t shed into light. The families that he destroyed, the shadowy deals that he made, the lies that he used and promises that were broken.  All those things he did just to keep the empire away from the truth.

It was almost perfect and Deshu knows it. The one thing he didn’t suspect was a stinking beast of a mare from another world. The burden of taking care of her by the command of the Grand Exorcist, he could do little to object. His loyalty was to the Emperor, but to be in the presence of the Grand Exorcist was beyond imaginable.

Exorcists are the guardians of Soulus, the Electric Titans that safeguarded the citizens for more than a thousand years. They’re aggressive power of the sky shook the very ground as they fell like stars, crashing down from beyond.

Deshu had studied countless books on the relation of Exorcists, but none of them could bring the satisfaction he needed for his studies of their leader. None had ever witnessed a Grand Exorcist for it rarely appears itself to the public. Until several months ago when it appears itself right in front of his door.

He made an oath to safeguard Twilight and assist her in whatever she needed in order to combat the threat called Nightmare Moon. For all the titles and names, Nightmare Moon was the worst thing to be said than Twilight Sparkle. Couldn’t they at least have better names? But it didn’t matter to him anymore. He had gotten used to the fact that there is a realm where cuteness and fluffiness prevail and stupid names that he must endure. The very thought of Twilight’s world made him shiver.

On his personal desk was an old leather journal with his initial D.M on the front cover. The journal had seen worse. Most of the cover had worn out and lost its deep color luster. When he opened it he could barely read his writing at all as the ink waned till the pages turned almost blank.

He knew he should have bought better ink. The first couple of pages were beyond readable. He couldn’t remember what he wrote in the journal, except of course the fact that he was rather spoiled in his youth.

For over forty years he had kept his journal, close and guarded. There were a lot of bad memories that he dare not want to speak. He wasn’t the good, obedient son that his parents had wanted. At some point, he knew that his past would have come up to him. He doesn’t know what to do after this.

As he flipped through the page up to the last, he silently read the eligible writing of his. It was the topic about the case relating to the Noble House of Haliv. They were supposed to be the last family that he had to destroy in order to gain the position as the councilor.

It was supposed to be easy. A simple job that he needed to do to erase whatever secrets the Halivs had upon his family. They were nothing more special than the rest that he destroyed so why he couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t the case.

Deshu sighed, regretting on not finishing it sooner than he’d hope. He then looked outside from the window. The night was getting darker than usual. He stood up from his seat and headed downstairs to fetch some candles. He needed the light. They all do.

On a cold and blistered night, a stormy weather rained down on the riders and the carriage as they were on their way to Noble House Haliv. The destination to the mansion wasn’t far and it would take about least an hour or so. With that said, Geos was bored to its wit.

Inside from the carriage lied a slumbering mare, leaning peacefully on Geos lap. It was strange at first for Geos to be talking to a queer creature, but eventually he had gotten pretty well along with her. Plus, and admittedly in secret, he found the mare to be quite adorable when sleeping.

“You should know that where we gain must be without any mistake. Joaris is never the tolerate type to see informality.” Holver quickly informed, sitting at the opposite side. He scanned the paper files that were given to him by the Soulus guards. And what he read he found it to be interesting. “Joaris Haliv: widower, businessman and owner to several mining industries. Bloody beaks, I did not suspect Joaris to be loaded with that much gold?”

“Widower?”

“The filing said that he’d lost his wife,” Holver turned his head to the window, shaking his head. “Magna. Illness had gotten her. She’ll be missed. Have the chance to chat with her once when my family settled here. A charming woman, there’s no doubt about it. ” Geos was silent for a moment as Holver scratched the back of his neck. “It doesn’t matter now. We have a job to do. If Joaris has suddenly gone mad then it is my job to put a bolt in his head. I dare not know what he has in store with that amount of wealth.”

Geos remained silent, still, nodding at his statement. He didn’t know what to say at this point rather than to get this over with. He had enough excitement for one day.

After their brief discussion from Holver, Geos turned his eye on the violet mare that was snuggling on his lap. She must have been very tired to whatever she was doing. When he first met her back at the mansion, he already noticed the state that she was in. Sure, she was groomed and tidied and neatly from top to bottom, but there was no denying her bagged eyes. When did the last time she had some sleep?

According to what Holver explained earlier at the camp, Twilight had stayed in Soulus for a couple of months, helping Councilor Deshu with the preparation to stop Nightmare Moon. He had also learned that Holver and his mercenary gang were just one of the many contacts that Deshu had employed across of Soulus.

Geos gently stroked her neck as she curled her body in response. For a moment, he couldn’t help but to feel a bit giddy at how adorable she was. After a moment scratching her delicate ear, he couldn’t help but to hear her purring. Holver seemed to notice his action and slightly grinned with amusement. “She’s really fond of you know. Never seen her as much get close to anyone beside Deshu and I.”

“Guess she must have gotten used to us.” Geos examined, but Holver snorted out loud.

“Hah, you must be joking? She’s literally one of the weirdest creatures that I have ever met, mare or not. You should have seen her when she arrived in Soulus. She’s unsociably withdrawn talks a lot and acts like a child without a care in the world and when Deshu introduced her to me it took over a week for us to get used to. That includes Deshu as well, except he offered her his personal library to ease tension. Let me tell you, she’s as much a fanatic to knowledge than Deshu ever was.”

“I’m guessing that you and Deshu are in good terms?” Geos asked wonderingly.

Holver grinned and took a bite of beef jerky from his pocket. It was a relief that Twilight was asleep otherwise he would have to suffer the wrath of her googly, non-threatening glare. He chuckled at her uneasily, disgusted look when she discovered it. “Deshu is my source of income. Nothing more. He gives us a job and we get paid for it. Hardly a friend. Politicians are a bunch of lying snakes.”

“Does that include the target as well?”

“Joaris Haliv is an exception. One of the few that earned the company’s respect.”

Their conversation was briefly finished with Twilight grunting in response from the noise. The two were then silenced right away, but not leaving without a silent chuckle. As the three remained in wait for their destination, Geos passed the time around by watching outside from the window. All that he could see were dark trees that stretched far and wide with tiny hints of light in the distance.

How long since they left the city of Halver? Minutes? Hours? Perhaps Geos should have brought his watch since he couldn’t tell what time it was. He then wondered how he was going to get his personal gear. Was the councilor would be willing to retrieve his stuff? But what did it matter when a loyal soldier of the Empire now turned to an enemy that everyone despised upon. The Hartens were never the type of role models to inspire except to be put into the blade and die. He feared he would be next in line once this business was settled. If that were the case, he must be ready when given the chance to escape. He would wish not to harm his fellow, or former, comrades.

There was nothing for Geos to see outside from the window. Most that he could see were dark trees and a lot of it. He was bored to his wit and wanted to get out of the coach. While Twilight still sounded asleep and Holver glued reading the paper files, he looked outside for one last time in order to find something to see, something that would keep him away from this sufferable boredom.

A lantern was dangled just outside of the coach, leaving an orange glimmered light that shine in the darkness. Geos couldn’t turn away from the light and found it strangely mesmerizing, hypnotic even. His eyes then grew heavy, suddenly exhausted without giving reason. He gradually closed his eyes just for a moment's rest and when he opened them everything turned out to be different.

He remembered the inside was supposed to be red and instead replaced with a bland and hideous gray color; the furniture all worn-out with tears and scratches. Twilight and Holver were nowhere to be seen except for a black hooded figure that was seated at the opposite end.

The ominous stranger stared silently at the rookie, giving a strange and uneasy aura. It uncovers its hood to reveal a grotesque face, almost melting even that Geos could see its skeletal bone. Its broken smile was joyous, excited, as if it suspected some company. The laugh of it was the sound of a child.

The rookie remained frozen to where he was, frightened and confused, as the monster stretched its black, ethereal hand. It contacted him through the forehead where dark veins began to appear on his skin.

What Geos describe right now was the worst pain unimaginable. There was something alive that was crawling into his head, a voice that whispered into his ears. It was a child that he heard, but it was sadistic, cruel and twisted. He screamed in agony, pleading for the monster to stop, but it continued relentlessly as the dark veins spread across to his entire face. There had to be an explanation to all of this. Some evidence that it was all but a dream.

The pain was endless and as hard he screamed there was no one here to help him. Nothing but the monster’s dark amusement to enjoy with.

Geos muttered under his breath, expressing pain and anguish from his sleep. His erratic movement slightly got Holver’s attention as he shrugged and continued on to his work. There was no question that the rookie was having a bad dream, but what had got to do with Holver was none of his business.

‘Another day, another night of babysitting, wonderful,’ He thought. ‘Maybe next time once we finish this deal I should stick with guarding trade caravans from now on.’

Today was a full moon tonight and that meant the company was supposed to be at the tavern right now, drinking and singing songs. To them, it was the time to remember the people of the villagers who had fallen from the war. Out of the thirty members of Lucky Few, they were now short to a dozen left.

Holver was a bit saddened that most of the members were just in their twenties, fewer close to his age. The young deserved much more than a life of fighting, and he was getting tired of politicians playing their pointless game against each other. It was time for a change.

After their village was destroyed, Holver and the survivors volunteered to join the royal military, but with their heritage originated from Machire in the east, they were ridiculed and shunned by their offer. So instead they become mercenaries, serving as scouts to gather information on the enemy. In due time, the company made a name for themselves throughout the empire and they saved countless lives in the progress. Even the Soulus council took notice of their deed.

Once the war came to an end, the Lucky Few were granted an audience with the Council and were recognized as an important group. There they then met Councilor Deshu and offered their service ever since.

A year after rebuilding the empire from the ground up and Holver still had countless things that he had to fulfill. And the strangest part that the Councilor has given was to safeguard a strange, mare called Twilight Sparkle. He stopped what he was doing for a moment to stare at the slumbering pony, drooling over Geos pant. Her mane was pressed, curled messily in a chaotic fashion. She adjusted her head to get some better comfort.

It had been a long time since their introduction and Holver could hardly believe that he would befriend a talking beast. As awkward as it sound to stand side by side with an unusual creature, he definitely knew one important fact and that was to never invite Twilight over for a drink. Beside the point after his adventure with the equine, he realized that she was passionate whenever work came to a horizon and deeply cared for the safety of his men. Those kinds of qualities deserved some respect.

He looked down at the pipe that he has taken out of his pocket and gave a good long look at the marvelous gift. There were a lot of gifts in his time, but never like the one Twilight presented to him. The pipe was top quality brand, crafted with the finest wood and not the usual cheap stuff. By the look of the design it was well-suited for a noble, but instead it was his to enjoy and he couldn’t be happier. The only problem now was what kind of present he should give to Twilight.

A light knock was heard just outside of the carriage. Holver peered from the window to see Kear, one of the senior members of the company. “How are the passengers?” He spoke, wriggling his heavy grey mustache.

“Sleeping at the moment,” Holver replied, snorting. “By the time we get there, Geos would feel very wet under his leg thanks to Twilight.”

Kear curiously looked inside at the two sleepyheads. “I see what you mean. Still, we can’t have Joaris be waiting. You know what he’s like if we are to be late in time.”

“Oh, don’t remind me. I still remember his ‘mad chatter’. So how are we close to the mansion yet?”

“Not far from where we are. By this speed we should be at the Halivs in less than an hour.”

Holver gave a slight nod. “Very good, have the men get ready. He would be quite surprise to see his old friend again.”

“Who? Joaris? There’s no denying the fact that he’s going to be ecstatic.” Kear heartily laughed and yelled out to his steed forward to the men.

As Kear was no longer in his sight, Holver pondered warily at their destination. Ever since his wife has passed away, Joaris became distant to everyone, including the Soulus council. Holver hadn’t talk to him since the civil war began and was fearful that their meeting would bring up old wounds.

He looked at the two sleepyheads for a moment and checked his ornate dagger with a robin seal on the hilt. There were two things that he would always treasure and one of them was Twilight. If what the report said was true and that Joaris had fallen over to the enemy, would Holver have the strength to finish what he started?

A bright silver moon was behind the blacken spire of the mansion. The entire building was a palace, far remote of towns or cities. Yet when they approached to the place they saw the state of its condition. The mansion was in a state of disrepair. Cracks could be seen on the wall and the place was almost about to collapse at any minute. Holver couldn’t believe that it was the place that he remembered in his youth.

A chilling aura surrounded the mansion that gives Geos an uneasy feeling. It felt similar to the one like of Ironcloud: cold, grim and dead. Tiny traces of light orange and yellow were seen in the windows. They were relief that it wasn’t abandon yet. The entrance between them and the mansion was a long, single bridge, guarded by Joaris’s personal watchmen. There was nowhere to cross to the other side as Joaris built his home on an island.

One of the watchmen noticed the movement ahead and alerted the rest. He lifted his lantern up to give a better look and shouted “Halt” at the approaching group.

The company and the carriage came to a sudden stop. More Watchmen appeared to the scene as Kear dismounted his horse. He walked a few steps forward, bowing slightly at the guard. “Good evening, goodsir. I apologize for the disturbance, but we are on an important matter of business.”

“And my business is my own. Get lost!” The watchman spat, pointing his spear. “We didn’t receive any news of arriving guests. State your business.”

“Of course, my apologies,” Kear said. “We have come from the city of Halver to ask Joaris Haliv some questions about the recent statement given by Councilor Deshu Moss of Commerce. He wanted us to inspect the premises of Joaris’s operation.”

The watchman pondered for a moment, exchanging glances with the others. “…I need to see some evidence if your word is true.”

“But of course,” Kear reached for his coat and pulled out a letter. He presented and gave it to him. “I hope the content of the letter is adequate enough to sate your curiosity.”

The watchman for a moment browsed at the letter and painfully nodded. “The letter seems to be in order. You may pass, but I’m afraid your men have to stay behind.”

There was uproar among the men, but Kear silenced them with a gesture of his hand. “We accept the condition, but could we at least bring two of ours to insure the security of our guests?”

The watchmen exchanged their looks, at one another as they nodded in response.

Kear gave a slight bow and returned to his men, but not before he silently cursed under his breath.

“It is strange that there are so many guards just for one man?” Twilight observed, slightly peeking from the window. She had gotten well on not being seen by the public and after months being cooped inside at the Councilor’s mansion, she came to understand the reaction of the Soulus populace. Some would fear her of what she is or even attack on sight, but Twilight observed that not all of them would feel negatively alarmed about her present. Example of course would be Councilor Deshu, the mercenary captain Holver and his gang and many more others.

Holver agreed with her observation as his mind was focused on Kear, selecting the two volunteers among the group. “There weren’t many guards when the last time I came here.”

“And when the last time was that?”

“Years ago, after his wife Magna passed away. I just don’t understand it. Joaris was never this paranoid, but clearly something has happened to him while I was away.” Kear had finally selected the volunteers as he approached to Holver. “I take it that the men are still sour about staying behind?”

Kear snorted and spat. “Bunch of cowards these watchmen are, it’s unlike we’re going to be a problem. But still, it is for the best. I wouldn’t risk bringing whatever the men we have onto a death trap.”

“And do you think it would be a trap?” Twilight added, wearily cautious.

“Oh, I have no doubt that it might be the case. Or maybe this Joaris fellow just doesn’t have the time to tidy up the place.”

“Who are the volunteers that you have selected?” Holver asked.

“Jole and Gavris.”

Holver nodded at his selection. “Then we shall go ahead with the plan.”

“Excuse me, but is this wise, Holver,” Kear glanced behind at the watchmen. “These kinds of folk don’t particularly like us very much. Maybe I should be the one to meet this Joaris fellow instead.”

Holver nodded at the offer, but he quickly declined. “I know much more about Joaris than any of you combine,” he explained. “And besides, he would be disappointed if I didn’t come meet face to face. I wouldn’t throw away the chance to meet an old friend of mine.”

“Fair enough, Holver. Fair enough. Guess I should stay behind to stick with this bunch of idiots.”

Holver laughed. “As always, Kear, you take care of their arses. What about you Twilight, Geos? Are you going to come along as well?”

“Well, I have nowhere else to go.” Twilight stated, giving the fact that she was forbidden, by the Councilor, to be seen by the public.

The rookie, however, hesitated, still groggy from his sleep. He felt exhausted, weakened, but managed to give a nodded response. “I still have a duty, sir. I shall carry them through.”

“Then it is settled,” Kear confirmed of their answer and departed to meet the watchmen.

As the gate opened, Jole and Gavris were the first to lead ahead while the carriage followed afterward. Kear and the rest of the Lucky Few stayed behind in wait, hoping for their safe return. The Soulus guards that were driving the carriage didn’t make any sound or response and continued through the long and silent bridge.

Out of range of the watchmen sight, Twilight peered from the window, raising her binoculars with magic. “So this is the noble’s mansion, huh? It is a strange sight of his family to live so far away from civilization.”

“A typical thing for a noble to do,” Holver blurted out. “Joaris parents predicted that an unease relation between royalty and scarlet was inevitable, so they decided to build safe away from civilization. I do not know if his parents were cautious or insane, but in the end they were right. Civil war broke out and they were safe from harm.”

“Did the report say about his parents?” Twilight pondered.

Holver smirked and shook his head. “It isn’t. Joaris told me that personally.”

“What happen to them?”

“Not sure. He wouldn’t say,” Holver sadly sighed. “He hadn’t seen them since he was a teenager and that was when I first met him. Never have I seen him so depress when he mentioned me to his parents  and didn’t say anymore after that. But life turned around for him, in a good way. We have been good friends ever since and a decade later he married Magna…”

“Guess there is some good in nobility after all then.”

Holver snickered at the last remark. “It is a funny thing about them considering that we have one right here in front of us.” His eyes turned cold and grim towards Geos. “You better prepare yourself, rookie. Stay sharp when meeting Joaris. He can be quite deceiving at times.”

Geos quickly got the message and nodded. He was frantically nervous of what Holver said and worried that he might know who he was. The Vaarkas, even though employed as bodyguards to royal dignitary, were a very wealthy family because of their services. It practically made them a noble in their right. This made the Vaarkas unpopular with the middle and lower classes since they were infamously known for strict and harsh punishments against those that would harm their superiors.

As they entered the mansion, the first thing that they glimpsed was the excessive field of blue flowers that stretched all over the front yard. The place inside was spacious; large enough that could fit almost a battalion. The flowers illuminated the area in a faint glow, lighting the path that leads all the way to the mansion. Twilight and Geos had never seen so many flowers before, but Holver shrugged it off, telling them that Jyfinile, or Remember Me, was Magna’s favourite flower and that Joaris would plant them a bunch every year.

Yet, what startled Holver the most was not the soldiers that were garrisoned, but by the armaments that they carried. He glanced on several towers, seeing them equipped with broad, heavy cannons and soldiers with their state singly-shot musket.

In order to win back against the Scarlet Order, allied Harten, and conscripted Red Horde, the Royal forces unveil their secret weapon at the beginning of the civil war. Although cannons proved otherwise effective against area-affected troops and slowed their movement, it proved unable to stop them until they reached to the Royal Capitol.

It was then that the Soulus Empire created the Partishan in their desperate time along with a smaller design similar to the cannon. The first musket, inaccurate range and sloppy to reload, yet it stands very well against the Scarlet. Along with the backing of the remaining Royal forces and the Exorcists, Partishan sharpshooters crippled the Hartens easily from safe distance which then successfully defended the Capitol and win the war in the process.

After the war had ended, laws were made to insure that the weapon would not fall in the hands of the public. By right, firearms were strictly in use only to the Partishan and no other.

How was Joaris able to acquire the stuff? Holver thought. He had grown increasingly worried at the firepower that Joaris had in store. Most of the soldiers that Holver observed were seasoned, well-trained and probably efficient enough in a fight. Was his old friend really going to do this? Has Joaris aligned himself with the enemy?

Holver stepped out from the carriage first to sight the black spire in the distance. Geos came second after him, stretching his arms up wide. “Sorry, Twilight, you know the rules,” Holver said, turning around to stop the violet mare. “Can’t have the folk around here be seeing you out in the blue.”

“But,” Twilight eyed at him with her large, google eyes. “I’m sure they would think of me as some kind of animal or a pet of yours. No one would ever suspect about it.” It usually worked when Twilight used her adorable eyes and most of the time it succeeded without fail, but no matter how much she tried, Holver wouldn’t be swayed by her failed attempt.

“Again, you know the rules. Stay here until our business is done. You should have stayed with Kear and the gang.”

“What, and miss the chance like this? Never.”

“Twilight?” Holver slightly raised her voice.

“Oh, alright. Alright. I’ll stay inside this stupid ride. Just be careful out there.”

Holver gave a warm smile and nodded. He closed the door and walked through the yard with Geos right beside of him. There was a look on Twilight’s face that Holver noticed when he closed the door. He knew exactly what that look mean and hoped that she wasn’t thinking of doing something foolish.

The two mercenaries, Jole and Gavris, followed suit behind while the Soulus guards remained at the ride, protecting the ‘delicate cargo’ that they used to call Twilight. Out of all the things that Holver hated the most, the Soulus guards were at the top of the list. He could not stand their eerie silence; their blind egos that wrapped them superior than the rest.

As they crossed between the gardens, Geos couldn’t help stop staring at the blue Jyfinile flowers. It had strangely left a lasting effect on him somehow as there was a great sense of calm in the air. His feet could almost collapse at any minute before they managed to reach to the front door.

Holver adjusted his uniform, trying to look decent. He then knocked the door three times and waited for the other side to respond. The three that were behind him drifted at the old building, looking around at the haunted mansion until the doors slowly came to open. At the entrance stood a stern, well-groomed butler, about the age of thirty, with a white vest and tidy black coat.

“Good evening to you, sirs,” the butler spoke in a monotone voice. “Are you the unexpected guests that the watchmen spoke of?”

Holver nodded, bowing. “Forgive the intrusion of this hour, but we have come here to see Joaris on the matters of the accusation based upon Councilor Deshu.”

“Accusation?” The butler arched an eyebrow, ponderously. “Whatever is the master accused of, goodsir?”

“A lot of what has been given to me, but the most was a conspiracy against the throne and the council.”

“My, such bold statements,” the butler gladly allowed the guests inside the mansion and closed the door. His hand reached out at the candlelight, lighting up of the piece. “Please excuse the darkness around here. It is rare for the master to be having guests. My name is Wheler, at your service. If there is anything you need for me then ask, but enough of my idle chatter. Please follow me; I will escort you to the guest room.”

“Are you not going to lead us to Joaris?” Holver said.

There was a sad look on the butler’s face. “The master hasn’t received any visitors for a long time and doesn’t want to be disturbed. What’s even worse is that he had lost a great deal of fortune during the Civil war as you can see the place that’s around you.”

“I never heard Joaris was bankrupt,” Holver added, slightly shocked by this sudden news. “How was it possible? The war was far from here. There was no way he would lose all of his fortune.”

“You’d be surprised what five years of civil infighting could do with these days. However, I do not have the privilege to explain the personal matters of the master. If you want to know what happen here, then my best bet you discuss with him yourself. Ah, here we are. Please, hold on for a second. Blast it all, which is the right key.”

After several unsuccessful keys, Wheler finally found the right one. The door was unlocked to find the guest room in a tattered mess. “Forgive me, sirs. Please make yourself comfortable… um, whatever you can.”