Chapters The beast of constant sorrow
Equestria was illuminated by the moon, lighting up even the darkest of nights,
and silencing the lightest of days. The wind blew over the awe-evoking landscape, carrying with it the life of the new day, following shortly after the sun slowly crept over the edge of the world banishing darkness from the land, and with it all its secrets. A ferocious howl echoed throughout the meadows and shallow forests, the land shook and shivered, wakening.
The dawn of the new day greeted ponyville with a desolate and eerie silence. The inhabitants of Ponyville woke to a forgiving sun shimmering through their windows and the creases of their doors, waking them from their dreams of a world that did not exist, much like our world. The darkness relieved its crippling embrace and the new day began. A seemingly normal morning went astray when a mother was found gasping on the floor her young filly gone and the only thing to show for it, three gaping wounds in the bedroom door created by a monster the likes of none other. This had not been the first case of a disappearances, only the first with clear evidence of a fairly strong and large being behind it. Several ponies came to investigate the house but not even the strongest of minds could unravel the puzzle that was the truth, quite ironic though, the truth is right in front of them snickering and laughing at there incompetence. The thing about intelligence though is it blinds ponies from whats obvious and whats rational. The mayor of Ponyville seized the opportunity to have a meeting in the town square, a meeting nonetheless of great urgency. A massive crowd formed around the epicenter, and the ponies in the back could just barely make out the words of the mayor.
“Ponies, ponies please...Listen up” announced the mayor.
Everypony’s’ eyes were now upon her, terrified to know the true fate of a beloved pony, when abruptly the silence was broken by a worried mother with tears of sorrow and discontent.
“No Mayor, you listen up! Somewhere out there something took my precious filly. How do you expect me to be quiet in times like these? Have you given up on your own ponies!?” Her anger fueled tears coursed down her cheeks to her hooves and then finally unto the fertile soil beneath her.
The mayor gazed into the puddle of tears that hit the ground like silent raindrops, she lost all the words she had planned to say and became entranced in her own pity. She never spoke in return. Instead, she wandered off the platform aimlessly. A pony of many words had lost all but a few that escaped her breath.
“I...I don't know...”.
For the past few weeks colts and filly's had been vanishing from Ponyville without a trace or a reason as to why they were taken. The approaching winter storms covered the ground in white blankets of fresh snow each night, covering any hoofprints or clues to these disappearances. Hope was running slim and the ponies of Ponyville began to grow paranoid.
Rumors of the beast engulfed Ponyville like wildfire, burning and melting all that they knew was fact and leaving a deep char of all that was fiction. They spoke of a demon with bright red eyes and diamond claws. Horns and saliva trailing out of its gaping mouth, that apparently could hold over five ponies at a time. They told of its large tail of which could impale the thickest of elements, and with one swoop could call upon the strongest of winds. The cursed and yet humble beast watched over them starving and feeding on their fear that in the night he would return.
The night was not forgiving. A certain peculiar filly by the name of Scootaloo had nestled herself under the heavy blankets of her bed snuggling with her stuffed bear, which she had given the imaginative name of ‘Teddy’, she had come to love so much. Unfortunately, there was only so much love a stuffed toy could give back. The moon served as her nightlight, warding away the evils of the night, but even so, the night was not kind. Along with many friends, Scootaloo had a broken apart family and a heart of unsure feelings. She held out her hooves in the hope that somepony would reach out back, as the darkness began its slow and breathtaking embrace. As morbid as this was she shed a single tear, she had felt love and compassion among the hate and injustice of the world around her. The times were changing, and so was she.
A peculiar beast of the night crept across the shadows, its deep red eyes shimmering in the moonlight. It howled, bombarding the landscape with a series of low concussions, and a single chill to wisp with the wind. Scootaloo came to an abrupt and sharp awakening. At first she hid under the safety of her covers the darkness would protect her over all things, as if Scootaloo was its warrant. She shook for several minutes wondering what evils laid outside, she had especially feared the myths and rumors of the beast, little did she know though that the truth was upon her doorstep waiting to greet her. After several minutes she gained the courage to peer into the night. The moon shone onto the snow on the ground revealing several strange tracks of which the origin was unknown, they certainly were not pony tracks. Scootlaoo turned back towards Teddy whom was resting in the the bed.
"Now you stay here and get some rest." she tucked teddy under the covers and then kissed him upon the cheek. She then ventured forth out her window using several sheets as a rope to repel down to the ground. Maybe just maybe...I can solve this mystery...Yeah, my cutie mark could be something detective related...Oh that would be so cool. Her naive attitude did not compensate for how asinine her plan was. The cunning beast, so very clever, had set up the perfect trap for yet another victim. She closely followed the tracks. Due to how clear they were they must have just been made recently. She pressed forward, moving towards the truth as an icy breeze soothed and chilled her fragile body.
Scootaloo peered through the foliage of thick trees and dangling creepers to see a clearing, and in the center of it her teddy bear she had been given as a newborn was resting against a smooth mineral. Reluctantly she ran towards her best friend.
“Teddy...What are you doing out here, I could of swore you were asleep in our bed.” *herm* she pondered “You know better than to go off into the woods. Come with me, we should probably get home”
Grasping the teddy bear with a warm embrace she sat there for several minutes without moving. Something then stirred behind her, the strong winds carried a scent unlike any other, a scent unknown to species peacefully coexisting among one another. There was a deep growl as deep red eyes peered through the forest into the clearing before pouncing.
Several birds took flight into the dark sky. No sign of any disturbance was left apart from a few prints in the snow and a lone stuffed survivor. Just like that the beast had claimed its prey tearing her from darkness's embrace and what little safety it offered to her, just in time for the rising sun that came with all its glory and all its horror.
The new day was greeted by the saving sun, and awoke the ponies of Ponyville. The ones that woke in their beds had known they survived another night. The relief was broken by a scream of terror and disbelief. All too familiar this sound had become to the residents of Ponyville, a monster of the night had taken one of them yet again and stowed itself into the shadows. Scootaloo’s parents darted out into the town pleading for help,
“Help us, please our filly has gone missing! Somepony help us!”
But everypony was preoccupied with something else. Everypony in Ponyville gathered around the town square observing a message written with a deep blood red substance....
’Tonight we reveal ourselves’ it read, ‘tonight you shall know fear’
The ponies of Ponyville acted immediately in response to the message on the wall, boarding up there doors and windows, stocking up on necessary supplies. Someponies fled from Ponyville to seek refuge in Canterlot or for that matter anyplace other than Ponyville. Every second counted towards preparation as the sun slowly descended, letting in the bright moon.The mane six, Ponyvilles protectors, had been called into Canterlot. Seemingly abandoning their hometown, the ponies of Ponyville could not help but feel betrayed, being left all alone to fend off against their greatest fears and their greatest mistakes.
When the sun fell to the edge of Equestria, a chill tumbled over the land like a wave picking up tide bombarding into the ponies. These nights have been by far the coldest of many years, and the most terrifying. The ponies had stashed their greatest treasures, the young fillies and colts, within the barricaded doors and windows of their homes. The cursed beasts would have to go through them, it was all about slim chances now. The cold air condensed around their nostrils. Whatever hope they had whisked away in the breeze. A silent whisper could be heard among the shivers and shakes.
“Spare us”.
But the night was not forgiving. A booming howl bounced off the night sky and shortly after the night called foul play. Following out of the darkness emerged creatures of blood red fur and eyes, sharp teeth and steel claws. All of the beasts stood firm as out of the chill of the night a much stronger and more fierce creature emerged. He glared and thought to himself for several minutes before speaking with a deep voice of a wise and yet cynical being.
“You live in a world of lies, blinded by the luxuries of life, you serve nothing more than space”.
“What do you want of us, where are our little ponies?” Cried out the mayor, “You are a foul beast, a monster, savages all of you!” The monster lingered and then jumped towards her. He snarled and leaped onto her. She tried to push him away with her hooves, but he was far to strong for her.
“I seek redemption!” He cried with a hate so strong and an emotion so overwhelming that not even an ocean could contain his tears. When a ripple in the area between space and time launched him into an old tree in the town center. Appearing from nowhere was Princess Celestia with all her shining glory.
“Mordecai!” she exclaimed
“Well look here. The princess stepped off of her royal throne. Would you care to see the real world?” replied the beast.
"Have you no heart Mordecai? To mindlessly condemn?"
“Get to know me, Celestia. I am a being of constant sorrow. You have banished my people and condemned our young, yet we are the beasts, the monsters. My family has died in the cold winter winds. I cradled my lifeless child neck to neck with my beloved wife, and I watched their souls get whisked away by fate’s cold hand, As did many other families. Their bones are now covered by the snow. Our numbers dwindle, and we are on the verge of extinction. Celestia, you speak of friendship and harmony while you blatantly ignore the ones you have banished, the ones you cast away for nature’s dirty work! You may be safe now ponies but watch and listen; the blood moon is approaching and with it we, the blood wolves shall rise, becoming stronger than ever before. Our time has come! I will not stand by and watch my people die, I will not let my family’s death go in vain. If we cannot love and live with our families and friends, neither shall you. Your young fillies and colts will vanish into the night, and you will suffer just as we have. Live with your loved ones and children now or forever hold your peace.”
“Mordecai, it does not have to end this way,” Celestia pleaded. “Things can change, we can work things out.”
“Unfortunately it is to late for that Celestia. Too many deaths. Too many sleepless nights. We will not remain silent any longer! You will see fires upon the ridges and streaks of red thunder striking the moon like shooting stars. We will come, expect us.” Mordecai vanished into the shadows, the blood wolves watched from the distance waiting....Waiting. The ponies were silent, Celestia gazed into the darkness and then proceeded forward.
“Do not follow me.” She announced.
A lone alicorn trotted across the barren land, so beautiful yet even the land itself was terrified. Her eyes were spared by the flash of a rainbow in the distance, and a million colors of white light. Her hooves left a distinct imprint in the snow, gracing it as she trotted over it. The day was coming to an end and so she found a empty cave in which she could rest in. She removed the hood of her cloak and began setting a fire. Under the flickering light she pulled out a pen and quill tracing out the words to her disciples.
Dear my esteemed students,
I will be staying in Ponyville longer than expected, do not worry yourselves everything will be okay. I need you to look after Canterlot until I return, which I hope will not be much longer, but I fear it will be.
I appreciate your help and your offers for assistance, but this is something I must solve and restore myself.
Your friends will be safe and I will return shortly.
Sincerly, Princess Celestia
She touched the letter with her horn and it vanished into thin air. She did not want to put all the pressure on her students, but it was necessary in order to fix what she had started.
Celestia was stirred by an awkward sound in the silence, she lifted her head looking out into the night.
“Mordecai?”.
A lone figure appeared out of nowhere on the verge of sobbing.
“I have failed my pack, Celestia. They grow sick, on the brink of death. I watch as children die and parents give up...I have given up.”
“Its not your fault Mordecai....”
“I cannot change the past Celestia, but I can end the future. I am the vanguard of your destruction, the true master of fate. I can change lives, but I cannot fix my own.”
“This is nonsense Mordecai...”.
The wolf peered into Celestia’s eyes.
“My greatest fear, is that I cannot ever change myself. But you...you can” …. “Do not attempt to look for me.”
The wolf then vanished and Celestia bowed her head down to the cold surface of the cave. She sobbed. Even princesses make mistakes blinded by petty morality, heroes never change, and villains never stay the same. A puddle of her own tears revealed her reflection, she was able to see herself for what she had become. Still reliving the past and still wallowing over what she had created. After a few exchanged stares at herself and one final tear she drifted into sleep, reliving several pictures and images that had come to pass.
In her dream she sat beside a young wolf, upon a green plateau, a gentle breeze coursed through their manes as they observed an earlier Equestria.
“We’re not going to see each other anymore are we Celestia, now that you are a princess and all.”
“I cannot be sure Mordecai....” She very well knew the answer and it was something she could not help but repress. She laid her hoof on his paw and then he understood.
The ponies and wolves had peacefully coexisted for centuries, a matter that was soon to change.
Mordecai had been born in a hostile environment full of danger and hate. He had witnessed the death of his family, the destruction of his own home, but somepony was there for him in his darkest hours, and she would comfort him and hug him until she was certain he was happy. Their friendship had grown beyond the sky and stars, the funny thing about friends though is they’re made to be broken.
Celestia woke to the morning light gleaming and shimmering off her puddle of tears. She felt this was her fault, she had changed her best friend into her greatest enemy, she had killed his people and his family and now she was hunting him down. For what though? Retribution, redemption? No, this was personal. She would not sleep peacefully until this was resolved. She had come every night to speak to the darkness, she pleaded for peace, but the visions in her brain still remained. This would begin and end with her. She moved north following the tracks of her friend, part of her thought maybe he wanted her to find him. She arrived at a place called the Deadlands, a rightfully named place. The ghosts of the wandering souls reached out and grasped her hoof. She became entranced and quickly made her way out. If she were to stay any longer she would not leave, so was the cruel fate of the wandering souls.
After leaving Deadlands, Celestia found herself caught in a blizzard, she had entered Snowbound. Trotting across a thick layer of snow, Celestia was oblivious to the fact that she actually moving across a sheet of thin ice. Under her hooves it cracked and split open, shuddering and shaking and before she knew it, she had fallen into the ice cold water below. The freezing cold water engulfed her and she became consumed in its icy death.
Equestria is on the verge of change, A young foal deemed the name of Celestia scurries across the paved streets, so young and oblivious to the world around her. Little did she know in the future she would lead this land and bring harmony. She searched Alleys and ditches for her sister, a simple and friendly game of hide and seek was under way. The streets she trotted across were broken and had not been mended for years gracing the ground with her hooves she seemed to have given the earth beneath her hope that one day this young foal was destined to do great things for it and for all. She was something else, her, and her sister. Celestia stumbled upon an abandoned house near the outskirts of Canterlot, the broken down boards and shillings were merely just a symbol of the crumbling land and decaying hope. Lifting hoof over hoof on the creaking floorboards Celestia spoke into the darkness
“Luna....Come on Luna this place is scary”. “Luna...?”
Before she could leave, a whimper could be heard from the darkest corners of the house. A series of tears and long sighs followed. Celestia, like a candle light in shadows, lit up the house and shinned upon a scarred and helpless pup. She gazed into its eyes for several minutes, unsure weather or not she should have found it in the first place. About the same age as Celestia the pup had a reasonable connection with her, a sense of harmony and security had filled him. She stepped closer to him
“Its okay I wont hurt you.” she stated.
The pup backed into the wall and fell on it belly, and Celestia held out her hoof slowly but with compassion. The sun shinned into a window revealing past the pups blood red eyes that it was wounded quite badly on its left paw. Celestia knelt down to his height, allowing for the pup to feel more secure.
“Here, let me take a look at that little fellow.”
The pup cautiously gave Celestia its paw, and she gently held it in her hoof. It was cut badly as if it were engaged in a fight. She attempted to use magic despite the fact she had been told not too but failed. She attempted to grab him in an embrace
“Come with me buddy, I will fix you up.”
But the pup wiggled away and ran with a limp outside. Compelled to help the poor creature Celestia trailed it to the back yard of the abandoned house. She found the pup laying next to a wolf of larger stature, an adult. The pups tears coursed over the body of the wolf down its coat and then melting the snow beneath it. All was silent, Celestia approached the pup and it attempted to strike at her but the small Innocent creature did not even scratch the mane of Celestia.
“Please...I want to help you.” remarked Celestia
The pup took a look at Celestia and back at the snow covered carcass several times. What the pup saw was far different then Celestia, Celestia saw the world for what it was. The pup saw the world for what it had done to him. It was unknown to Celestia for many years until the pup, now a wolf, told her of what happened that day. The body was his fathers, the pups paw was cut because he had attempted to defend his father from a beast of the same origin, savages. Celestia did not return home that night, which stirred a lot of commotion, instead she laid there with that pup all night until she could feel its heartbeat drift into a silent slumber. All the stars were burning for them, but none were going to last.
Celestia woke to the gleaming night sky and stars greeting her. She looked at herself repeatedly as she had thought she had died, but in all reality she was saved. As her vision came back she saw beside her was a soaked wolf his fur drenched in the water that had threatened her life.
“I could not let you die so...so...easily”
She did not speak, instead she allowed the silence to engulf them, she gazed at the stars for several minutes and attempted to put her hoof upon his paw but he was no longer their. She rose to her hooves and proceeded forward, unsure of were she was going. When she saw a figure upon the ridge of a mountain, she made her way up the cliff side and sat before the figure.
“I told you not to look for me.”
“You knew I would Mordecai.” She graced her hoof on his back “You cannot do this, I hope you can see how evil this truly is. Follow your heart, love will grace your mind and dismiss your tears.”
They gazed over the landscape, hoof in paw, and watched the sun set over the horizon, as shooting stars grazed the gap between space and Equestria. The moon began to bleed from the inside gushing out a vibrant blood red color.
“You know what you need to do.” Mordecai shed a tear
Mordecai's past and inner rage fueled the blood wolves. Everyponies’ lives in Ponyville were in danger and he knew it would not stop there, it would spread throughout Equestria. As long as he existed, the monsters of the night would never stop not until their eternal hunger was quenched. He was the curse of the beast.
Love will set you free, Mordecai.
They shared a passionate kiss under the bleeding moon, being bombarded by shooting stars.
Mordecai took a step back from Celestias embrace, tearing up and sobbing he gazed into her eyes, and her unto his.
“Well what are you waiting for...” softly spoken he could not control his tears now and neither could Celestia
“...do it.” there was a period of silence and unspoken emotions, she grasped his paw and muttered “I am so...sorry”
Mordecai exploded into dust, staining the white snow and then drifting with the winds. He was gone and with him the curse lifted from the bodies of the wolves. Celestia collapsed to the ground. Head bowed down shedding several tears. Harmony had been restored but at what cost? The moon began to heal and the storms calmed. She gazed over the cliff side, observing the stars and majestic sky.
Mordecai had given his life for the sake of others, his actions had spared Ponyville and Equestria from a force of unstoppable power, and Celestia could rest easy now knowing that he was free from his demons and conflicted emotions. And as Celestia watched the stars fly by, she could feel the supple warm touch of a paw upon her hoof.
Revelations
Shortly after the decline of the blood moon, the blood wolves were lifted of there curse. The sky was glowing with an aura of peace and stability. Ponies cowering in fear were greeted by a paw reaching out for assistance and together they rose. Families were reunited with there young fillies and colts. They held each other for hours and would not let go for years.
Celestia returned to Ponyville filled with sorrow, but a free mind and consciousness. The wolves bowed their heads, apologies were said and accepted, only through love and toleration could they move on and live in harmony.
Scootaloo laid up against her mother as the night passed, she still shook from the terrors of the past days, but lovingly accepted her mothers warm embrace. She had not spoke of what happened that night, And her family gladly understood that it would reveal itself over time.
“We lived in infamy” declared Celestia, “but now we can live in peace.”
The crowd cheered, wolf and pony alike. A new era was upon them, and with it a new love for one another.
Twilight found Celestia in the castle gardens, lying next to a marble cross. There were no tears. No sighs.
“Who was he princess?”
“My best friend, and a hero nonetheless Twilight...But even heroes die...”
Celestia dropped a rose she had picked from the castle gardens on the marble cross.
“All that hate, all that anger, and yet he found it in his heart to be a hero.”
She was right. Something clicked in Mordecai on that cliff side, the error of his ways had reached him. He sought redemption in himself and in the end acted to free the ones he cared about. Strange enough he cared from the start but he had no one to embrace him.
“I learned something about friendship, Twilight. No matter what happens, no matter what changes, friendship is forever, friendship never dies. Live with it now, Twilight, grow to love and cherish it and the memories you receive. Don't live in the pictures that are the past, don't let your dreams create a nightmare.”
Celestia shed a tear down her cheek. Beside her stood the ghostly presence Mordecai and they both said with a free voice of sorrow and discontent.
“Love, will set you free.”
