Chapters
My most faithful student Twilight Sparkle
I heard from somepony that you were in need of some new books for your library. I thought it would be a nice early birthday present if I sent you some copies from the Canterlot libraries.
I know that your birthday is still a ways away, but I thought I could send you these books in case I could not be there like last year. I shall try my best to be there but if not then I hope that these books can make up for my absence.
Your loving teacher Princess Celestia.
* * *
Come on when is that delivery pony going to get here... Spike thought to himself as he crossed his arms and tapped his foot. He looked at the clock and scowled. He was supposed to be here yesterday...
"Spike, any sign on the delivery pony yet?" Twilight asked from the other room.
"Nothing yet, Twilight," Spike replied.
Twilight entered the room with a worried look on her face. "I hope he's got the right address."
Soon after receiving the first letter from Princess Celestia, Twilight had received a second letter detailing the books to be sent as well as stating that they should arrive with in 3 days time.
It was now 1:32pm four days after receiving the letters. "Do you think he got lost along the way?" Twilight asked.
"I hope not," Spike replied as he glared at the clock again. It had been his idea in the first place to have the books sent to the library. He noticed that Twilight had been upset about something lately, but she wouldn't tell him about it.
Spike hoped he could cheer up Twilight by getting some new books to read at the library, so he had secretly sent a letter to Princess Celestia sharing his idea with her in the hopes of getting some books from back home. He thought it would cheer her up even more if she got some new books sent from her teacher. He remembered how sad Twilight looked last year when she got the letter telling her that princess Celestia couldn't make it to her birthday party.
When Spike got his reply from the princess agreeing to the plan, he couldn't have been happier. In the letter he’d stated that he didn’t want any credit for the books, saying that he just wanted to see Twilight happy again. As he watched her pace back and forth, however the only expression she had on her face was worry.
"I hope they weren't lost, or damaged, or..." Twilight trailed and her eyes widened as a thought hit her. "STOLEN! Those were valuable copies from the Canterlot libraries! The delivery-pony must have been robbed on his way here!” Twilight started to frantically scamper about the room. “We need to go get help! Get the authorities! GET SOMEPONY!"
When Twilight got within his reach, Spike grabbed Twilight’s head and made her look him in the eye. "Twilight! Calm down.” Her eyes locked onto him, though Spike could still see the panic in them
Spike let go of her head and took a step back. “Okay breathe in..." the both of them promptly took in a deep breath. "...and breathe out." and with that he and Twilight both let out their worries and troubles. "Okay better?"
"Much better, thanks, Spike," Twilight said with a small thankful smile.
Spike arched an eyebrow at his friend. "What was that all about?"
Twilight frowned as she sat down on the floor “I don't know... I've been feeling on edge lately, but I’m not sure why..."
Spike put a hand on her shoulder, and smiled at her. “Hey... try not to worry so much okay?” He was rewarded with a small thankful smile and a nod. With that Spike turned to look at the library door. "Still what's taking them so long to get here with the-"
*Knock. Knock. Knock.*
"The Books!" Twilight sprang up from where she sat and ran to the door.
Spike watched her run off with crossed arms and a smile on his face. There's my Twilight.
When Twilight opened the library door she was greeted with a brown earth pony stallion in blue mail-pony uniform. Attached to him was a small cart with crate in it's bed. "I have a delivery here for a miss Twilight Sparkle?"
"Yes that's me, sir." Twilight said, quickly nodding her head, with a big excited grin.
The delivery pony pulled out a clipboard and pencil from his saddle bags. "Alright, please sign here ma'am."
"Alright," Twilight said with a smile as her horn glowed purple to pick up the pencil and clipboard. As she started signing her name she thought of something. "By the way." she started, arching an eyebrow in the process and getting a curious look from the stallion. "Was there a problem at the post office? These books were supposed to arrive here yesterday."
"Yes actually," the delivery-pony answered with a nod. "I heard something weird happened at the post office yesterday, though I wasn’t there when it happened."
"Oh okay," Twilight said with a small frown, her ears flattened a little at her unsatisfied curiosity. "Anyway," she started as she quickly shook her head, ridding herself of the question. "Here you go." and she floated the pencil and clipboard back to the stallion.
He looked over the document and found everything satisfactory. "Alright looks good to me. It’s all yours ma'am."
"Thank you," Twilight said with a smile. With that her horn glowed once more and the crate levitated out of the cart down to her side.
"You're welcome ma'am," the stallion said with a small bow. With that he was off with cart in tow behind him as he went back to his work.
As the delivery-pony headed off, Twilight turned around and went back into the library with a smile on her face and crate in tow.
"Hey, so that was the books!" Spike said with a joyful smile. Smiling not only at the delivery but also at seeing Twilight happy again.
"Yep," was all Twilight said as she floated the crate into the middle of the room. After a few moments, the crate landed gently onto the ground. Twilight refocused her magic onto the lid of the crate and gently pried it open to reveal its precious literary cargo. "Now let’s start shelving!"
* * *
After a few minutes the pair had whittled down the number of books in the crate and now only a few remained to be shelved. Using her magic Twilight reached into the crate, pulling out another book and floated it before her. “Let’s see… ‘Legends of the Forgotten Kingdom’,” Twilight read the title aloud. She looked over at the list floating next to her and found its name. “A fantasy novel.”
She passed the book over to Spike and off he went.
Twilight turned back to the crate and lifted another book out. "Okay 'Expert Enchantments' that goes in advanced magics." With that the book flew off to its respective shelf. she then floated the next book to her. "'A Dance on the Razors Edge' a mystery thriller if I remember right." and it too flew away.
As Twilight reached into the crate again she felt her magic grab something heavy. The next book to come out of the crate was a massive leather bound tome that was almost as big as she and was at least 3 inches thick.
Twilight’s eyes widened as she stared in awe at the book. Sweet Celestia think of how much is in there! she thought with a big grin. She brought the book closer to read the tiny title 'The History of Stalliongrad, unabridged and unedited version.' she read in silent awe. But as she realised its shear size her grin slowly became a frown. But it won’t fit on the shelves.
Twilight looked around the library for a place to put the tome and her eyes fell upon a large empty lectern near the door. That should do the trick. she thought with a confident smile. She floated the tome over to the lectern and with a loud heavy thud the tome was in place. Perfect. she thought with smirk.
Spike returned as Twilight crossed ‘The History of Stalliongrad’ off the list. “That all of them?”
Twilight looked over the list and found everything crossed out save for an entry labeled ‘unknown’. “Looks like there’s one more.”
But when Twilight's magic reached into the crate for the last book she felt a sudden chill of cold run all the way up from her horn down to her hooves.
What quickly followed soon after was a feeling of dread slowly creep over her emotions that steadily rose as she raised the book out of the crate.
Floating there in her magics grasp was a regular looking old book bound in worn black leather. From what Twilight could tell the book had aged tanned pages within and looked like any regular old book, except...
"Wheres the title?" Twilight asked as she turned the book over and over looking for a name for the book.
"What's wrong Twilight?" Spike asked as he looked at the confounded mare.
"I don’t see a title anywhere," was Twilight’s confused reply. She opened the book and started flipping through the pages of aged tanned paper. "There's nothing on the pages either." Page after page she turned and each one was as blank as the last. "Do you think they made a mistake and sent a blank book? Or maybe they-"
As Twilight turned one more page she froze right in her tracks. Right there on the page in thick black letters was one simple word that chilled her to the very bone.
Hello.
When Twilight saw that one word, the black book fell to the floor with it still open to the same page. Twilight thought she heard Spike say something, but her eyes were transfixed to the book and its greeting.
Somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard a voice whisper something to her.
Turn.
Twilight did as was told, and turned to the next page, and to her horror more words were on the next one. But now she could hear a voice calling out to her.
"Twilight!" Spikes words brought her out of the trance like state, and she looked at him with fear in her eyes. "What's wrong? Please, tell me!"
“The book, I-I think it’s alive!” Twilight shakily answered. Her eyes dared to make a quick glance at the book on the floor. "And... I think its trying to talk to me."
The both of them slowly turned their attention to the black book, and the words written upon the new page.
Hello there dear sorry for the scare, but I needed to gain your attention. By the looks of things I have.
Now the rules are simple dear. When you turn the page its my turn to speak, and once you've read then it's yours.
Ask what you want, and I shall answer to my best.
Spike just stared wide-eyed, while Twilight’s worry grew. Sometimes I hate it when I'm right.
After a few moments, Twilight was able to regain her composure, and willed a determined look upon her face. It was time for answers, and if she had to play this book’s 'game' then so be it.
"Who are you? What are you?" she asked, and promptly turned the page for the answer.
Who I am dear, is not important, what I am though is. I am a greeting, I am an answer, and I am a warning.
By this point, Spike had snapped out of his shock. "A warning for what?" Spike reached out to grab the page, and felt feelings of cold and dread greet him as he turned the page for the answer.
The dead king is coming. Hold close those you hold dear, lest they be lost to his city.
Lost to his city? What's that supposed to mean? And why can't these sort of things just give a straight answer? Twilight thought to herself as she gave an annoyed look at the book.
"Okay... what do mean by 'they'll be lost to his city'?" She promptly turned the page, and froze at what she saw.
Above the words on the page was a drawing of two eyes and a mouth. The eyes stared right back at her with malicious intent, and grinned at her with a twisted maw of jagged teeth.
Why don't you ask the dead king that question?
The face had caught the pair off guard as they looked into its eyes. Whoever or whatever was speaking to them through the book clearly did not mean well.
Spike was the first to recover from the surprise of the evil grin's appearance.
"Who's the dead king, and what about his city?" He was about to turn the page for the answer, but froze as the page turned for him. The page turned to reveal the silhouette of what looked to be a large tower topped with two spikes that was in between four smaller towers.
Oh you'll be meeting him and his city soon enough I assure you.
Twilight glared at the book and decided she'd had enough of its ‘answers’. "Alright that's it I'm done playing your game! What's going to happen? I want the truth, no more riddles!"
The book hastily turned the page on its own and once again there was a face, this one angry.
You want the truth? FINE THEN! This world is damned to bear The Necropolis. Whether your world survives, or not I don't care, and neither does he!
Then the book turned its pages once more to reveal the malicious grin again. Twilight and Spike looked at each other, and both were certain that they weren't going to like what the book said next.
Oh and by the way, I ‘forgot’ to mention something earlier. Not only am I all the things I said before, but I’m one other thing.
The page turned again to continue.
I am a herald.
Slowly page after page began to turn in the book, and Twilight and Spike froze as they heard something that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere around them. Slow mocking laughter.
As the pages picked up the pace, so did the laughter, and in half a minute the pages looked like they were going to shoot right out of the book. On each page was the face laughing right at them.
Page after seemingly infinite page turned as the laughing turned mad and psychotic. When another half-minute passed the book slammed shut, and the sound echoed off the walls of the library until it slowly died away. Twilight and Spike stared at the book, mouths agape in shock at what they'd just bore witness to.
As if that weren't enough, the book began to ooze out what appeared to be thick black ink from its closed pages that began to puddle onto the floor beside it.
Slowly, parts of the puddle evaporated in wisps of black smoke to reveal jagged letters that eventually formed two words
He's coming.
Suddenly, the two words collapsed together into a single point, and a thin black tendril shot up right at Twilight. She didn’t have time to react as the black tendril touched her right between her eyes. As the tendril made contact, Twilight felt a strange tingling sensation run through her mind, and as quickly as it had appeared the tendril faded away to nothing.
"Twilight! Are-are you okay..?" Spike asked, his face full of fear and worry. Twilight only stared at the spot where the tendril had been just mere moments ago. After a full minute of starring off into nothing, she registered Spikes question, and turned to give a frazzled look at her friend.
"I... I think so..." she replied, uncertainty etched in her voice and features. But then a thought crossed her. If the book was telling the truth, then whoever this 'dead king' was sounded like bad news. As she finished her thought, a feeling of resolve won over. "We need to warn the princesses. Spike, take a letter."
Spike answered with a nod, and ran off to go get a quill and parchment.
When spike returned, Twilight thought for a moment on how best to word the letter. When she was done, she cleared her throat, and started pacing back and forth as she began to dictate the letter.
Dear Princess Celestia, I am happy to report that the books you sent me have arrived safe and sound, and I am grateful for the gift. But something is not right with one of the books you had sent, and I'm not sure how best to describe it as of the writing of this letter. I am returning the book back to you, and I would like to ask if you, or Princess Luna, or one of the arcane scientists in Canterlot could investigate it for anything out of place.
Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.
P.S. Now I know this will sound crazy, and that's probably why Twilight didn't say it, but personally, I think the book is haunted. - Spike.
As Spike finished adding the last part to the letter, Twilight floated over to him a red ribbon and clip to bind the scroll to be sent. She then turned to face her desk and used her magic to open one of the drawers, and lifted out a big piece of brown wrapping paper and a long piece of string. Twilight turned back to the black book, and lifted it into the air. And now to put you away.
In a few moments the book was all wrapped up and ready to go, when she was done she handed it over to Spike for the final part. "Spike if you please."
"With pleasure," Spike said with a small smile. With a deep breath, and a puff of green flame the letter, and book were on their way to Canterlot. Spike smiled as he dusted the soot off of his hands. And good riddance.
* * *
The clock read 1:46am in the library bedroom, but neither Twilight nor Spike knew that as they both slept in their beds. But one of them would hardly be getting any sleep that night...
Twilight tossed and turned in her bed as she saw in her mind, not a nightmare of the book, but of something else...
O O O
Twilight saw in her dreams what looked to be an upside down mountain floating in a black nothingness. At the mountain's 'base' rose a large hill, and atop the hill stood a walled city. Within the walls rose a palace made of black stone with eight towers circling a larger keep that rose high into the dark void above.
Her dream began to focus on the black palace, and she felt an unknown presence within the structure. As Twilight's dream grew closer to the palace, she began to feel as if something was tearing away at her from within.
When the dream grew closer and closer to the palace, she felt the tearing sensation intensify. When the dream finally stopped advancing, Twilight herself stood before a pair of massive ebony doors at the castle's base. Slowly, the black doors opened inward to reveal Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and even Spike all of her friends stood there in the doorway… and all of them had lost hope.
Twilight wanted to get closer to them, ask what's wrong, and try to help. But as she grew closer to the door, the tearing sensation magnified within her, and she watched in horror as her friends, one by one, slowly turned to dust before her eyes, and started blowing away on an unseen wind.
Twilight ran to the door faster than she had ever ran before. But no matter how fast she ran, her friends never seemed to get any closer. As the massive ebony doors began to slowly close before her, she finally began to close the distance between her and her friends, but it was all for naught.
When Twilight finally reached the doors, they closed shut right in front of her. As she stood there she knew that she had failed to save them. She fell back onto her haunches, she hung her head low, and she too lost all hope.
The tearing sensation now felt like it was going to rip her apart at any moment now. As Twilight's eyes fell down to meet her forelegs, she watched as they slowly turned to dust before her, and began to slowly blow away on the unseen wind.
She was not scared, she was not horrified at what she saw before her, she knew that she deserved this fate for she had failed them... all of them...
As Twilight's body faded away to dust, she released a mournful tear as she, and the city around her faded away to nothing but dust on the wind...
"What's wrong, Twilight? You look like you barely got any sleep last night." Spike said as he brought Twilight her breakfast to the table: some homemade pancakes with maple syrup on top. "Did that book give you nightmares?"
Twilight magically lifted her folk, and began eating her breakfast. "No I don't think so..." she replied, speaking between bites. "I'm not sure what it was about… I had a dream. There was this palace, and I…I..." Her fork dropped to the floor as she turned to look at Spike, tears welling up in her eyes.
Twilight quickly reached out, and pulled him into an embrace and began to weep into his small shoulder. "I didn’t save you! Any of you!" she cried out as she wept on his shoulder. "You, Rarity, Pinkie Pie I lost all of you! You all turned to dust before I could save you..." she finished weakly, and began to hold him tight. "Please don't go... I don't want to lose any of you..."
Spike was surprised at first, but quickly recovered, and returned the hug in kind. “Don't worry Twilight. We're not going anywhere."
After a minute of silent sobbing, the both of them still held each other close, neither one wanting to let go of the other. Three minutes later, and the both of them still held the other close, until Spike had an idea.
Spike pulled himself away a little bit, and looked at his friend. "Hey Twilight, how bout we tell the others what happened yesterday, so they can help too." Twilight answered him with a silent nod. Both he and Twilight released their grip on each other, and Spike slowly stepped back a bit to get a better look at his friend.
Twilight was an utter mess, her purple mane and lavender coat were in shambles, and her eyes were puffy and red from all of the crying she had done. "You look like a mess, Twilight. How bout you go finish your breakfast. Then clean yourself up while I go get the girls, that okay?" Twilight answered with a small tired smile and a nod.
"Alight." Spike bent down to grab the fork Twilight had dropped. Proceeded over to the sink, and put it in the basin. He then pulled open one of the drawers, and pulled out a clean fork for her to use. When Twilight's magic enveloped the fork he released his grip on it, and was about to walk out when...
"Thanks for your help, Spike," Twilight said to him in a tired voice. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
As he walked out the door, he glanced back at his friend. "Always happy to help."
* * *
An hour later, Twilight and all her friends were gathered round in the middle of the library, as she recounted to them what had happened yesterday.
Twilight was looking like her old self again, as she told her friends about what had happened. As she spoke, Spike acted as a visual aid to help her friends visualize how the face looked. He was apparently doing a good job considering Fluttershy looked like she was trying to sink into the floor, but then again she always did scare easily.
When Twilight and Spike were finished, all of her friends, except Rainbow Dash, had looks of worry and concern. Rainbow on the other hand, had a fire in her eyes at what the book had done to her friend.
"Twilight darling, it sounds like you've a most dreadful ordeal," Rarity said, her voice full of worry.
"Alright, where's that book? I'll tear it to pieces!" Rainbow Dash growled out as she quickly looked about the room for the book in question.
"I sent it to Canterlot," Twilight answered. "hopefully the Princesses are looking into it right now."
"Are ya sure you're alright Twi?" Applejack asked, worried for her health. "Yer sure that tentacle thing didn't hurt you right?"
"As far as I can tell I'm alright..." Twilight answered as she looked herself over, everything looked to be in place.
"OOH! I know what could cheer you up Twilly! We could have your birthday party early!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she bounced about the room with her classic big smile, back to her usual energetic self again.
"Thanks, Pinkie," Twilight said with a small laugh, Pinkie's happiness was known for being infectious. "But the book already threw my schedule out of order. I don’t want to have to reschedule for the party too.”
"Aaaaaaawww," Pinkie let out with a pout, she had already drawn up plans in her head for the party.
Spike crossed his arms, and had an amused smirk on his face. That's my Twilight. he thought with an amused little roll of his eyes.
"OH, I know! I can at least bake you a cake!" Pinkie quickly rebounded, her smile back at full force.
"Sure thing Pinkie," Twilight said with a nod, having now caught Pinkie's smile.
As Twilight finished talking, Rarity decided to take a glance at the nearby clock, and realized that she was now running low on time. "Twilight, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I need to get back to the boutique. I have some orders to complete you see." she said with an apologetic look.
"I understand," Twilight said with a nod.
"I'm fraid I have to get back to work too sugarcube," Applejack said with a sorry look. "Spike caught me when I was about to go harvest part of the north field."
"And I need to get back to feeding the chickens if that's okay with you, but I can stay here if you like," Fluttershy said in her usual quiet voice.
"It's alright," Twilight said again with a nod, though she hid a frown that her friends had to go.
Rainbow Dash rubbed her forelegs together as she looked at the front door. "And I think I'm gonna get going too Twilight." Rainbow Dash said while looking to the side, rubbing the back of her head with her foreleg, and proceeded to get up to leave.
"And I got a cake to bake! I'll see you later Twilly!" Pinkie said, as she hopped past Rainbow Dash out of the library.
Rainbow Dash was about to leave when she stopped and looked over her shoulder. "If you need our help, Twilight, you know where to find us."
As Rainbow Dash closed the door behind her, Twilight slumped a bit as she thought of the dream. Just don't get lost...
* * *
The next day, Twilight was pacing back and forth in the library with a scowl upon her face. Twilight growled as she thought of the report. A cookbook... A COOKBOOK! Of all things, it can turn into a cookbook!
Just a few minutes ago, the arcane science lab in Canterlot had sent her a report regarding the Black Book. Apparently the Black Book had the ability to modify its appearance. The report had also come with pictures, and showed that the book had indeed made itself look like a cookbook, with recipes, cooking tips, and everything. It even gave itself a title, 'Cooking for Dummies'.
According to the letter, the book looked and acted like any other old novel. The Canterlot scientist had run test on the pages and printing, and both turned back as just regular paper and ink. They even tested the black leather the book was bound in, and found that too was just plain old leather. For all intensive purposes, to the scientists, it was a regular old book sent by some crazy mare in Ponyville.
But Twilight and her friends knew better, both her and Spike had seen the book and how it acted, and her friends now knew too. It was just too real to have been their imagination.
At the moment the Canterlot Science Academy was running some final tests on the book to make sure. If nothing came up still, then they would be sending the book back to Ponyville soon enough.
BURP!
There was her answer. With a loud grunt, Twilight turned her furious gaze onto the book shaped package on the ground. Her angry glare focused on the package, hoping that maybe if she looked at it long enough that the package would catch fire, and turn the book to ashes for all the trouble it caused her and Spike.
Instead she was just glaring at the package. Twilight turned around, and made her way for the door. "I'm going to go get Rainbow Dash."
Spike quickly got in front of Twilight to block her way. "Now hold on there ,Twilight. Lets calm down and investigate this ourselves." He then spread his arms out wide, and gained stern look on his face. He clearly wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer.
Twilight, to her credit, tried several times to get around the little purple dragon. She even tried to teleport, but Spike's response to that was a swift flick to her horn, breaking her concentration on the spell. With a defeated sigh, Twilight relented. "Fine..."
Spike gave her a firm nod. The both of them turned and walked over to the package on the ground. "Now lets see here..." Spike said as he ripped open the package to reveal the familiar black book. Sure enough there was a title on the cover, this time saying 'How to Annoy a Mare and her pet Salamander.' Spike did his best to suppress the growing scowl on his face as he opened the book.
Step 1: Be sent to Canterlot to be examined by scientists.
Step 2: Come back as nothing but an old cook book.
Step 3: ???
Step 4: laugh!
At reading that last part the library was filled with a quick burst of laughter that faded away in a few seconds. Spike turned the page and the face was back again, this time wearing a smug smile as its eyes gazed back at the at the pair.
Did you really think it would be that easy? I've learned how to hide myself over the years.
Both Twilight and Spike wore flat expressions at the book, they weren't going to let it have any fun at their expense. Then an idea crossed Twilight's mind. As she whispered her idea into Spikes ear he gained a mischievous smile. The book turned a page by itself, and the face this time had a curious look to it.
What are you two planning?
When Twilight was finished sharing her idea she looked at Spike and asked with her own mischievous smile. "Hey Spike, do you think its pages are waterproof?" When they both looked back to the book the face had its eyes wide open with a deep frown.
uh oh...
* * *
I demand you stop this! THIS! INSTANT!
"Not until you give us some proper answers 'bub'," Twilight said as she gave the book a hard scowl. They had the book soaking in the kitchen sink with the faucet pouring more and more water onto the pages. The ink was running on the pages, but, surprisingly, the words were still legible. Twilight turned the page with her magic to reveal the answer.
NO!
"Spike more water if you please," Twilight asked.
Spike gave her a salute. "Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" He then preceded to turn the sink’s handle, and gave the book a bath of cold water. The both of them let the water run for a minute, and then Twilight turned the page with her magic.
Alright! Alright! Fine I'll talk! Just stop with the water works, geez!
"Good" Twilight said as she shut off the faucet. She then lifted the book out of the sinks basin, and floated it over to the table.
"We want straight answers 'pal' no more riddles. To start with who are you?" Twilight ordered as she turned the page. If the book wasn't going to answer, then it was back to the sink.
Who I am 'dear' is a soul, bound to this book by my own doing.
My real body was destroyed over FIVE THOUSAND YEARS AGO! Do you want to know what it's like to be nothing but a blank book? IT'S DAMN BORING THAT'S WHAT! So excuuuse me princess if I wanted to have some fun.
Although she didn't show it, Twilight was slightly taken aback by the response. Five thousand years? Even Discord wasn't trapped that long. She quickly recovered, and decided to ask something that had been worrying her. "Who's this 'dead king' you keep talking about?"
When Twilight turn the page for the answer, there on the next page was a portrait of someone's face. It was not the book's face, but someone else entirely.
So this is the dead king... Twilight thought as she looked over the portrait. The first thing Twilight noticed about the face were its eyes. The irises in particular stood out, thanks to being surrounded by black ink.
The next thing Twilight noticed, were its peculiar eye sockets. The sockets were in the shape of half circles, that were both slanted inward to form a scowl.
Below the eyes was what Twilight guessed to be the mouth. The mouth had a strange look to it, like an uppercase ‘M’ only flattened out a bit to give the face a grim frown.
Lastly, Twilight noticed the shape of the portrait’s head. It was neither a pony’s nor any other creature she knew of, but instead a round vertical oval. The shape, combined with the rest of the portrait’s features, made it look like it was a mask for some kind of unknown creature.
All in all though, the face had a look of grim determination and will to it. Twilight could imagine the face saying one thing to her, ’get out of my way.’
Beneath the drawing was the rest of the answer.
Behold The Dead King. He's the reason I bound my soul to this book, and he's the reason I call out to his city. I want him to pay for what he did to me and my sons.
I use the last remnants of my power to make sure he can never truly have peace of mind, and hope that someday his precious city is destroyed by one of the worlds I send him to.
Hence the summons.
As Twilight finished reading the passage, she wondered what the king did to the book, and its family, to make it hate him so much. She put that thought to the side though, and chose to ask something she thought more important. "Is there a way to keep him from coming here?" She turned the page to reveal one simple word.
No.
Twilight gave a flat look at the book’s answer Great... . The book then turned the page by itself to something she didn't quite expect, a tired looking face.
If you don’t mind dear I've had enough for today, and frankly I need to dry out.
If you have anymore questions you can ask him when he gets here.
You'll know when they're here.
Twilight scowled at the book. "Oh no you don't! You're not going anywhere until you've answered the rest of my-"
SLAM!
When the book slammed shut as a curt response to Twilight’s demands, Twilight jumped back away in surprise. "I'm gonna guess that means 'no'," Spike said flatly. He then looked out the kitchen window. "How bout we call it a night, Twilight. It's getting dark out."
That last part got Twilight's attention Wait, already? she too looked outside. Sure enough, it looked like it was starting to get dark out. That can't be right it's only... she then turned to look at the clock. 6:47 it should still be light out! It was midsummer in Equestria, and at around this time of year it started getting dark out at around 7:30, but now it was almost an hour ahead. What in Equestria is going on?
* * *
Three days later, and now it was starting to get dark out at around five o'clock, and light out at eleven in the morning. When it was dark out you couldn't see a thing without a light source, and even that hardly helped push back the darkness. The air was starting to feel colder as well, it felt more and more like Autumn with each passing day.
It did not matter much if you wrapped yourself up, the cold felt as if it was coming from within your own body. Everyone in Ponyville had taken notice now of what was going on, and all of them were scared about what was happening.
Princess Celestia had received word on what was happening from both Twilight and the mayor, and sent a contingent of the royal guard to ponyville should danger come.
At the moment, Twilight and her friends were gathered in the library, with a small black book on the center table. "So this is the troublesome tome." Rarity thought aloud as she looked over the black book.
Almost all of Twilight's friends were gathered around table. Rarity and Fluttershy were investigating the book for themselves, while Rainbow Dash was off to the side glaring at the book, still wanting to tear it apart.
Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie had run off to somewhere else into the library. What she was doing though was anyones guess. Other than the occasional ruckus none of the girls had seen where their pink friend had run off to.
At the moment, Applejack was listening to Twilight as she told the farmer pony about what she had been doing the last few days.
“And even after all of that, the book still won’t open?” Applejack asked.
"Yes," Twilight answered with a scowl as she thought back to her attempts the last few days.
After Twilight and Spike's interrogation with the book, it had closed itself tight. So tight in fact, that when Twilight tried running water onto the page edges of the book, the water just poured harmlessly off.
After that, Twilight had tried different ways to get the book to open back up again. Her first attempt was to simply pry the book open with her telekinesis, which left her with bad headache afterwards when she overdid it.
The second day, Twilight brought the book down into her basement laboratory to see if the Canterlot results were correct. Much to her annoyance, the results were the same. She then grabbed a crowbar, and tried to pry the book open, and was rewarded with a straightened out crowbar for her troubles.
On the third day, Twilight tried to pull it open by using an intricate pulley system, some clever rope work on the books cover edges for surface, and a bunch of heavy weights for the extra pull. The aftermath of said attempt was snapped rope, scattered weights, some ruined pulleys, and a still closed book.
Earlier today, Twilight was about ready to see if the book was fireproof, when Spike had an idea. Maybe their friends could get the book open using their own different approaches. Thus the call for aid in the endeavor had been sent out, and all their friends answered the call.
“Alright, does anypony have any ideas?” Spike asked the rest of the gang.
Rainbow Dash immediately flew up into the air. “How about you let me handle this,” she said with a toothy grin.
“Rainbow darling, I know what you're thinking, and I doubt it will work.” Rarity said to her eager friend. She pretty well knew that forcing the book open wouldn't work considering what Twilight did the last few days, but you could never be too sure. “Twilight, what do you think?” she asked as she looked at her friend.
"Go right ahead," Twilight said as she motioned Rainbow dash to proceed.
“Alright!” Rainbow Dash swooped down and grabbed the book in her hooves. She maneuvered the book around, and bit down on the cover edges and began to pull. “Thish ting is toffer tan it looksh,” she managed to say through clenched teeth.
After a few more seconds the book suddenly opened up, and slammed shut on her snout. Rainbow Dash gave out a yelp, more out of surprise than anything, and dropped the book back onto the table. She rubbed her snout, and looked to the side to see the look Rarity was giving her. "Don't look at me like that." Rarity just rolled her eyes in response.
“Anypony else got any bright ideas?” Twilight asked the rest of the gang. Her demeanor had only soured more after RD's attempt.
Everyone started to ponder and think for a few moments, before Fluttershy quietly spoke up. “Well, umm, maybe we could try asking it, nicely, to open?” she meekly suggested.
Twilight just gave a huff at the suggestion.
Rarity knew that Twilight was upset, but this wasn’t like her. "Well we could at least try, Twilight.”
Twilight gave Rarity a cold glare. "I want to talk to that thing as little as possible."
“But maybe if we-” a quivering voice spoke.
Twilight spun to face the voice. “I said no!” she snapped with teeth bared. Twilight quickly realised who she just yelled at when she looked into those hurt turquoise eyes. Fluttershy cowered back from Twilight with tears in her eyes. Rarity quickly went to comfort her while everyone else just stared in shock.
Twilight couldn’t believe what she had done. All of her anger, all of her stress, it all molded into guilt and regret as Fluttershy cowered back from her as if she were a monster. “Fluttershy... I’m-I’m sorry its just...” Twilight choked on her words. All of the stress and trouble the book had caused her, it would never be an excuse for hurting her friends. Twilight fell back onto her haunches, and hung her head low as tears fell down her face. “I’m sorry...”
Everyone was silent for a minute. So silent in fact, that they all heard a soft ‘thump’ come from the table.
“Hey, the book’s open!” Pinkie Pie shouted, having appeared from Celestia knows where. Everyone else jumped as Pinkie made her appearance, but they all looked at the table, and, sure enough, the book was open. Everyone gathered around the table to see what the book now read. On the page was the face with a look of guilt and shame in its downcast eyes.
It’s times like this that remind me of what all I’ve done, and just how far I’ve fallen.
“What do you mean..?” Twilight asked, having regained some of her composure. The book turned its page to continue.
Its times like this, and people like you and your friends, that remind me of what I’ve become and the harm I cause to people who don’t deserve it.
“If yer feelin guilty, then why weren’t ya when you and Twilight first met?” Applejack asked. Once more, the book turned to answer.
I have hurt and used many people over the years. I’ve done it so much now, that I’ve largely grown numb to it all.
Twilight didn’t exactly leave me with the best first impressions when she washed me in the sink, so I felt no guilt in my actions at the time. Now though, I see that I have wronged an innocent and her friends.
“Why did you go after Twilight in the first place?” Rainbow Dash asked. The book turned to a reveal a drawing depicting rays of light shining out from a single point in a dark void.
In order to summon the Necropolis I need a strong soul to attract it. Twilight has such a soul, and I sense you all do as well, though sometimes I am wrong.
I did not ‘go after’ Twilight specifically, she is merely a victim of circumstance. I’d run into others before her, but Twilight was the one who read me long enough for me to establish a connection to the Necropolis. Now her soul is a beacon shining out into the void and now the Necropolis draws close to the light.
As everyone finished reading the passage, Twilight began to feel a strange tingling sensation within her mind that made her head itch. The book turned it’s pages one last time to reveal two small little words.
I’m sorry.
With those last words the book closed itself shut. Twilight was about to ask the book what was wrong when…
"Hey is it just me, or is the room getting darker?" Rainbow Dash asked as she look around. Her question got the rest of the gangs attention, and they too looked about. To their growing fear, everyone began to see that the shadows were slowly starting to crawl their way closer towards them, like twisted claws reaching towards its prey.
"W-what’s going on?" Pinkie Pie asked nervously as she looked around at the crawling shadows. Spike quickly began to run around the room, turning on and lighting every light and candle he could to hold back the encroaching dark.
Spike managed to grab one of the lanterns hanging off the wall before the shadows got too close, and brought it towards the rest of the gang. All seven of them quickly huddled around the precious sheltered flame as the darkness seemed to swallow anything that was not near the light.
Then, out there in the distance, the group heard a small rumbling sound begin. As the seconds passed, the rumbling sound grew steadily louder and louder until it sounded as if there was a landslide happening right outside the library door.
As the rumbling sound grew even louder still, the ground began to shake and stir beneath their hooves. Through the windows, the group could hardly see and hear other ponies as started to run about and scream in panic, barely illuminated by the seemingly useless sun high in the blackened sky.
At this point, everyone was holding eachother close, to the point where they were about to start squishing each other if they weren't careful. From out of no where, there then came an unseen frozen wind that ran through the whole group and chilled each and everyone of them to their very soul.
As if carried on by the fell wind, there began an unearthly chorus of shrieks and screams full of fear, pain, and agony that chilled the gangs hearts to their core. As the icy wind put out all the candles Spike had lit, save for the sheltered flame within the lantern, there came a monstrous bellowing roar that not even a full grown dragon could match.
The screaming, the darkness, all of it continued on for minutes, but for everyone huddled tightly together in the library it felt like a nightmarish eternity. With the sound of rending metal, and a long piercing scream, everything began to grow quiet. When the screams stopped, so too did the ground stop shaking, and the frozen wind die away. Finally, the darkness slowly faded away, and light returned once again to Ponyville.
Everyone just stared out the windows, with eyes opened wide as saucers, and pupils as tiny as pins. After a full minute of shock induced silence, Applejack slowly asked the question that was on everyone’s mind. “What. Just. Happened?” Her question got everyone else back to their scenes, and, one by one, they all released their tight grips on each other.
When Fluttershy released her grip, there was a sharp gasp followed by a wheezing sound. Fluttershy looked down, and realized who she had put in what had practically a death grip during the whole ordeal. "Ohmygoodness! Ohmygoodness! Ohmygoodness! Spike are you alright?" The panicked mare asked as she looked down at the poor little dragon in her hooves. Spike’s response was a wheeze, a nod, and a smile. He even gave her a little thumbs up to confirm that he was alright, and just needed to catch all the air that’d been squeezed out of him.
When Spike finally caught his breath, everyone started looking about to see what damage the quake had caused. Many of the books had fallen off the library shelves, but otherwise there didn't seem to be much other damage.
Rarity gave a sigh of relief. “Well it looks like everything is alright, for the most part.” Everyone else shared her relief, and were glad to see that the library, and more importantly each other were alright. Then, Rarity’s eyes widened as she thought about something. Wait, what about… Applejack and Pinkie Pie were on the same train of thought as she was, and their eyes widened too as they thought about.
"The Boutique!"
"The Farm!"
"The Bakery!"
All three of them quickly ran out the door to see if their homes and loved ones were alright.
Rainbow quickly followed behind them to see if ponies around town were hurt. Fluttershy was about to quickly run out the door as well to see if all her animal friends were alright, when Twilight called out to her. She stopped in the doorway, and turned around to look at her friend.
Twilight was sitting back on her haunches, with her eyes downcast. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I didn’t mean to yell at you,” she said as she apprehensively rubbed her foreleg.
Fluttershy gave her a smile of warmth and understanding. “It’s okay. We all get upset sometimes.” With that Fluttershy ran off to her cottage.
Twilight gave a thankful smile to where her friend had been. Fluttershy was always kind and understanding, and Twilight was always grateful for it. She then turned around, and gave out a sigh as she looked at all of the books that were scattered about the floor. “Looks like we’ve got some work to do, Spike.”
* * *
Over the next few minutes the two of them worked on putting the toppled books back onto their respective shelves. They were almost done, when Twilight glanced over to the table with a black book atop it. Paying it no mind, she got back to work. But as she worked, her thoughts kept going back to the book, and something nagging at the back of her mind.
Twilight had several books in the air, when her eyes slowly began to widen as it dawned on her. You'll know when they're here. she remembered the book say. Twilight remembered it so clearly now, that she could hardly believe she’d forgotten it.
The books Twilight was levitating fell to the ground, gaining a curious look from Spike from atop the ladder. “What’s up, Twilight?”
Twilight’s face looked haunted as she stared off into nothing. “They’re here...” Spike’s eyes widened as well, as he too remembered what the book said.
Twilight’s head whipped over to give a maddened stare at the black book. Moving like someone possessed, she opened the book with indecent speed. She had apparently caught the book off guard with the sudden act given the surprised face on the page.
Uh… can I help you..?
Twilight was panicked and desperate for answers on what to warn the princesses about, and so the floodgates opened. “YES! Tell me everything you know about the city! What are the king's intentions? Are they good or bad? Are they hostile? Are they- ”
SLAM!
The book slammed shut so fast that it lept into the air, with Twilight doing the same. When Twilight landed back on the ground again, she was a frazzled mess. She was still giving a crazed wide eyed stare at the book, but she was slowly starting to get her head screwed back on again.
The book slowly opened again, and the face looked as if it was trying to back off the page, like Twilight was about to attack it or something.
Did... that help..?
Twilight continued to stare for a few seconds longer until she was calm enough to act rationally again. “Uh… yes,” she answered sheepishly. But then, her expression turned desperate and pleading. "Please, I need to warn the princesses about all of this, about the city, about the king."
The page turned to answer.
To answer your first questions respectively dear; I don't know, depends on your point of view, and depends on what you do.
As for warning others, I've found it's often a bad idea to blow the whistle on the city. That's when they get involved with the world they're in.
Twilight was stuck now, she wanted warn others so everyone could be prepared in case they were violent, but now the book was telling her to do the opposite. As she mulled over her thoughts, the book turned to explain.
Often times, the city likes to remain quiet if it’s hidden. I can sense that it’s underground somewhere, so they’ll be acting quiet for now. But if the city is revealed, and it gets involved in something, you'd best hope you're on their side.
Or else.
If that entrance was 'quiet' I'd hate to see what loud is. Twilight thought sarcastically. "What do mean 'or else'?" she turned the page herself and on the next page was just a drawing of what looked to be a bloodied knife.
"Well that's one answer," Spike said as he approached. "So are they bad guys?" he turned the page for the response.
Again, that depends on your point of view, and how you deal with them. You are good people from what I’ve now seen, so I suggest diplomacy and try for peace. That would be your best chance for surviving their stay here.
Now this is a key thing to remember, they get very violent when their home is attacked. If the city is attacked, they go to war fighting to survive and win. No one has yet defeated them, for they will do whatever is necessary to win and survive.
The page turned to reveal a picture of an upside down mountain floating above a sea of flames.
Many worlds have been destroyed by The Necropolis and its people, and you and your world shall fall to them as well should you go to war. Pray you don't join the tally.
What you do now is up for you to decide, for this world is yours not mine.
One last thing dear, the dead king shall be coming to collect me soon enough. That may be your only chance if you wish to make a peace treaty.
Beware, be brave, and good luck.
With that, the book closed once more. When Twilight tried to open it, the book wouldn't budge.
"Now what?" Spike asked as he looked at Twilight.
Twilight turned to look at him. "I guess we'll just have to wait." She then turned back to the book, and narrowed her eyes a little. We'll just have to wait and see.
Whenever this king arrived, she was going to be ready.
The next day, the sun was shining beautifully, and the air was nice and warm. It looked like everything was largely back to normal once again in Ponyville. Twilight was thankful to hear that no serious injuries had occurred during the earthquake, and that structural damage had been minor around Ponyville. She was also glad to hear that her friend's, families and homes were safe and sound as well.
Twilight received a letter from princess Celestia soon after the city’s arrival. The event had been felt even all the way in Canterlot, but had hardly been as severe. Celestia had received reports from the mayor, which only made her even more worried for the safety of her subjects, and asked in the letter if everyone there was alright.
Twilight sent a response stating that everyone in Ponyville was okay, but chose not to tell the princess of what she knew about the event. Twilight had made a choice, she’d decided to heed the black books advice, and chose to keep the princesses from getting involved.
Twilight had hid the black book amongst the shelves, and began to wait. She planned to catch the king when he came looking for it, then try to negotiate peace in exchange for the book afterwards. When the deal was done, she hoped that he and his city would try to remain hidden afterwards.
It was a simple plan, and she would admit there were many uncertain variables, but it was still a plan. There was just one key problem in the plan however, she didn't know when the king was going to appear.
As Twilight waited, Celestia herself came to Ponyville with a large contingent of guards. Twilight noticed that the princess looked deeply worried when she’d arrived, though when she saw everyone was alright her relief was almost palpable. Before Celestia departed, she told everyone that she was leaving behind some of the guards she’d brought just to be safe. Twilight silently hoped that the excess guards wouldn't give the wrong impression to the king when he arrived.
* * *
It was now the middle of the night in the library one week after the city arrived. Twilight and Spike were asleep in the bedroom loft, but Twilight was beginning to stir.
O O O
Twilight found herself standing in a cold empty void. She looked around, and saw only darkness, and heard not even a whisper.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, Twilight saw something. She turned to it, and saw a little glowing light shining out in the dark void. She slowly approached the light, and found the source to be a ghostly white flame when she drew close. The flame itself lay sheltered within a black box lantern which rested upon a white pedestal. Twilight gave a grateful smile to the little white flame. She felt safe and welcome in its ethereal glow, and felt as if it would guide her in an unsure world.
Her moment of peace was ended however, when something out there in the darkness broke the silence. Twilight’s ears twitched as she heard a distant tapping sound that was growing steadily closer. As the tapping sound got close, it turned ominous as it became slower and more drawn out, to the point where the sound lasted for a few seconds before fading away.
Twilight huddled close to the lantern for comfort, as the source of the sound came to just beyond the lantern’s light. Suddenly the tapping stopped, and Twilight froze as two bright glowing red irises appeared in the dark. The lantern glowed just a little brighter, and revealed two white pedestals standing before the entity in the dark. On one pedestal there rested a dove, and on the other stood a spear.
It took Twilight only a moment to realise what it meant, and out in the void there came a whisper that seemed to echo from everywhere, yet nowhere.
Choose.
Twilight was hesitant at first as she looked into those glowing eyes watching back at her in the dark. She mustered her courage however, and slowly approached the entity and the two pedestals before it. The red eyes never looked away from Twilight as she approached the pedestal with the white dove on it. When she pointed her hoof at the dove, the bird quickly flew off the pedestal, and into the void beyond the lanterns light.
Twilight was saddened as she watched the little dove fly away. After a few seconds however, a bright light began to shine forth from where the dove had flown. The light began to grow brighter, and started to chase away the darkness. Before the light could catch it though, the dark entity vanished seemingly into thin air.
Can a broken soul be redeemed? the bodiless whisper asked. Or are they forever condemned by their own guilt? Can a guilty soul be forgiven? Or will they never receive a chance to atone for what they’ve done?
Twilight wanted to ask the voice who it was and what it meant. When she tried, she found she couldn't speak as the world around her grew brighter and brighter. Be brave little one, it's time to choose.
With those final words the world faded to white.
O O O
Twilight awoke in a sluggish state as she tried to put her mind together. Well at least that dream was more... pleasant. But who was that voice, and what did it mean?
Those questions would have to wait as she heard a sound coming from the main library. Twilight quietly got up, and crept over to Spike's little basket bed. "Spike, Spike," she whispered as she gently shook him.
After a few shakes, Spike roused from his sleep. "Huh? Wha...? What's up, Twilight?" he asked groggily.
Twilight turned to look at the bedroom door. "I think someone's in the house."
That part got Spike fully awake, and he became nervous. "Do you think it’s?"
Twilight looked back at him. "I don't know. But there’s only one way to find out." With that, the two of them got up, and made their way for the door.
* * *
The both of them silently crept onto the stairs overlooking the main library. In the darkness below they could barely make out a shadowy figure standing in front of the shelves.
Twilight had been staying up late during the whole week to try and catch the king. This night though, she just couldn't keep it up any more, and had gone to bed early. Now she was mentally scolding herself for her lack of diligence, and for letting someone get into the library to do who knows what.
“Spike, wait here in case I need backup,” Twilight said to him as quietly as she could. Spike answered her with a nod, and Twilight slowly made her descent down the rest of the stairs. When she reached the bottom, Twilight felt her head begin to itch just like when the city arrived last week.
From what Twilight could tell, the figure had its back to her, and was focused on searching the shelves. Twilight realised it would be a good idea to have something to defend herself with should the intruder be violent. She thought for a moment, and remembered having a particularly large tome by the front door. She crept over to the lectern that held 'the History of Stalliongrad' and took it with her magic when she could finally see it in the dark.
With her ‘weapon’ in tow, Twilight turned back to the figure, and continued her approach. As she got closer, Twilight was still unable to make out who or what it was, but one thing was certain. It wasn't a pony.
When Twilight was within about ten feet from the figure, she noticed the glow of her magic was getting caught on something beside it. Twilight hoped that the light and quiet hum of her magic wouldn't give her away as she crept closer still. In the darkness, she could now make out a long horizontal blade that had a slight downward curve to it.
Twilight stopped for a few moments to assess the situation. Whatever it is, it’s armed. At first she felt like backing out, but quickly mustered her courage. I'll just have to be quick then, no backing out now Twilight. When she felt brave enough, she continued her approach.
Twilight was about six feet away from the dark figure when one of the floorboards beneath her hooves gave out a slight creak.
"Huh? Who's the-"
WHAM!
Those few words were all the intruder got to say before Twilight panicked, and batted him clear over to the other side of the room. The figure slammed into one of the shelves, which promptly spilled it’s books onto the slumping form below.
Twilight’s mind was still in a panic when she realized what she’d done. Ohgosh, ohgosh, ohgosh, I hope I didn't hurt him to much! she thought as she ran over to where the intruder lay. She caught herself, and realized that the figures voice definitely sounded male in tone.
"I’ll get the lights," Spike said as he ran down the stairs. When the lights turned on, Twilight realized why she’d had trouble seeing who, or what , it was.
Laying beneath the bookcase was a creature enshrouded in a pitch-black robe that covered its entire being. Lying next to its side was a scythe’s edge on a long black pole.
Twilight decided to take a chance, and got closer to investigate the creature while Spike stood back. The first thing she noticed were it’s hands. Twilight lifted one up with her magic to make sure she wasn’t seeing things. The creature’s ‘fingers’ were long black metal blades. Twilight decided it was best not to see if its fingers could actually cut her, and gently placed the hand back down.
Next she moved onto the head. It was still slumped over, and Twilight was starting to get nervous at the fact. She carefully lifted up the creatures head, and her eyes widened as she realised who she’d just knocked clear across the room. oh horseapples.
The dead king wore upon his face a pale-white mask just like his portrait in the black book. The mask looked to be made out of a glazed ceramic like material that shone dully in the light. The king’s mask had been damaged by Twilight’s blow, with cracks webbing along the side where she’d hit him.
As Twilight looked at the mask, she watched in fascination as the cracks and chips within it slowly but seamlessly repaired themselves. Once done, there were no signs or indications of any previous damage on the mask.
Twilight jumped a bit as the king let out a low groan, and both she and Spike backed up as he began to stir. The king put a hand to his head, his knife like fingers bending at unseen joints, and slowly opened his eyes. The king’s eyes were a hateful red, and where the whites of ones eyes would be there was only black. His mask moved and acted like a face, and instantly morphed into a surprised expression as he saw Twilight and Spike standing a few feet in front of him.
The king just silently stared at the two of them, and Twilight gained an awkward smile as the moment dragged on. “Uh… hello.” she said, trying to break the ice. The king’s expression went from surprise to shock as Twilight spoke.
After a few moments however, the king’s expression hardened into a scowl. He grabbed his scythe from the side, and slowly got up from the books he’d laid in. His steps were slow and methodical, every time his scythe hit the ground it would make an ominous ‘tap’ as he approached the two of them.
When the king stopped before Twilight and Spike, he loomed over the both of them like a shadow. As he looked down at the two of them, five thin black spikes rose up from his head to form a tall crown on top. The king’s expression became a cold hard scowl as he opened his mouth to speak. “I am Vengeance Necrolic. King of the Necropolis and king of death, darkness and destruction.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow at his name and titles. Now she was starting to get a distinctively king Sombra vibe about him, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt like she was in a bad fiction novel with a cliche villain.
Vengeance became visibly annoyed as Twilight stared at him, and cleared his throat. Twilight jumped a bit as she realised she’d wandered off, and quickly righted herself into a more proper stance. She was about to introduce herself as the personal student to princess Celestia, when she thought about something.
What would happen if Vengeance knew about her close connection to the princess? Twilight’s first thought was of Vengeance foalnapping her, and being used as leverage against Celestia to have her do whatever Vengeance wished. Twilight decided she wasn’t about to let herself become a damsel in distress, and chose keep it a secret for now if she could.
Vengeance was starting to look suspicious at her stalling, and Twilight racked her brain for a title that would be less important to him. After a few seconds she had it. Twilight puffed out her chest, and spoke with a genuinely proud smile. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, proud librarian of the golden oaks library.”
Vengeance raised what passed for an eyebrow on his ceramic mask at Twilight, and chuckled a bit at her little show. He then smiled, and gave her a bow. “Well it’s a pleasure to meet someone of such stature,” he said while still bowing. He then lifted his head up, and looked Twilight right in the eyes.
Twilight wasn’t sure if he was mocking her or not, but as she looked into Vengeance’s eyes, her head began to itch like mad, and she also felt the onsets of a headache. Twilight shook off the feeling as Vengeance stood up straight again. He looked down at her with an almost sure demeanor as he loomed over the two of them like a shadow once more.
Twilight stood up strong to Vengeance. She wasn’t about to let herself be daunted by him and his intimidation tactics. This was much too important for her to falter now. Twilight’s demeanor became much more serious as she got into as much of an authoritative posture that she could. “King Vengeance, I come to you acting on behalf of Equestria. I wish to make a deal with you.”
Twilight had Vengeance's full attention at the word ‘deal’. He slowly leaned down till he was only a few inches from her face, and gave her a menacing grin with a mouth full of sharp pointed teeth. “I’m listening.”
All of Twilight’s courage ran dry as she looked at her own reflection in Vengeance’s twisted grin. She tried to regain her composure, but her attempts failed as she continued to stare at her reflection. “I-I…” Twilight envisioned Vengeance just simply biting her head off with those teeth, and she instinctually backpedaled away from him.
Vengeance exchanged his grin for a wry smile as he looked at the sufficiently spooked unicorn. “How bout you just give me the book, and I’ll go away like a bad dream.”
“Hey!” A young male voice shouted beneath him. Vengeance looked down to see the little purple and green lizard creature standing between him and his deal. “How bout you back off buddy.”
Vengeance growled at the creature’s interruption. Great, the lizards talk too..? He leaned down even further until he was looking it in the eye. “And just who are you?”
Spike stood stalwart to Vengeance. He wasn’t about to let this creep hurt Twilight if he had any say in it. “I’m Spike, number one assistant to Twilight. Now back off.”
Vengeance grinned at the little lizard. “Well it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Then his expression became curious as he started looking Spike up and down. “Now just what are you?”
“I’m a dragon thank you very much.” Spike answered tersely, still determined to keep Vengeance away.
Vengeance raised an eyebrow at Spike. “A dragon eh?” He stood up straight once more, silently impressed by the little dragons courage. He looked up at Twilight, then back down to Spike. “Still, I have the feeling that your little friend back there isn’t telling me the whole truth.” Vengeance pointed his empty hand over to Twilight.
Spike turned around to see her staring upwards with a horrified expression on her face.
Eyes...
All around her, Twilight saw nothing but countless unblinking eyes. Each and every one stared right at her with cold empty gazes. Behind the starring walls, Twilight heard voices constantly whispering the same thing over and over again.
Tell the truth…
No matter where she looked Twilight couldn’t escape their unfeeling gaze. She tried running away from, or possibly towards, them all, but it was to no avail. They all stayed the same distance from her.
Twilight fell to the ground, and curled into a ball. She desperately closed her eyes, and clasped her ears to try and escape the horrors she saw and heard. It was no use. She knew the eyes still stared at her pathetic huddled form, while the whispers echoed within her mind.
Twilight began to despair that this nightmare would never end, when a sudden bright light began to shine out from behind the wall of eyes. The eyes vanished into a mist, while the whispering faded to nothing as the light shined forth. When Twilight tried to see what the source of the calming light was, her eyes widened as she saw someone she didn’t expect to see.
“P-Princess Celestia..?”
Twilight couldn’t believe her eyes as princess Celestia approached with the most gentle of smiles upon her face. "You needn't be afraid, Twilight. I am right here beside you." The darkness and fog around them faded back to the library.
Twilight felt safe in Celestia's presence, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right as she felt her head begin to itch again. In her mind Twilight felt a strange pressure starting to build, along with a crawling sensation. "Is it really you?" she asked apprehensively.
Celestia gave Twilight the most comforting of smiles. "Yes dearest, I am here to help." Then her expression hardened as she turned to face Vengeance, who had taken his scythe in both hands. Celestia stood tall, and she too got ready for combat. "You will not harm my subjects!"
Vengeance's expression was determined but firm. "I have no intention, nor desire to. I just want my book, and some answers. Then I’ll leave peacefully."
Celestia looked back to Twilight while still keeping Vengeance in the corner of her eye. “Twilight, has he done you harm?” Twilight shook her head, not wanting a fight to break out. Celestia’s expression softened a little. “Very well then.” And both she and Vengeance relaxed a bit. Celestia then turned back to Vengeance. “What do you wish to know?”
Vengeance raised an eyebrow as he looked back and forth at the two of them. "You two seem close. What’s your relation with each other?"
Celestia turned back to Twilight, and spoke with an encouraging smile. "Care to answer, dear?"
Celestia went unanswered as Twilight tried to figure out why this all felt wrong. She felt as if a thick fog was starting to settle over parts of her mind that began to scatter and weigh down her thoughts. Memories... something I... didn't do...
Twilight tried focusing onto the places most clouded in her mind, and there in the fog she found the missing piece to the puzzle. She never told Celestia about any of this.
Twilight’s eyes widened as she remembered it now. She gathered her will, and forced away what fog she could from her mind. Twilight stood up tall, and put on a playful smile, she wasn’t about to let this imposter get away with this. “Actually your highness, why don’t you tell him.”
Celestia raised an eyebrow at her. “Come now, Twilight. There's no need to hide it.”
“No your highness, I insist,” Twilight said, again with a smile as she motioned for Celestia to proceed.
Celestia frowned disappointedly at her. “Dear, there is no need to be difficult. Just tell him what he wants to know.”
Twilight could feel the fog returning to her mind again as doubt wore away at her will. The pressure continued to build within her head, and Twilight felt on the verge of telling Celestia everything she kept secret and all she'd ever known. Twilight didn’t feel forced, but instead compelled to speak, and bit by bit she was nearing the bursting point.
No! Twilight fought back against the force, but it felt like she was facing a growing wave within her mind. Twilight’s body was shaking, but she held her ground, as she narrowed her eyes at Celestia. “Why don’t you tell me something first ‘princess’. What are you doing here in the first place?”
Celestia flinched back, seemingly hurt by Twilight’s words. “What are you talking about, dear? I’m just trying to help.” Meanwhile, Vengeance narrowed his eyes at the two of them.
Twilight felt almost ready to give in to the presence wearing away at her. She looked up once again at Celestia and scowled. Beads of sweat were rolling down Celestia’s face, while the crawling sensation within Twilight’s mind had turned frantic.
Feelings of guilt and worry were starting to bleed into Twilight’s own emotions from the entity, as a fog began to swallow the library around them. As the world broke and cracked around her, Twilight held close to the thought that all this just couldn’t be real, that this Celestia was a lie. It took Twilight every last ounce of will in her just to stand and stay coherent, as she looked defiantly at the false Celestia. “Really? Because I never told the real Celestia about any of this! Who are you?”
The image of the library shattered to pieces, as ‘Celestia’ flinched back with tears in her eyes. “Please, I don’t want to hurt you.”
That was the last straw for Vengeance. Things had all gone wrong, and it was high time to put a stop to this before it went too far. “Alright that’s it, I’m pulling the plug on this.”
Almost instantly, Twilight felt like a pressure valve had been released in her head. She collapsed to the floor, but gave a sigh of relief as she felt a great weight leave her mind. She looked at ‘Celestia’ with a tired, but triumphant smile. “You lose… fake...”
As Twilight recovered on the floor, Vengeance got between her and ‘Celestia’. His steps were slow and methodical, with every step accompanied by the ominous tapping of his scythe. Twilight’s confidence was replaced with dread and fear as she was harshly reminded of the fact that she was lying on the ground helpless. As Vengeance drew near to her, he looked down at her with a spiteful sneer before he roughly picked her up, and stood Twilight back on her hooves.
Vengeance slowly leaned down to look Twilight right in the eyes with a burning glow behind his own. “First, you do not treat my wife like that. Second, your stubbornness almost rewarded you with a popped head for your trouble. Third, we only let you ‘win’ because neither of us want to end our first excursion out with a burial. And forth, you’re very lucky I’m nice.”
Now Twilight was more confused than anything. “Your wife..?”
Vengeance stood up straight again, and took a few deep breaths. Once he’d calmed down, he looked back at ‘Celestia’. “Well the fast ways didn’t work. Looks like it’s time for plan B.” He then walked over to Celestia and pulled her to the side. “And I believe the questions were supposed to wait until after we had the book locked away!” he said with a growl.
‘Celestia’ smiled sheepishly at him. “I’ll admit, my curiosity got the better of me.” The face her husband made in response made it clear he wasn’t happy. “They’re colorful ponies that talk ! And in standard too!” She then nudged him a little. “Admit it dear, you’re curious too.”
Vengeance opened his mouth to protest, but stopped midway as he started to wonder himself. “Well admittedly yes,” he said a few moments later. ‘Celestia’ smiled at him, but Vengeance reasserted himself. “But the book comes first.”
‘Celestia’ put a hoof to his chest, and started tracing little circles. “I think the book can wait a little longer.”
If Vengeance could blush he would be right now. “Um, uh, B-but we-”
‘Celestia’ quickly put a hoof to his mouth and shushed him. She then leaned in close to his ear. “How bout I give you a massage later?”
Vengeance’s eyes shot wide and the spikes of his crown went completely straight. He took a moment to compose himself, while his wife tried to hold back on laughing. “You’ve got an hour at most, no more.”
‘Celestia’ nodded. “Deal.”
Vengeance then leaned in close. “Wait for my cue.”
As Twilight listened in on the two of them, her anxiety continued to rise on just what plan B was. Twilight’s body trembled as her mind raced to the worst possibilities she could think of. She imagined Vengeance taking her away and torturing her for all of her knowledge, or the false Celestia possibly ripping her memories from her mind, leaving nothing more than an empty husk.
Twilight swallowed down her anxiety and decide to ask, though she dreaded the answer. “What’s plan B?” ‘Celestia’ turned to her and Twilight’s vision erupted with golden light.
When Twilight opened her eyes, she was greeted with a very worried Spike standing before her. “I’m alright,” she said, though her voice didn’t carry certainty. I think... Spike mollified a little, though Twilight could still see the worry in his eyes which she shared. Just to be sure, she placed a hoof to his chest and found it real. Spike raised an eyebrow at her, and she smiled sheepishly in return. “Just making sure.”
“Plan B is simple,” Vengeance said as he walked over to one of the nearby reading tables. He sat down, and his expression turned surprisingly warm and welcoming. “No more intimidation or tricks. Let’s chat.” He motioned for the two of them to join him at the table.
Twilight really wasn’t sure how to act. Considering the things Vengeance and his wife tried to pull just to answer some questions, she was very well inclined to trust him as little as possible. On the other hoof, this was the chance she had been looking for in the first place.
Vengeance frowned a little when neither of them joined him after a minute, though he could definitely understand why. Time was always of the essence when the book was loose. Considering it already had more than a week free, Vengeance at least had been getting desperate to go out and find it. He didn’t take joy in terrorising innocent people, but intimidation and deceit often lead to quick results, so those were the routes they often took first.
Vengeance hoped that reason would prevail here, but If it came down to it, he was, as always, willing to do whatever was necessary. He looked at Twilight and Spike, and gave them both a reassuring smile. “I understand why you are, but you’ve no need to be afraid you two. My words are still true from before, Twilight. I seek the book, and answers, not violence. I’m sure you do as well?”
Twilight was still wary, but Vengeance did sound genuine in his words, meanwhile Spike was left a little confused. If the fate of Equestria didn’t possibly hang on this visit being resolved peacefully however, she would have grabbed Spike, and made a run for the guards and her friends. Twilight gathered her courage, and she and Spike cautiously approached the table. As they did, Twilight saw a small hopeful smile sneak onto Vengeance’s mask.
When the both of them were properly seated, Vengeance leaned back in his chair. “I believe it’s fair for the two of you to start with the first question. What do you wish to know?”
There were a lot of questions Twilight wanted answered, and she was sure many of them Vengeance wouldn’t. She managed to hold back her curiosity for the most part, and started with something simple. “What are you?”
Vengeance smiled at the question. “I am what’s known as an emissary. It is our duty to find and gather lingering souls, then bring them to the peaceful rest they deserve.” He then gained a slightly reminiscent look. “Though I wasn’t always one, I used to be what’s known as a human... When I was alive.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow at him. What in Equestria is a human? Suddenly an image of a bipedal hairless ape-like creature flashed in her mind. What the! Twilight jumped in her chair at the mental image, and judging by the surprised look on Spike’s face the same thing had happened to him.
"Don't mind me dears, I’m just providing imagery," a female voice said inside their minds with a mischievous tone.
Vengeance chuckled to himself as he watched the two of them quickly look around. “That would be my wife. How bout you properly introduce yourself honey.”
“Gladly.”
Before Twilight or Spike could react, the world around them was consumed by a golden light.
When the both of them opened their eyes, they appeared to still be in the library. The person sitting across from them however, was someone completely different.
Sitting before them was a person dressed in large thick ornate robes of golden silk. Concealing their face, was a smooth gold mask, which had the same oval shape that Vengeance’s had. Their mask was largely featureless however, save for two small eye sockets which revealed their yellow monochromatic eyes. “Greetings you two, I am Scarlet Necrolic, Queen of light, life, and creation.”
Scarlet gave a slight bow in her chair, which Twilight and Spike reciprocated. When all three of them had righted themselves, Scarlet smiled beneath her mask. “It’s a pleasure to meet you two, though you and I have already met, Twilight.”
Alarm bells were ringing like mad, as Twilight remember that this was the same person who almost made the contents of her head the library’s new interior paint job. Twilight wanted to run and get help, but felt as if a gentle hand was keeping her in place. Her eyes were drawn to Scarlet’s own as Twilight struggled in her chair.
”Twilight,” Scarlet said in her mind. “I’d say you and I are logical people, so here’s some logic for you. I am a very powerful psychic. I could easily take over your mind, or just simply make it pop if I wanted. Here’s the catch though, I hate doing those things, so my question is this. If I wanted to hurt you, I easily could, so why am I not doing so now?”
If Scarlet was telling the truth, then she did have a point. Twilight felt the grip on her body release, and although Twilight was still tense, she did calm down a little.
Scarlet gave the unicorn a small nod of approval. “Alright then, now that that nasty business is out of the way...” Scarlet slammed her elbows onto the table, and rested her head in her hands. “Let’s ask some questions!”
Scarlet’s sudden eagerness had caught the two of them off guard. Right now Twilight wasn’t sure what to do. The studious part of her mind was overflowing with scientific questions and the like, while another part of her mind was telling her to be as guarded as possible.
Now that she had calmed down however, Twilight was noticing details she had missed before about Scarlet. For one thing, Twilight realised just how thoroughly the queen covered herself. Her head was wrapped tightly with thick swaths of silk, while her arms were concealed by long golden gloves. Twilight also looked closely at Scarlet’s eyes, and she saw tiny black pupils staring right back at her in those unsettlingly changeling like eyes of hers.
Scarlet smiled as she watched Twilight examine her. She stood up and struck a more dramatic pose. “Well if you’re just going to look at me, then maybe I should just run off if you’re not willing to chat.” She turned, and started to leave for the door. “Goodnight madam and sir.”
“Wait!”
Scarlet stopped in her tracks. She looked back to see Twilight beckoning for her to stay, and she gained a wry smile beneath her mask. Bingo. In a golden flash, Scarlet was sitting back in her chair with an eager look in her eyes.
Twilight got back in her chair, and took a deep breath to relax. She wasn’t about to let the diplomatic situation go sour, and if Scarlet just wanted to chat, then she was sure that both Spike and her could accommodate. “Okay, what do you want to talk about?”
Scarlet leaned back in her chair, and started twiddling with one of her looser head wraps. “Well I was hoping that we could take turns in answering each others questions, then we could go from there. My husband answered your first one, so I believe it’s my turn.” She leaned onto the table, and gave Twilight an inquisitive look. “I’m curious about your kind, dear. you lot remind me of a species I know of, but I’d rather get it from the...eh...person herself.” She finished with a nervous laugh. “Yeah that’s it...”
Twilight raised an eyebrow at Scarlet’s nervous spout, but decided not to press it. She began to give the basics about the three different pony races, and all the while Scarlet listened intently.
When Twilight started on earth ponies, her thoughts wandered to when she’d heard about how Big Macintosh had pulled an entire house by himself. When Twilight was finished, Scarlet was looking quite fascinated.
Unbenounced to Twilight however, Scarlet had carefully wormed her way into her mind, and was now able to watch Twilight’s foremost thoughts. Scarlet had caught some of the details that Twilight had excluded, and the story of Big Macintosh was of particular interest to the queen. A whole house? I need to find that stallion sometime, and get a sample! He sounds like a prime specimen. “Alright then dears, your turn.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow as she looked Scarlet up and down. “Are you an emissary like Vengeance, or are you something else?”
Scarlet smiled as she adjusted her robes. “I am an enlightened dear. We are the wielders of light, and are the protectors and preservers of life.” Once more, Scarlet leaned onto to the table. “Now I’m wondering about this ‘princess Celestia’ figure.”
Now Twilight’s wariness was coming back. “I’m wondering how you looked like her in the first place.”
Scarlet smiled as she looked Twilight in the eye. “How bout you answer my question first, dear.” You’re too curious for your own good dear, and it shows. Then again, I’m one to speak.
“She’s the ruler of Equestria.” Twilight answered tersely.
Scarlet raised an eyebrow at that. “Is she all? Not even a king or queen?”
“No.”
Scarlet could feel Twilight was thinking of something else however. “Is she the only one, or is there another who shares the throne?”
Twilight was starting to sweat. “N-no she’s the only one.” In her mind Scarlet could see a midnight blue pony with wings and a horn.
Scarlet had to resist narrowing her eyes at Twilight. Even if I wasn’t in your head, you’re bad at lying, dear.
This was the last straw for Spike, he couldn’t keep quiet anymore. “Hey Queenie, I think it’s about time you answered our question.”
Scarlet growled in her mind as Spike’s interruption caused her to lose focus on Twilight’s thoughts. By the time she was back in, Twilight was thinking of hugging the little guy. Looks like I’ll be figuring out whoever that was later...
Scarlet took a breath, and righted herself. “Quite right, dear. You see we’re in a mental picture right now.” She motioned to the library around them, before pointing to herself. ”I’m not even here, I’m all the way back home sitting in my chair. Everything you’re seeing right now is literally all in my head!”
To demonstrate her point, Scarlet disintegrated into a cloud of golden dust, and then reformed herself to look exactly like Spike. She hopped up onto the table, and struck a pose while fanfare played in the background. “Tada!” she shouted in Spike’s own voice. Neither Twilight nor Spike were amused by the show. “No no please, hold your applause, dears.” The both of them folded their arms, and raised an eyebrow at her. Scarlet hunched over, and gave the two of them a flat look. “Tough crowd...” Once more Scarlet disintegrated, and reformed as herself back in her chair.
If Scarlet had been trying to change the subject, Twilight wasn’t having it. “Now could you please tell us how you knew what princess Celestia looked like in the first place?”
Scarlet leaned back in her chair, and steepled her fingers in her lap. “You remember the eyes yes?” Twilight’s hair stood up on end as she thought about them, she was probably going to have nightmares about them for at least a week.
The look in Twilight’s eyes was all the answer Scarlet needed. “I was looking for a ‘hero figure’ that you trusted, so you’d share what you knew. The eyes were meant to create a helpless situation from which they’d ‘save’ you. When you curled up on the ground you subconsciously started thinking of the princess comforting you, which I caught and ran with it.”
Alarm bells were ringing again as Twilight realised Scarlet had been in her head more than she’d thought. Twilight’s thoughts became clouded and hazy, as she tried her best to keep the queen out. Spike meanwhile narrowed his eyes at the queen, and silently scooted his chair closer to his friend.
Regardless, Scarlet didn’t care now. She had other plans for later to get the answers she wanted, so she continued on. “However, when you looked at me as the princess, you began to register having never told her of our coming. I grabbed the memory just before it could and tried to hide it away. But It was a rushed job, as I found out that little fact at the last second, so you managed to force your way through it.” Scarlet then managed to look impressed with her mask on. “Congratulations by the way, few are able to fight me off when we first meet.”
Twilight was taken off guard by the sudden compliment. “Uh... thanks..?”
Scarlet put a hand to her chin, and started to think. “Still, I’m wondering what’s your relation to the princess...” She could tell Twilight and Celestia shared something personal with each other, though she wasn’t sure what. She pondered on this for a minute until her pupils widened as a really wild theory hit her. “Is she your mom? ”
To say Twilight was caught off guard by that was an understatement as her eyes shot wide. WHAT! “N-no! She’s my mentor for ponies sake!” Twilight quickly stuck a hoof in her mouth when she realised what she’d just blurted out. uh oh.
There was a long minute of wide-eyed staring between Twilight and Scarlet as they both realised the situation, meanwhile Spike was having his own quiet panic now that Scarlet knew that. When Scarlet calmed down she began to further process this ‘little’ discovery. Well that shot in the dark definately hit something alright !
Daughter of royalty or not, the little unicorn and dragon before her were looking a lot more important to the grand scheme of things. Scarlet realised they’d hopefully dodged a bullet on this, and was grateful now that she’d let her curiosity, and concern for her husband’s growing desperation, derail plan A. Still she feared for a great political blunder, and hoped to bring order to the situation. “I can tell you didn’t want me to know that dear, and I can see why you didn’t in the first place.”
Scarlet slightly narrowed her eyes at Twilight. I can also tell you know when to keep your mouth shut. Just what else are you hiding? She stored that question away for later, and continued on. “Since that was important to you, I’ll let you ask something important of me.” Then once more Scarlet looked impressed. “And I must admit Ms Sparkle you’re quite smart.”
Twilight’s head was still running wild. She expected to be foalnapped as soon as either of the dead royals found out, not be given a compliment instead. Still she had a chance for answers, and she wasn’t about to waste it.
It took Twilight a little while longer to calm down, but she soon did, and it didn’t take her long to think of a question. There was one thing that had been worrying her the whole time Vengeance and Scarlet had been here. “What are you planning to do after this if you get the book?”
Scarlet’s demeanor turned cold when the book was mentioned. “There is no ‘if’, only a when and how.” She waited a moment to let that sink in before she continued. “First, we plan on locking that thing away.” Again… damn book... “After that, we’ll be gathering intel, and resources on this world while trying to remain quiet. When we’re done, we’re going to remain hush afterwards, if possible.”
Spike raised an eyebrow at her. “That’s it?”
Scarlet turned to him, and gave a flat look. “What were you expecting, some sort of ‘let’s take over the world muahaha’ Scheme?” Spike smiled nervously, and Scarlet responded with a *hmph*. “Frankly, when we’re done with all this, we’ll be back to dealing with the Red Hand back home.” Scarlet mumbled something under her breath, but neither of them caught it, though Twilight thought she heard a buzzing noise coming from somewhere.
Judging by Scarlet’s shift in mood, Twilight guessed they got this assumption a lot, though now she was also wondering about the Red Hand. She was about to ask what it was when…
“Can we hurry this along? I’d like to have the book now...”
Twilight and Spike looked around when the bodiless voice of Vengeance spoke, meanwhile Scarlet grinned wide under her mask. “As I said before dears, we’re in a mental picture. I may be running this little meeting, but my husband is the host!”
“Yes, and although this has all proven to be very informative, I’m afraid time is ticking. So can we please hurry this along?”
Scarlet leaned in close, and motioned for the both of them to do the same. “Don’t mind him, dears. He’s just grumpy he’s got a headache from being beat up by a little unicorn.”
The room slowly began to fill with a low monotonous drone that looked to greatly agitate Scarlet. One of the queen’s eyes began to twitch, and Twilight could swear she was hearing a buzzing sound coming from her, as Scarlet tossed her arms into the air. “Alright! Alright! I’ll wrap it up!” Instantly the droning noise came to a halt, and the look of relief Scarlet had was almost palpable, even with her mask on.
Scarlet took a few moments as she righted herself into a more friendly posture. “Well it was nice chatting with the both of you, but it looks like it’s time to go.” Before either of them could react, Twilight and Spike disappeared in a cloud of golden dust.
When the dust settled, Scarlet smiled at the little golden orb laying where Twilight had been. The table vanished before her as Scarlet got up, and gently grabbed the orb. As she looked at the orb in her hands, the library began to turn to dust around her. She continued to smile on as herself, and the world around her, all turned to dust.
“See you soon.”
When Twilight and Spike opened their eyes, Vengeance was sitting before them with his arms crossed and a grumpy frown. He wasn’t paying them any mind at the moment, and huffed out a plume of black smoke through a pair of vanishing nostril slits. “I did not get beaten up. I was caught off guard.” he mumbled under his breath.
“Whatever you say, dear”
Twilight cleared her throat and Vengeance turned to her, then narrowed his eyes. He slowly clasped his knife like hands before his face, while his eyes were cold and judging. “Alright then you two, what will it take for you to give me that book?” He wasn’t going to hold Celestia in any high regard if her student turned out to be greedy, and If either of them decided to ‘dangle it over his head’ then he was ready and willing to ‘bite off the arm’ at this point.
Twilight looked him right in the eye, and told him the one thing she wanted. “Peace.”
Vengeance’s face snapped to one of disbelief. “That’s it?”
That wasn’t a response Twilight had expected. “Uh...yes..?”
Sometimes people would ask for great material gain in exchange for the book, so this was a pleasant surprise for Vengeance. Someone noble for a change… that or simply too naive. Still, he wasn’t about to argue. “Very well.” his posture relaxed, and he offered his hand.
Twilight was grinning from ear to ear, she'd finally done it. As she went to shake his hand however, something stopped her. Her hoof trembled before his hand as the tingling sensation came back again. Instead of making her head itch however, it made her mind feel clouded and heavy.
Twilight felt foreign feelings of, hatred, greed, fear, despair, and more as she stared at his hand. As the corners of her vision turned grey and hazy, Twilight feared Scarlet had decided come again to steal her thoughts before the world was consumed by a grey fog.
O O O
When the fog cleared, Twilight found herself in a great hall not unlike the ones in Canterlot, but she could tell this was someplace different. Standing before her was Vengeance, with his back turned to her. When she tried to look around, Twilight found her vision was locked in place.
“...and in exchange what would you give me?” a young man asked.
Vengeance had a small laugh with his back still turned away. “Oh I can tell what you want Vensen. It’s easy: power, wealth…” Vengeance slowly looked back at him with a knowing smile, and a cracked face. “...love.” Cracks were everywhere on Vengeance’s mask, but most notably the cracks around his mouth looked like a toothy grin. It was then that Twilight realised that she was seeing things through Vensen perspective, and she was really wondering how.
There was a brief silence, and Twilight could feel Vensen’s anxiety. “You could... give me these things..?”
Vengeance smiled, and the cracks became more prominent. “Yes, as long as you hold up your end, I’ll hold up mine. That’s my policy”
Vensen stood resolute. “I keep my word! I’ll take it.”
Vengeance smiled again. “Then take it.” With that he offered his hand. As Vensen shook it, Vengeance’s robes began to run like tar, while pieces and shards of his mask fell off until all that was left of it was a twisted grin of jagged teeth. Vensen was frozen in place as he stared at Vengeance’s malicious grin. “We have a deal. ” Vengeance continued to smile as he vanished in a cloud of black smoke.
Vensen’s whole body shook at what he just bore witness to. As he looked at his trembling hand, the world was consumed in fog.
When the mist next dissipated Twilight found herself standing in a throneroom with an old man in front of her.
“I know the loss of your father is hard for you,” the old man said. “but you are king now, and mustn’t let the past weigh you down.” Then the old man’s expression turned soft and warm. “However, you don’t have to bear this weight alone your highness.” He then motioned to the large throneroom doors. After a moment they opened, and in stepped a beautiful young woman in a regal dress. “May I present to you, princess Liliana!”
As Lilianna approached the old man leaned in to Vensen’s side. “She was personally recommended to me by Sir Edward Sunny. Who knew the pale old chap knew royalty!”
Liliana elegantly stepped forward, and gave Vensen a courtesy. “It is a pleasure, your majesty.” She offered her hand, which Vensen clasped tightly with both his own.
The old man looked between the two of them, and his smile stayed ever warm. “I think you two will make a fine couple.”
Once again the world fell into a fog, and when it cleared Twilight appeared to still be in the same throneroom. Now however, it was much more extravagant with a group of guards trying to keep the doors closed.
One of the guards broke away from the others, and approached. “Your majesties, I believe the peasants have overrun the rest of the castle. Do you have any orders?”
Twilight now felt empty inside as Vensen looked to Liniana who sat next to him on a lavish throne, and was covered in golden jewelry and trinkets. Liliana's expression was cold and full of scorn. “Kill them all none get in here.” The soldier bowed, and went back to the doors.
Vensen turned away from Liliana, and started looking around the room. Practically every inch was covered in signs of wealth and status with beautiful tapestries, lavish rugs, and paintings and portraits set within golden frames.
In one portrait there was a strong regal man, and in another was a man old, but kind and warm. Twilight could feel Vensen’s heartbreak as he looked at the paintings, and she too was saddened upon seeing what looked like an end date beneath both paintings.
Vensen then looked out the window, and Twilight could see his reflection in the glass. He looked much like his father, but instead of being strong, he was broken, and so too was the kingdom out the window.
*BANG * *BANG * *BOOM *
Vensen turned to the door as the mob broke it down. His eyes focused on a figure, concealed in a hood and rags, standing amongst the charging crowd. Even with the shouting of the mob and guards, Vensen could hear a voice clear, cold, and familiar. “Such greed Vensen, your father would be ashamed.”
Twilight could feel Vensen’s utter despair at those cold words. “Are you not happy?” the figure continued. “Isn’t this everything you wanted?” The figure slowly turned to look at Vensen, and Twilight instantly recognised Vengeance’s glowing red eyes. A torch flew by Vengeance’s face, and Twilight caught a glimpse of his fragment teeth still grinning that same twisted grin.
Someone tossed a pitchfork from behind Vengeance that was headed straight for Vensen. As the pitchfork stuck Vensen’s heart, the world fell away into the mist.
“Father... I’m so sorry...”
O O O
“Twiliiight, you there?”
Everything was hazy at first for Twilight. Soon her vision came into focus to see Spike standing on the table, and waving his hand in front of her. Twilight quickly shook her head as Spike gave her space. “What happened..?” she asked as she rubbed her head. And what was that about?
Spike shrugged. “I don’t know. You just started staring off at nowhere.” Considering Vengeance had looked just as confused as he was when Twilight ‘left’, he guessed Vengeance at least didn’t have anything to do with it, though Scarlet was another question. He was still concerned, but he didn’t want to show it for Twilight’s sake.
Vengeance meanwhile, had taken to quietly observe and think, having been vexed by Twilight’s distant foggy-eyed stare. Where have I seen that look before..?
Scarlet had been watching the odd scene through her husband’s eyes. She had her own theories, but quickly shot them down. No that doesn’t make sense, he’s long gone… I hope...
Vengeance left his thoughts, and cleared his throat. “Regardless, I’d like my book back now, so let’s seal the deal.” Once more Vengeance offered his hand.
Twilight kept thinking of that jagged grin as she looked at his hand. She wanted to complete the peace deal, but she kept thinking of what happened to Vensen, if it had really happened at all.
As Twilight hesitated, Vengeance started to wonder why. He glanced down at his knife like fingers, and the answer became obvious to him. “Afraid my hands will cut you?”
Twilight jumped as she realised she’d wandered off again. “Uh, yes!” she answered hastily
Vengeance raised an eyebrow at her, but quickly dropped it, and gave a comforting smile. “Don’t worry, they’re dull I assure you.”
Twilight looked down at his hand again, and took a moment to think. She wasn’t willing to trust Vengeance or Scarlet yet, but if peace was to be made and maintained, she had to start somewhere. Twilight slowly extended her hoof, all the while watching his mask for any signs of cracks.
Vengeance’s face was unreadable, but when Twilight finally shook his hand, he smiled. “See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Twilight’s relief was overwhelming. Not only with the deal completed, but also that his hands really were dull, though he could do with some hand warmers.
Vengeance let go of her hoof with his smile still present. “We have a deal, we won’t attack you as long as you don’t threaten us, you have my word. Now then...” He got up, and grabbed his scythe. “Would you show me where the book is please.”
Twilight nodded, turned, and pointed to two of the far bookcases. “It’s over there, between the shelves.”
“Thank you.” Vengeance said with a nod. He went over to the indicated shelves, and started feeling around in the crevice. After a few moments, he felt the familiar texture of leather. Found you. Vengeance pulled the black book from its hiding place, and looked at it with utter disdain as he held it in his hand. “Hello again.”
Vengeance opened the book, and its face looked back at him with an equally hateful scowl.
Hello.
With a satisfied nod, Vengeance closed the book shut, and stuffed it into his robes. “I thank you, you two. Now however I must say goodbye.” He made his way for the door.
Before Vengeance could leave however, there was one question that had been bothering Spike for a while. “Why don’t you just get rid of the book if you hate it so much?”
Vengeance stopped in the doorway, and looked back at Spike with a flat expression. “You think we haven’t tried? Regardless, farewell you two.” With that Vengeance shut the door behind him.
Twilight got curious, and went to the door to see where he was going. When she opened it however, Vengeance was nowhere to be seen.
As Twilight looked around for any sign of Vengeance, Spike walked up from behind. “Well looks like he’s gone.” Spike gave a yawn as he stretched his arms. “Well I don’t know about you, but I’m going back to bed.”
Twilight yawned as well, as all of the nights events caught up to her. Both she and Spike headed back up to the bedroom to get some well earned sleep.
* * *
Later that night the two of them slept soundly in their beds. What neither of them knew however, was that a lady in golden robes was lurking within Twilight’s mind.
Scarlet moved with a purpose, intent on finding out whoever that midnight-blue pony Twilight had been thinking about. Scarlet was walking through Twilight’s mental landscape. A dark place when one’s asleep, but it wasn’t empty. All around her, there were pictures, images and scenes. Ones in the distance were fogged or blurred, while ones close were either clear or a little hazy.
Scarlet moved and walked around the various images near her, trying best to not catch anything that looked too private, though such things would mostly be distant images. As she walked around images of different landscapes, Scarlet saw something out of the corner of her eye that caught her attention.
Scarlet changed her course, and carefully made her way to the picture. Floating before her was a picture of Twilight and Spike, as well as five other ponies that Scarlet didn’t recognise. Well hello, who are you lot? Scarlet thought as she inspected the image. Everyone of them was huddled together smiling, and Scarlet noticed the white framings of a photo around the image.
Scarlet smiled as she realised what the picture was about. “Glad to see you have friends dear, I’ve known only a few who truly deserve to be alone.” As she continued to look at the image however, her curiosity started to nag at her.
Scarlet looked back and forth as she started to wonder who Twilight’s friends were. Well I don’t think that’s too private... The mind tends to wander as one sleeps, and Scarlet intended to exploit that fact. She mentally ‘grabbed’ the image, and gently moved it to the forefront of Twilight’s subconscious.
When the image was inplace Scarlet closed her eyes, and listened. Images and thoughts of the five other mares appeared around Scarlet, but she paid them no mind as she listened close for something specific. As thoughts of the other ponies flew by, Scarlet heard their respective names. For example the yellow one was Fluttershy, and the orange one was Applejack.
With her question answered, Scarlet opened her eyes, and gently pulled the photo back to where it had been. With a smile, Scarlet left the image, and continued her search.
* * *
As Scarlet wandered through memories of what looked to be adventures Twilight and her friends have had, she began to feel nostalgic. She gave a heavy sigh as she thought back to times long gone. I miss the old days… She looked over to the side, and spotted a clear area. Maybe for a moment I could… She walked into the center of the clearing, and looked around once, before she closed her eyes.
Images of impossible landscapes, mystical ruins, futuristic cities, and many other wondrous places and adventures began to appear around Scarlet as she let her mind wander to happier times. A small smile came onto her face as she thought of all the fun, and adventures she’d had with her friends and family over all the long millenias of her life. Tears of silent happiness rolled down her mask as she held close to those memories for a few precious moments, before she let them go.
When Scarlet opened her eyes again she quickly realised her mistake as she saw all the images around her. Crap.
Scarlet hastily started grabbing her loose memories, and as she did, they disappeared into golden dust. Don’t leave a trail Scarlet! Castle ruins and olden towns may fit here, but cybernetic cities damn sure won’t! You can reminisce when you’re out of here.
When she vanished an image of an old castle ruin, Scarlet’s clean up was finished. She was surprised however, to see that a strange symbol had appeared directly behind the memory. “Well hello, what’s this?”
It was a picture of a pink gem in the shape of a starburst, and once more Scarlet’s curiosity was nagging at her. She moved the image to Twilight’s subconscious as before, and listened close. She heard the words elements, harmony, and magic, and now her curiosity was truly piqued.
Scarlet raised an eyebrow as the image morphed and changed to a picture of Twilight wearing a golden crown with the same starburst gem as the crown jewel. Interesting…
Scarlet jumped as the image suddenly shifted to reveal Twilight standing together with her friends who each wore golden necklaces. She pushed the image again and heard words like loyalty, generosity, and could connect each different word with one of the ponies.
The image flashed white, and Scarlet grinned hungrily beneath her mask as a flashback played before her. Let’s see what you’re hiding.
The picture moved now, and Twilight and friends were all standing united against a bizarre serpentine creature made of a mishmash of various animal body parts. Would love to see what that thing’s innards look like.
All around them was a surreal landscape, with blue and pink checker patterned hills, soap bubble roads, and houses floating in the air. Although the memory had no sound, the intent was clear from the looks on the pony's faces that the strange creature was an enemy to them.
Scarlet’s tiny black pupils widened as the gemstones in the various jewelry began to glow as the ponies were lifted into the air by an unseen force. Her eyes widened even further when what appeared to be rainbows began to emanate from each gem, and link with one another. Suddenly, Twilight and friends were engulfed in a bright light, and a large ‘rainbow ray’ shot up from the light, and went into an arc headed straight for the serpentine creature.
Scarlet looked at the creature’s eyes, and she could see its shock and fear as the rainbow cascaded down upon it. She immediately understood the reason for its fear as the creature quickly turned to stone before her eyes. When the now petrified creature toppled over, and fell to its side, the memory stopped.
Scarlet silently stared at the creature’s petrified face as she started putting all the pieces together. This is definitely some powerful arcane magic, and it looks like Twilight and friends may be the keys to operating it. She had to resist the urge to grab the memory, and dig into Twilight’s mind for every little detail she hid and knew. I think I’ll be doing a little research on just what these ‘harmony elements’ are capable of.
With a satisfied smile, Scarlet began to wipe golden dust from her hands. “Well I may not have found what I was looking for, but I think I discovered something much more... interesting for the report back home.” Her body began to turn to dust as she adjusted her robes. “I apologize for the intrusion dear, but I’m not much one for secrets.” Her lower body was gone now, but she still smiled on. “But regardless, farewell Twilight, and may you sleep well, dear.” With that Scarlet disappeared from Twilight’s mind, leaving behind only a small golden orb in a pile of dust.
“And may you have many wonderful dreams.”
