From Beyond

Aphrodite had found a chair in the back of the room, out of the way of the majority of the other attending members. Her eyes moved across all of them, watching for anything to appear. Various conversations floated over to her, most of them focusing on the topic of why she was there. A small smile was on her face as she listened, as the ideas varied from some warrior code of honor to visit their enemy’s burial all the way to she had fallen in love with him and was here to see her love one last time.

She laughed at that last one especially, since none of the creatures here were even strong enough to garner her attention in that way. That didn’t stop a few from making a pass at her. A few nobles had extended an invitation to join their herds, and a few had even tried feeling her up. Suffice to say that there were several injured ponies that had excused themselves to get healed.

“I had hoped you wouldn’t take his invitation seriously.” Celestia said, walking in the door next to Aphrodite.

“Why wouldn’t I? Discord brought up a valid point.” Aphrodite replied, her eyes going up to the solar diarch. Faded white dress, full bust coverage, and even a faded silver collar in place of her normal jewelry. Very reserved, perfect for a wake.

“And what point would that have been?” Celestia asked, her eyes going over Aphrodite. She had a faded grey dress, and was wearing her gloves as well as a small necklace.

“I’m a warrior, seeing off a fallen enemy. He fought honorably, doing the best he could. It just wasn’t enough to win.”

“I thought you only recognized the strongest?” Celestia asked.

“Don’t get me wrong, his choice to accept the duel was a very big mistake. But he owned up to it, even against an opponent that outclassed him like a titan outclasses an ant. Even if the reason for the duel itself was less than savory, I do recognize that he was a pony that would have gone far in our military. If he had learned to keep his mouth shut.” Aphrodite said, antagonizing Celestia.

“There are several nobles asking for your arrest because you killed Blueblood.”

“Why do you bring such a thing up, we both know anyone you send to arrest me would not walk away from such an act. And then I would be coming to kill you shortly afterwards.” Aphrodite said.

“It is words like that that push my ponies to make such demands. You’ve threatened to kill me several times, and they don’t like it.”

“I couldn’t care less what they like. How you work and how we work are very different, and right now the only thing actually keeping you alive are orders from Prophet.”

“At least you’re very forward about it. Oh, and Discord gave me your message earlier. Why don’t you want an apology?” Celestia asked, taking the seat next to her.

“Too much of a hassle. As long as you don’t do it again, I see no problem with just putting it behind us.” Aphrodite said, sipping at the wine she had gotten when she entered.

“I still want to at least apologize for my unsavory actions. I hope that you do not hold it against my ponies. I have given up plenty to hold my crown, least of all was sealing my own sister into the moon.” Celestia said.

“That is very sad indeed. I had to execute my brother.” Aphrodite replied nonchalantly.

“How is it you can speak so calmly about such vile acts?” Celestia said, aghast.

“He was giving our enemy information regarding Prophet’s defense and movements. I overheard him while I was infiltrating an encampment and ended his life within the hour.” Aphrodite said, swirling around her wine glass.

“He must have done much to earn such loyalty.” Celestia said.

“He is the whole reason I am where I am. It wouldn’t do for me to be disloyal to him in favor of my family after everything he has afforded us. My father even agreed with my actions at his funeral.”

The ease with which Aphrodite spoke about killing her own blood made Celestia nauseous, especially when she mentioned that her father had approved of her actions.

“If you’ll excuse me, I must talk with the others.” Celestia said, standing up and walking off.

“If you’re sickened by my lax attitude about death, say so. I’m so used to killing that it’s just as simple to me as breathing.” Aphrodite said, a sickening grin on her face. “Be sure to remember that. I’ve been hearing things in the castle, and I don’t think any of your ponies realize just how dangerous I am.”

“I celebrate the joys of life, being sick about so much talk of death is natural for me. As for my ponies, I doubt any of them would do anything against my wishes.”

“They are living beings with their own agendas. Don’t be surprised when they break that little stigma you have of them.”

Celestia walked away then, deciding to ignore her comment.

“And before you forget, I will honor his death by attending the funeral tomorrow as well.” Aphrodite shouted at Celestia, making sure everyone heard it. She leaned back into her chair, very glad that Celestia had decided to stop and talk. Gave her the perfect chance to set up the ambush the next day.

“For being the head of the diplomatic corp, she isn’t very tactful. Then again, she probably did it to guarantee that the ponies who planned on ambushing her knew where she would be.” Hades said, listening in on Aphrodite’s conversations.

“Very blunt, but effective. I’ll go scout out the burial grounds, so that you can keep an eye. How far out do you want to be to provide overwatch?” Ares asked, stretching as he stood up.

“Gimme sightlines from one of the roofs. Since it’s a royal burial, I doubt it’ll be outside of the castle grounds. If it is, half a kilometer out should be far enough.” Hades responded, tuning out of the comm channel to talk.

“I thought your guns had a longer effective range?” Ares asked.

“They do, but any farther than half a kilometer and you have to start taking external variables into effect to shoot with my rifle accurately.”

“What about your railgun?”

“I doubt you want to sort through a crater for Aphrodite. I planned on using one of the lower calibers, only resorting to the railgun if I have to take out either of the princesses. She’s putting a lot of trust into you to make sure she’s safe if things go south. Even if they are this weak, twenty versus one isn’t something to scoff at. Especially without her armor.” Hades said, leaning back on his chair. His eyes wandered over to Ares.

“You don’t have to worry. Nothing will befall her. Prophet would have my hide if I failed.” Ares said, walking over to the balcony.

“Did you hear that? She’s going to disgrace Blueblood’s funeral with her own appearance. Make sure everyone shows up, she’s going to die tomorrow.”

Tick tock. The clock is running down, the pieces are in place, and the white pawns move to capture the black bishop. Will the white queen save her pieces, or will she allow the black knight and rook to remove them from play.

‘What are you talking about now Seed?’ Twilight asked, her attention breaking away from the book she was reading.

You ought to know better than that by now little flame.

‘I know, I know. You won’t answer unless its the right question.’ Twilight mentally sighed.

Besides, you should be able to draw your own conclusions from the clues. It isn’t that difficult to make correlations between my words and your world.

‘Why do you play these mind games?’ Twilight asked, closing her book. She wouldn’t be able to pay attention to it until she got some kind of answer.

To teach you. After all, I’m running out of time.

‘Teach me what?’

To advance yourself of course. Nothing lasting was ever given freely, gained by waiting, or by following the status quo. You must innovate, create, and forge your own path forward in order for life to be worthwhile.

‘You’re getting philosophical on me.’

I was a philosopher in one of my lives. I guess I never got tired of it.

‘It is mildly annoying when I have to figure out what you mean, when you want me to learn.’

I refer you to my previous argument. Nothing lasting was ever given freely.

‘Then what is the cost of me learning these things?’

That is a question I’ll answer. You will want nothing but to advance forward, an eternal march that Celestia halted. Evolution, granted again to this world by you.

‘Why me?’

You have friends in high places, and you yourself are very high ranking. You are the star pupil of the leader of the governing body, and a paragon of the people. You are looked up to by the masses, and your words and actions have a lasting effect you couldn't fathom. You are the perfect being to teach.

‘And what is it that you actually want me to do?’

Teach others. This world has sat still, locked in its evolution by an eternal crown that created peace and wants it to remain that way forever. Make them advance. Join us in the stars.

Twilight suddenly felt a massive burden on her shoulders. She would lead the people into the future, into the stars.

‘Will the Aetherians accept us?’

As long as you work hard, you will not have to worry about that.

‘Then I have my work set out for me, don’t I?’

Don’t we all?