Doomsday Ascending

Chapters

Doomsday Ascending
Black Parade
Illumination
Mighty Rivers Run
Cry Thunder
Terminal
One Truth
The Promise
A Thousand Deaths
Elegy
Europa
Epilogue: Concerning Ponies

Doomsday Ascending

WARNING! The following story contains scenes of violence and mature subject matter and is not recommended for readers under the age of 14.

You wake up believing this day will end by evening

It's taken for granted that seeds of life are planted

But nothing prepares you for nature's acts of virtue

It's Doomsday, ascending, the world you know is ending

“17... 18... 19... 20... 21... and 22” Twilight said with a breath of relief, “That's 22 baby moles, Fluttershy!”

Twilight sat down on the grass, before flopping down onto her back, exhausted. She had been at Fluttershy's cottage all day helping her take stock on all the new animals that had been born during this year's mating season. After the disaster last year, Fluttershy had wanted someone more gentle and organized than Applejack to help her.

Twilight opened her eyes to see Fluttershy smiling down at her.

“Thank you so much, Twilight,” she said in her soft voice, “If you hadn't been helping me, this could have taken days.”

Twilight smiled at her, before grunting and rolling onto her side, “Wake me when it's winter.”

Fluttershy giggled and helped her friend to her hooves, “You can't sleep in the grass, some of the animals might step on you.”

Twilight stood up, yawning. She was so tired she couldn't really think properly. She was bolted awake, however, when a massive, explosive sound rocked the sky. They both looked up to see a jet black streak tear across the sky, in a manner similar to the trail Rainbow Dash left when she was flying at high speeds. It had streaked over the horizon almost as soon as it appeared. The two friends looked at each other for a moment, confused.

“What on earth was that?” Twilight asked.

“I don't know,” Fluttershy replied, “None of the animals I've heard of make that kind of flight trail.”

Still confused, but now more awake, Twilight bade goodbye to Fluttershy and began the long walk back to her library. It was times like this that she disliked the fact that Fluttershy lived right on the edge of the Everfree Forest. It was nearly a two mile walk back into Ponyville, and she did not have the energy to teleport that kind of a distance.

Nearly an hour later, Twilight's hooves were aching as she made her way through the Town Square. She saw a few people in a bit of a panic, staring at a pile of rubble on a street corner. Upon closer inspection, Twilight gasped.

Sugarcube Corner had been completely destroyed.

She rushed to the remains of the bakery as quickly as she could and began frantically searching the nearby area. She couldn't see anyone in any kind of danger. Who could have done this? Her thoughts were interrupted by a shrill scream from right behind her.

“MY APARTMENT!” she heard Pinkie Pie scream as she looked over the destruction, “MY HOME IS GONE!”

“Pinkie, do you have any idea how this happened?” Twilight asked, trying to calm down the hysterical pony.

Pinkie took a few deep breaths, before looking Twilight in the eye, “I have no idea. The oven is pretty old, it might have set the building on fire... oh where am I going to live now???”

Twilight ignored her for a moment, looking over the rubble again. There were no signs of fire damage. Nothing was burnt and there wasn't any kind of smokey scent in the air. Then, something grunted underneath the broken boards.

“There's someone under there!” came Heartstring's voice in the crowd.

Twilight, Pinkie, Heartstrings and a few others helped lift the rubble off a struggling Mrs Cake. They pulled her out and sat her down. She didn't seem terribly hurt, but she was crying.

“Mrs Cake, what happened here?” Pinkie asked, “Was there a fire?”

Mrs Cake looked up at the pony who had become a daughter to her, and slowly shook her head, “Somepony... some thing came into the store. It clearly wasn't a pony. I'm not sure what it was.”

“Please, explain,” Twilight asked gently, dying to know hwo this could have happened.

“It... it stood on two legs... and was dressed in... these weird clothes. They were made of metal... almost like armor, except they covered it from head to hoof. There was a kind of metal mask over it's face, and it wore some kind of robe over it all. All we could see were it's eyes... those horrible eyes...”

“Go on,” Twilight replied.

“It asked... it asked us what world this was. I wasn't sure how to answer, so I just said 'Equestria' and... it laughed. It raised one of it's upper legs and... grabbed my husband without really touching him.”

“Telekinesis?” Twilight asked, “Was it a unicorn?”

“No, it didn't have a horn. It didn't even look like a pony... and it lifted my husband and... crushed him...”

Twilight's eyes opened wide. Why would something do that to Mr Cake? Pinkie was tearing up. The rest of the crowd was silent as they listened to what happened.

“It just threw him aside and then... curled into a ball in midair. Then it threw it's limbs out and an explosion rocked the store. It destroyed everything. I could see it through the rubble... wings appeared on it's back and it took off with the same kind of boom and... flew away.”

“Can you tell us anything else?” Twilight asked, “Was it tall? Or short? Anything we can use to identify it further?”

Mrs Cake looked up at her, her eyes red and puffy, “It... it was even taller than Princess Celestia...”

Twilight's eyes grew wide. The Princess was very tall, and not many creatures were larger than her and not extremely dangerous. Whatever this creature was, Twilight was sure it was by no means friendly.

“Everypony, help clear away this mess,” Twilight directed, “I have to let the Princess know about this...”

She bolted off into a run towards her library, completely ignoring the pain in her hooves from walking so far already. As soon as she reached the library, she slammed the door behind her, and called out for Spike.

“SPIKE! Get in here now!” she yelled. In only a few seconds, the young dragon she had raised like a son was at her side.

“You called?”

“Yes, I need you to take a letter,” Twilight said, not looking at him, and using her magic to lift book after book off the shelves, “It's urgent that the Princess be made aware of this.”

“Aware of... never mind,” Spike said, not bothering to ask as he held a scroll and quill ready, “What are you looking for anyway?”

“Anything I can tell the Princess that might... AHA!” Twilight exclaimed as she pulled out an old book and showed it to him.

“The Young Historian's Guide to Mythical Creatures,” Spike read, “Why do you want this?”

“Just be ready until I tell you to write,” Twilight snapped, making a mental note to apologize for her rudeness later. She flipped upon page after page, looking only at the concept drawings to find anything matching what Mrs Cake had described. Finally, she found a page that seemed promising.

HUMANOIDS [Hugh-Man-Oiyds] - Humanoids are a class of creatures talked about in many myths and legends. They are bipedal creatures who's upper apendages have small legs attached to grip objects with. Humanoids are the class of creatures to which the more fearsome legends are often associated with.

Humanoid creatures are sentient, though often unwilling to engage in diplomacy. See also “Human” “Angel” and “Val'Kyr.”

Twilight paused for a moment at the suggestions. She turned the pages to each article, but found nothing. Then she stopped at the page marked “Val'Kyr” and her heart skipped a beat. It was a tall, bipedal being, clad in dark armor and a cloak. It stood in a ready position, with strange, long instruments in each hand. She decided to read further.

VAL'KYR [Vaahl-Kire] – A humanoid creature of bloody legend. The twisted, dark cousins of the Valkyrie, Val'Kyr live and die through war and bloodshed. A Val'Kyr's power is said to rival even that of the strongest Gods. Val'Kyr are not so much a species as they are an order, and many legends see powerful Val'Kyr training new species to follow their lead.

Val'Kyr are said to appear, and facilitate, the end of the world. They are the most dangerous of mythical creatures, and are resistant to even the most powerful forms of magic.

Val'Kyr are said to wield weapons known as the Blades of Virtue, a sharp weapon with similarities to the Elements of Harmony. Their weapons are said to adapt to the wielder's fighting style, and legend states that they can cut through any known material.

Ancient myth states that on no circumstance should a Val'Kyr be approached, and NEVER sought out.

The most famous legend involving Val'Kyr is the legend of Shadow's Prey. A powerful Val'Kyr, he and his apprentice, Ascentia Kortai, destroyed the last of the immortal Deitei. While Shadow's Prey died in the attempt, Kortai continued on to train more Val'Kyr.

See Also: Xoroth, Deitei, Blades of Virtue, Valkyrie

Class: Apocalyptic

Lore: Ancient Legend

Mortality: 2,000,000,000 Equestrian Years

Species: Humanoid

Predators: None

Prey: Deitei

Equestrian Equivilant: Xoroths

Existence: Godlike

Twilight tried to keep a calm head. After all, this was a book of mythical creatures, those only found in stories. But after everything that happened with Nightmare Moon and Discord, she didn't want to be as naive. Setting the book aside, she turned to Spike.

“Alright Spike, take this down,” Twilight said, “Dear Princess Celestia. It has come to my attention that-”

Twilight was cut off when Spike coughed up a scroll. Twilight snatched it up and began to scan it.

My Faithful Student,

I'm afraid I must warn you that our home is under attack. Several cities throughout Equestria have been destroyed by a strange creature. Survivors cannot tell us anything other than their sheer horror at the events. For the sake of everyone, I must ask that you and your friends come to Canterlot at once. Hurry, before this creature makes another attack.

-Princess Celestia

Not two seconds after Twilight finished reading the letter, was there a massive crash outside. It sounded like something had struck the ground at a very high speed. Rushing out her door, she saw something that made her heart skip a beat.

A tall creature was straightening up and and looking around at the town before it. It's face was covered by a mask that didn't seem to permit any sight through it. The being's armor covered it from head to toe, and the ground beneath it's feet had frozen solid.

The ponies around the area were silent. They had heard Mrs Cake's story, and were apprehensive. The still silence was broken by a happy cheer that sent chills down everyone's spine.

“I knew it!” they could all hear Heartstrings shouting, “I knew they were real! I was right all alo-”

Heartstrings was cut off when the creature extended a hand, and a shockwave erupted from it's palm, blasting Heartstrings through a nearby building. Everyone looked on in shock as her body was thrown through solid brick like the wall was made of paper.

And then...

The Creature began gathering a kind of blue energy in it's hands, and everyone started running for their life.

Running in an arc around the Creature, Twilight darted down a side street, looking for her friends. She looked back over her head to see the Creature grab Derpy with telekinesis and slam her into the ground. Adrenaline gripping her, she ran faster.

“Wha'dya mean the town's under attack?” Applejack asked her as they ran in the direction of Fluttershy's cottage.

“I mean that there's this strange creature in Ponyville destroying buildings and killing everyone!” Twilight yelled.

Her friends ran alongside her, not saying much. They were rather silent when Twilight ran up to them and screamed that they had to get out of the city. They had only seen Twilight this upset once before, and they had learned the hard way to always take her seriously.

As they neared Fluttershy's home, they stopped and stared in horror. Her cottage wasn't there anymore. In fact, it was strewn all over the place, and the same creature was standing over the rubble. The five girls took cover, and hid within the bushes as the Creature scanned the area and then vanished into thin air.

They slowly came out of their hiding place, and approached the rubble of their friend's home. Seeing the Creature disappear answered the question of how it had gotten here before them. They looked around for anything, when they heard a small squeak coming from the edge of the forest. They breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Fluttershy poke her head out of a bush.

“Is... is it gone?” she asked, her eyes red with tears.

Twilight ran up to her friend and pulled her into a hug, “Yes, it's gone. Are you alright?”

Fluttershy looked over towards her animal pens as fresh tears began to form. The structures were destroyed and animal bodies were strewn everywhere.

“Twilight... what was that thing?” she asked in a soft whisper.

“I'm not sure,” Twilight said, avoiding the very long theory she had, “But we have to get out of here. The Princess wants us in Canterlot right away.”

Pinkie Pie looked around the rest of her friend's worried faces and realized that this was a serious moment. She discreetly kicked a small piece of artillery into a bush for a better time.

“Twilight, ah hate to be th' downer,” Applejack pointed out, “But by th' time we get to Canterlot, that thing could destroy half of Equestria.”

“It already has,” Twilight said, to a collective gasp, “The Princess wrote to me to tell me that something had been attacking the other towns and killing ponies all across Equestria. That's why we have to go.”

“You heard the egghead!” Rainbow Dash said with a renewed vigor, “Let's get our rumps in gear!”

Rarity looked over her shoulder as they turned away, “Are you coming, Fluttershy?”

“I would, but...” the yellow mare said with a squeak, “I'm waiting for Twilight to let go of me.”

“I'm glad you made it here safely,” Celestia said to her apprentice and her friends as she led them to the armory, “The Creature you saw in Ponyville has been attacking the planet for weeks. It seems to just appear out of nowhere, and disappear as soon as it's destruction is complete.”

“Your Highness, what exactly IS that thing?” Rainbow asked as they headed to the Element Chamber.

“I'm not sure,” Celestia sighed, “I've never seen a creature of it's kind before. Only in myths, and I have lived a very long time.”

“S-so how are w-we supposed to h-h-help?” Fluttershy asked with a stammer as she kept looking over her shoulder, expecting death every time.

“You six have achieved so much,” Celestia explained as she led them on, “You have succeeded where I have failed. I would trust no other with this.”

They approached the armored door that housed the Elements of Harmony. Celestia was about to open the chamber, when her sister burst through a side hall.

“Sister!” she shouted, “The Creature is here!”

Celestia staggered for a moment, before regaining her composure, “How much time do we have?”

“It tore through the front gates like they were nothing!” Luna shouted, “We must act now!”

“Very well,” Celestia sighed, “My student, I must go fight this creature. Retrieve the Elements and join me in the palace courtyard. We will stand together as one.”

Celestia marched to the front gates, but not before casting a glance over her shoulder at her faithful apprentice. Something in her eyes conveyed a very clear thought to the young unicorn.

This would be the last time they would ever see each other.

Twilight turned back to the door, and her horn began to glow, “Alright ladies... let's do this!”

The palace guards were helpless as the Creature held them in the air with it's powers. With one wave of it's hand, they were slammed against the side of the palace walls. Absently striking down a nearby socialite that was fleeing for it's life, it looked upon the scene it had caused.

Behind it's mask, the Creature sneered. These worthless excuses for a thriving race put up the least resistance. It had encountered no military or defense force of any kind during it's assault. Just tiny, foot-high quadrapeds running in all directions. The Creature's heart was burning for a challenge.

It's request was answered in the appearance of the two rulers of this “kingdom.”

The Creature turned it's eye to the Alicorn. Pure white and with multicolored, flowing hair. It was angry, and vengeful. This would prove amusing.

It then turned it's eye to the Xoroth. While a single glance could tell that the dark, winged unicorn held the term in name only, it's power was filling the air.

“You have assaulted our land, and threatened our homes long enough,” Celestia said in a calm, yet intimidating tone, “By the might of the Mother, we shall put an end to you.”

The Creature took no heed to the “might of the Mother”. It had been around far too long and seen far too many Gods to keep up. Reaching out an arm, a cluster of particles began to form in it's palm. The cluster grew bright and lengthened. There was a bright flash, and a long blade was held in it's hand.

“THOU ARE A STAIN UPON OUR MIGHTY KINGDOM!” Luna shouted as loudly as she could, “PREPARE TO MEET THINE END, VILE CREATURE!”

“I do not fear death,” The Creature said, “But rather the inadequate life.”

The Creature charged at a blinding speed, swinging it's blade to Luna's skull. Luna teleported behind it with ease, but her eyes widened when she saw the blade carve the stone walls away like they were butter.

Taking flight, Luna rained a flurry of lightning upon The Creature, who used it's blade like a lightning rod to absorb the energy. Leaping into the air, the Creature flipped over Luna's back, slicing a deep cut into her flank as it did so. Rolling in midair, a shockwave blasted Luna into a wall, where she fell and staggered to her feet.

Spinning, the Creature's blade connected with Celestia's horn, making sparks fly. Two more strikes were parried by the Sun God's horn until the Creature clamped it's hand over Celestia's face and threw her against the side of a bridge that connected two of the towers. Lifting one hand, the bridge cracked at it's supports, and crashed down upon the white alicorn.

Turning back to where it had left the Xoroth, the Creature smirked behind it's mask as it saw Luna hovering in the air, a glare on her face. Before it could take an action, a blast was launched from Luna's horn that slammed into the Creature and blasted some of it's armor away.

Standing up in a crater, the Creature's visible eye glared at Luna with a fiery rage. Luna took a moment to observe her opponent. Part of it's helmet had been blasted away, allowing a lock of salmon colored hair to fall free to it's feet. It was also missing a gauntlet, showing a blackened, clawed hand gripping it's blade.

Taking no more hesitation, Luna banked to the side, and flew off into the city, narrowly missing the Creature's blade as it was thrown at her, spinning dangerously. Turning down numerous streets, she tried to confuse it. The sounds of rapid footsteps informed her that her plan was in vain. Looking behind her, the Creature was running after her at a speed that would put the Apprentice's boyish friend to shame.

Taking advantage of the winding paths made by the buildings, Luna darted into an alley, and flew straight up to the roof of a boutique. Landing, she tried to catch her breath.

Her horn glowed as she used her powers to peer into the street without giving away her position. She could see the Creature standing in the same alley she had come up out of. Then it leaped.

Sensing danger, Luna's spell cut out and she teleported to the next building, whipping around and launching a flurry of lightning at where she had been previously standing. She caught the Creature in the eye as it staggered back, subjecting itself to more electricity.

Luna kept up the barrage as long as she could, but the Creature's body was rocked with an explosion that blasted her off the roof and into the street below. She landed on her sister, who was bruised, but otherwise uninjured.

The Creature landed next to them, blasting Luna away with a shockwave and gripping Celestia with telekinesis. Celestia was pulled to it's feet, as it felt a hand wrap around her horn.

She didn't have time to scream as the magical bone was ripped from her skull, taking a vital nerve with it. She fell limp, and was kicked aside.

Luna was in shock, but gathered her energy again for another assault. That is until the Creature teleported to her and drove her sister's horn into her neck, before blasting her with lightning of it's own.

Luna gave out a strained cry before falling from the air and slamming into the ground.

The Creature turned away and made it's way to the palace... a slight limp in it's step.

Twilight and her friends had just managed to retrieve the Elements of Harmony from their case, when they noticed the flashes outside, and the sounds of footsteps approaching. Twilight listened closely, but didn't hear the clopping of hooves against the stone outside. Rather, she heard the clanking of metal against the floor.

The five others looked at each other, and realized that here in the large armory was where they would fight The Creature.

They expected the doors on the other end of the massive chamber to be blasted away like everything else in the Creature's path. They were surprised when the doors opened slowly and Mrs Cake walked in with her twins on her back.

“Girls?” she asked, “Are you in here?”

“Mrs Cake!” Twilight yelled, “What are you doing here?”

“I followed you,” Mrs Cake explained, “I was afraid that if we stayed in Ponyville, we'd be-”

They didn't hear what the Cakes would be, but they got a good idea when the door was blasted away and slammed the three Cakes between it and a stone wall. They jumped when they saw the Creature walk in, with a limp at it's step.

Wasting no time, Twilight and her friends gathered their energy and released the Element's signature rainbow blast upon the Creature.

The Creature flicked it's hand and the blast was redirected into a wall, blowing a massive hole in the armory.

Wasting no time, the Creature threw it's sword, slicing through Pinkie Pie and Rarity. The remaining four ran for cover through the armoury’s back door and out into a corridor.

“What the hell Twilight!” Rainbow screamed as they ran, “What the hell was that!”

Twilight couldn't even speak with how terrified she was.

“That thing just threw away the Element's power like it was paper...” Applejack said, her voice quivering with fear.

“Twilight, what are we going to do?” Fluttershy asked, desperate for her friend to say something.

Twilight knew what was going to happen... but she couldn't bear to say it to any of them. Luckily, Rainbow did it for her.

“I'll tell you what we're going to do!” she screamed, “Die, that's what! That thing is going to kill us, like it's done to everyone else!”

Ducking through a secret passageway that led to the courtyard, they skidded to a halt when they saw their path blocked by the Creature.

“Well, we're fucked,” Spike said from Twilight's back.

“Fuck this!” Rainbow yelled, “I'm outta here!”

She attempted to fly around the Creature, but was grabbed with telekinesis. The Creature blasted her through the a wall with a shockwave, throwing her skin and bones out into the courtyard below.

The rest of her did not follow suit.

Chucking the remains of Rainbow aside, the Creature flicked it's hand and Applejack was tossed into the ceiling with a sickening crunch. It slowly advanced on the two remaining ponies, holding it's blade at the ready.

Fluttershy looked at Applejack, then at Twilight's terrified expression. Something snapped in her mind at that moment. With a scream, she flew towards the Creature, a look of intense fury on her face. Her efforts were in vain as the Creature caught her by the head, and crushed her skull withing it's fingertips.

Throwing her aside, the Creature advanced on Twilight.

“...wait...”

The Creature raised it's weapon and glared at the small unicorn.

“Wait...”

The blade swung down towards her skull, seeking it's target.

“WAIT!” Twilight shouted as loudly as she could.

All she could hear was a ringing as the blade came to a halt mere millimetres from her eye. The Creature drew it's weapon back, and looked down at her.

“Speak.” It commanded.

“Please... please... I have to know... why?”

The Creature's only visible eyebrow raised in surprise.

“Never before has a mortal creature simply asked 'why',” it said, “I now ask the same in return.”

“I... I can't let this end without knowing why you hate us...” Twilight said quietly.

“Hate you?” The Creature said with a laugh, “Dear child, whoever said my kind hate you?”

Twilight looked the Creature in the eye as her jaw dropped, “You slaughtered everyone!”

The Creature gave another small laugh, “Come with me, child,” it beckoned as it walked out to a balcony.

Twilight followed the Creature as it looked out over the horizon.

“I never cared for the daylight,” it said as it moved it's hand and the sun disappeared behind the mountains and the moon took it's place, “It's busy and... noisy.”

The Creature removed it's faceguard and let it's hair fall free. Twilight could now see that the Creature was a woman, with knee-length, light pink hair. Her eyes were a dull grey. The Creature's skin had obviously seen the effects of wearing her armour too long. It was pale and faded.

“So child, ask your questions,” she said in a calm voice.

“Why would you destroy Equestria?” Twilight begged.

“All worlds must come to an end,” she said as she looked up to the stars. She snapped her fingers and a star went out, “Sadly though, evolution likes to disagree. There are times when a world must die, but life still persists. That is where my kind come in. We have the unfortunate job of exterminating life from the planet to let it go in peace.”

“That's crazy!” Twilight shouted, “Worlds can't just die!”

“Oh, a world does not simply stop existing,” the Creature replied, “The existence of life on a planet is harmful to the strength of a world's very being. Some species do more damage than others. Your kind drained your world of it's own energy through your experimentation with forces you call Magic.”

Twilight was wide-eyed. Never before had she heard of magic killing a world, “How is this possible?”

“Mortal beings are not meant to carry supernatural abilities,” she replied, “When the develop these gifts, they can do harm to life itself. For the most part, mortals do not aquire the power to kill their own world. But this planet was killed by the immense power of the Alicorn and the Xoroth. And... you.”

“Me?” Twilight asked.

“I can sense great power within you, child.”

“My name is Twilight.”

The Creature laughed, “There was once a species millennia ago that had a book with that same name.”

“Really?”

“It was unpleasant.”

Twilight was a little disappointed to hear that, “Can't Equestria be healed any way?”

The Creature looked at Twilight, it being her turn to be surprised, “You would heal a dying world? Channel it's life back to it?”

“Yes,” Twilight said, “Can it be done?”

“Not by you,” the Creature said simply, “You are strong... but not that strong. Tell me. What would you do if your planet could be restored? How would you make sure I do not have to return?”

Twilight looked to the floor, “I don't know... I... I've never studied this before.”

“The origins and mysteries of life itself cannot be studied,” The Creature explained, “I've seen many races try to. Some say life was created by deitei, others try to explain the existence of a grand life force. The sad truth is that life cannot be explained. To try to is a waste of energy.”

At the Creature's words, Twilight suddenly got a wondrous look in her eyes.

“Unicorns throughout history have always tried to tap into the power of magic to reach into what they called the 'life spell'. It's a legend about a spell that can grant things like immortality and the ability to revive the dead. It's something many unicorns talked about, but nobody could prove it existed... that's because it can't exist... and Princess Celestia once said that trying to find it could drain ponies of their own powers. That's it isn't it?”

“Your Princess is wise. Odd considering how young she is,” the Creature said, tapping her fingers against her chin.

“Young?” Twilight asked, “How old are you?”

“By your calendar,” the Creature said, “I would be nine hundred million years old.”

Twilight then realized that even someone as old as the Princess would be an infant to the being that stood before her.

“I believe that this is the spell your forefathers spoke of,” the Creature said as she lifted her hands into the air. Her whole body began to glow as a massive pillar of light shot from her palms and into the sky. The world brightened to the point where all Twilight could see was white. She shut her eyes in pain as she heard a voice in her ear.

“I have met many beings and heard the words of their wisest... you have the most potential. Do not cast that aside. Ensure I do not have to return.”

Twilight looked around for the voice, when she heard a softer voice follow it.

“Twilight?”

She spun around, but couldn't see anything.

“Twilight, it's getting dark out...”

She blinked and was lying on a cool patch of grass. She felt groggy as Fluttershy prodded her with her hoof.

“I told you that helping me was tiring work,” Fluttershy said with a smile, “Are you okay to get home, or do you want to sleep here?”

Twilight let her friend help her up and rubbed her eyes, “I'd love to sleep over, Flutters. I just had the weirdest dream.”

“Come in, and tell me all about it,” Fluttershy said sweetly as led Twilight into her house.

Twilight yawned as she looked up at the stars, then saw something that made her heart stop.

One of the stars on Orion's belt was missing...

Black Parade

Warning! The following text contains mature themes, and other subject matter that some people may find offensive. Reader Discretion is strongly advised.

Now have we seen this light for the last time

They're turning back the clock and we won't survive

On just hope this time

They slowly break us down from the inside

And force a way of life we don't recognize

And free will has died

We take our breath for the last time

We'll give it one more cry before they burn a hole

In our hearts again

We saw it coming, this Black Parade when will it end

Oh you and I both know, this Black Parade on fear depends

We can fight it but we can't pretend...

“I have met many beings and heard the words of their wisest... you have the most potential. Do not cast that aside. Ensure I do not have to return...”

Twilight bolted awake as the final words of The Creature passed through her dreams. She rubbed her ageing eyes as she looked at her clock. It was six in the morning, far too early to do much, but she was already awake.

Getting some coffee from the kitchen of her home, Twilight looked around and reflected on her life. It had been nearly fifteen years since she had heard the teachings of the large being that slaughtered her entire race, then revived it again after being impressed by her patience and humility.

Twilight Sparkle was no longer a student of Princess Celestia. She had surpassed all of her former mentor's expectations, and was now granted authority to train other unicorns to use their powers. She had even taken on an apprentice of her own...

“Master?” came a tired voice from upstairs.

Chuckling at her apprentice's insistence on calling her such an intimidating term, Twilight turned to the cream coloured unicorn coming down the stairs.

Fourteen year-old Pumpkin Cake had had a rather rough childhood. Her unstable powers during her infancy had maimed her parents. Though they recovered with only minor lasting injuries, Princess Celestia had deemed Pumpkin too dangerous to be left unchecked. She had been enrolled into Celestia's school where she could be closely monitored. Shortly after leaving Celestia's tutelage, Twilight offered to teach her personally. Pumpkin had been living with her in Canterlot ever since.

“What is it?” Twilight asked, “Did I wake you?”

Pumpkin shook her head, her very long, orange hair flicking back and forth, “I've been awake for two hours. Can't sleep.”

Stepping over to the couch, Twilight pulled Pumpkin into a one-armed hug. The young girl had become something of a daughter to her over the years. While she still saw her actual parents from time to time, Pumpkin made it clear she trusted Twilight more than anyone else. Twilight had been the only one willing to allow such a dangerously powerful child into her home. While she had grown a strong control over her abilities, the stigma of her early childhood followed her around wherever she went.

“Tell me the story of the Val'Kyr, Master,” Pumpkin asked as she sat with Twilight on the couch.

Twilight smiled as she sipped her coffee, keeping the mug aloft with her magic.

“Legends say that the Val'Kyr are the predators of the Gods themselves,” Twilight said, reciting both the actual legend, and what she knew to be the truth from memory, “Fierce warriors, powerful magicians, and revered leaders. The Val'Kyr were bred for battle and lived by their weapons.”

Pumpkin nuzzled up to Twilight as she listened.

“But underneath all of that lay patient, calm, and wise mystics. The Val'Kyr understood the very origins of life itself, something that even the most powerful unicorns could never hope to study. Even in the heat of battle, Val'Kyr were always willing to speak and share their wisdom. All a pony would have to do is listen.”

“Have you ever met a Val'Kyr, Master?” Pumpkin asked. She knew the answer, but loved hearing it all the same.

“Yes,” Twilight said, “And in five mere minutes, she taught me a very valuable lesson.”

“What lesson?”

“That we are gifted with something that many races only dream about,” Twilight replied, “And that kind of gift deserves to be treated with respect.”

This was the very lesson that Twilight wrote in her final letter to Princess Celestia. It was the lesson that surprised the Princess, and also led her to tell Twilight that she had no more to teach her. Nobody in Equestria could remember the Creature's attack but Twilight. She had thought it a dream until she noticed the star the Creature had snuffed out was no longer in the sky.

Ever since that day, Twilight and noticed several other stars missing from the night sky. She took the Creature's words to heart and assumed that other worlds were dying.

She took a gaze at the picture on the end table. It was of her with her old friends. Nowadays, Twilight only still had contact with Fluttershy, and that was only because she had moved to Canterlot with her and started an adoption agency for lost and abandoned animals.

Rainbow Dash had become Captain of the Wonderbolts. While Twilight still saw her race, Rainbow was far too busy to make time for her friends. Twilight accepted that, and was still at every local race, cheering her on.

Rarity's boutique went out of business several years ago, and she was given a job designing the ceremonial armour the Guards wore during special events. She enjoyed it very much, and found that metalwork was allowing her to flex a new creative muscle.

Applejack and Big Macintosh were still running their apple farm. Applebloom had discovered a talent for writing, and became the most famous novelist in the country. Before you even ask, no she still hasn't gotten her cutie mark. But she had long since ceased to care.

Pinkie Pie took over running the bakery after the Cake's were crippled by their daughter. However, the store was broken into one night. They found Pinkie behind the counter the next morning, the word “SMILE” sliced into her back.

The Princess had every guard search for the culprit. But Pumpkin got to him first. All they found of the killer was a red smear in the dirt.

Twilight had scolded Pumpkin for such a brutal act of violence. She told her apprentice that revenge and fury were not something to succumb to. Twilight was not naive though. She knew how much Pinkie meant to Pumpkin and her brother. But Twilight felt it when she lost control. It was fearsome, to say the least.

Twilight broke free of her thoughts to look down and notice that Pumpkin had fallen asleep with her head in her lap. She smiled, and used her magic to levitate her upstairs and tucked her into bed. She yawned as she headed downstairs, and stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed the tall figure standing by the window.

Fifteen years, and Twilight could recognize her as clear as day. The Creature was standing in her home, looking distastefully at the first inkling of a sunrise.

“As I said, I never cared for the daylight,” she said in her calm voice, “The night is far more peaceful. A time where the world's silence tells stories of it's beauty.”

“I know Princess Luna would be flattered to hear that,” Twilight replied. Despite her initial surprise, she knew the Creature could be reasoned with.

“The Xoroth?” The Creature asked, “Yes, I suppose so.”

“Why do you call Luna a Xoroth?”

“Xoroths, or Xorothians as they are sometimes called, are mystical steeds with dark, yet enchanting powers. Your Princess is one, though the name is not used by many worlds. The term died out eons ago. Now her kind take the name Alicorn, along with the other.”

“Does Princess Celestia's kind have an old name that isn't used anymore?”

“God.”

Twilight had never heard this term before, “What is a God?”

“God was a slang term for Deities. One took the name for herself. Me and my Master had the unfortunate job of putting an end to her. She was... dangerous.”

“Really?”

“Unfortunately, she allied herself with some mortals to fight my kind. They did not survive.”

Twilight bowed her head. She did not like hearing about the destruction of an entire race.

“Do no be mistaken, child,” The Creature added, “We do not enjoy what we do. We do it because we must.”

“I understand.”

“You are the first and only to do so.”

The Creature stepped away from the window and took a seat on Twilight's couch. Twilight joined her.

“I heard the story you told to your apprentice,” She said, “I am grateful. My kind do not have pleasant legends. We are painted as brutal and psychotic by many civilizations.”

Throughout her entire time being there, The Creature had not looked directly at Twilight once. She had the hood of her cloak pulled over her face, her armour replaced by cloth robes. Her eyes wandered to the sword at her belt. She had seen the blade slice easily through solid stone and metal like they were paper. She was amazed at such a strong material.

“Please... I have to know... can you tell me how I can prevent my home from dying?”

The Creature finally looked at her and smiled.

“You already have, my child,” she said, “Your wisdom has influenced many over the last decade. I've seen you share your lessons with others, and I've seen them take your words to heart. You have taken an unwell child into your home, and raised her as your own. And you have not permitted yourself to be plagued by desires for revenge. I know how much your friend's death must have hurt you.”

She was right. While Twilight remained stoic for Pumpkin's sake, Pinkie's death had shaken her to her very core. Pumpkin's slaughter of her killer meant they could not do any kind of investigation to get a single motive.

But she realized that if there was anyone who wouldn't want her to ever be sad, it was Pinkie.

“...Master...”

Twilight whipped around to see Pumpkin stumbling downstairs. She turned back to The Creature, but she was gone. She had vanished. In getting wrapped up in conversation, she had forgotten to ask her name.

Pumpkin rubbed a hoof against her eyes. She blinked for a moment before looking directly at Twilight.

“Sweetheart, I thought you were sleeping,” she said, levitating some food and utensils around the kitchen, knowing that it was time for breakfast.

“I heard your voice,” Pumpkin replied, “Who were you talking to?”

“I... um...”

“Me.”

The Creature stepped out of the shadows from behind them and finally showed herself to the young unicorn. Pumpkin panicked and shot a blast of energy from her horn towards the strange being.

The Creature held out a hand and caught the energy, weighing it in her hands, “You are strong, young one. But control over your emotions would benefit you, greatly.”

Twilight was speechless. The Creature's reaction to Pumpkin's sudden attack was so quick and reserved. Even the Princesses were able to be caught off guard.

Pumpkin arched her back and lowered her head, glaring at the tall woman. The Creature merely laughed.

“Calm yourself, young one. I mean you and your Master no harm.”

“It's alright, Pumpkin,” Twilight replied, setting a hoof on Pumpkin's shoulder, “This is my friend... um...”

“Lord Ascentia,” The Creature said, finishing Twilight's sentence for her.

“Lord?”

“A high rank among my kind,” Ascentia explained, “My mentor was a Lord, and my ruler is even higher.”

“It reminds me of a book I read,” Twilight replied, pulling one off the book shelf, “Here it is. Star Ponies: Warriors of the Ancient Equestria.”

“There are many civilizations with similar stories,” Ascentia added, “We... alter our titles to suit the ones we find interesting.”

Pumpkin lowered her guard. If Twilight trusted her, then so did she.

“Why are you here, anyway?” Twilight asked, “I thought I was to ensure you never returned.”

“Things never play out as one would hope,” Ascentia replied, waving her hand and closing the curtains to block the morning light, “I may have spared your world, but my superiors have other ideas.”

Ascentia gestured to the sofa, and Twilight and Pumpkin took a seat. The ageing Val'Kyr pulled up a tiny stool and took a seat. The race of this planet was as every bit as small as she remembered it. The two unicorns in front of her barely came above her shin. And the house she stood in could not yield to her much larger size. Disregarding her distracting thoughts, she looked to the two, and took a deep breath.

“My Masters were... unhappy with my decision to let this world live.”

Pumpkin could not believe what she just heard, but Twilight simply nodded.

“They made it clear to me that judgement was not my position. I was not trained to ask questions.”

“Really?”

“Of course not,” Ascentia snapped, “My mentor taught me everything he knew of critical thinking and morality. He also taught me that he fought to free the universe from the grip of deitei. My Masters have forgotten that.”

Twilight soaked everything in, keeping her panic under control. One Val'Kyr had been able to destroy everything. She hated to think what more of them could do. Her worst fear was realized with Ascentia's next words.

“They have commanded that a battalion of warriors be sent to finish the job. Warriors hand trained by Lord Ryder himself.”

“Lord Ryder?”

“My mentor,” Ascentia explained, “A fierce warrior, but it sickens me to think what they have done with his teachings. It is an insult to his memory.”

Twilight wanted to ask what Lord Ryder's teaching's were. But there was no time.

“We must warn the Princess,” she said quickly, “As soon as possible.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Ascentia replied, “Lead the way.”

She vanished and they heard a loud thump outside as her feet hit the ground. Pumpkin looked to Twilight with an uneasy expression.

“Master... are you sure about this?”

“Yes Pumpkin, I would be very stupid to not take her words seriously,” she said, “And please stop calling me 'Master'!”

Twilight, Pumpkin, Ascentia and Fluttershy all stepped into the throne room of Canterlot Tower. Twilight and seen Fluttershy on her way, and requested she join them. Fluttershy couldn't say no to her. They all approached the throne and the three ponies bowed low to the ground. Ascentia on the other hand clasped her hands and bent slightly at the waist.

Princess Celestia took notice of this kind of bow, It was not out of recognition of her status as Leader of Equestria. It was out of courtesy. It was very clear to her that the tall creature before her thought of her as an equal. While it was cause for curiosity in Celestia, Luna was livid.

“Thou shalt show us proper respect, outlander,” she said slowly and venomously.

Ascentia paid no attention to her, “Your Royal Highness (that's better, thought Celestia) it is with great urgency that I stand before you today.”

“Just who are you? I've never seen your kind before,” Celestia asked.

Ascentia knew this to be a lie. Celestia's facial expression showed a mix of curiosity and concern. Twilight had taught about mythical beings to the students at her school several times a year. And Val'Kyr came up every year.

“My kind predate even the oldest of your legends,” Ascentia replied, “Your pupil here speaks of us frequently.”

“A Val'Kyr,” Celestia nodded, “Yes, I recognize your robes.”

“I am here on a matter of great importance,” Ascentia continued, “The most powerful of my kind threaten your home. Their twisted interpretations of the man who taught me are far too despicable to allow them to continue with their plans.”

“We are the Sun and Moon Princesses,” Luna replied, her eyes narrowed to near slits, “We raise the celestial bodies across the sky! We shall dispatch anypony who opposes us!”

Ascentia's expression became flat and bored. She lifted a hand, and made a motion of spinning a giant wheel. The sun and moon spun across the sky in rapid succession, causing two months worth of cycles to pass in a mere eight seconds.

“Telekinesis is a simple power,” Ascentia replied, “The weight of the objects can be easily ignored with little training. It is the first thing we are taught.”

“HERETIC!” Luna bellowed, before launching a blast of energy at the tall woman.

Ascentia caught the blast with her hand, and slowly closed it, suppressing it's energy into nothingness.

“I am not here to fight you,” Ascentia replied, “If you wish your world destroyed, so be it. I will no longer waste my breath.”

Ascentia turned and strode towards the door at the end of the throne room. The door was ripped off it's hinges and thrown aside as she left. Twilight looked shocked, and her and Pumpkin turned to look angrily at Luna.

Luna was about to scold them, when she realized that Celestia was looking at her in the same way.

“Sister, we must speak in private,” Celestia said calmly, “Permit me to speak alone with Twilight and her friends, and wait for me in the Waning Chambers.”

Luna said nothing and left them alone. Celestia turned to Twilight, who had a foreleg around Fluttershy, who was trembling from the sudden attack.

“Please forgive my sister,” the Princess said humbly, “She is rather apprehensive of outlanders.”

“That's the understatement of the century,” Pumpkin said snidely.

Twilight glared at her before turning to the Princess with a calm expression, “Princess, what should I do?”

“You brought that creature here Twilight,” Celestia explained, “Go and ensure she does not leave. If what she says is true, we will need help.”

Twilight turned and ran out of the throne room.

“Pumpkin,” Celestia turned to Pumpkin, who bowed, “You and Fluttershy will call for a gathering of our guards, arch-mages and anyone else you think may provide any input we can trust. Do not return until you are finished.”

Twilight ran across Canterlot as fast as she could, trying to find anywhere Ascentia might have gone. She turned into a chapel usually reserved for weddings, and found her sitting bow legged at the altar.

“I was looking everywhere for you!”

Ascentia opened one eye and turned around, “Ah, Twilight. Come, sit with me.”

Twilight thought sitting would be a waste of time, but she complied. She approached her and planted her rump onto the floor beside her.

“Close your eyes.”

Twilight rolled her eyes before closing them, “I need to talk to you.”

“All in good time,” Ascentia replied, “First, clear your mind and focus.”

“On what?”

“On... everything. The sky, the stars, and everything in the distance you cannot see.”

Twilight was very confused. She had learned much over the years, but this made no sense, “How am I supposed to focus on something that cannot be seen?”

“Look beyond the physical world,” Ascentia continued, “Allow your mind to roam where your eyes cannot, and tell me what you see.”

Twilight took a deep breath, and settled her racing heart. She reached out with her mind and looked as far as she could. She could see outer space, the stars in the distance. She closed her mind's eyes and tried to let her brain see for them.

A bright light opened up in the depths of space, floating somewhere near a planet that was blackened and burnt. It seemed that life on that planet had died long ago. She pushed forward and tried to see inside the light. A massive city opened up to her, with large towers and fortresses. The architecture had a black and white aesthetic, with a strong liking of spires, spikes and archways. The entire city seemed to be one large, interconnected fortress.

“Go to the tallest spire. Near the top.”

Twilight floated over to the tallest point in the city, a large spire covered in ice from being so high up. She saw a beautiful woman, the same species as Ascentia sitting on a simple throne, talking to armoured creatures.

“My lord,” one of them said, “The deception of Ryder's apprentice cannot be tolerated!”

The woman pointed to the others, silently asking for their input.

“The amount of energy put forth to heal such a primitive and reckless planet cannot go unnoticed,” a second one said, “Such a brash display of strength could attract the attention of Sirak or Linaria.”

“Sirak and Linaria are long defeated,” the woman replied, “It will be a long time before they can regenerate.”

“It has been four hundred thousand years!” the first creature replied, “Linaria is a powerful deity, and Sirak was trained by Athena herself! I doubt they are still vulnerable.”

“You would have me authorize the slaughter of billions of sentient creatures, just so Ascentia can remain invisible to our own enemies?”

The woman brushed her long, brown hair out of her eyes, glaring at her Val'Kyr.

“My lord, with all due respect, we are too vulnerable to risk another assault like the previous one. A doomed world suddenly regenerating itself? It's never been done! They are likely to suspect something.”

“What of this child she told us about?” A third Val'Kyr asked, “The one who opened herself up to a Val'Kyr's wisdom?”

“One promising specimen is not enough to allow a planet to continue eating life from the universe!” The first Val'Kyr replied.

“The universe, Xebre?” the woman asked, “I thought your concern was for the arrival of our enemies?”

Xebre hesitated before speaking, “Eh... they are one in the same!”

“Do not play stupid with me,” the woman replied, “I know you despise Ascentia's decision to spare the world in question. I know you lust for blood.”

“My Lord, I have made my orders. We will strike against Pulthera and it's orbiting planets,” the second Val'Kyr replied, “Without the approval of her lordship if we must.”

“You cannot destroy an entire solar system,” the woman snarled, “Not because of one planet.”

The Val'Kyr and Xebre turned and left, “Watch me.”

Twilight felt herself being pulled backwards and she was sitting in the temple with Ascentia again. The tall woman looked down at her as if asking a question.

“Well?”

“It's really going to happen, isn't it?” Twilight asked, “They're going to kill us all!”

“Sadly, I-” she was cut off when a loud explosion sounded outside.

The two rushed outside to see a swarm of twisted creatures sprinting towards the city from the distance.

“Run! Find the others!” Ascentia shouted, drawing her blade, “Get somewhere safe!”

Twilight ran as fast as she could, looking over her shoulder once to see Ascentia firing electricity from her palms into the advancing swarm. She used her powers to amplify her speed, becoming a blur through the streets.

Upon reaching the palace, she encountered something that made her heart stop. Pumpkin was had four of the twisted creatures advancing on her. The snarling unicorn was trying to fend them off, but they were surprisingly resistant to her powers. Twilight teleported to her side, then both of them vanished. The two fell onto the floor of the throne room, where Celestia and Luna were in a heated argument.

“We cannot surrender our rule to this outlander!” Luna shouted in her signature loud voice.

“We are not surrendering anything,” Celestia replied calmly, “We are merely accepting the help of a new ally. You must know how important allies are to a wise ruler.”

“Princess!” Twilight yelled, “They're here!”

The two alicorns turned to look at her, a bewildered look in their eyes.

“Ascentia was right! We're under attack!”

Celestia looked shocked. She was not expecting such a sudden attack. Before she could take an action, Ascentia fell to the throne room floor out of nowhere.

“We must flee,” she panted, “There are too many of them. It's urgent that I make contact with my lord.”

Ascentia stood to her feet and brushed her robes off as she caught her breath.

“How are you going to get that far?” Twilight asked.

“I have the ability to fly and teleport long distances,” Ascentia replied, “But there is a complication.”

She turned to Princess Celestia.

“Your Highness, under the circumstances, I suggest you come to the Earthen Galaxy with me.”

“I appreciate your concern, outlander,” Celestia replied, “But I must stay here with my ponies.”

“They will kill you if you stay.”

“THEY WOULDN'T DARE!” Luna bellowed.

(A/N: Hooray! Phantom Menace references are relevant again!)

“The Val'Kyr care nothing for the lives of your ponies,” Ascentia replied, “They will keep them alive as long as they are not a threat. You on the other hand are a prime target. Kill the ruler and the rest will lose the will to live.”

“I can certainly handle them,” Celestia replied, looking to Twilight for her obvious support.

Twilight shrunk down a bit, “Princess... Ascentia has been here before. She came to kill us all fifteen years ago. She slaughtered you and Luna with ease.”

Celestia's shocked expression returned, “How is this possible? I still stand here!”

“She was impressed by my wisdom... and healed Equestria,” Twilight replied, “She restored life to everypony and wiped their memories.”

Celestia had to sit down. She knew Twilight would never lie to her. Luna on the other hand was not so trusting.

“These are foul lies!” she snapped, “Nothing could overpower Canterlot's royalty.”

Ascentia flexed two fingers and Luna was forced into a low bow.

“What trickery is this!” Luna spat.

“We have no time for your arrogance,” Ascentia replied, making a sharp hand movement and silencing the dark princess, “Your Highness, I must insist that you come with me, though I will not force you to do so.”

Celestia pondered Ascentia's words, as well as her actions. If what she said was true, then her departure could buy her ponies time... time they would need. If she stayed, she would most certainly be killed... but she was willing to risk it.

Before she could speak however, Ascentia spoke again.

“Bear in mind that even in victory, the death of you and your sister would mean the end of this world's day and night cycle. I've been educated on your mythology.”

“Princess, she wants to help us,” Twilight spoke up, “But she needs you to help her.”

“An envoy to my lord would certainly speak magnitudes,” Ascentia added.

“Very well,” Celestia replied, “I will go.”

“Good,” Ascentia replied, “Let us depart then.”

“What should we do?” Pumpkin asked, finally speaking up.

“You three are coming with me. You, your master, and the yellow one who hasn't said a word all day.”

All eyes turned to Fluttershy, who shrank down from the attention. She had become far more self confident, but she found Ascentia frightening.

“There will be time for proper introductions later,” Ascentia said, waving down Fluttershy's attempts to speak up.

Channelling her energy, a large ring appeared around all of them. Twilight looked down to see an odd grouping of symbols under her hooves. It appeared to be a five point star with a different symbol at each point: a moon and star, two crossed triangles, something that looked like a sideways X, a pair of wings, and a sword. The circle wasn't visible very long before she felt the similar sensation of teleportation, and all of them vanished.

Freed from Ascentia's powers, Luna stood up and looked around.

“So... I get to stay here in the line of fire?”

A voice rang through her head, “As an ancient race used to say: Life's a bitch, ain't it?”

Illumination

Warning. The following contains mature subject matter. Reader Discretion is strongly advised.

Mother, Father, hear my song

Look at your creation

Brother, where did we go wrong

Where is our salvation

Lying naked on the floor

Dying of starvation

In the darkness, we explore

Find Illumination

Colours and noise were all Twilight Sparkle could see. Pumpkin was pressed tightly against her, clinging to her mentor in fear. While Twilight had grown used to the effects of teleportation in the past, Pumpkin had never been able to master the trick, and it's sensations were new and unfriendly to her. She put a foreleg around the young filly that had become like a daughter to her over the years, and tried her best to silently console her.

After a few minutes, the four ponies and Val'Kyr staggered onto solid ground, Twilight and Pumpkin falling over, with Fluttershy already panting on the ground.

Twilight groaned and rubbed her head. Blinking her eyes, she jumped when she saw a skeleton looking back at her. She whinnied and leapt to her hooves, preparing for an attack.

“Relax, these creatures have been dead for millenia,” Ascentia replied, blowing some air at a skeleton and watching the bones crumble to dust.

Everyone looked around to see what appeared to be the ruins of a massive civilization. Tall buildings in a state of erosion, and the last remnants of large monuments. Twilight was astounded, and as always, full of questions.

“Where are we?” Pumpkin asked.

“We are on the nearest planet to the Val'Kyr capital,” Ascentia explained, “It was known as Earth, before it's people declared war on my kind. There were no survivors.”

“What were they?”

“They were known as Homo-Sapiens, or Humans as they were more commonly called. They were very intelligent, but had a strong capacity for violence and war. A compulsion that became their undoing.”

“How could that be possible?” Celestia asked.

“While the humans were very apt at furthering technology, they also had a difficult time getting along. Much of the planet was divided into many countries, and they frequently went to war with each other.” Ascentia explained as she led them too a small building that was still intact.

“Why would they kill their own kind?” Twilight asked, “That's just insane!”

“Many different reasons. None of them were good,” Ascentia said as they walked, “Some fought over resources, others fought over territory, and others fought because of religion.”

All four of them perked their ears at the last one, “Reli-what?”

“The theology of the origins of the universe,” Ascentia replied, “Many humans held the ideal that everything in the universe came to be because a massively powerful being willed it into existence. There are many holes in this theory, but that is not a unique flaw. The problem came from the fact that there were many different religions, and the typical response of many humans was to kill someone who didn't believe what you believed.”

“That's nuts!” Pumpkin blurted.

“To you, of course,” Ascentia said, “But to the average human, it was just another day of life. This went on for thousands of years, until about 4600 years into their recorded calendar.”

“What happened?” Fluttershy asked.

“About 2600 years previously, many subsets of the most popular religions started to dwindle. It was a slow process, but one that had a big effect. Around the year 4246, societal change made many theological concepts beyond obsolete. To put it simply, their religions sort of died out.”

While Twilight and Pumpkin couldn't believe what they were hearing, Celestia had a good idea of what Ascentia was talking about.

“So... this powerful being they talked about... was it real?” Pumpkin asked.

“Yes, very real,” Ascentia replied, “But the stories about her were exaggerated. She was eventually killed by my master in the year 2024, a feat that made him a legend. She was... not very stable at the time of her death. She had gone mad with power, and my master did not want to have to kill her.”

While Pumpkin and Fluttershy were only listening because it was polite, Twilight was hanging onto every word. Her love of learning had not diminished, and she wanted to learn as much as she could about this lost race.

“I have so many questions,” Twilight spoke up, “Was there more to the humans than their theology?”

“Oh absolutely,” Ascentia replied, “Their spirituality was only a very small part of them. They created great scientific wonders. They amassed the power to cure deadly diseases, and there where great literary masters among them. They created amazing works of art, and when they did get along managed to achieve great things in their lives.”

“This all sounds so wonderful,” Fluttershy replied, now fully listening.

“Yes, it was,” Ascentia replied, “Which is why it was a shame when they decided to attack us. Like I said, they had a massive capacity for violence, and they were relentless. My master made them pay for all the Val'Kyr they had slain. But that is a story for another time. Come, step inside.”

(A/N: No, this story is not going to become commentary about religion. However there are a lot of religious metaphors when it comes to the Val'Kyr. This is mostly just for shits and giggles.)

The four ponies stepped inside a ruined building. It appeared to be someone's home. The structure was intact for the most part, and there was some furniture lying around.

“Have a seat, and shut all the windows and doors,” Ascentia said, “You must not expose yourself to sunlight on this planet. It's ozone layer has burned away and you will be seared.”

They all settled into comfortable positions, despite the filthy environment.

“What's going to happen to Equestria?” Fluttershy asked.

“Not to worry,” Ascentia replied, “This matter can be easily handled. I will bring your Princess to my lord, and she will be able to speak some sense to her Val'Kyr. This matter should be resolved quickly. But I cannot make the trip right now. The teleportation was over a monumental distance, and I am weary. Rest, and tonight we will travel to the Citadel.”

Princess Celestia lay down on a filthy mattress, and was soon asleep. Twilight fell asleep with a foreleg around Pumpkin, while Fluttershy settled on a nearby sofa.

Princess Luna watched in horror as Canterlot was overrun by twisted creatures being controlled by tall, armoured beings. True to Ascentia's word, they had not slain a single pony. However they had rounded them up and kept them under strict watch. She turned to the two Val'Kyr standing behind her, and glared at them.

“You will not survive this,” she sneered.

In a flash, she had a sword at her throat, “Give me a reason, I beg you.” The Val'Kyr said in anger.

Luna glared at them again. She had tried to fight when they had broken down the palace door, but she had been overpowered. The outlander had not exaggerated their power. However, she did find a sick amusement in pressing their anger, something she was very good at.

“That's a rather long sword,” she remarked sweetly, “It's very impressive. Very turgid.”

“Oh... thanks?”

“She's implying that you're compensating for something,” the second Val'Kyr replied.

The first Val'Kyr growled in frustration.

“For the record, he totally is,” the second Val'Kyr added.

Luna was surprised at this show of humour toward her. The two had been highly aggressive since they had taken her prisoner.

“So tell me,” the second Val'Kyr asked, “How did the other Goddess manage to escape right before we got here?”

“She had the help of one of your kind.”

The very instant the words came out of her mouth, she knew they were a mistake. The sadistic grin that crossed the Val'Kyr's face told all.

“I knew the Betrayer had something to do with this,” he said, “She will burn, as will those who accompany her.”

“There is a foal with her!”

“They are all children to us. A few petty decades doesn't make much of a difference.”

The large fortress that made up the Val'Kyr Capital was perhaps the most impressive piece of architecture Twilight had ever laid her eyes on. Even the usually gentle Fluttershy was gaping in awe at the sheer size of what was an indoor city.

Many of the citizens greeted the group with a courteous bow, similar to the bow Ascentia had given Celestia. Twilight could not tell if they were being polite to them, or respectful to the high ranking warrior who was escorting them. The size of the fortress was not an illusion either. It took them four hours of walking before they reached the throne room.

Surprisingly, those hours did not tire them in the least. Ascentia had explained that the auras from the Divine beings that made up the city's population could grant mortals renewed energy and heal their wounds.

They stood outside a massive door. No... not a door, a gate. Twilight could see no guards in sight, nor any kind of protection. Ascentia stepped up to the gate, and gently waved her hand. The massive entryway opened up without a sound, and the group stepped in.

Twilight and her friends walked with Ascentia across a long hall, before stopping in front of a throne. It was not the same as the throne at the spire she had seen in her vision, but it was impressive nonetheless. The woman sitting at the throne was another story.

A tall, beautiful woman sat at the throne, wearing long, elegant robes over her body, covered by a white cloak. Her hair was a golden brown, and her eyes were closed.

“Lord Ascentia... and some new friends?”

Ascentia sank to one knee, “Yes my Lord, I bring with me the ruler of the only Life-Giving planet in orbit around the Pulthera star.”

“I must say, it was brave of you to come here,” the woman said, “Let us have proper introductions. I am Grand Lord Megan Ryder, ruler of the Solar System.”

Celestia gave a low bow with her neck, “I am Princess Celestia, Daylight Ruler of Equestria.”

Twilight bowed in the same manner, “Arch Mage Twilight Sparkle.”

Pumpkin bowed, “Apprentice Pumpkin Cake.”

Fluttershy was the last to bow, but all anyone could hear from her was a squeak.

Megan smiled and motioned for them all to stand, “There is no need for such formalities. I am far more friendly than I appear.”

Twilight took a minute to look around the hall they were in. There were two massive statues by the front gate. One of a tall, armoured man, wielding two swords. The other was of a scantily dressed, winged young girl, holding two daggers. Her attention turned back to Megan, who was looking at her.

“My husband and daughter,” she said kindly, gesturing to the statues, “Neither of them are with us anymore.”

“My Lord, I apologize if their curiosity has upset you.”

“Not at all, Ascentia. You really should relax, I have raised you since you were a small girl.”

Twilight's eyes widened at this. Ascentia had been raised by her ruler? Perhaps that was why she took interest in her. Did she remind this powerful creature of herself at a younger age?

“You and your husband both raised me,” Ascentia replied, “And for that, my Lord, I am grateful.”

“Then stop addressing me as 'My Lord'. You could always call me Megan.”

“I feel such a thing would be innapropriate, my Lord.”

Megan chuckled, “Very well, be fickle.”

She turned to her new guests, “I am saddened to have to meet you at such a troublesome time. I am deeply sorry for what General Xebre and his apprentice have done to your planet. However, they are now beyond my control. They have taken their warriors and now hold your planet hostage.”

“I'm certain there can be a diplomatic solution to this conflict,” Celestia replied.

“Sadly no,” Megan said, “General Xebre was crippled by my husband before the First War. He now holds a lust for blood. Any excuse to slaughter, he will take it.”

“Then let's give that old bastard what's coming to him!” Pumpkin burst out.

“Pumpkin! Watch your temper!” Twilight scolded.

“Not so fast, child,” Megan replied, “Experience has taught me well that bottled up anger only leads to more violent explosions. Do not stifle your apprentice's frustrations. A gale wind allowed to blow free is far less vicious than the tornado it could become.”

She made a curt nod to Ascentia before speaking again.

“Aiden!”

A young man ran out into the throne room from a chamber off to the side.

“Yes, my lord!”

“Take this young filly to the armoury for a sparring match with Master Hazuki,” Megan said, “Allow her the chance to work off some of her frustrations.”

Pumpkin's eyes brightened at the thought of a duel. She followed Aiden out through a side chamber and down a narrow hallway, leaving the grownups to chat.

Over the course of eleven hours, Megan listened to everything Twilight and the Princess had to say about their planet. At her request, they spoke until they were hoarse (pun entirely intended) about every single geological feature of Equestria, as well as it's natural status. Megan was surprised to hear that Equestria's planetary rotation had to be handled by powerful magi, as well as her surprise that it's weather also had to be managed by it's citizens.

Megan took much of this in with her somber expression, while Ascentia listened eagerly. They were looking for any information they could use to mount an assault, but it seemed that city their other ruler was held in could see anything approaching from miles away.

“Well, I think that shall be all for now,” Megan replied, allowing the croaking ponies to rest their throats, “Ascentia, set our guests up with proper lodgings, and ensure they are well fed. We shall meet again in the morning. For now, sleep well.”

Megan got up and left the hall without another word. Ascentia led Twilight, Celestia and Fluttershy down to the residential quarters of the city and brought them to a three bedroom apartment. After settling them in and showing them around, Ascentia left them for the night.

“I will do everything within my power to ensure your home is safe,” she said, “You have my word.”

She left before she could get any response. Twilight sighed and lay back on the massive bed in the main bedroom. Pumpkin had not yet returned from her sparring session, but Twilight expected her back soon.

She was knocked out of her thoughts by a foreleg wrapping around her. She opened her eyes to see the Princess snuggling her as she lay down to sleep. Nuzzling against her former mentor, Twilight soon fell asleep as well.

Fluttershy on the other hand was as nervous as one would expect her to be. She kept looking around, assuming she was hearing things around her. This was pointless, as the moment Ascentia had left, complete silence had fallen the apartment they were in. She slowly headed over to the couch and settled down on it's cushions.

She did not know when or how she had fallen asleep, but Fluttershy was awoken by the sound of knocking on the door. She rubbed her eyes, and groggily stood up and opened it to see a guard standing there with Pumpkin at his side.

“Here is the unicorn's apprentice, ma'am,” the guard said stiffly, “I must return to my post.”

He left without another word.

Fluttershy let Pumpkin in, and they both settled on the couch, falling asleep almost instantly.

All four ponies were awoken some time later by Ascentia. She nudged them all awake with news of Megan's decision.

“How long were we asleep?” Twilight asked.

“By your calendar, eleven hours,” Ascentia replied, “My Lord wishes to speak with you, Twilight. You and your apprentice are to meet her in the duelling hall. Fluttershy, if you'd like there is a garden in the south district. I am told you enjoy the company of animals.”

“Oh yes!” Fluttershy squeaked, “I'd like that very much!”

“I'll have a neophyte take you there in a moment,” Ascentia replied, “Now, your Highness. If you don't mind, I'd like you to take a walk with me so I may get you acquainted with some of the people around the city.”

The Princess nodded and they all headed in different directions from their apartment. Twilight and Pumpkin waving goodbye to the Princess as they left.

Over the course of two hours, Ascentia introduced Princess Celestia to numerous vendors, performers, and diplomats throughout the city. Many were intrigued to see a ruler of a distant planet striding through their city, even if she did only come to their waist.

After an energetic introduction with Ascentia's own apprentice, the two stood out over a spire, looking out into the distant galaxy at the many celestial bodies they could not see in the Equestrian sky.

“Why bring me to so many people?” Celestia pondered, “What exactly is the purpose?”

Ascentia looked surprised, “Surely a ruler who has held her throne for over a thousand years knows the importance of diplomacy. Did you expect us to never meet again when this is over?”

In truth, that was exactly what Celestia expected. While she appreciated Ascentia's help, she did not enjoy the thought of a race that could overpower her so easily.

“My Lord hopes you will become an ally to us,” Ascentia replied, “She has warred with so many races in the past... she hopes for friends.”

“I would think that in light of the circumstances, we are enemies.”

“And we destroy our enemies when we make friends with them,” Ascentia replied, “Something many people do not realize.”

“That's rather insightful.”

“It's a quote from a video game,” Ascentia replied.

“Video game?”

“A form of electronic entertainment from Earth,” Ascentia replied, “They fell out of use after it's industry tried a digital-only form of distributing it's products. The irony was that it was an era many fans were hoping for.”

“If I may, why does your Lord want to speak with Twilight?”

“She is intrigued by your former pupil's power. She and I closely watched her as she left your tutelage. We noticed much potential, as well as one major weakness.”

“Weakness? I know Twilight can be rather nervous under pressure, but surely that's not a-”

“Not what I was talking about. We saw that while under your tutelage, she was overtly obsessed with seeking your approval. Her very purpose in life seemed to be pleasing you and making you proud of her.”

“I am always proud of her. She knows that.”

“Students are fickle things. I always sought my Master's adoration, even thought I knew he loved me like I was his own daughter.”

“So you had the same trouble Twilight had? Perhaps you could enlighten me.”

Ascentia cocked one eyebrow, “Why Princess... are you saying that after living a thousand years, you are that oblivious?”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Twilight sought your affection and your approval. She made sure anything and everything she did would be seen as perfect in your eyes. Her entire life revolved around making you like her.”

“I still do not follow.”

Ascentia snickered, “On Earth, it was something many human adolescent's went through with their own mentors. They called it 'Hot for Teacher'.”

Celestia saw something strange on Ascentia's normally stoic face... a smirk. Celestia looked confused for a moment... then her face broke into dawning realization.

“Their faces are always priceless at this moment,” Ascentia replied, pulling a pear from across the room with telekinesis and biting into it.

“Are you saying that...”

“During her adolescence and young adulthood, it is highly likely she had a strong infatuation towards you. If she still does, I do not know.”

“That worries me.”

“Fear not. As I said, it is something all students go through... well, almost all. There are some exceptions. Considering that you have been a bigger influence on her life than her own mother, it was obvious she would hold you in such a high regard.”

“How do you know all this?”

“We do have our ways of acquiring information,” Ascentia replied, “I felt it was necessary. Your pupil intrigued me, and I wished to learn more about her. So I spent two years examining her life, and her history. It was very interesting.”

“How did you find all this information?”

“The remnants of a human information network can be found in an area of Earth known as North America. With a little tweaking, I was able to find records of Equestrian history. As well as some interesting narratives,” Ascentia replied, “Tell me, is it customary in your society to cook pastry out of the organs of your citizens?”

“What? No!” Celestia sneered, disgusted by the question.

“I feel I was reading a work of fiction, then,” Ascentia replied, “Shame, it was rather entertaining.”

Celestia got a nervous look on her face, “I'm rather uncomfortable right now.”

“I understand how my actions seem like something a stalker would do,” Ascentia replied, “My intentions were purely academic.”

Relaxing a little, Celestia and Ascentia continued to speak of Twilight for a while longer, before retiring to one of the many eateries.

After bowing before Megan (to which she instantly returned them to their hooves) Twilight and Pumpkin were led into a side chamber of the duelling hall. There, Megan offered them a seat, and slid a scroll to them.

“This is a list of records and books that can be found in our archives,” she said, “I would like to gift them to you, as an apology for Xebre's actions.”

Twilight looked over the list, and her jaw dropped. The titles alone sounded astonishing. Not only were there theoretical texts on the nature of magics she had only read about in myths, there were also books on history that seemed to be over a billion years old.

“Now, to business,” Megan continued, “I regret to inform you that I cannot supply you with warriors to retake your home. I can certainly ensure that Lord Ascentia assists you in your assault, but my warriors must remain where they are.”

“Now hang on a minute!” Pumpkin snapped, “You say you want to help us, but then say you can't? What kind of bullshit is that!”

“It is not bullshit, little one. It is wisdom,” Megan replied, “My title used to be known as “God” by the humans of Earth. I took the title from my predecessor, after her actions caused the deaths of millions. I noticed the humans getting complacent with her, always thinking she would solve all their problems if they just spoke to her in their brains. I do not wish the same fate to befall your kind. I do not want me and my people to be worshipped. It always leads to destruction.”

Twilight listened patiently, knowing the explanation was coming.

“You must stand on your own,” Megan replied, “If you cannot, then there is nothing I can do to help you.”

“But we can't take back Equestria from your warriors without help!” Pumpkin snapped.

“Do not forget,” Megan replied, “Ask... and you shall receive.”

“What does that mean?” Pumpkin asked, sneering.

Twilight glared at her apprentice and her lack of manners.

“Arrogance is a trait of youth, though not exclusive to it,” Megan replied, “Be sure in the knowledge that help will always be given, should you need it. Now, I must prepare for your return to your planet. Be sure to collect those books before you leave.”

In a bright flash, she was gone.

Twilight motioned to Pumpkin, “Come sweetheart, we should get ready for the trip back to Equestria.”

Ascentia and Celestia continued their long walk back to the apartment to gather everyone before they left. As they neared the residential district, Aiden came running up to them.

“Master Ascentia!” he called out, “Master Ascent-WHOA!”

The young man tripped over his own feet, only for Ascentia to catch him and chuckle as she set him to his feet.

“Pace yourself, neophyte,” Ascentia replied, “There is no need to hurry, we are very long lived.”

“Yes, Master,” Aiden replied, “I have news from Equestria. Xebre has just executed 400 civilians.”

Ascentia and Celestia's jaws dropped. As twisted as Xebre was, it was unlike him to murder in cold blood like this.

“Lord Ryder must be informed of this at once,” Ascentia replied, “And this time, there is a need to hurry!”

“Right away, my Master!” Aiden replied, sprinting off to the throne room.

“We waste no time,” Ascentia replied, “We leave immediately.”

Mighty Rivers Run

Warning! The following contains scenes of violence and dark or disturbing subject matter that some readers may find highly unsettling. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

This chapter is heavily focused on the Original Character of Ascentia Kortai, particularly her back story. If Ascentia is of no interest to you, you may wish to consider skipping this chapter, as little of the information given is key to the rest of the story, and will be delivered again towards the end.

I am your Mother

In my womb you've seen a universe

Precious life, now I bring you into my world

Fear, love and pain are your guides

Can I provide a sanctuary to shield you

from a world that preys

Angels from heaven pray

see your children through the day

For knowing the coming tomorrow's ways

Demons await where the mighty rivers run

Children, sail on!

A young Val'Kyr walked down the streets of the massive city before her with her mentor a few paces ahead of her. Ascentia had never been outside the housing complex where apprentices were stationed in their early years. She was excited, but also nervous. She eagerly kept up with her mentor as well as her little legs could carry her.

The hooded Val'Kyr looked down at his apprentice, “There is no need to hurry, my child. We live a very long time, and the Grand Lord can wait twenty minutes.”

“Yes Master,” replied, slowing her pace and walking alongside him.

“Lord Ryder!” called a nearby man, “A moment of your time!”

Lord Ryder smiled and changed course to meet the newcomer. Ascentia waited while they talked politics and warfare tactics. She was only fourteen, and teenagers were teenagers, no matter what the species. She soon started to get antsy.

Lord Ryder noticed this, then smiled to the man, “Sadly, this is all becoming rather frustrating for young Ascentia here. I am due to meet with Grand Lord Megan, and introduce them.”

“Oh?” the man replied, turning to Ascentia, “You better be on your best behaviour, little one. You must not incur the Grand Lord's wrath.”

Ascentia looked mortified, while Ryder glared at him, “That crosses a line, Deagoun. The days of Athena are over, and we shall treat them as such. It is not the Grand Lord who's wrath you must fear.”

Ryder turned and left with Ascentia without another word. Ascentia looked up at him with one eyebrow cocked.

“Master?”

“Yes?”

“Is something the matter?”

“Whatever would make you think that?”

“I saw you getting angry back there.”

Ryder stopped and knelt down in front of the girl.

“Ascentia, anger and being stern are too different things. There are things in the world that are not acceptable, regardless of opinion. Pulling fear tactics on the young, even if only for humour, is one of those. Me and her Highness fought very hard to rid this place of such a thing,” he explained, “Remember that there are times where simple fun and games can lead to harm, and sometimes those that seem innocuous can cause the greatest damage. One must act carefully, and consider all possibilities before one decides to vocalize their thoughts into words. Words are far more powerful and deadly than even the sharpest blade. One day, you will learn that first hand.”

He stood back up and gave Ascentia an affectionate tousle of her pale pink hair.

“Come, we are late enough as it is.”

“That was the lesson that shaped who I am today,” Ascentia recalled as she and Twilight sat beside a small fire in the Everfree Forest.

Princess Celestia and Pumpkin Cake had fallen asleep, their strong powers making their exhaustion all the more intolerable. Twilight and Fluttershy were listening intently as Ascentia told them stories of her former master to pass the time since returning to Equestria. They could not make any motions during the night, despite Ascentia's preference of the darkness. Daylight would seem less conspicuous for the four ponies, giving them the chance to do some recon.

“As I grew older, Lord Ryder became... far weaker. He was still unmatched in swordsmanship, but his movement was not what it used to be,” Ascentia replied, “What Athena had done to him had left considerable damage to both his body and mind. He even told me the story of Athena...”

July 14th, 2008 Earth Calendar - Athena's Fortress

“My Lord, what you are asking is simply not possible,” Linaria explained to her counterpart.

“I know what you are implying,” Athena replied, “But I cannot allow the Black Sixteen to continue to lord over me like they have been doing for the past four thousand years. I must create my own warrior. One that I can control... one that I can corrupt.”

“My Lord, such a thing is dangerous,” Linaria replied, “Imparting that much strength into a single being could... potentially spell your own doom should he revolt.”

“If he revolts, I shall be sure to always remain his superior. Now kill the boy,” Athena replied, “And start the preparations.”

“Athena had my Master, a human in his late teens at the time, slain and taken to her city,” Ascentia continued.

“How long do humans live, naturally?” Twilight asked.

“They liked the idea of 100 years, but few lived to see that mark,” Ascentia replied, “Most humans died around the age of 80, if it were to natural causes. The equivalent of around 54 years for your kind.”

Twilight was surprised. She had not expected them to have such short lives. Equestrians usually lived for 90-100 years by their own calendar, close to twice the lifespan of a human.

“So what happened to Athena?” Fluttershy asked, “How exactly did she die?”

April 14th, 2025 Earth Calander, Athena's Fortress

Athena had Ryder in her grip, her fist glowing a bright white around his throat.

“You do not yet see the truth, do you?” she asked, a twisted grin on her face, “I rule all! I own you, as I own everybody! You are nothing special, despite what I have led you to believe! Your strife is insignificant. Let your death be the same!”

Before she could deal the deathblow, Megan slammed a dagger into Athena's back.

Down below in the streets, all anyone could see was the bright white explosion that was Athena's destruction. The cheering could be heard for parsecs.

“It was not until several hundred years after that they would find me stranded on an icy world not far from them. My Master once told me that had they not found me when they did, I would likely have perished.”

Twilight tilted her head in a quizzical manner, “Icy world? A whole planet covered in ice?”

“Not ice as in frozen water, but rather very cold rock,” Ascentia explained, “The humans referred to it as Neptune...”

August 22nd, 2766 Earth Calander, Neptune

Lord Ryder stood on a large cliff overlooking the icy world before him. His hood pulled over his head as he surveyed the area before him. There was something almost serene about the cold, and the night sky above him showed the beauty of the universe that stretched beyond. He allowed a small smile to creep across his face, before speaking.

“You should see this, Meg. It's beautiful.”

I'm sure that it is. Did you find what you were looking for on Saturn?

“Sadly, no,” Ryder replied, “It seems that Linaria was clever in covering her tracks. There isn't a shred of her fortress left.”

So tell me why you decided to take a detour to Neptune?

“What, a man can't take a stop to relax?”

-120 weather is hardly relaxing.

“I'm sure people from Norway, Greenland, and parts of Canada would disagree. Besides, there's somethi- wait a minute...”

What?

“I see something crawling through the snow...”

Peering down at the valley below, Ryder could spot a small creature trying to clamber it's way through the ice and snow. It appeared to be humanoid in form, and rather tiny.

Leaping down to the valley below, Ryder broke into a run to meet the strange creature. Clearing the hundred kilometres between himself and it did not take long. He soon found himself standing above what appeared to be a small girl, shivering and breathing erratic.

Ryder pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around the girl, who quickly snapped her eyes up to meet his.

“It's alright,” he said in a soft whisper, “You have nothing to fear from me. I'm a friend.”

The girl appeared to recoil. Perhaps it didn't understand English.

“Lu'nektovar eisiltovev karamar iveel,” Ryder tried again.

This time, the girl relaxed, and huddled herself into his cloak, which was very warm. Ryder had learned long ago to channel his blood to increase his body temperature for icy places like Neptune. The effect would heat up his armour, as well as his clothes. He picked up the child and held her close.

“Alright, let's get you somewhere safe...”

“He took me in and trained me as his apprentice. He raised me like his own child. That's why it was so hard when he was forced to tell me the truth about why he took me in at all.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“It's rather hard to describe,” Ascentia replied, “My Master's powers were fuelled by his rage. To see him become angry was terrifying. Even the Grand Lord knew not to cross him. Sadly, those kind of powers corrupt. Anger, hatred, insecurity, envy, these are all cancerous and deadly when fuelled into a Divine Being.”

Twilight and Fluttershy cast a quick glance to each other, remembering the legend of Nightmare Moon.

“In fact, most worlds have their own spirit for the chaotic nature of such emotions,” Ascentia replied, “An almost random, inconsistency to their geography, allowing things like weather and natural disasters. Your world seems to lack such a spirit, though...”

Twilight and Fluttershy extended another quick glance. They didn't lack such a spirit, it was just encased in stone and being used as a lawn ornament.

“So what happened to your Master?” Fluttershy asked after a moment of awkward silence.

“The corruption of his own powers were slowly driving him beyond a point he could return,” Ascentia explained, “He said that he was not training a colleague... he was training his executioner.”

“That's horrible!” Fluttershy shouted, “How can he raise you like a daughter and then say he did it so you could kill him!?!?”

“You speak too quickly, Fluttershy,” Ascentia said with a warm smile, “This was not easy for him to do. My Master was not so heartless.”

December 25th, 2778 Earth Calander, Val'Yanar Gardens

A young Ascentia, about the age of twelve, ran alongside Lord Ryder, trying to keep up with his large stride. They were walking around the housing grounds, admiring the gardens in the dead of night.

“I like the night, Master,” she piped up as they walked, “Everything's so quiet.”

“Yes, the darkness has an inner peace about it,” Ryder replied, “As if the world smiles while it rests it's weary eyes.”

Ascentia looked up at the bright moon in the distance of the sky, “Does the moon have a name, like the moons of other planets?”

“You mean like Europa and Io do?” Ryder asked, “Why yes. The ancient Romans of Earth called their moon 'Luna.'”

(A/N: For those of you who didn't know that, it's true. Earth's moon is literally named 'Luna.')

“That's a pretty name,” Ascentia replied as she looked up at it.

“A pretty name, for a beautiful jewel in the sky,” Ryder replied, “From a distance that is...”

Ascentia looked at him quizzically.

“Earth's moon is a barren rock. It looks pretty from here, but on it's surface it's rather lifeless.”

Ascentia turned her gaze back to the moon, “Master... how did humans show affection towards one another?”

Ryder looked down at his charge with an eyebrow raised, “That's a rather odd question.”

Ascentia lowered her head, “I'm sorry...”

“No need,” Ryder replied, tousling her hair, “There are no questions that you should apologize for.”

Ryder looked back up to the sky before continuing.

“Humans on earth had many ways of expressing affection towards their friends, family or lovers. Generally most involved physical contact. There's an almost comforting feeling in the touch of another person. Like they are there to protect you and-WHOA!”

Ryder was nearly thrown off his feet when Ascentia wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. He smiled at the young girl as she nuzzled her cheek into his tunic. Ascentia had become like a daughter to him over the years, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders in response.

“I love you, Master,” Ascentia said.

“I love you too, sweetheart,” Ryder replied as they continued to watch the moon crawl across the void of space.

“It broke his heart when he told me I would one day be his killer,” Ascentia replied, “But as time stretched on, I started to notice the symptoms of his corruption. He became increasingly bitter and angry to most of his associates. Only the Grand Lord, myself, and his closest friends were spared his bitter attitude.”

Twilight and Fluttershy said nothing, though they both had a smile on their faces. Dark subject matter aside, they found the story of Ascentia hugging her father-figure to be cute.

“The day I had to strike him down is one I will not forget,” Ascentia replied, “It was... horrible.”

Ascentia looked out to the sky to notice that the sun was beginning to peek over the horizon.

“Well, I guess we should wake Sleeping Beauty and your daughter.”

“Oh... Pumpkin isn't my daughter,” Twilight replied.

“Forgive me,” Ascentia said, “She clings to you, so I merely assumed...”

Twilight stepped over to the Princess and Pumpkin cake, and nudged them with her hoof. The two stretched their muzzles with a yawn as they returned to the waking world.

After making their plans, Twilight and Fluttershy hiked off to Ponyville, while Celestia and Pumpkin took to the skies to scan the outskirts of the Everfree Forest. Ascentia remained at their camp, and began to meditate.

Several hours passed, and a quiet snap of a twig snapped her eyes open. In a flash, her sword was drawn, and she was pointing it at the creature behind her. The mare that made the noise froze, her hooves locked to the ground. Ascentia rolled her eyes and her sword vanished in a flash of light.

“My apologies, you startled me,” she lied. She was never startled, simply trained to react quickly. She often overreacted as a result of this.

Ascentia bowed slightly to the foal, and motioned for her to sit at the fire. The mare cautiously moved forward and sat at the warmth of the fire.

“Tell me your name,” Ascentia said, her voice sharp, yet calm.

“...Scootaloo,” she said, her wings twitching a little bit.

“You are one of Twilight's friends?” Ascentia asked.

“Yeah!” she replied, perking up instantly, “You know Twilight?”

“She taught me a very valuable lesson,” Ascentia replied, “I am now here to repay her.”

“You look like those things that came into town yesterday...”

“I'm ashamed to admit they are of my kind. No matter, I shall soon correct that mistake.”

“By yourself?”

“I am quite powerful, but I am lucky to have the aid of Twilight, her apprentice, and your Monarch.”

“Princess Celestia?” Scootaloo asked, “We were told she was killed!”

“By who?”

“One of those things came into town to tell us they killed our Queen,” Scootaloo replied, “We don't have a Queen, we assumed they meant Princess Celestia.”

“Val'Kyr do not usually make such a claim dishonestly,” Ascentia pondered, “It may have been the Xoroth they killed...”

Scootaloo tilted her head, “The what?”

“The Dark Princess,” Ascentia replied, “The one you call Luna.”

Scootaloo's ear twitched. Luna rarely made public appearances, so most of Equestria forgot that she held an equal position as ruler to Celestia.

Ascentia took a good look at her companion, “You do not appear to be fully grown yet, child.”

Scootaloo grinned sheepishly, “Yeah, I'm a teenager. I'm 17 to be exact.”

“Ah yes, nearing womanhood, but not quite there yet,” Ascentia replied with a smile, “Do you have a mate?”

Scootaloo tilted her head again, “A what?”

“A life partner,” Ascentia replied, “Someone you share a special relationship with?”

“A very special somepony?”

“Is that what you call it?” Ascentia asked, “It appears there are still some mannerisms I've yet to learn.”

“Well, no... but there is someone I like,” Scootaloo replied, “But I'm nervous...”

“Someone you met recently?” Ascentia asked, “Or a dear friend you have started to have affection for?”

Scootaloo blushed, “The... um... the second one...”

Ascentia chuckled, “There are times I find the innocence of the young to be rather refreshing. There is no need to be nervous, young one.”

“Well, what if I tell them, and they hate me forever?”

“You have multiple objects of affection?”

“I'm trying not to give away their...”

“Keeping the subject gender-neutral?”

“Yeah.”

“Then you have nothing to fear,” Ascentia replied, “Experience has told me that you cannot ruin a friendship over something so trivial. That is something that only exists in bad fanfiction.”

Scootaloo pondered Ascentia's words.

“Though considering my being here, you likely have far more pressing concerns,” Ascentia replied, “Are you not hiding from invading Val'Kyr?”

“They aren't hurting anypony,” Scootaloo replied, “They're just... standing there, enforcing new laws.”

“Believe me when I tell you they are not here to be so peaceful,” Ascentia said sternly, “They plan to destroy this planet, for reasons I am not yet sure of.”

“How do you know?”

“Because 15 years ago, I came to do the very same. My subordinates were angered by my decision to not follow through.”

Scootaloo said nothing, just sat there.

“You should run home,” Ascentia said after several minutes of silence, “I do not sense any immediate danger to you, and I fear it may be far more dangerous to linger here.”

Scootaloo got up and walked away, “Okay, thanks for the advice... Miss...?”

“Ascentia Kortai,” Ascentia replied.

Before leaving, Scootaloo looked at her, “Did you ever have a very special somepony?”

Ascentia chuckled again, “I did have someone who was very special to me... he died a long time ago.”

Scootaloo walked away, not knowing how to respond. When the young mare was out of sight and earshot, Ascentia returned to tending the fire.

“Nice kid,” she replied, “I wonder if I'll see her again before the end...”

Because if there was anything Ascentia could be sure of, it was that she would not survive this war.

Cry Thunder

Warning! The following contains scenes of violence, brutality, coarse language and mild gore which some readers may find highly unsettling. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

This chapter contains the first actual action scene since Chapter 1.

Time after time, as we march side by side

Through the valleys of evil, and the torturing souls

Night after night, for the glory we fight

In the kingdom of madness

And the tales from the old

Death by our hand, for the higher command

As the darkness surrounds us, with the cries as they fall

Far burning steel, and the tyrants will kneel

Hearts burning stronger, with the power of the sword

Twilight and Fluttershy made their way to Ponyville as the morning began to take over the sky. They both yawned widely from having been awake all night listening to Ascentia's stories. The glaring sun burning out their tired eyes, they walked on, the town visible on the horizon. They had never noticed just how far away Ponyville was from the Everfree Forest, but now that they had the added exhaustion as a constant reminder, the distance was very evident.

“Twilight?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

“What?” Twilight asked with a smile.

“Wh... What if there are Val'Kyr in Ponyville?” she asked.

“Then we'll hide from them,” Twilight replied.

“D-d-didn't Ascentia say that they could sense your power from a mile away?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight's hoof froze, along with the rest of her, “I forgot about that... but why would she suggest I go to Ponyville if they can sense me the moment I get within shouting distance?”

“Maybe there aren't any in Ponyville?” Fluttershy suggested, perking up.

“If she knew that, there wouldn't be any need for recon,” Twilight pointed out, with a flat stare.

Fluttershy shrank a little bit, “I-I'm sorry, I was just trying to help.”

“I didn't mean it that way, Fluttershy,” Twilight said quickly, putting a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder, “It's just... I don't know. This is the first time I've heard of Equestria being in a war in the last two thousand years. Even Nightmare Moon was banished by Celestia alone.”

“Is what you said true?” Fluttershy asked, “Did Ascentia really fight Princess Celestia and Princess Luna on her own... and win?”

“I didn't see it, actually,” Twilight replied, “They left us to retrieve the Elements of Harmony, and went to fight her. Then she burst through the armoury gate. It looked like she'd fought them, her armour was broken in places.”

Fluttershy didn't say anything in response, though Twilight thought she heard a terrified squeak come from the yellow pegasus.

Celestia flew overhead with Pumpkin on her back, the both of them scanning the terrain below for anything out of the ordinary. They were told that the creatures that the Val'Kyr used as foot soldiers left very powerful residue wherever they went, and that anyone with the slightest amount of extrasensory abilities could detect it. True to the word, Celestia and Pumpkin could determine the exact path the twisted monstrosities had taken. They had all gone towards Canterlot. Celestia had to admit that it was a sound plan. Take the capital and the rest would be easy from there.

However, they had been gone for several days, and the trail didn't lead anywhere but Canterlot. Cloaking them in powerful magic so they wouldn't be detected, Celestia could see Val'Kyr occupying several towns, but their creatures were nowhere to be seen.

“Are you doing okay, Pumpkin?” Celestia asked.

“Yea-WHOA” Pumpkin shouted as Celestia banked west and sped off, “Where are we going in such a hurry?”

“I must know if my sister is alright,” Celestia replied, knowing how reckless such a detour was.

Ascentia was mending several rips in her robes when she heard a sultry voice behind her.

“Ah, one of them on their own? Lovely...”

She turned around to see a strange creature glaring at her. It had the appearance of Celestia and her sibling, but... she looked almost necrotic. Her mane was straight and slimy, and there were numerous holes and indents in her legs. Her wings were also insect-like, and her horn crooked and jagged.

“I have no quarrel with you, stranger,” Ascentia replied, “Be on your way.”

“You speak as if you do not know who I am?”

“You would be correct,” Ascentia replied, “I've never seen you before, and I feel I have no desire to become more acquainted.”

“How dare you!” the stranger snarled, “Your kind come into my kingdom and slaughter my changelings, and you toy with me?”

“I am not with my kind,” Ascentia replied, “They act without me.”

“A pathetic lie, for a pathetic race,” the stranger snapped, “My vengeance will be most sweet!”

Ascentia flipped the blade of her sword behind her back to catch the blast of green magic, reflecting it into a nearby tree. She spun and her sword collided with the stranger's horn with the same clash of sparks from when she duelled the Princesses. She spun around and swung low at the stranger's knees, but it took off into the air.

Ascentia, having lost the ability to fly a long time ago, stood with her sword ready, her eyes following the stranger's every move.

“If you wish for a duel, you could at least have the civility to tell me your name!” she said.

“I am the Queen of the Changelings! The mighty Chrysalis!”

“From what you told me, General Xebre has made you Queen of nothing!”

Chrysalis growled and charged at her.

“Always so predictable,” Ascentia muttered as she sidestepped the charge and slashed at Chrysalis' hindquarters.

Chrysalis hissed before spinning around and charging again. This time, Ascentia leapt over her, flipping in the air to swipe her blade across her back. The two hits were superficial, causing pain but no lasting injury.

Ascentia landed on her feet, and spun to meet the third charge by parrying Chrysalis' horn with the bracer on her wrist, then deflecting another blast of energy with her blade. The two began an exchange of blows, sword to horn and vice versa. Chrysalis had the upper hand, her dark coat and hair allowing her to blend in with the darkness of the Everfree Forest.

It seemed they both realized this at the same time, as once Ascentia pushed the crazed changeling off of her, she disappeared into the thick trees. Ascentia whipped around, looking for her. Sadly, her ageing eyes could not penetrate the darkness. She lowered her sword, and knelt down.

Her eyes closed as she took a calming breath, and she waited... listening.

Silence, that was all she could hear, but noise was not what she was listening for. Instead, she was listening for something far louder. Rage, anger, fury, and hatred. The reckless nature that these emotions created, and the desperation for revenge.

Her sword arm raised and parried a lightning quick charge from the east. Almost as quickly as it came, it vanished. She waited again. Another charge came from the south, she parried it again. A small glint shot from the corner of her eye, and she deflected the magical blast with her sword.

“I can sense your movements, changeling,” she called out, “You cannot hide from me.”

She heard Chrysalis fly away, but kept her guard up as footsteps started to emerge from the darkness. She lowered her sword when the dark blue robes of her comrade, Deagoun, came into view.

“Deagoun?” Ascentia replied, “What are you doing here? This is a warzone, no place for a scribe.”

Deagoun smiled, “Ascentia, I worry about you sometimes. You are far too reckless to be fighting General Xebre on your own.”

Her eyes snapped wide, then into a glare, “I'm sorry, General who?”

“General Xebre, why is something wrong?”

Ascentia reacted quickly, slicing her blade deep into Deagoun's leg and severing a tendon in his ankle.

“You never referred to Xebre by his rank,” Ascentia replied, “You always thought the man a child who never deserved such an honour. A skillful attempt, changeling, I respect that.”

Chrysalis morphed back to her true form and took off into the distance, her hind leg bleeding profusely. She was shouting curses at Ascentia until she was no longer in earshot.

Looking down at several cuts in her skin, Ascentia sighed, “That thing is dangerous.”

Taking off at a blinding speed, Ascentia ran off toward the direction of Ponyville. Considering the circumstances, she had foolishly sent Twilight and Fluttershy to their deaths.

As Twilight and Fluttershy made their way into Ponyville, the graveyard stillness of the city started to take hold of them. Nobody was outside, and the entire city looked like a ghost town. After searching for a half an hour, they were about to retreat to the forest, when a whisper was heard from the east.

“Psst!”

Turning in the direction of the sound, they could see Pound Cake calling to them from Sugarcube Corner. Ducking low, the two mares crept to the sweet shop, and hid inside.

As soon as they were inside, the adolescent Pegasus rounded on them.

“What are you doing out there?” Pound snapped in a low whisper, “Those things could fly by at any second!”

“So they are here?” Twilight asked, “How many of them are there, Pound?”

“Whoa whoa, hang on a second,” Pound replied, shaking down Twilight's questions, “First of all, where's my sister?”

“She's doing a fly by with Princess Celestia,” Twilight replied, “They're searching for the trails of the creatures we saw a few days ago.”

“Good,” Pound sighed in relief, “Second, where have you been? Those things came in days ago, and we were all hoping you and the Princesses would come and kick them out!”

“Alright Pound, let me explain,” Twilight replied as she told him all about the Val'Kyr, the occupation, and about Ascentia. After an hour of explaining, Pound started to get anxious.

“Wait, you decided to trust one of them? Those things are monsters, Twi!” Pound snapped, “How do you know she won't kill you too? They tore Sweet Apple Acres apart in seconds!”

“I know they're dangerous,” Twilight replied, “But I also have this.”

She levitated a small book out of her saddlebags and laid it down in front of them. Pound wasn't capable of magic, but being Pumpkin's brother meant he saw it first hand on many occasions. The book was titled The Blades of Virtue and detailed the many weapons wielded by the Val'Kyr, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Another book, titled Secrets of the Light and Shadow gave detailed instructions on very powerful spells. Twilight hadn't had a chance to examine them in detail, but she knew this was her chance.

Leaving Fluttershy and Pound to peruse the spellbook for anything particularly useful, Twilight examined The Blades of Virtue, looking for the sword Ascentia wielded. She found it in the third chapter.

The Blade of the Serene Apprenti

Class 9 Sword

The Blade of the Serene Apprenti is gifted to a powerful Val'Kyr once they pass their trials in the Chambers. The sword is given to the apprentice by Lord Ryder himself, and only one Val'Kyr at a time is ever given permission to wield it. The sword is constructed from bronze plated saronite ore, and infused with holy energy. The blade is capable of deflecting almost every known brand of physical projectiles and magical attacks, and is sharp enough to slice through most finite materials.

In the year 146,640 AD Earthen Calander, the sword was presented to Ascentia Kortai after her defeat of the dark sorceress Linaria.

Construct Factor: 40

Twilight flipped through the book a little more until she came to an index with the weapon classes and construct factors, and carefully read through the charts.

Virtue Weapon Class Index

Class 1: Typical swords and staves made of finite materials commonly found on Earth and Mercury. Materials include iron, steel, bronze, and aluminium.

Class 2: More refined weapons, made up of several materials, or refined in certain manners to permit them to be more effective than Class 1 weapons. Examples include the Katana, the Scimitar, and the Ild.

Class 3: Weapons of powerful or immaterial strength. Such weapons often have their blades or striking faces comprised of titanium, diamond, or energy based technology. Such weapons can be used to block physical projectiles, though great skill and training is required to perform such a feat.

Class 4: Energy weapons devised in Earthen fiction and later techonology. These weapons are comprised of plasma or ionized striking surfaces. The most popular example in Earthen fiction was called the “lightsaber”. Humans attempted to manufacture such a weapon, but the electricity required to power such a weapon is impossible to create in a compact form.

Class 5: Weapons crafted from otherworldly materials such as Adamantium, Elementium, Ultimanium, or Titansteel. Swords in Class 5 are deadly sharp or strong, and can crush or slice through most forms of armor.

Class 6: Class 6 weapons are crafted from diluted saronite, and are used in the training of Val'Kyr.

Class 7: Class 7 weapons are crafted from diluted saronite and imbued with holy power to permit them certain properties. They are used when Val'Kyr enter their apprenticeship.

Class 8: Class 8 weapons are crafted from saronite, and imbued with holy energy. They are the typical weapons used by the Val'Kyr and come in many forms to suit many styles.

Class 9: Crafted from saronite and typical metals to imbue them with special properties, Class 9 weapons are used by elite Val'Kyr and must be presented by either Lord Ryder (deceased) or the Grand Lord herself.

Class 10: Grand Lord Megan's claymore is the only class 10 weapon in existence. Do not under any circumstances permit mortals to touch the blade.

Twilight continued to read through the book until Fluttershy and Pound Cake alerted her to something they found in their spellbook.

“Twilight, over here, we found something!”

Twilight shut the book and trotted over to them, looking over Fluttershy's shoulder to read the spell she had pointed out.

Rapture of the Father

When correctly cast, Rapture of the Father can cause instant death in mortals, regardless of any properties or abilities they may possess. In immortal or Divine beings, then spell can cause massive physical harm, but is unable to slay them. Under no circumstances should a Val'Kyr be permitted to cast Rapture of the Father. The resulting Shadow energy is enough to corrupt them.

Twilight got a big grin on her face.

“Twilight... I don't like it when you smile like that...” Fluttershy replied, shrinking down.

Twilight said nothing, but continued to peruse the book, looking for more spells and their instructions.

Ascentia appeared to have overshot her destination by several kilometres, as she found herself at the foot of Canterlot. She had noticed Princess Celestia and Pumpkin fly into the city, and felt she needed to investigate. Twilight and Fluttershy would have to wait.

As Princess Celestia lowered herself down into the palace courtyard, two Val'Kyr watched from overhead.

“Sir, should I order my apprentice to strike?” one of them asked.

“No... allow her to continue. I do not want her dead... I want her broken.”

Celestia slowly made her way into the throne room with Pumpkin on her back. The throne room was very dark, and she could not see a thing. The both of them ignited their horns to cast two beams of light to see where they were going.

The wished they hadn't.

Their lights fell upon a splatter of blood across the walls, leading to behind the throne. Celestia rushed forward, despite Pumpkin's very vocal protests, and dashed behind the throne, only to find what would make her heart stop.

Princess Luna lay behind the throne, a large gash sliced into her throat, and the words “Death Becomes Thee” written into the floor in her blood. Luna made a choking gasp as she looked up at her sister.

“S....Sister...” she choked, “Why... did you... leave me?”

“I wasn't given a choice,” Celestia replied, kneeling down beside her, “I was taken...”

“They... will kill us all... and that outlander... will allow them... She... did this... to me...”

“Ascentia is trying to help us... please hold on, my sister. We will get help.”

“Her actions... betray her words...” Luna gasped, “Trust me, she... will be the... death of us all.”

Luna's eyes fluttered for a moment, as she laid her head down.

“Fight for Equestria, sister... I love you...”

Luna's eyes slowly closed and she fell limp. Celestia could not believe what she was seeing. In all her life, she could never have imagined being forced to look upon her sister's lifeless body. This was no dream, and she could not wake up.

“General Xebre will pay for what he's done to your family,” Ascentia said from behind her, “I swear it.”

Celestia, having heard her approach, stood and glared at her, “All of you will pay for what you have done to my family.”

“I had no hand in this,” Ascentia replied, “Neither did my Lord.”

“If what Twilight tells me is true, then you came here with the same purpose your General does now,” Celestia snapped, “Your failure to complete your task is what draws your General here to slaughter my ponies. Help Twilight if you must, but you are a war criminal, and will die like your brethren.”

Celestia carried Pumpkin out of the throne room without another look at the stoic woman. Ascentia looked down at her hand, the one that was clawed and blackened.

“I know... possibly before you did, your Highness,” Ascentia replied, too quietly for Celestia to hear her.

Terminal

The following chapter contains violence and mature subject matter. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

Goodbye Earth, hello Moon

Fancy meeting you so soon

I'm taking leave, taking flight

Leave the universe in light

Goodbye Sun, hello Void

Strap me to this asteroid

Shoot me far, throw me deep

Let me find the golden sleep

After Celestia had left the Throne Room, Ascentia began to meditate. After sensing that Twilight and Fluttershy were alive and safe, she had began to gather her thoughts, and regenerate her injuries. The increasing stench of the decaying corpse behind the throne was mildly unsettling, though she had lived far too long to be sensitive to death.

As she continued to meditate, the sound of footsteps drew closer to her from behind.

“Are you pleased with yourself?” General Xebre asked as he approached.

Ascentia stood up and turned to face him. General Xebre was as withered as he'd always been.

“Pleased?”

“Precisely. Through your own actions, you have doomed an entire race to violent extinction.”

“They would have been doomed through my inaction.”

“Quickly and painlessly. None of the equines you killed suffered any pain or discomfort in the slightest. Now they must suffer slowly.”

“You disgust me.”

“You act as if you and I are not one in the same. You could have simply done your job and exterminated this planet.”

“I was not trained to murder the innocent!”

“But you were trained to follow orders. Or... is that really the cause of your resistance?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I've watched you plan your assault. The way you speak to that child, converse with her of the nature of life, and of higher things such a mortal could fail to understand.”

“She is wiser than you give her credit for.”

“Is she? Or was big, tough, Master Ascentia Kortai taken in by the lovely puppy dog eyes of a cute little girl?”

“What?” Ascentia asked with an eyebrow raised.

“You protect this unicorn like she is your own apprentice. Like a mother would to a daughter. You see her as a young mind worth nurturing. Such affection is wasted on mortals.”

“We are all mortal. Nobody lives forever.”

“Our lifespan covers billions of years. Their lifespan covers less than two centuries. What do you really want from her?”

Ascentia turned away from him and looked back out the shattered window, and over to the corpse of Princess Luna.

“Oh... I see. Do you hope the Grand Lord will see her potential and permit you to train her as a Val'Kyr? Do you hope to have your own apprentice toddling after you? Eager to learn from a wise Master?”

“Twilight already has a teacher, and an apprentice of her own, such an idea is absurd.”

“Then tell me... what words of comfort did you give her, before you sent her to her doom?”

Ascentia whipped around to face him.

“Speak, Xebre. And quickly.”

“You did not really think a single mortal could sneak into an occupied town unnoticed, did you?”

“Why not simply take her, then?”

“Hyperbole is not your strong suit, Ascentia. We do not blunder around and smash buildings over like a radioactive monstrosity. There is a certain amount of finesse in what we do.”

Ascentia became a blur as she dashed forward, grabbed Xebre and pinned him to the wall.

“I tire of your cryptic mannerisms. Tell me what you know!”

Xebre simply laughed and vanished, leaving Ascentia gripping air. She slammed her fist against the wall of the throne room in anger, before offering apologies to the two pegasi on the other side, who's mating had been interrupted by the tall creature smashing down their quarters wall.

Twilight and Fluttershy led Pound Cake out of Ponyville and to the old castle in the Everfree Forest. As they neared the outskirts of the forest, there was a rustling sound behind them, making them jerk around.

“Fluttershy, take Pound and head into the forest!”

“But... I”

“NOW!” Twilight screamed.

Fluttershy was silenced instantly and she grabbed Pound and ran into the forest, tears streaming down her eyes as she went.

Twilight looked around, using her magic to enhance her senses. The leaves behind her rustled again, and she blasted the bush with magic. Nothing.

Twilight jerked around several times, still seeing nothing, but hearing everything.

“SHOW YOURSELF YOU COWARD!” She shouted.

Immediately, a robed figure materialized in front of her.

“And here I thought we were having fun,” it smirked before drawing it's sword.

Sensing the immediate future, Twilight teleported out of the way just before the Val'Kyr's sword impaled the ground she had been standing on. Reacting quickly, Twilight gathered her energy, while teleporting around to avoid similar strikes.

The sound of buzzing and a dizzy feeling in her head caused her to let lose her energy, as a large blast of purple energy went streaking towards the Val'Kyr.

“Oh...” it said before the blast collided with it's body.

What happened next was something Twilight hoped she would never see again.

The Val'Kyr let out a painful and chilling scream as it was knocked to the ground. It's flesh had begun to burn away, giving off a foul odour that burned Twilight's nostrils. She clamped her hooves over her ears, trying to block out that terrible sound as she cast a glance over to see the Val'Kyr with it's skull visible to her eyes.

It looked at her. It's expression read “What have you done to me?”

Then it's scream died down to strangled gurgles as it rolled over and lay motionless.

It was at that moment that Ascentia teleported in right next to her.

“Twilight, I could sense you were under...” she was cut short as she cast a glance to the remains of one of her brethren.

Ascentia's expression was one of shock. No, not shock. It was of horror. She was horrified at what she was witnessing.

“How... how did you...”

Twilight didn't say a word. She picked up her saddlebags and quietly headed after Fluttershy and Pound Cake.

Ascentia kneeled down next to the Val'Kyr, looking into her now destroyed eyes. The Val'Kyr lifted a hand to grasp her's, as it spoke.

“Master...”

“Nhix... why are you here?”

“Master... how... does that creature... know?”

“She is powerful. Very powerful. And you underestimated her.”

Nhix looked into Ascentia's eyes, before her own rolled back into her skull and she fell lifeless into the grass. Ascentia laid her head down, and placed her fingertips onto her forehead. She muttered a few words in Latin, and Nhix's body began to break into tiny particles of light and fade into the air.

The group had set up camp on a cliff that overlooked most of Eastern Equestria. Ascentia had set the planet to rotate on it's own for a short time, as Celestia's grief had drained most of her strength. As the moon began to rise, Fluttershy approached the Val'Kyr, who was perched on the cliff's edge.

“Um... Miss Ascentia?”

“Do not refer to me as Miss.”

“Oh, I'm sorry...”

“Not necessary. What can I do for you?”

“I was just wondering... what's wrong with Princess Celestia?”

Ascentia cast a glance over to Celestia, who's tear streaks had become very visible on her muzzle.

“Your princess is dealing with a great loss. I think she is only now coming to terms with reality.”

“I don't understand...” Fluttershy replied.

“Let me ask you, Fluttershy,” Ascentia continued, looking back out to the horizon, “What do you think this conflict is?”

“Well... aren't we going to make the bad guys go away?”

“Bad guys... how quaint,” Ascentia said with a chuckle, “Fluttershy, this is not a conflict of good and evil. Such things do not exist. We are dealing with ignorance in it's purest form.”

“Ignorance?” Fluttershy had never heard such a word.

“The abandonment of rational thought for pure conviction,” Ascentia explained, “That your ideals are the only right path, and damn whomever you must slaughter to achieve those ideals. The fear to admit one's mistakes.”

Fluttershy sat down next to her, “I don't understand...”

“I know of your other conflicts. But trust me when I say this. Xebre has no interest in causing an eternal state of time, or dominating a country, or toying with the laws of physics. He seeks to exterminate your kind in the most painful way possible.”

Ascentia looked Fluttershy in the eye, “People, and ponies, will die. They will not go home at the end of the day and forget it a week later. Some of you will die. And that is very permanent for your kind.”

Only now did it dawn on Fluttershy. If they couldn't beat this one, that was it. This wasn't like with Nightmare Moon, or Discord, or Chrysalis. They couldn't use the Element of Harmony, because Pinkie was...

“...Oh...” Fluttershy whispered, it now clicking in her mind.

Fluttershy looked back at Twilight, who was snuggled up to Pumpkin Cake as they slept. Pound was poking the fire with a stick. Celestia was quietly crying. She saw the reality before her. They were miserable. Their homes had been taken from them, and they had been marked for death.

“What did you think this was, Fluttershy? Some Saturday morning cartoon?” Ascentia asked before standing up and looking back over the horizon.

As Fluttershy turned to leave, she felt the flat side of Ascentia's sword on her shoulder, stopping her.

“I'm sorry.”

“What?” Fluttershy asked.

“Had it not been for me, none of this would have happened.”

“I don't understand...”

“When I first came here 15 years ago, I could sense sentient life. I should have turned around and reported my mission impossible... but I didn't. I was fully aware that you were intelligent... and I slaughtered you anyway.”

At this, Celestia's eyes opened and she looked over at Ascentia as she spoke.

“It is because of me that Xebre looks to slaughter you now. But I still do not see why. Why does he obsess over this one planet? A planet that has managed to heal itself in the time since I left. What is it that draws him here to-”

“You bastard...”

Ascentia and Fluttershy whipped around to see Celestia staring at them, eyes glowing bright white.

“Princess?” Fluttershy asked, “Are yo-”

Fluttershy was cut off when Ascentia knocked her aside as a white hot blast of energy rocketed from Celestia's horn, right where the both of them had been standing. Ascentia parried it after knocking Fluttershy out of harm's way.

The sound of her spell had been enough to wake Twilight and Pumpkin, and knock Pound Cake out of his daydream.

“All of this is your fault... I'LL KILL YOU!”

Celestia charged at Ascentia full force, knocking her sword from her hands and slamming her into the ground. Before she could impale her on her horn, Ascentia grabbed her face and flipped them both, pinning her to the grass.

“I am not your enemy!”

“LIAR!”

Celestia shot another blast from her horn, throwing Ascentia off of her and colliding into a rock wall, which cracked from the impact. She charged again, this time managing to impale the dazed Val'Kyr in the shoulder.

Ascentia screamed as a white hot, searing pain shot through her arms and shoulder, the cracks in her claw glowing red hot. Celestia pulled back and lined her horn up again with the writing Val'Kyr, eager to deliver the deathblow.

“STOP!”

The shout was so loud it caused a ringing in her eardrums. Celestia stumbled for a moment, dazed. She turned around, and her eyes widened.

Princess Luna was glaring at her.

“Sister... how...”

“Those creatures are as manipulative as they are evil,” Luna said calmly, “They can craft highly effective illusions. They wanted to break you.”

Luna stepped past Celestia and looked down at the writhing Val'Kyr at her hooves.

“This is our world,” she said quietly, yet firmly, “If you truly fight for our kind, you will follow the commands of their rulers. Do we make ourselves clear?”

Ascentia was unable to respond.

“I will deal with you later,” Luna said, turning away, “Twilight Sparkle, Pumpkin Cake, tend to her wound. I want her alive and battle ready.”

As Twilight and Pumpkin rushed over to Ascentia, Luna turned to Celestia.

“Thou has disappointed us, Sister,” she said, “Thou has struck out in cold blood. To kill.”

“But... I...”

“No more,” Luna cut her off, “We understand thine pain. But such pain is no longer necessary. Thou was deceived by a mere illusion, one we shall explain later. But for now we shall rest. Tomorrow... Equestria is at war.”

At some time around 6 o-clock in the morning, Ascentia finally came to, to see Fluttershy looking at her. As soon as it was made clear that she was awake, Fluttershy... er... Fluttershied all over her.

“Oh thank goodness, you're awake,” she gushed, “I thought something really awful had happened to you.”

Ascentia looked around to see that she was lying in a makeshift bed in Twilight's old library. How they had snuck her in was a still unanswered question.

“Here, I put together some soup. You must be starved,” Fluttershy replied, setting a bowl down by her head.

Ascentia looked over to Twilight, “Is she always like this?”

“Only to non-ponies,” Twilight giggled.

Ascentia lifted herself into a sitting position, instantly regretting it. A sharp pain shot through her arm as Celestia's wound angrily shouted it's presence.

“Oh no, you really should lay down,” Fluttershy replied, “That arm's not ready to lift anything.”

Ascentia examined her own shoulder to see a cauterized disfigurement taking up most of her shoulder real-estate. She also noticed that she was no longer wearing her tunic. Instead, she had bandages wrapped around her torso. Her robes and cloak hanging on a hook nearby.

“Fluttershy, did you do all of this yourself?” Ascentia asked.

“Well, Twilight lifted you in,” Fluttershy replied, “I couldn't lift you. You're too heavy.”

Despite Ascentia's smirk, Fluttershy instantly became apologetic.

“Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to say you were heavy or-”

“Fluttershy, relax. I weigh 180 pounds, hardly heavy for my kind, but you barely come up to my shin. It makes sense you could not lift me on your own.”

Fluttershy's apologies died down into tiny squeaks as she walked off to make more soup for everyone.

“That one is quite adorable,” Ascentia remarked.

“She's like a syrup flood,” Pumpkin said with a laugh, before being knocked in the head by Twilight.

At that moment, Princess Celestia came through the door. She trotted right up to Ascentia and looked at her with a stern expression... before bowing her head in shame.

“I'm sorry,” she said, “I should not have lost control. It was-”

For the fourth time that day, Ascentia held up a hand to silence her.

“I am a strange creature, who's brethren have come to kill your kind. You thought they had killed your sister. It makes perfect sense that you had become hostile.”

Celestia held a flat expression for a few moments before turning to Twilight, “I thought you were going to make her stop doing that.”

“She just woke up, Princess. I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet,” Twilight replied, continuing to flip through her book.

Celestia bowed to her former student and left. Ascentia motioned for Twilight to sit next to her. She obliged and Ascentia scratched her behind the ear.

“Thank you.”

“What for?” Twilight asked.

“I could sense that you wanted to tell your Princess to stop after she impaled my shoulder,” Ascentia replied, “Thank you. Were we in any other position, I would have been proud to call you a brother.”

“I'm female.”

“Irrelevant. Women can be brothers too.”

“But how could I be a brother to you? We're not even the same species?”

“Then you are both a brother and a pony.”

They looked at each other for a moment, before Ascentia broke the silence.

“There should really be a word for that.”

One Truth

The following chapter contains mature subject matter, violence, and other unpleasant content. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

You don't believe in love and war

You found the truth you can't ignore

And all the hopes for your conforming

Have all crumbled down

You take a life

You've been forewarned

You've been cast out and felt the scorn

The day will come

When we have no more lives to squander

Twilight, Fluttershy, Pumpkin Cake, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Ascentia stood outside the gates of Canterlot. A large, shining barrier surrounded the city, cutting it off from the rest of the planet.

Princess Luna looked toward Ascentia and nodded, “Call them, Outlander.”

Ascentia stepped forward, and looked toward the gate.

“GENERAL XEBRE,” she shouted, her voice echoing across the countryside, “THE BLOOD OF THIS RACE AND OF YOUR PEOPLE DEMAND JUSTICE! COME OUT COWARD, AND ANSWER FOR YOUR CRIMES!”

There was nothing but silence. They had expected that. Nobody could have expected Xebre to come out of hiding just because they told him to. Ascentia walked up to the barrier and pressed a hand against it. It was strong, and pushed back against her hand with powerful resistance.

“It can't be...” Twilight said, approaching the barrier and looking over it, “Shining Armour?”

“What do you mean?” Ascentia asked.

“This is Shining Armour's spell,” Twilight replied, “It's a very powerful shield that can repel anything. It's his special talent... why would he cast it for them?”

Ascentia looked over the shield. It was made up of arcane cells. No spell or divine power could breach it.

She drew her sword, hauled back, and slammed the blade against it's surface. The shield shattered like glass.

Ascentia stepped through the gate with the ponies following behind her.

“You promised you wouldn't do that anymore,” Twilight remarked.

The small party moved through the quiet, still streets of Canterlot, check alleys and alcoves for any surprise attacks.

“It's quiet...” Pumpkin remarked.

“Too quiet,” Fluttershy shivered.

“This has been surprisingly easy,” Twilight added.

Ascentia paused for a moment, before her white eyes shot open, “Too easy!”

She reared her torso back and spread her cloak as wide as she could as several bolts of energy began to rocket down from a nearby tower. Her garment was wide enough to cover the ponies behind her, but that meant she was open to being struck by the foreign projectiles. Thankfully, her armour was strong enough to absorb most of the impact.

As one particularly strong blast struck her in the gut, Ascentia doubled over and fell to her knees as a dark, swirling orb rocketed toward her.

Twilight leaped past her and tried to catch the orb with her magic, but it moved too fast and struck her in the side, forcing her back against Ascentia's torso. As the pony and orb collided with the stunned Val'Kyr, they both vanished.

Celestia, Luna, Fluttershy and Pumpkin had a stunned look on their face. Everything had happened in the span of four seconds, and in another two a horde of Val'Kyr were upon them, holding their swords to their throats.

“...Parlay?” Pumpkin asked.

Twilight was swirling in a dark vortex for a single moment before she slammed muzzle-first into a snow covered glacier. The wind around her was frigid, far colder than anything she had experienced before. She steadily got to her hooves and looked around.

For miles, all she could see was ice. Ice mountains, plains of ice, and a dark, swirling sky. Snow covered the ground up to her knees and she found it difficult to walk. Stepping through the frigid landscape, she could vaguely make out a shape in the distance sprinting toward her.

Twilight panicked for a moment before dropping to the snow and covering her face with her hooves as the figure skidded to a halt in front of her. Then she heard a familiar voice.

“Twilight, are you alright?” Ascentia asked as she rested a hand on Twilight's back.

“Oh, Ascentia” Twilight breathed, “It's only you...”

Ascentia chuckled as the tiny unicorn got to her hooves.

“Where are we?”

“We are on Neptune,” Ascentia replied, “An icy world in the Sol System. We are several million light years from my home.”

Twilight looked around, and shivered, “Why is it so cold?”

“This planet is far from the star it orbits around,” Ascentia replied, “The heat of the Sun cannot travel this far.”

Shivering violently, Twilight strode off with Ascentia in a direction pointing vaguely west. Her hooves sinking into the bitterly cold snow and ice as the tall woman in front of her seemed ignorant to the environment. As they walked, Twilight found herself growing more and more numb, before she tripped over her own hooves and fell face first into the snow, unable to move. Ascentia didn't seem to notice as she kept walking.

About twenty minutes later, Ascentia looked up to the sky to see a meteor streak over them.

“Strange... there isn't supposed to be a meteor for another hundred years...” she remarked, “Did you see that Twilight?”

There was no answer.

“Twilight? Did you hea-” Ascentia was cut off as she turned around to notice the small unicorn nowhere in sight, “Oh no...”

She streaked off at a rapid sprint in the direction of her footprints. After twenty seconds of sprinting, she could sense a faint heartbeat. She skidded to a halt next to Twilight, who was shivering and struggling to get up.

Ascentia stripped her cloak off and wrapped it around Twilight's small body, exposing her torso to the wind as she picked Twilight up and streaked off into the distance toward a tall glacier. Setting Twilight down into a snowbank still wrapped in her cloak, Ascentia's sword flashed into her hand and she began to carve out a cave in the side of the glacier. Twilight managed to lift her head for a moment to look up at Ascentia and her heart stopped. When Ascentia had her robes removed, Fluttershy had bandaged her up very quickly. But now Twilight could see her bare torso entirely.

Ascentia jumped and dropped her sword when she heard Twilight emit a chilling scream.

Celestia, Luna, Pumpkin, Pound and Fluttershy sat in a small dungeon cell with a single Val'Kyr standing outside the door. None of them were pleased.

“We do not understand their motives, sister,” Luna replied, “If they wanted to destroy our planet, why would they not simply kill us now and be done with it?”

“I don't know,” Celestia replied, “And I don't think she knew either.”

“Where do you suppose they are?” Fluttershy asked, starting to tear up.

“You, Pegasus! Cease the tears or I will cease them for you!” The Val'Kyr guard snapped.

“This is becoming very tiresome,” Luna replied, “I will not stand by while we are made the slaves of these things!”

“P-P-Princess Luna... what are you-”

“I said to stop crying!”

A loud shockwave knocked Fluttershy off her hooves and into the back wall. Her head struck the stone with a sickening crack and she fell face first to the floor.

She did not get up. And the others did not speak.

Twilight had fainted after what she saw, and came to several hours later to find herself wrapped in a small piece of cloth in front of a fire. She looked around to find herself in a small, icy room, with a small entrance to the eastern wall that pointed outside. She could vaguely see Ascentia standing outside, a small tear in her cloak.

It did not take long to discover where her blanket had come from.

She got up and gingerly stepped outside, feeling the chill of the wind against the warm ice cave. Ascentia briefly looked at her before looking back to the horizon.

“You should go back inside. You will freeze to death out here.”

“I'm sorry for screaming at you...”

“No need,” Ascentia replied, “Just go back inside and get some rest.”

Twilight looked at her for a moment, “Are you alright?”

“Of course,” Ascentia's voice was emotionless, “Get your rest.”

Twilight realized that she was fighting a losing battle and stepped back inside the cave. She laid down on the piece of Ascentia's cloak and sleep quickly overtook her.

Ascentia looked out beyond the horizon to see a struggling creature matted against the starlight. Not bothering to sprint, she trudged forward. Her sword kept at the ready, she advanced on the figure. After a few minutes of walking, she found a dark creature, around the same shape as Celestia and Luna, half buried in the snow. It was unconscious.

Ascentia quickly identified it as the changeling who had attacked her in the Everfree Forest. She knelt down and felt her body. It was ice cold and she was not breathing. Reacting out of instinct rather than insight, she hoisted the changeling over her shoulders and took off at a run toward the ice-cave.

Seven hours later, Twilight awoke to see the Queen of the Changelings lying across the cave from her, Ascentia binding an open wound in her leg. She leapt up and ignited her horn, drawing the Val'Kyr's attention.

Ascentia whipped around and caught Twilight's spell in her hand, “Easy, Twilight. Calm yourself.”

“What is that thing doing here!?” Twilight snapped, eyeing the unconscious changeling angrily.

“I found her lying out in the ice,” Ascentia replied, keeping her voice steady, “I do not know how she got here. This planet is uninhabited.”

Twilight calmed down a little, but still eyed Chrysalis as she began to stir.

Ascentia knelt down in front of her as she sat up. As soon as Chrysalis saw her, she leapt back and snarled.

“The butcher...” she hissed.

“I did not kill your subjects,” Ascentia replied, “But I know who did. You can have revenge, or you can die out here. What say you?”

Both Twilight and Chrysalis gave Ascentia a shocked look.

“Ascentia, you're not really thinking about...”

“Yes,” Ascentia replied, “We need numbers, and she can provide.”

Chrysalis looked down at her hooves. There were still legions of her changelings alive, but they were small compared to the Val'Kyr.

“I will not ask you a second time,” Ascentia replied, “The tomb of my old Master is twenty miles from here. There is a rune there that can be used for long distance travel. I will leave with or without you.”

Ascentia stood up and left the cave, Twilight following her (but not before casting Chrysalis a cold glare). The two walked in silence for a few minutes, before the subtle sound of buzzing could be heard behind them.

“I will take back what's mine!” Chrysalis snarled.

Ascentia smirked, but kept it hidden from the two ponies.

Two days later, General Xebre had Celestia and Luna chained to Canterlot's courtyard. He paced back and forth between them, before dragging a dagger from his belt and driving it into Celestia's shoulder.

“SISTER!” Luna shouted, drowning out Celestia's pained yelp.

Upon puncturing the alicorn's skin, a bright light shone on the dagger. Xebre ripped the dagger out and drove it into Luna's shoulder next, coating it in a dark and glossy shine. Luna hissed as the blade sunk into, and was then pulled from, her flesh. Xebre pulled out a small jewel and drive the tip of the dagger into it's surface.

“What is the point of this, outlander?” Luna snapped.

Xebre laughed, “Your feeble mind could not begin to understand. You are naught but mortals, incapable of anything but procreation.”

Xebre turned and held the jewel in his palm, before raising his sword and advancing on the Princesses.

“ENOUGH!”

A massive shockwave blasted Xebre and his Val'Kyr off his feet and into a nearby wall.

“STEP AWAY FROM THEM!”

Xebre looked up to see Ascentia striding up the steps of the courtyard, her eyes bright white and glowing. Xebre had never seen the woman so angry.

“You are such an insolent little-”

“STEP AWAY!”

Another shockwave blasted them off their feet again.

“I thought you would die on Neptune.”

Ascentia glared at Xebre as he got to his feet again.

“You make Athena's mistake of underestimating mortals? The arrogance,” Ascentia said angrily, her voice amplified to echo across the city.

“You speak of ideals you have never seen for yourself, apprentice,” Xebre replied, “All you have heard are the words of your Masters.”

“Look into history, Xebre. The humans butchered themselves due to Athena's mere prescence. If you walk down her path, you walk one of ignorance and destruction.”

“I walk one of purity, and I will rid the world of everyone I deem unworthy.”

“Not while I draw breath, you won't!”

“You and what army?” he asked.

Ascentia smirked, “This army.”

As if waiting for a signal, tens of thousands of buzzing, fanged creatures flew up over the wall and dove down, latching themselves onto every Val'Kyr they could see. Xebre's followers instantly moved to defend themselves, but a few were already taken down and being cannibalized.

Two Val'Kyr drew their swords and charged at Ascentia, but she parried their strikes and cut their throats with one swing, before spinning on her heel and driving her sword into the stomach of a third behind her. Raising her sword to deflect a projectile from above and ripping the building beneath the culprit's feet to the ground with telekinesis.

Twilight charged through the gate, launching the ancient spell she had learned at as many Val'Kyr as she could see, and watching them twist and writhe in agony.

Ascentia turned to see a single Val'Kyr dispatching several of the changelings, yet keeping his guard down from anything not airborne. A single shockwave knocked him into a wall where he was subsequently devoured by the vicious creatures. With a flick of her wrist, a wall was ripped out of a building and it's bricks slammed into three more, the sound of their skulls crushing echoing across the din of the battle.

Raising her sword, Ascentia sliced through the chains that bound Celestia and Luna.

“Where are Pumpkin Cake and Fluttershy?” she asked.

“Pumpkin is in the dungeon beneath the castle,” Luna replied.

“And Fluttershy?”

Celestia and Luna both looked down in silence. Ascentia nodded in understanding before turning away.

Twilight used her telekinesis to rip a chunk of the ground up and slam two Val'Kyr into a nearby building with it before vaporizing them with her spell. She was stopped, however, when a hand clasped around her throat.

“Children should not play with such dangerous toys,” General Xebre hissed in her ear, about to cut her throat.

Before the blade could make contact with her neck, however, Xebre was blasted off his feet by a shockwave so powerful it gave Twilight headaches. She looked up to get a brief flash of green as Ascentia and Xebre became locked in a duel, the clang of their sword's colliding causing bursts of sparks into the air.

Twilight groggily got to her feet as three more Val'Kyr were torn apart by changelings next to her. Shaking her head, she galloped toward the Princesses who were heading into the castle.

“Princess Celestia! Princess Luna, are you two alright?”

“We will be well, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna replied as she stepped further into the castle, “We are simply drained.”

“Should we warn Ascentia of Xebre's jewel?” Celestia asked.

“Anything we do not understand should be made clear to Ascentia right away,” Luna agreed, “Xebre is one of her kind.”

They looked outside the window to see Ascentia advancing on a now unarmed Xebre.

Xebre was backing into a wall, looking at Ascentia with minor fear.

“You cannot kill me, I am unarmed,” Xebre replied.

Ascentia ignored him as she advanced further and slammed the blade of her sword into Xebre's gut, before grabbing his neck and snapping it.

“Show me the law that says I cannot,” she spat, throwing him aside as Chrysalis' changelings settled down to feed on the fresh meat they had just killed.

Ascentia stepped inside the castle to be greeted right away by Celesita, Luna and Twilight.

“We did it...” Twilight replied in shock, “I can't believe we actually did it...”

Panting, Ascentia looked out at the changelings cleaning up the streets of the bodies, “What will you do with them?”

Celestia looked down for a moment, “I must admit, I never expected to owe my life to the changelings.”

At that word, Queen Chrysalis strided into the castle, “The butchers are dead. It was a battle well fought.”

“I must say, Your Highness, your capacity for violence was very much appreciated,” Ascentia replied, bowing low to her.

“You show me proper respect, creature. I like that,” Chrysalis replied as she stepped back outside to gather her changelings.

“Oh, I almost forgot,” Twilight replied, “Ascentia, Princess Celestia said something about Xebre having this weird jewel.”

Ascentia froze in horror and turned back to them, “What colour was it?”

“White, with an orange glow,” Luna replied, “He pierced it with a dagger after stabbing us both with it.”

Ascentia's face showed a horrified expression before...

“Run...”

“What?”

“You heard me, Twilight! Run. Find your friends, and and get as far away from this city as possible!”

“Why?” All three of them asked.

At that question, there was a bright light in the center courtyard over Xebre's body as an ethereal woman clad in white took form. Her glowing body stepped onto the ground, and her eyes opened slowly as they surveyed the area. With a flick of her palm, a minute meteor shot out of the sky and demolished four houses, killing the ponies cowering inside.

Athena, the Universal Deity, had risen again.

“That is why,” Ascentia replied.

The Promise

Warning. The following chapter contains scenes of violence. Reader Discretion is strongly advised.

I live in a dream

With open eyes I breathe again

I see all your fears

Together we can feel

(I feel), we can heal

And take the road less travelled on

To here, in the new

Like diamonds we will shine

(We shine), We will rise

Two hearts, where souls are free again

We live!

Ascentia looked out as Athena pondered the area she walked, occasionally stopping to crush a pony under her boot.

“Ascentia, who is that?” Twilight asked.

“Athena, a former deity who was killed by my Master almost a billion years ago,” Ascentia replied, “She is twisted, desperate and dangerous.”

“We've have faced far worse!” Luna snarled.

“Luna, you and your sister fell to me like flies on a light bulb,” Ascentia replied angrily, “If you truly feel you can stand toe to toe with Athena herself, be my guest. Monarchs are easily replaced.”

At Ascentia's words, Luna shrank down a little and fell silent.

“Twilight, take your friends. Take everyone you can,” Ascentia continued, “Return to the inscription and get your people safely to Neptune. Stay in my Master's tomb, it will keep you warm.”

'Do we really have to leave the planet?”

“I would not risk staying,” Ascentia replied.

“NO!” Twilight shouted, stamping her hoof on the floor, “I'm not leaving after all of this! This is my home, and I will not abandon it!”

Ascentia turned and knelt down before the small unicorn. Twilight could see for the first time that the Val'Kyr's eye's were watering.

“Twilight, my Master killed Athena purely because she dropped her guard long enough for My Lord to stab her in the back. I do not believe for a moment that I can kill her,” she replied, “All I can hope to do is hold her off.”

Ascentia's eye twitched for a moment and a single tear dropped down her cheek. She pretended not to notice.

“She cannot travel through my Master's waypoints, her power would rupture it. You will be safe there until my Lord can intervene. Now get you and your friends off this planet before I kill you myself!”

Twilight shrank down again and did not protest. Following the Princesses out one of the back entryways along with a hundred thousand other Equestrians.

Ascentia steeled herself before drawing her sword and stepping outside to face the God before her.

“My, the prodigal apprentice,” Athena greeted, her voice a slow drawl, “It seems Ryder's leftovers haunt me wherever I go.”

Ascentia said nothing as she gave her fingers a tiny wave behind her back.

When the horde of equines finally reached the waygate that was two miles from the castle, Twilight stopped and looked down at her hooves, before looking back the way they had come. Celestia looked back at her former student before advancing upon her.

“You're conflicted,” she said, making the small unicorn jump in surprise.

“She said... she couldn't stop her...” Twilight replied, “She's going to...”

Celestia looked out towards the city they had just fled from as a massive bolt of lightning struck from the sky above, followed by a loud shockwave as the topmost pillars of Canterlot Castle broke apart. She too looked down at her hooves, knowing that two creatures with abilities beyond the imaginations of most were about to have a grudge match in the bounds of her own kingdom.

Celestia understood. Like Twilight, she didn't want to just flee either.

The stone beneath Ascentia's boots cracked and shattered as the force of Athena's crushing telekinesis weighed down upon her like a star. Keeping her blade aloft to project her barriers, she began looking around her for a way out.

Athena was advancing upon her quickly and with malice in her eyes as shockwave after shockwave launched itself against Ascentia's shield.

The final strike shot out of Athena's palm and blasted the weakened Val'Kyr back through a wall. Ascentia struck the opposite wall, sinking into it and cracking the structure before dropping to the floor.

Seeing the opportunity, Athena struck her with forked lightning from her palm, watching with glee as the student of her failed experiment writhed in agony on the ground at her feet. She shocked her again, grinning as Ascentia let out a wail.

“Your Master humiliated me and stole what was mine,” Athena spat, kicking Ascentia in the gut, “His wife sits on my throne, a lasting insult to my legacy. I will enjoy this.”

Athena shocked the Val'Kyr over and over again, Ascentia's screams getting more and more raspy as her body started to burn. Out of the corner of her eye, Ascentia caught a glimpse of a familiar lavender unicorn looking down at them from the top of a cliff.

Twilight looked on in horror as she watched Athena torture Ascentia. The malice in Athena's face was something Twilight had never seen before. Equestria didn't even have a word for such hatred and satisfaction at the same time. It was as if Ascentia's pain gave Athena some form of revenge and happiness at the same time.

Sadistic... was the only word Twilight could conjure in her mind.

It was too much for the unicorn to bear. She had never seen such cruelty. She had never seen something so powerful so intent on causing harm. She had never seen someone enjoy hurting another so much.

She had never seen someone endure so much pain.

She had never seen someone suffer so much... so she could get to safety.

Twilight sank down to her stomach and covered her eyes with her hooves and started to weep.

Down beneath her, Athena's head snapped up as she heard the sound of crying behind her. She turned from the smoking body of the woman beneath her and in an instant was standing on the cliff that held Twilight. Before she could look up, Twilight found herself in Athena's grip, white hot fingers wrapped tightly around her throat.

Athena brought the unicorn to her eye level, “What has you so distraught?”

Twilight hated Athena's tone. She was being mockingly sarcastic.

Athena turned to look below her, as Ascentia struggled to get to her feet. Teleporting down to her, Athena shocked her again, watching her sink to the ground.

“Do not tell me you have risked your life and everything tied to it to save this pitiful creature,” Athena asked, “You are a foolish one, apprentice.”

Ascentia groaned as her body tried and failed to lift it's own weight.

“It seems the apple does not fall far from the tree after all,” Athena droned, “Like your Master, you expend all your energy to save those you profess to love. You waste your effort to protect those you have grown attached to.”

Twilight struggled to breathe in Athena's grip as she listened to the God taunt Ascentia.

“You have dissipated your energy saving the weak,” Athena finished, “There are consequences.”

Athena arced a string of lightning from her fingertips into Ascentia's body. No longer able to scream, Ascentia could only twitch and writhe as choked gasps escaped her throat. Athena's other hand tightened around Twilight's throat, and Twilight realized what was happening.

Athena had no interest in her planet, but Ascentia did. And Athena would destroy it and everyone on it as revenge.

Equestria was meaningless to the Val'Kyr. Xebre only needed Celestia and Luna's energy to revive his Master. And now Twilight knew that Athena would destroy it simply because Ascentia cared about her.

Equestria was doomed. And now Twilight realized that it was all her fault. She was stupid to have befriended someone so strong. Her friendship with Ascentia was going to be her death.

As if Athena had heard her thoughts, she whispered “I delight in the irony.”

Athena shifted her grip on Twilight to her skull and began to squeeze her fingers inward, turning Ascentia to watch. Twilight screamed out in pain as she felt her skull crack and splinter under Athena's grip. Her eyes shifted down to Ascentia, and she saw tears streaming down the Val'Kyr's face.

Athena's crushing grip was cut short as a dark pulse of energy collided with her body and shot her into a wall, Twilight falling to the ground next to Ascentia, bleeding from the sides of her head.

Athena got shakily to her feet, and launched a shockwave from her hands into the ground beneath her, cracking the crust of Equestria and pushing the molten innards of the planet up to the surface. The shockwave travelled around the planet, cracking it deeper and deeper until a network of bubbling lava and brimstone began to rage across the surface, burning everything in it's path. Athena took off into the sky, becoming a streak of light across the horizon as she launched herself into space and away from Equestria's now burning atmosphere.

Celestia and Luna looked through the portal in horror. Twilight had taken off, but they had stayed to protect the others. Not an hour after Twilight had left had their home burst open from it's soil and the molten core bubbled up, burning everything in it's path and turning their home into a charred ruin.

Twilight had yet to return, and now the Princesses were growing worried. Wasting no time, they both took off through the portal again, and soared across Equestria's volcanic surface toward Canterlot.

When they arrived, they found Twilight and Ascentia unconscious in the square. Twilight was bleeding from the skull and Ascentia looked like she had been tortured.

Celestia lifted Twilight onto her back, while Luna struggled to get Ascentia's limp form into the air and the two of them took off towards the safety of the frozen planet they were connected to. As soon as they had crossed the threshold, they crushed the rune beneath their hooves, sealing the portal and closing them off from Equestria. Probably forever.

As Celestia and Luna laid Twilight and Ascentia into the snow, they now looked out to their shivering subjects.

“What are we going to do?” Luna asked.

Celestia looked down at the wounded Val'Kyr and unicorn at her feet.

“I don't know...” Celestia replied.

“Is that thing going to come looking for us?”

“I hope not...”

Luna looked down as well.

“Her kind do not die without a fight. They are warriors. They have a grand army,” she replied, “Maybe that is why we do not like them...”

Celestia pondered her sister's words for a moment.

“Maybe...” she replied, “Sister... I am sorry.”

Luna looked surprised, “For what?”

“I should have tried harder.”

“Where? When?”

“Everywhere,” she replied, “I should not have been so quick to banish you to the moon. I should not have been so quick to take your duties over the moon. I should have paid more attention to you when you had felt that your efforts went unappreciated.”

Luna smirked as she strode off to check on the others, giving out a small giggle.

“What!?” Celestia asked.

Luna turned her head back, “The outlander's mannerisms are rubbing off on you.”

A Thousand Deaths

WARNING. The following chapter contains scenes of violence and mature subject matter. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

The fires of the righteous will always burn

And turn us on each other until we learn

To harness the power of our distinction

And throw off these shackles of bad religion

One thousand and one nights change everything

You are my scheherazade, I am your king

In excelsius benedictus

Immortalis lacunam

In extremis abyss domus

Introitus gloriam

Twilight groaned as she started to come to. Her head exploded in extreme pain the instant she attempted to move it. She let out a strained yelp, and felt a strong hand gently push her body down, holding her eyes closed.

“Do not move,” a calm, male voice replied, “Your skull is in pieces, and if you make any sudden motions, you may risk serious brain damage.”

This did not help calm Twilight down one iota. She started to breathe heavily, and her mind began to panic.

“You will heal, and quickly,” the voice replied once again, “But you must remain still. Go back to sleep.”

“What about-”

“Everyone is fine. Your friends and the others of your kind have been moved to an abandoned village underneath the ice. Your Princesses and the Emotion Parasite are with my apprentice not far from here.”

“You mean... she's alive?”

“She is seriously hurt, but otherwise she will survive. She would like to speak with you when you are fully healed.”

“Thank you...”

“Now go back to sleep, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Okay...”

As Twilight drifted off into an artificially induced sleep, Lord Ryder stood back up and left.

“Your apprentice is a sight to behold,” Ryder said as he approached Celestia, Luna, Ascentia and Chrysalis on the cliff overlooking the vast icy surface of Neptune, “She radiates an energy I have never seen in a mortal before.”

Celestia replied only with a curt nod. Luna shrank down in Ryder's presence, causing Ascentia to give her a quizzical look.

“Are you alright, Princess?” she asked calmly.

Luna nodded slightly. Ascentia was not convinced.

“I have made the others aware of Athena's return. And of the damage that Xebre has caused. The Grand Lord was not pleased to hear this. Her wrath was... unbecoming.”

“Yes, I have heard your story,” Celestia replied, “It is quite remarkable.”

“Yes, indeed,” Chrysalis added, “To house a malevolent creature within your own flesh is rather impressive indeed.”

“We all have our achievements,” Ryder smiled, “Mine are certainly noteworthy, but there are those with greater accolades. Shadow's Prey was a vile thing. A creature that fed off fear and misery. It's presence was like...”

“A horrible nightmare?” Luna asked.

“Precisely,” Ryder replied, looking her in the eye.

They were silent for a moment, before Ryder spoke again.

“Ascentia, you have suffered serious injuries. It would be wise of you to rest. I think you have earned it,” Ryder replied.

“Master, had it not been for me, these creatures would still have their home,” Ascentia replied, looking out into the distance.

“Nevertheless, it is because of you that they are alive,” Ryder protested.

“Do you not see it, Master?” Ascentia asked, turning to face him, “They are trapped here, on a frozen excuse for a planet, while Athena streaks toward us at top speed. She will come here looking for you and I before she attempts to take the city. These ponies will either die at her hand, or freeze to death long before she gets here. In what way is that an improvement?”

“Ascentia, my reasoning was not an attempt to convince you to rest,” Ryder replied in a calm, yet firm tone, “I do not have to ask, it is merely a courtesy. Go and rest. That is an order.”

Ascentia closed her eyes and bowed to him, “Forgive me, Master.”

Ascentia turned and strode down into one of the tunnels that led to the vast shelter beneath them. Ryder saw a slight limp in her step. As she started to descend into the tunnels, she caught a familiar sight stumbling toward her. Rushing forward, she caught Twilight just before she fell onto the ice.

“Twilight, what are you doing awake?” Ascentia replied, gingerly feeling her skull. It had been mended, but was still vulnerable.

“I woke up... and it was cold...” Twilight mumbled, dizzy.

“Yes, you were left outside in the hopes that the cold would numb the pain of your injuries. We shielded you from the damage of such low temperatures before we put you to sleep.”

“What about you?” Twilight asked, looking up at her.

Ascentia's already scarred face had suffered numerous electrical burns, and a respiratory mask covered her mouth. Twilight shuddered at what such a device might be needed for.

“I will be fine, you do not need to worry,” Ascentia said calmly.

“NO!” Twilight shouted, pushing away from her, “Stop telling me not to worry! You're the only thing that stands between us and... that THING! If you die, we die!”

“That is not true, do not be so absurd,” Ascentia replied, “I am not some last hope for your kind. Such fairy tales do not exist, even from the worst of scribes. There are others of my kind, and powerful forces among yours. My death counts for very little.”

“But I thought we were friends...” Twilight replied, turning her face to the floor.

Ascentia was speechless for a moment, before she knelt down in front of the small unicorn, “Some things are more important than our friends.”

“Princess Celestia taught me that friendship is the most powerful magic there is!” Twilight said, louder than before.

“Princess Celestia was wrong. You saw what broke open the crust of your planet, and burned it from it's core. I can certainly say that friendship was the last thing on Athena's mind when that happened.”

Twilight's eyes began to water a little when she remembered what had happened not hours ago. Ascentia stood up and passed her, continuing on her way. She stopped briefly and spoke once again.

“Any feelings you may have toward me, of friendship or otherwise,” Ascentia replied, “It would be best to purge them from your heart. Or more preferably, that organ that does something other than move blood around. I understand that you and I have been through much in that last few weeks. But some people are better left forgotten.”

Ascentia strode down through the tunnel, and out of sight and earshot. Twilight lay down on the cold ice, and started to cry.

“How can you expect me to forget...” Twilight whimpered.

As Princess Cadance flew over the plains of Neptune, scouting the area at Celestia's request, she felt the familiar cold shiver that meant a pony close to her was in misery.

Twilight managed to find her way into the sub-levels where her friends were waiting for her. Settling herself down beside Applejack, she waited for her friend's inevitable words.

“Twilight, is something the matter?” Rarity asked.

The cold and livid looks from Applejack and Rainbow Dash made her rethink her words.

“Besides the obvious, darling,” Rarity added.

“Yeah I... everything's fine,” Twilight replied, “I just had a fight with Ascentia...”

“That brute?” Rarity asked, “How in Equestria could that bother you?”

Twilight snapped a pair of angry eyes toward Rarity, “That brute is the reason we're not being torn apart by an angry God right now! You should be grateful, Rarity!”

“Grateful?” Rarity remarked, giving her trademark double-gasp, “All I saw was two of those things having a grudge match in the city while the Princesses were rushing us away and to this frozen wasteland.”

“Actually Twi, I gotta agree with Rarity on this one,” Applejack replied, “None of us really know which one was the bad guy and which one was the good guy.”

“Who's to say either of them is the good guy?” Rainbow asked, “Wasn't Fluttershy with her too?”

Twilight looked down toward the ground as that cold reminder hit her very hard.

“Now Rainbow, that was just too far,” Applejack snapped back, “You know that Twilight lo-”

“We hate to interrupt your girl talk,” came a familiar voice behind them, “But have any of you seen Pumpkin Cake?”

The four friends turned to face Princess Luna, Rarity speaking first, “Her and Sweetie Belle ran off to explore. Is that a problem?”

“The dark one has requested to speak with her,” Luna replied, “We do not know what he wishes to speak about. Find her, and quickly.”

“At once, your highness,” Rarity replied as Luna turned and strode away.

“I'm on it,” Rainbow replied as she streaked off into the deeper tunnels to find the missing fillies.

“Anyway Twi, what exactly did she say?” Applejack asked.

“She said that Celestia was wrong to call friendship the most powerful magic ever,” Twilight replied, “And that I should forget any feelings of friendship I have toward her or her kind. That she should be forgotten.”

“Do you think she is doing it on purpose?” Rarity asked.

“What are you babblin' about?” Applejack asked, giving the prim unicorn an incredulous look.

“Applejack, you cannot deny that Twilight has grown very close to that creature-”

“Ascentia.”

“Pardon?”

“Her name,” Twilight replied, glaring at her, “Is Ascentia.”

“Fine, Ascentia then,” Rarity corrected, “Twilight has grown very close to Ascentia. We all saw her teach about her kind to her student the last few years. And I was in the throne room when we first caught a glimpse of her before this whole mess started. What if Ascentia is trying to make Twilight hate her? So that if she dies, it will not make her want to grieve?”

“Rarity, that's... that's actually pretty good,” Applejack replied.

Twilight wasn't crying. She couldn't in the cold, and even if she could she didn't feel like crying. She didn't know what to feel. It was almost as if all motivation in her was gone for the moment, and she just wanted to lie there and not do anything. Not move, speak, or even think. The pounding in her head from her shattered skull said otherwise though, as it had not fully mended yet. And the billions of nerve endings in her horn were screaming in protest.

Now that she thought about it, she only just realized the amount of excruciating pain she was in. Her eyes shut tight and she tensed up and the feeling of a thousand white-hot knives being plunged into her eyes started to overtake her thoughts. She stood up and stumbled away from her friends, not quite aware of where she was headed.

“Twilight? Where are you going?” Rarity asked. Twilight did not answer.

Twenty minutes of agonizing stumbling down the tunnels brought her to a small chamber where Ascentia was lying asleep on a small mat. Twilight did the only thing she could think of. She walked in and laid down next to the sleeping Val'Kyr.

Ascentia's eyes opened and she looked down to see the lavender unicorn asleep against her chest. Remaining silent save for the rasp of the respirator, she curled an arm over her to keep her warm and returned to sleep.

“Athena will be here in two days,” Ryder said as he examined a bright flash in the distance. He turned back to face the Princesses, Cadance, Chrysalis and Shining Armor, “Ascentia and I will be forced to do battle with her. She must not reach the city.”

“How are you going to keep something like that at bay?” Shining Armor asked.

“I will not... at least not alone.”

“What do you mean?” Celestia replied.

“Ascentia is powerful, but she is not enough. I will require... more unorthodox methods.”

“Explain yourself!” Luna demanded.

Ryder looked to the 3 Alicorns, the changeling, and the soldier.

“If you would... I would greatly appreciate your help.”

Elegy

The following chapter contains scenes of violence and mature subject matter. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

You never bent, you always stood

Could you plainly tell the trees from wood

You knew to part the wrong from right

To coax the darkness into light

You took me in when hope was lost

You paid with no regard for cost

You gave your time, you always found

A way to keep my feet on the ground

You never broke, you always healed

And favored need above appeal

You came, you saw, you mended foes

An altruistic dynamo

Twilight awoke to the sensation of warm, very soft fabric against her coat. She also felt a heavy, equally warm weight around her body. The pressure was comforting, like a tight hug. Not bother to open her eyes, she nuzzled deeper into the strange, warm enclosure and lay there.

Within minutes, the pain in Twilight's skull returned, though far dulled from the previous agony she had been in before. She could also hear a steady, robotic rasp above her. Not taking the time to think about it, she soon drifted back to sleep.

Twilight blinked and found herself in a dim, gray expanse of land. Dark soil crunched under her feet as the thick silence pressed in around her. A sound of footsteps came up behind her, and she wheeled around to see a tall figure in a lavender robe striding toward her. It was nearly as tall as Ascentia, with deep purple hair, dark tanned skin and her irises seemed to be burning in some manner.

“Take a good, long look lightweight,” she said, in a silky, taunting voice, “See the woman you are supposed to be. I am the embodiment of your true potential. I am what you could be, if you had the guts to follow the Betrayer's path more faithfully.”

“This is some kind of trick,” Twilight replied shakily, looking around for Celestia, or Luna, or Ascentia.

“A deadly serious trick,” the figure replied, “The kind that can kill you. Let me prove that I am you. We seek to save all of ponykind from the inevitable death that the frozen plains of Neptune has cast upon them. We wish to put an end to Athena, so that the Val'Kyr may turn their attention to helping us migrate to a new home.”

“Who told you that!”

“Good, be suspicious. Paranoia will fuel the ruthlessness you need to become formidable enough to slay the deity you seek,” The figure knelt down before Twilight, smirking, “Cease your delusions that the Betrayer sees you as a friend. She will do nothing but destroy all that you hold dear.”

“Ascentia? Why would she want to destroy me?”

“As much as Ascentia may love you, you are a complication in a more important goal of Athena's death. Should you get in her way or make things difficult for you, she will cut down those you care about to persuade you to stay away from her,” the figure continued, “In my time, she killed Shining Armor and Princess Cadance when you refused to hide from Athena while her and her Master did battle with it.”

Twilight took a few steps back from the strange creature in horror, “You're wrong... how could you even say that?”

“Because I saw it happen with my own two eyes,” the creature replied, “Watch... and see...”

The creature gathered a ball of energy into her hands, and presented it to Twilight. It cleared up and Twilight could see her and the Princesses standing on a frozen cliff with Ascentia, Shining Armor, and Cadance.

”Ascentia, you cannot expect us to allow you to take on Athena alone once again,” Celestia replied, a heated argument appearing to have just passed.

“Celestia, you try my patience,” Ascentia replied, growing more irritated, “I have already told you that your powers are required elsewhere, and my Master has repeated that sentiment. If you refuse to co-operate, I will make you co-operate.”

“What are you going to do, Ascentia?” Celestia taunted, “Attack me?”

“No,” Ascentia said quietly, “Attack those loved by those you love.”

In a flash, Ascentia drew her sword and put it to Shining Armor's neck.

“Now, will you follow your commands, or shall I rupture two families with a single sweep of my blade?”

Twilight turned away from the horrific image, “That's not real... you made that up...”

The creature laughed nastily, “Denial, how cute. Tell me, what words of comfort did she give you when you learned your best friend had been murdered?”

Twilight's eyes dropped to the dirt beneath her hooves, “...None. She never mentioned it.”

“Precisely. Did Fluttershy not follow you to another world, strange and filled with terrifying creatures? Did she not sneak into a dangerous town to scout for the very creatures that could have, and did, kill her?”

“Yes.”

“Why would someone you think cares about you simply ignore the death of one of your most devoted friends?”

“I... I'm sure she has her reasons,” Twilight replied, looking the creature in the eyes.

“You are justifying your denial,” the creature taunted, advancing upon her, “It is as if the Spirit of Nightmares has snuck into your home, disguised as a helpless child and you've fallen for it like the gullible idiot you are!”

Something about that particular insult tweaked Twilight in a way she had not known existed, and she lashed out against the strange creature, blasting her with her magic. The creature caught it in her fingers and crushed it into a wisp of smoke.

“Ooh, did I pluck a nerve?” she asked, her inquiry laced with sarcasm, “Not very calm, if you ask me. I do not know what my Master ever saw in you.”

Twilight's ears perked at that statement, “Ascentia was your Master?”

“She was not just my Master, she was my lover,” the creature replied, “And in the throes of passion, I cut her throat.”

Twilight recoiled at such a slimy betrayal, “Who are you?”

“I once had a name that I abandoned a long time ago,” she replied, “Now I am known across the universe as 'Lord Dusk'. Do not press my patience, Twilight. I have a limited time to speak with you, and I do not wish it to be wasted.”

“How do you know so much about my past?”

Lord Dusk knelt down beside Twilight, placed a hand on her shoulder, and smirked.

“I would think it would be obvious, given my choice of garments,” she replied, “I am you, Twilight.”

Before Twilight could respond, the strange place around her vanished into thick fog, and the sleeping mat and Ascentia's warm embrace returned to her perception. She lay still for a moment, as she tried to comprehend what had just happened. If everything Lord Dusk had told her was true...

Ascentia was awakened by the violent trembling of the crying unicorn in her grip.

“Twilight, what are you crying about?”

“It's nothing... don't worry.”

Ascentia knew the unicorn was lying, but she did not press the issue, “Very well.”

She let go of Twilight and got to her feet, straightening her robes and cracking her knuckles.

“Ascentia... why are you so warm?” Twilight asked.

“Pardon?”

“You're... you're very warm. I could feel your body heat through your robes, and they're very thick.”

“It is a simple skill to superheat one's body temperature in cold environments,” Ascentia replied, re-attaching her belt and swinging her cloak over her shoulders, “Difficult and painful to learn, but quickly becomes subconscious in execution.”

“I have another question.”

“Ask, and I will answer,” Ascentia replied, fastening her armouring to her shins, thighs, and forearms.

“I had a dream about this... wide dark place. It was filled with fog and gray soil,” Twilight described, “What is it?”

Ascentia stopped and her expression became one of loathing, “The Ghostlands. It is where all creatures go when they die. An endless void. And those who go there will wander it forever. Never stopping... always walking.”

“Are you alright?”

“I will admit... I dread going there,” Ascentia replied, not looking at her, “As much as I may keep people at a reasonable distance, the thought of wandering an empty, silent void for eternity... alone. It terrifies me.”

“Ascentia... you know what love is, right?”

“Yes, I know of it. I hold it in great disdain, but I know of it,” Ascentia said flatly, fastening a thick, metal plate over her respirator.

“Why do you hate it so much?”

“I do not hate it. Me and it merely do not get along,” Ascentia replied, “At least in the terms of mating. I love my Master, and my Lord. I love my former instructors, and the two apprentices I have had in my life. But I have never taken a mate, nor do I wish to.”

“How come?” Twilight asked, looking up at the seemingly old woman in question.

“When I was a girl, my Master told me a story of a young man who fell to such temptations,” Ascentia replied, “He, like me and you, was very powerful, and had his own great responsibilities. When he felt the one he loved was in mortal danger, he looked to the power held in cruelty and destruction to save her. In the end, his own transformation destroyed everything he held dear, and he lived out the rest of his days a broken shell of a man. Constantly miserable.”

“That's... horrible.”

“It is a story that is as horrific as it is beautiful,” Ascentia replied, “But it also taught me a valuable lesson. When you hold power like mine, or the power your Monarchs hold, personal ties can have a negative influence on your actions. You risk impulsive or rash behaviour, and the consequences are far more dire than mortals. It is best if someone in my position abstain from such complications.”

After a few minutes while Ascentia mended several large tears in her clothing, Twilight asked “Who is Lord Dusk?”

Now it was Ascentia's turn to look at her with a questioning eye.

“I have never heard such a name in my life,” Ascentia said, “Is this a title you are thinking of adopting?”

“It has nothing to do with me,” Twilight replied, “I just... I heard the name somewhere, and the title of 'Lord' made me think she was a Val'Kyr.”

“Understandable,” Ascentia replied, “But as far as I am aware, no Val'Kyr has ever taken the name 'Dusk'. Let alone accomplish enough to attain the rare title of 'Lord'.”

Twilight pondered her words in reserved silence while Ascentia finally finished assembling her armour and robes.

“I must speak with my Master before any more surprises take hold of us. Is there anything else you wished to ask of me?”

“Yes...” Twilight asked, her voice shaking, “Am I going to die?”

Ascentia was silent for a moment, and Twilight thought she heard her take a deep breath before answering.

“I do not know,” she finally said after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, “But if anything wishes to kill you, it will have to go through me first.”

She turned on her heel and strode from the small, icy room, her cloak billowing behind her. Twilight called out before she left.

“I love you, Ascentia.”

She stopped for a moment, turning her head to the side to peer at her from the corner of her eye.

“That is a dangerous road to traverse, Twilight Sparkle. I suggest you turn back from it.”

She left without another word. Twilight slipped back down and sighed as the cold in the room began to make itself aware to her. However, a very quiet whisper sounded from the back of her mind.

“But the feeling is mutual all the same.”

“Ah, my faithful student has returned,” Ryder smiled as Ascentia returned to his side, “I hope you slept well.”

“With all due respect, Master,” Ascentia replied, “I do not wish to speak of it.”

“Very well,” Ryder replied, “I have just been speaking with your new friends regarding the change in situation.”

“What is it, Master?” Ascentia asked, “Has Athena gained speed?”

“No,” Ryder replied, “She is dead.”

Europa

Blah blah blah, Reader Discretion is strongly advised, you know the drill by this point.

From Agincourt to Waterloo

Poitiers and then Anjou

The Roses War, the Hundred Years

Through battlefields of blood and tears

From Bosworth Field to Pointe Du Hoc

Stalingard and the siege of York

The bloody turf of Gallipoli

Had no effect on the killing spree

Bannockburn to Austerlitz

The fall of France and the German blitz

The cruelest of atrocities

Europa's blood is borne of these

“Master, it is simply not possible,” Ascentia protested, “How could Athena simply be dead?”

Ryder's head turned to look to Queen Chrysalis, “For that, you have this one to thank.”

“Me? Why?” Chrysalis asked.

Ryder waved his hand and carved chairs out of the ice with telekinesis, “Sit, and I shall tell you Athena's story.”

Long ago, far before your time or even my time, the Earth and the massive area around it were ruled by the Gods. Ancient creatures of unfathomable power. Strong as individuals and even more powerful as one. Long was their rule. But, nothing may live forever, and their time had come.

Many of them accepted their inevitable fate. The Solar, ethereal creatures of our most beloved legends, helped them cross over to become one with the universe. But one among them resisted. Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom.

She would not accept her fate, and such drove to manipulate humanity into nourishing her. Gods of her kind fed off of faith and devotion. Using her cunning, she spread various interpretations of her word among humankind, and watched it fester and grow. Before long, they had grown so massive in number that they began to fight over who's word was more meaningful. Such arguments quickly turned to violence.

Because Athena was kept alive by their devotion to her, she saw no need to interfere in the menial problems of the mortals. To her, any devotion, even negative, was preferable to none.

“But I still don't understand how Queen Chrysalis comes into play here,” Princess Luna asked.

“Athena's thirst for mankind's adoration and love became so dependent, it literally made up her physical being,” Ryder replied, “She was a creature composed of human's love.”

At that moment, Celestia, Luna and Chrysalis' eyes all opened wide for a moment, and they soon started to snicker.

“You mean...” Chrysalis began.

“They ate her,” Ryder replied, “She never even got out of the atmosphere.”

The three could no longer contain it any longer. They dropped out of their seats and began to laugh so hard, tears were streaming from their faces. Ascentia was still frozen in shock, her mind unable to comprehend the obvious yet still bizarre fate that such a deadly creature could succumb to.

“What of the damage done to the planet, Master?” Ascentia asked over the laughter, an acrid smell passing her nostrils telling her Luna had perhaps found the news a little too funny.

“With Athena not longer able to sustain it, the shockwave quickly faded. Parts of the planet are not longer inhabitable, but much of the landscape is only moderately damaged.”

Celestia took a few rasping breaths as she composed herself, and looked to Ryder, “Where is the majority of the damage held?”

“The city you call 'Canterlot' has been obliterated, and Ponyville has also been destroyed,” Ryder continued, “The large forest that covers most of your kingdom has burned down, and fissures have spread out into the desert. The citadel in the Crystal Empire has collapsed, but aside from that the empire is undamaged. Everywhere else is for the most part unharmed, save for a few destroyed homes or farms.”

“And what of my Changelings?” Chrysalis asked.

“They took to underground gem mines after feeding off Athena. As far as I can tell, 200 are dead, the rest have survived.”

“And the ponies that didn't make it into the portal?” Luna asked, wiping herself off.

“Four hundred thousand dead across Canterlot, Ponyville, and the forest, including a Zebra we were unable to identify. Every other settlement has reported a death toll of less than one hundred. Ascentia, how many were recovered and brought here?”

“Two and a half million,” Ascentia replied.

“Reasonable, but the losses are tragic all the same,” Ryder finished.

Celestia and Luna looked at Ryder with a quizzical eye. He seemed to be too calm about all of this. Either his sympathy was poorly feigned, or he was containing any grief he might have had. Luna had a third theory, that Ryder had malevolent intentions, however she did not voice it.

“What do we do now?” Celestia asked.

“Well first we should look into-” Ryder's words were cut off as a blast of bright energy took out the side of the mountain behind him.

The five demigods dove to the ground as snow and ice shards blasted past them, a small avalanche covering the entrance to the tunnels the Equestrians had taken shelter in. Ascentia got to her knees and rushed to the blocked entrance, quickly inspecting the degree of the cave-in.

“Outlander! Get down!”

Without hesitation, Ascentia dropped to her chest as a second blast struck the ice where her head had been not moments before. Spinning onto her back, she caught a glimpse of something red and white zip past her and fire another blast of energy to her prone form. In a flash, her sword was in her hand and deflected the blast into the horizon.

Ryder, Celestia, Luna and Chrysalis slowly got to their feet and hooves and looked around for the source of the sudden attack, Luna wincing as she gingerly attempted to put weight on a now broken leg. With a wave of her hand, Ascentia fused Luna's snapped bone together and helped her fully to her hooves.

“Thank you for the warning,” she said calmly.

“Don't mention it,” Luna replied, not looking at her.

“What happened?” Ryder asked, rubbing his temples.

“I did not fully spot it, but it was fast,” Ascentia replied, “It looked like them,” she gestured to Celestia and Luna.

She put a boot on the ledge, preparing to leap into the chasm after whatever had attacked them.

“Outlander, you are not planning to follow this creature, are you?” Luna asked.

“I have already been overtaken by Athena, Celestia and Xebre this week,” Ascentia replied, “Now it is personal.”

Leaping from the cliff, Ascentia dug the claws of her gauntlets into the ice as she slid down the near-vertical face of the mountain. With a flip toward the end, her boots slammed into the ice beneath her as she strode out into the icy fields, looking for her prey.

Thankfully her attacker was an angry one, and it wasn't long before the creature itself slammed it's hooves into the ice before her.

Ascentia took note of her foe. It was an alicorn like the three Princesses, though her mane was short and dark red, as opposed to the long, flowing manes the others had. It's brand was a quill in an ink-well, adorned on her faded-white coat.

“It has started to become irritating for divine beings to drop their strength on my skull like this,” Ascentia called out.

“You are holding my people hostage,” the alicorn snarled, “I demand that you release them!”

“They are free to leave of their own accord,” Ascentia replied, “But to do so on this planet would be suicide.”

The two started to walk in a circle around each other.

“Do you think this is a game?” the alicorn snapped back, “Equestria is sundered and all signs point back to you!”

“I am not your enemy, Equestrian,” Ascentia said, “But I can be if you push me hard enough.”

Taking this is a taunt, the alicorn launched a surge of lightning from her horn, which found itself absorbed into the blade of Ascentia's sword.

“I don't think so,” Ascentia said, “I will not be falling for that trick again.”

The alicorn focused her powers and stripped a massive chunk of ice from a nearby cliff, hurtling it toward Ascentia at blinding speed. Ascentia caught it in her telekinesis, halting it's momentum and dropping it to the ground. The two were testing each other, gauging for a weakness.

Ascentia threw her sword into the ice and pushed forward, leaping over the alicorn and driving her boot into her neck. Landing behind her, she swung her leg around, kicking her back legs from beneath her. The alicorn teleported to her hooves a few feet back, shooting a bolt of energy from her horn. Ascentia raised her arm, catching the bolt in her bracers and leaving a smoking scar in the metal. Throwing both her palms forward, a powerful shockwave pulsed toward the alicorn, shaking and cracking the ice she stood on, but failing to unseat her from her hooves.

Before either could make another move, a spinning, bronze-colored blade hurtled forward and connected with the alicorn's horn and Ascentia's shoulderguards. Both were unhurt, but they turned to look in the direction the blade had come from.

“Will you stop picking fights with supreme beings for 5 minutes!” Twilight shouted, her voice amplified by magic.

Ascentia dropped her guard and backed away from the deity. Twilight pointed the razor sharp weapon at the Alicorn next.

“Who are you?” she asked.

The alicorn seemed surprised, “My child... you do not recognize me?”

Before Twilight could respond, Celestia and Luna dropped down next them, along with Princess Cadance and Lord Ryder. Celestia and Luna could not believe their eyes.

“Mother?” Celestia asked, “What are you doing here?”

“I followed you here,” the Alicorn replied, “I saw the damage this creature had done to Equestria and sought to rescue my little ponies.”

Celestia and Luna rushed over to the alicorn they called their mother, nuzzling her affectionately. Princess Cadance and Twilight backed away to Lord Ryder.

“Do you know who that is?” Twilight asked.

“One of the Solar,” Lord Ryder replied, “And the constructor of your species. It would seem any records of her have faded into distant myth among Equestrians. But among the Val'Kyr, she is respected as any member of the Solar.”

“What are the Solar?” Princess Cadance asked, looking back between her aunt and her sister-in-law.

“The Solar are the beings of myth. Taking form through their own stories,” Ryder explained, “I know of three. The 'Light', the 'Chosen One' and her, the 'Matriarch'. She means you no harm.”

“So does this mean we're going to go home?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, it does,” Ryder finished, “I apologize for Ascentia's haste. She should know to stay her blade.”

Ryder turned quietly and strode back toward the caverns where the other ponies were hidden.

“See to any loose ends, and we will bring you back to begin reconstruction of your home.”

Several hours later, Twilight had managed to gather all the ponies that had managed to flee from Canterlot and arrange them by the runegate in the tomb they had used to get to Neptune. She was taking role call while the Princesses scouted around for any stragglers.

“Cheerilee... Berry Punch... Heartstrings... Fancy pants... where's Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked, looking down at her list.

“She flew off in anger several hours ago,” Ryder replied.

Ascentia's head snapped over, “What?!”

Twilight, Rarity and Applejack did the same, “She flew off? Why?”

“Master, why did you not mention this earlier?”

“I have been tracking her, and I placed a barrier over her to protect her from the cold,” Ryder continued, “If you insist, you may go and fetch her. She flew off to the southeast, then altered her course 60 degrees west after half an hour.”

Ascentia tore off into the distance at full sprint, kicking up random object in her slipstream. Meanwhile, Twilight tore her furious gaze to Lord Ryder.

“Why would you not stop her?” she demanded.

“Twilight Sparkle, my motivations and methods are based on patient observation and calculation of all current and potential variables.”

“So you're really bucking lazy?”

“Pretty much.”

Leaping over a glacier and speeding across a cliffside, Ascentia's eyes scanned everywhere for the tiny, rainbow patterned pegasus. Seeing the end of the cliff before her, she hopped and repositioned her feet, grinding the grooves of her boots into the ice, skidding to a halt and kicking up a cloud of ice.

Looking out over the snowy plains, she could see nothing but the landscape of Neptune.

“Rainbow Dash, where have you gone...”

Her answer came in the form of a faint swirling in the wind, identical to the slipstream of an airborne object. Whipping around, she threw out her arms and clasped her hands over a small, warms creature, which instantly began struggling in her grip.

“LET ME GO! LET ME GO!”

“Calm yourself, Rainbow Dash,” Ascentia snapped, “I do not know what caused you to fly off in such a rage, but you are going home now.”

Rainbow stopped struggling and fell limp, “I can't... I can't go home...”

Ascentia dropped her to the snow, “What are you talking about?”

Rainbow glared at her, “What do you mean 'What am I talking about?' I'm talking about Fluttershy! We've been best friends since we were fillies! I can't go home knowing she won't be there!”

“So what do you intend to do?” Ascentia asked, “Stay here and freeze to death?”

“I'm going to find her! Find her and bring her back!”

“So death is your plan then?” Ascentia asked, “Because that is the only way to enter the Ghostlands. And you will never leave there. And you will never find her.”

“I will if I look hard enough!”

“The Ghostlands are featureless. And endless,” Ascentia explained, “Not only would you have to determine which direction she went, you'd have to know her exact path and follow it to her. And you will not be able to fly.”

“But I-”

“And if you find her, what then?” Ascentia asked, “What do you do then? Throw your life away to wander with her for eternity?”

“Maybe I will!”

“Aw, how sweet,” Ascentia replied in a sickened, condescending tone, “For friendship is truly magic. Pull your head out of the clouds and face reality. I told her that both people and ponies would die from this, and that such a thing was very permanent for your kind. I tell you the same here and now.”

Ascentia's cruel words tore through Rainbow like an icy knife.

“I care not for your grief. I have neither the years required nor the patience to indulge you.” Ascentia continued, “But you are going home. What you do after that is beyond my concern. I will not be subject to Twilight's wrath if I allow you to stay here. Enough of her friends have died by my hand.”

“But-”

“No buts,” Ascentia growled, pointing back the way she had come, “Walk.”

Twilight began directing the ponies through the runegate after Ascentia returned dragging a very reluctant Rainbow Dash by the tail. Ascentia had told her that she had reasoned with the Pegasus, but several dark welts on her coat indicated that the two had very different definitions of the word “Reason”.

After everyone had been brought back to the fields outside Canterlot, they were subject to a display of fearsome power as Celestia, Luna, Cadance, the Matriarch, Ryder, and Ascentia used their powers to reconstruct the destroyed city through a combination of telekinesis, conjuration, fire, and lightning.

Twilight quickly learned that the Val'Kyr had a great appreciation for the ability to shoot lighting from their hands.

She also quickly learned that it was really cool.

After they had finished constructing the city, all the ponies went to work cleaning the remaining rubble and disposing of the bodies that were discovered underneath. As Ascentia had said a week before, there would be no coming back from this. What happened here would remain with them forever.

After a few days of work, the city was restored, or as restored as it would ever be, and much of the charred countryside had been cleaned up and their fires doused. And within all of that, the Val'Kyr were ready to take their leave. The Princesses, Chrysalis, the Matriarch, and Twilight were standing on the top of Canterlot Tower with them.

“Princess Celestia,” Ascentia said with a bow, “I wish you and your people the best, and hope that you may recover from this.”

Celestia bowed as well, “Without you, none of this would have happened... but without you, we would have all been dead...”

“It is not me you must thank,” Ascentia replied, “It is this one.”

She gestured to Queen Chrysalis.

“Without her changelings, we would have never been able to intervene before Athena wiped you out. And she would still be alive to terrorize us all.”

Celestia bowed her head again, this time in contemplation.

“Princess Luna,” Ascentia continued, “I hope we may depart from this with mutual respect.”

“Forgive me, Outlander,” Luna replied, “But if my eyes never lay upon your form again, it will be too soon.”

Ascentia nodded in understanding, before continuing, “Queen Chrysalis-”

“Do not bother, Ascentia,” Chrysalis interrupted, “You saved my life and paved the way for peace between my changelings and Equestria. For that, I forgive any sins you may have committed.”

Ascentia nodded again.

Her addresses to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor went the same way as they had with Chrysalis, for they were grateful they still had a place to call home. Lastly, Ascentia turned her gaze to Twilight. Instead of bowing, she knelt down before the tiny unicorn.

“Twilight... you are both strong and wise. And I am so very sorry I have put you through such torment these past few weeks.”

Twilight responded by jumping at her and wrapping her hooves around Ascentia's neck. They shared no words between each other. Ascentia simply hugged the small pony close to her.

“Will I ever see you again?” Twilight asked.

Ascentia let go of Twilight before responding, “I will say now what I said before. Ensure that you do not.”

She stood up and looked Ryder with a small nod, and in a bright flash they were gone. The seven of them looked at the spot they disappeared, before they all turned away and headed back down from the tower.

Twilight's head was low. While there would be time to mourn the dead and repair the damage, it was unlikely that there would ever be time for her to come to terms with what she had experienced. The brutality of war, the finality of death... and the knowledge that they were not alone in this universe.

And that they were hopelessly... hilariously outgunned.

Shining Armor fell back and nudged his wife's shoulder, “Do you think Twily and Ascentia...”

“Shining!” Cadance chastised.

“Sorry,” he said quietly.

Cadance waited a moment until the others were out of earshot, before leaning in and whispering...

“I totally do.”

The End

Epilogue: Concerning Ponies

60 Years Later

Twilight sat pouring over an old tome, many of it's pages blank and waiting to be lovingly dressed with the careful dancing of an inked quill over it's parchment. The only problem was that she was having much trouble creating the words she wished to craft.

“Hmm... where to begin...” she pondered, “Ah! Yes!”

She lowered her quill to the paper, and began to write.

Concerning Ponies

Ponies, living and farming in the lush, fertile lands of Equestria for many thousands of years. Quite content to ignore and be ignored by the universe of the larger folk. The universe being, after all, full of strange creatures by the count. Ponies must seem of little importance. Being neither renowned as great warriors, nor counted among the very wise.

Twilight chuckled at this last line, before a knocking sound interrupted her thoughts.

“Pumpkin! There's someone at the door!” she called out before returning to her page.

In fact, it has been remarked by some that Ponies' only real passion is for friends and to live in the comfort of one another. A rather unfair observation, but not an entirely inaccurate one. But where our hearts truly lie, is in peace and quiet. And good, tender earth. For all ponies share a love of things that grow. And yes, no doubt to others, our ways seem quaint. But today of all days is it brought home to me that it is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.

The knocking came again.

“Pumpkin! The door!”

Again, with the knocking.

“Oh sweet Celestia,” she grumled, looking around her, “Where is that girl?”

Pumpkin Cake's hooves made a steady clopping sound along the stone of Canterlot's cemetery, the eerie wind making her coat tremble. Canterot's winters had gotten far more bitter since that fateful day over 60 years ago. Speaking of that day, Pumpkin stopped as she passed the grave of Fluttershy. While only two of the Elements of Harmony were still alive at this point, Fluttershy had met her end far too quickly and far too suddenly. Much like Pinkie Pie, she had not made it to her middle ages.

Bowing her head in respect, Pumpkin's aging hooves carried her away from the lonely headstone and out the front gate of the cemetery. Upon reaching the street, she saw a few little fillies fleeing in panic, screaming something about a towering monster striding through the city. Unlike the young fillies, however, Pumpkin's eyes shot open and took off in the direction they were fleeing from.

In that single moment of realization, she had remembered that it had been exactly 60 years since that day. 60 years... she was returning.

Her hopes were confirmed when she reached the main square of Canterlot and found a hooded figure clad in a green cloak, robes and armor. Taller than anything nearby and standing upon to legs.

“You're late,” Pumpkin Cake replied.

The figure turned to her and lowered her hood. Her dark red hair standing out from her scarred face.

“A Val'Kyr is never late, Pumpkin Cake,” Ascentia Kortai replied, “Nor is she early. She arrives precisely when she means to.”

The two exchanged a harsh glare for a moment, before flipping to laughing at eachother.

“It's wonderful to see you, Ascentia!” Pumpkin Cake replied, leaping into Ascentia's arms and hugging her tightly.

Ascentia gently squeezed the small mare in her arms, “You didn't think I'd miss the party Twilight is planning for Celestia, did you?”

Pumpkin Cake nodded and jumped down from Ascentia's arms, leading her through the city toward Twilght's home.

“So how is the old woman?” Ascentia asked, “I hear it is going to be a party of special magnificence.”

“Well you know Twilight,” Pumpkin Cake replied, “She's got the whole place in an uproar.”

Ascentia chuckled, “Well that should please her.”

“Half of Equestria's been invited,” Pumpkin continued, “And the rest of them are turning up anyway.”

And so life in Equestria goes on. Much as it's done this past half Century. Full of it's own comings and goings. With change coming slowly. If it even comes at all. But things are made to endure in Equestria, passing from one generation to the next. There's always been a Sparkle living in this house, east of the Castle. And there always will be.

“I'll tell you the truth,” Pumpkin Cake said, “Twilight's been a bit odd lately. More than usual. She's taken to locking herself in her study. She spends hours and hours pouring over old maps when she thinks I'm not looking.”

Ascentia looked down at the small unicorn in concern.

“She's up to something...”

Pumpkin noticed Ascentia looking at her.

“Alright then, keep your secrets. But I know you had something to do with it.”

“What makes you think it was me?”

“Before you came along, this place was very well thought of. The closest thing we had to a catastrophe was a Draconequus fiddling with gravity.”

If you're referring to the incident with Athena,” Ascentia replied, “I was barely involved. All I did was give your Master a little nudge out of the door.”

Pumpkin smirked at Ascentia's poor attempt at covering her obvious tracks, “Whatever you did, you've been officially labeled a disturber of the peace.”

As they reached the top of the hill leading to Twilight's home, Pumpkin Cake gave Ascentia one last hug.

“Ascentia, I'm glad you're back.”

“So am I, dear girl,” Ascentia replied with a smile, hugging her in return, “So am I.”

Pumpkin Cake left in the opposite direction while Ascentia approached the door to Twilight's home, knocking three times upon the wood.

“NO THANK YOU!” came an irritated shout from inside, “I DON'T WANT ANY MORE VISITORS, WELL WISHERS, OR DISTANT RELATIONS!”

“And what about very old friends?” Ascentia shouted back with a smile through the door.

The door was quickly wrenched open and a furious Twilight Sparkle started looking around for whoever was disturbing her planning. But her eyes met a draping of green material that smelled faintly of ice and arctic wind, and she slowly lifted her eyes upward, to the scarred face she knew all too well.

“Ascentia?” she said, almost not believing what she saw.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Ascentia said with a warm smile, kneeling down in front of her.

“My dear Ascentia!” Twilight said again, weakly as she threw her forelegs and wings around Ascentia's neck.

“Look at you. One hundred and six years old. Who would believe it,” she pulled back to get a good look at her, “You haven't aged a day.”

Twilight cast a quick glance to the feathered limbs at her sides, before directing another wide smile to the Val'Kyr, “Well come on, come in!”