The Sixth King

Chapters

Prologue: The Last of the Old...
Chapter 1: ...And the First of the New
Chapter 2: An Encounter
Chapter 3: Meetings (Part 1)
Chapter 4: Meetings (part 2)

Prologue: The Last of the Old...

Before I start the real journal, I should put this here: I recovered a single memory from my past life in the time span this journal covers. It’s my last.

I stepped forward, eager to see the targets and check if my accuracy had improved at all. My rifle was lying against the table, cleared of ammunition and facing skywards. It was safe. However, one of the others at the firing range hadn’t taken the same precaution. As I step forwards, I hear a shout, a clatter, and a shot. When I heard the shout, I dove to the left, figuring that it would be better to look silly than risk getting hurt, but it only put me in the path of the bullet. I knew I’d never have the chance to find out exactly what happened as I felt the bullet tear a path through my chest and rip out of the other side. I watch bloody chunks of meat fly from my torso and somehow I see a glint of metal in the air. As I fall, my body spins and I land face-up, in very little pain considering I’ve just been shot. I look up, in shock, at the beautiful autumn leaves swaying in the breeze. I felt tremors as something runs towards me, shaking my sight slightly and making me frown that the beautiful view was being disturbed. Someone is screaming, but I can’t understand why. I see a few birds fly away and become annoyed that people would startle them. I feel something pull my torso into the air and there’s a voice extremely close to my ear. I wish it would just be quiet so I could be at peace.

Suddenly, the reality of my situation clicked, and I recognized the voice as my father, screaming for someone to call an ambulance. I knew that it wouldn’t come in time, because we’re at least fifteen minutes away from any civilization, and farther from any hospitals which could help. I’d be long dead by then. At least I’d had fun.

He gently picked up my upper half, letting me see the firing range and the three other people there, one of whom is staring in shock. I recognized her as my mother. She picked up a gun and one of the others tackled her for some reason. My dad turned me around so I could see the target. He said, “Well, at least you got the bulls-eye a bunch.” He glanced up at the target and his eyes widened. “Damn, there’s only one hole there! Nice shootin’!” He frowns. “Guess shootin’ ain’t that nice, actually.” I marveled at the fact that he’s so calm when his son is dying. My mind began to slip into shock again. As though answering my unspoken question, he spoke. “I can barely believe that this is happenin’. I always imagined that you woulda been the one talkin’ at my funeral, not the other way around. I didn’t wanna outlive my badass little boy.” Tears began to fall from his face as I slowly got very, very tired. Too tired to keep my eyes open. My dad begins to shake me, noticing that I’m slipping from this world. He slaps me in the face; it’s the first time he’s hit me in my life. I knew it must be serious, but I didn’t know what I’d done. “Dammit, boy, don’t you leave me now. Don’t you dare leave your papa now. C’mon, stay with me. You’re gonna be OK, you just gotta stay with me. The ambulance is coming any second now. You’ll see, you’re going. To. Be.Fine. You hear, boy?! Don’t you dare leave me!”

I saw the tears drip from his face I for the first time I noticed that there’s blood on it as well. Is it mine? I can’t tell. I could only slightly smile and I forced out the words, “Dad, calm down. It’s fine. I’m going somewhere better now.” I pause and my smile grows slightly. “Actually, knowing me, I’m probably going to burn for eternity, but close enough.”

He shakes his head frantically as his grip slips and my body hits the ground. I still feel no pain. “No, son, you’re going straight up to Heaven and Saint Peter and his pearly gates. I’ll meet you up there, ya hear? You wait for me up there, now.” He was openly weeping, resigned to the fact that he’d lose his only child.

“Alright, dad. I’ll do it. I’ll try.” I’m somewhat amazed that I could even still talk; my vision was fading extremely fast. I saw another form standing behind my dad, hands bony and clutching a scythe. His eyes are yellow dots in a deep blackness, one so deep that you’d be lost for eternity if you tried to search it. “Hey, dad, you might wanna move. I think the Grim Reaper is here for me. Don’t want you caught in the scythe’s swing.”

He did as I ask and stands up, still crying. I got a good view of the Reaper. He spoke and his voice echoes through my dying mind.

Boy, we need a new Judge. You’ve been chosen for your honor and humility. Will you accept?

I stare for a moment, suspended between life and death. I nod my head weakly. I see a raven fly up and land on the Reaper’s shoulder.

Then here I summon thee, boy, as a Judge, as Death, as the Sixth King, to another Realm. Reach for my hand and take my Staff, and you shall continue.

I hear another gunshot, and another scream, and the sound of someone dropping raw steak. I knew that something was wrong with that because who would have brought a raw steak out here? Some red stuff flies across my vision, but I can’t tell what it is, and I’m just so tired.

I do as the figure commands, reach up, touch the beautifully ornate blade, and for a brief moment I saw everything. I was ripped from my body and my soul and my time and my universe and given a new set of everything.

Then I woke up.

Chapter 1: ...And the First of the New

I shall start at the beginning - My first clear memory.

I was lying on my back, staring at a clear, blue sky. The sun was almost directly above me. My body felt odd, especially my back, though I know not why, as I remember naught of what it felt like before. I sat up, confused. At this point, I remember that my life was quickly fading from my memory, though I have no other memories.

A small quadrupedal animal walked up to me. Its rear half looked like a lion, but its front legs, wings, and head looked like that of an eagle. I knew this without looking, though I was not sure how. Without turning, I tried to speak.

Hello.

Instead of noise from a mouth, a thin voice whispered my words at the back of my mind.

The animal jumped back, shock written onto its face.

“Uh, hi.”

Gravelled but high-pitched, its voice was calmer than I expected. I filed the information away, however, when I tried to stand up and glanced down at my hands.

Instead of the normal hands which I could no longer remember, my hands were solely skeleton. The bones themselves were pale and thin; they barely seemed able to hold my weight as I carefully leaned on a finger. It easily bore the weight, even as I saw a thin gap in the knuckle.

When I shifted my gaze from my left hand to my right, I noticed that my had had been wrapped around something. It appeared, at first, to be a staff of some type of wood - oak - with a long, slightly curved blade at the end. Its shape was familiar, reminding me of a tool of some sort - scythe - from my home.

The creature - gryphon - behind me cleared its - her - throat. "You awake?"

I wanted to laugh. For something that, mere moments ago, seemed terrified of me, it was surprisingly brash.

Yes. Here I sit, still. For all meanings of the word.

The gryphoness was silent for a second before she snorted, either laughing at the pun or because of it. I stood up, still holding the scythe. It felt oddly right in my hand, though the life of a farmer was unfamiliar.

When the gryphoness behind me gasped in fear, something stirred within me. I noticed that the sound came from below my height.

Be not afraid, I mean no harm.

I tried to smile calmingly, but I was given no reaction. I suddenly realized that, through our conversation, I had not turned towards the gryphoness. I was worried what I would look like. At the time, I thought I would look like the Grim Reaper, though exactly exactly which likeness I would have was uncertain. I did not lie when I spoke to the gryphoness, though my appearance may be terrifying to those unfamiliar with it.

Worried of the reaction, I slowly turned. I realized my scythe still was held in my hand, and lowered it.

What is thy name?

My parlance sounded odd, though I again know not why. A voice whispered her name in my mind seconds before she said it. “I-I’m known as Eir.” - A goddess of dawn. To my relief, she seemed unafraid of me. I doubt I would have stayed on the path of truth had she not assisted.

Then greetings, Eir.

“What do you call yourself?” Eir’s speech sounded more… normal, though I did not notice at the time.

I know not, Eir. My first memory is seeing the sky. Dost thou knowest a name for me?

“Your appearance is… disquietingly similar to images I’ve seen of another being, one called Azrael.”

The name seemed familiar - An archangel of death - and an image surfaced in my mind. It was of a winged, black-robed man, but instead of skeletal hands, his were flesh and blood, as was his head. However, one aspect of the image caught mine eye: The wings. My back had been aching for some time, but I assumed that I had been unconscious for some time in an uncomfortable position. Unsure of what would happen, I tried pushing out with muscles I barely sensed, and to my shock a pair of massive, black wings unfurled. They seemed to pass through my cloak where they joined my back and were a deep black, compared to the dark grey of the cloak. I did not attempt flight then, for I feared embarrassment should I fail. Folding my wings, I said, Azrael I shall be, then. Perchance I shall change in the future, but for now it suits me.

The voice within me murmured something, but I did not understand it; instead, it instilled a dread the source of which I would not discover for nigh a year.

Where dost thou live? I should need shelter, I think. I held up a bony hand, moving the fingers slightly. I doubt it would be healthy for these bones of mine. The voice whispered in my mind again. Actually, it would be fine, but all the same I think it smart to have a "home", even if only a temporary one.

Eir blushed before gesturing behind her. “I live in a cottage thataways, if you want to stay for a few days.”

I noted her embarrassed tone, and felt somewhat guilty. I wish to be no imposition, Eir. Before I could continue, she cut me off.

“No! It’s fine, I have a guest bed you can sleep on,” she said, before blushing again. It was only later I found the true reason for her embarrassment at my words.

If thou art truly comfortable with it.

“Well, not really comfortable, but it would be rude to just leave you out here.”

I tried to smile, but found that my face did not respond. Eir did not notice, and I began a list of things I needed to check. First on that list was mine ability to fly, and I added to find a reflective surface with which I could see myself.

Soon, Eir stopped. We stood on the banks of a small but surprisingly fast creek. Eir extended her wings and used them to propel herself over the creek.

I had put off the task of seeing myself until I would not delay a potential friend. Again, I hoped to avoid embarrassment, so I reached into my new store of knowledge to see if I could teleport instead of trying to fly - Yes. I knew that flight would be more difficult that teleportation, though I didn’t notice at the time.

I found instructions of sorts - it was almost a memory how it felt. I replicated it easily enough and found myself on the other bank, feeling exactly the same. Eir was gaping at me.

"You can teleport?!"

Apparently, yes. I knew not how until this moment. I would have tried to explain what I meant, but Eir turned around, annoyed, and continued walking. A few minutes passed before our arrival at a small, one-story cottage which, at first glance, appeared to have four rooms. As we approached, the illusion remained undispelled, though the house felt larger. However, when we passed through the door, the house seemed to triple in size. I knew how many rooms it actually had - 7: a kitchen, two bedrooms, a dining room, a bathroom, a guest bedroom, and one empty room - but its looks had not until now matched the information. I questioned my information little; as of yet, it had proven correct, so why doubt it now?

As it happened, the information was indeed correct. We stepped into Eir’s house and I was presented with the sight of a spartan living room with few decorations. Along one wall was a set of alcoves with a few idols, in each of which seemed to be different statue - Source, Matter, Earth, Hate, War, Death - and an inscription above reading, "The Line of Kings". Along the other side were a variety of weapons, each sharp and well-maintained. In the corner opposite the door near the weapons was a model of a gryphon, on which had been placed armor. The armor was ornate, but still retained its function of protection without inhibition of movement. Eir sat on a chair that was in front of a small table, the weapons at her back. I stood before her, curious as to what I should do.

At one point, I think I remember being a social person, but I had no memories to serve as precedents.

Eir looked up and seemed to notice that I was still standing. “Oh! I’m sorry, I don’t ha--”

I cut her off. Do not trouble thyself. I do not need a chair; I am comfortable standing. Again, I wondered how I knew that I would still be as comfortable in an hour as now, but put aside questioning it for later.

Eir blinked in surprise, then shrugged. “OK. Well, make yourself at home. The guest bedroom is downstairs” -- she pointed with a claw -- “and to the left, second door. It’s getting late, so I’d recommend going to sleep. We do need to talk in the morning, though.”

I said nothing and walked to the guest room. When there, I searched my knowledge again and conjured parchment and a quill pen, then left a note for Eir should she wish to check on me.

I do not sleep, so I am going to explore.

I shall be back at dawn, if you would allow me stay.

Before I signed my name, I paused. I decided that, since I doubted I could recover my memories anytime soon, I would simply go with the name Eir had provided.

Azrael

With that, I teleported out of my hostess’s house and began to walk. It was peaceful, and my mind began to wander. I lost myself in the treasure troves of knowledge now available to me, but one subject was lacking -- my past. Whenever I tried to look for it, it felt like I knew something at the back of my mind, but it kept slipping away. My mind would always turn to some other subject, and whenever I tried to bring it back, it failed. I was snapped out of my reverie by the sound of a twig snapping, and a feminine gasp. To my right was a creature which was far less familiar than Eir and had the terrible luck of startling me.

Chapter 2: An Encounter

Standing a few trees away was a black, hard-shelled creature. It appeared vaguely equine, but had several differences. Firstly, it had wings and a horn; the wings were vaguely insect-like and the horn was the same material as the rest of the body. In its legs and horn there were conspicuous gaps, as though pieces had been removed from the body. The species name - changeling - flitted through my mind as I turned to face it.

Before I could finish turning, its eyes turned deep red and it spoke. “What are you, and why do you wander Chrysalis’s woods?” The voice was odd, and had an echoing quality. While it was apparently supposed to be threatening, I simply stared impassively.

My name is Azrael, and of thine ownership of this land I was not aware. Thou art Chrysalis?

Mine own words echoed as well, but slightly distorted.

The changeling stared at me for a moment, as though incredulous I could address it informally. A moment before it spoke, I heard its words echo in my mind gently.

"This body is but that of a worker, controlled--"

Through thy hive mind by the queen, which thou art?

Again looking slightly shocked, this time probably at being interrupted, the queen said, "Yes. Chrysalis is my name, and you trespass. Leave at once."

I wish nothing but to wander, changeling. At dawn thou shalt not find me here still. I was somewhat annoyed with this being, and so tried to step around it. The changeling stepped in front of me, the action preceded by an intent for the drone to do that.

“And why do you think you can?”

Because I mean no harm. Thou hast no reason for my detainment.

“You trespass onto my lands, and expect to be allowed to continue?”

At this point, I was irritated. Yes, I do. Move, changeling, or I will not keep my peace.

I realize, in hindsight, that I truly had no right to be there, but at the time I was confused and annoyed with having just lost my memories and waking up in a new body. At the time, I was still getting used to my life. I do not wish to hurt thy worker, changeling queen. Only to walk. As I said, I will be gone by dawn.

The changeling hesitated before saying, “Fine. For now, you may wander my lands. Should you do any harm to my workers, I will stop at nothing to extract revenge.”

A fair deal. Until morn, Chrysalis.

“I expect to speak to you tomorrow. Return to this spot at sundown.”

With that, the drone’s eyes turned blue again and it continued on its path. Before it left my sight, it turned its head to catch another glance, a puzzled expression on its face.

What troubles you?

She froze and hesitated, before deciding to ignore me and continue walking.

I dredged a spell from my memory to block out the hive and cast it around us. When I did, she froze again. Thy queen cannot hear you. Please, speak.

She began galloping away, desperate to return to the hive mind. I released my magic and allowed her to rejoin it, and she slowed to a quick trot. This time, she did not turn around. I had guessed wrong what bothered her.

I continued my wandering until dawn began to break. Nothing significant happened for the rest of the night. True to my word, teleported back to Eir’s house. By the time I had gotten there, I noticed something: While there was much information about what happened around me, nothing about what was. I could tell that people stood up or spoke, but any static details about them, except for the vaguest. However, I recalled that when I focused on them, I could tell much more -- everything that could be discerned from the outside, it seemed. Their thoughts and emotions remained invisible, though expressions were easy enough to decode that it was hardly a problem to tell how they felt.

A few minutes after I arrived, Eir walked into my room.

“Hmm, so you were honest.”

I do not lie if unnecessary.

“It would seem so. Anyway, we need to talk.”

She turned around and walked down the stairs, clearly expecting me to follow. I did, and a moment later she was sitting in the same chair as when I arrived. I again stood before her, curious as to what she would say.

“Do you know why you were brought here?”

I was somewhat taken off-guard. I was expecting questions about who I was, from where I came, and so on. However, this?

No, I do not.

“There… there was a prophecy. It was made three thousand years ago, to the day. It said that a soul would be pulled from another world to serve this one.” She hesitated before continuing to say, “I am part of the gryphon clan which owns these lands. Every other generation we send someone to keep this area clean and secure. For over ten thousand years we’ve been the neutral party when there were disputes between other gryphon clans or other species, and so when the prophecy was made, we were chosen to keep it safe.”

She smiled grimly before going on. “It’s voluntary, and means that you barely interact with others. From a young age I was trained to have mental fortitude and I was taught many games I could play to entertain myself so I wouldn’t go mad with loneliness. For about four years I was able to enjoy the company of my predecessor until she passed away. I made friends with an exiled soldier from the nearby hive, and he lives here sometimes. Right now, he’s out hunting, but he’ll be back soon. I’ll introduce you when he’s back.

“Anyway, I need to show you the prophecy. Follow me.”

As she walked to another door, across from the stairway, she passed the idols and bowed her head to each, pausing before them and stating their names.

“Source. Father of all gods, the wielder of energy, and the First King.”

“Matter. Son of Source and father to Death, and the Second King.”

“Earth. Son of Matter, father of Hate and , King of Asgard, and the Third King.”

“Hate. Son of Earth, father to War, wielder of the Hammer of Lightning, and the Fourth King.”

“War. Son of Grim, father to Death, wielder of Deceipt, and the Fifth King.”

“Death. Son of Sickness, father to none, wielder of the Scythe, and the Sixth King.”

I noticed that the slot for the final idol was empty. I noted that I would need to ask about it at some point. However, she walked past them, and we arrived in a room with many, many scrolls in shelves lining the walls. On a pedestal to the right was another one, with gold inlays on the cover. I assumed this was the prophecy, and stood by as Eir opened it.

She took a small object from around her neck and held it to the side of the scroll, in an indentation seemingly made for it. The stone glowed for a moment, and the scroll opened with a small click. She said, “Only the Keeper of the Clearing or the Prophet may open this scroll. It contains every Prophecy made, and each is to be used when needed and not before. The Keepers and Prophets are trusted to hold the knowledge safe from others.”

I made a mental note to ask more about her religion in the future; it seemed very interesting. She scanned through the scroll before putting it down, such that only a single prophecy was visible. She gestured to me to come over and said, “Read it.”

In the third millenium from this shall the Sixth King come, where the Scythe was found. From another world shall a soul be taken, that he may serve this world as the King of Death. No heirs shall he leave, but Chaos yet shall be postponed. Be ready and wary when his time comes.

The rest of the passage described the circumstances of the Sixth King's arrival -- during war and famine amongst the world's races -- and that he must earn his throne before he could ascend to it. I turned to Eir.

Why didst thou showest this to me? Thou thinkest that the soul is me? That I am the Sixth King? I was confused, as at the time I had no knowledge of her religion and their faith in the Prophets. I also knew none of what I had been foretold to do.

“You came when and where the Prophet said you would. You can hold the Scythe without dying. Anything else it touches dies instantly, even through cloth or metal, even if held with magic.” Before she continued, she took out a different scroll and handed it to me. “I’ve gathered all of the prophecies you can see in here. They’ve either already been fulfilled or don’t have to do with you.” Then, she pulled out a second one and gave it to me. “This is a scroll prepared for you by the Prophet for your arrival. It contains everything you need to know. I’d recommend reading this first, actually. I haven’t opened it, as the Prophet left specific instructions that none were to do so until the Sixth King himself.”

With both of the scrolls tucked under one arm, I said, I thank thee. I would leave now.

“Go ahead.” Just before I left the room, she jerked her head up. “Oh! We need to get you a house built. I’d recommend finding a place where you are okay with living for... a very long time.”

Very well.

Assuming Eir needed nothing else, I walked out of the house’s back door, scrolls in hand. After a few minutes of wandering, I came upon a small lake, fed by a waterfall. Near to the waterfall a small clearing showed, and I decided on a rare whim that it would be the site of my home. I walked to it and memorized the location, relative to Eir’s house.

After a moment of glancing around the clearing, I decided to leave the scrolls on a rock near the center of the clearing. I accessed my knowledge and enchanted the scrolls so none but I could pick them up, then put a small magical shield above them to protect them from weather. I did not notice any drain on my energy, as my knowledge told me was normal when casting magic; however, at the time, I thought it was simply because the spells were extremely simple.

As I walked forward, I noticed the forest becoming thicker. An animal - manticore - roared some distance away and I felt as though I should be afraid or, at the least, worried, but I felt nothing, apart from a pity that some creature would lose its life to that beast one day.

However, when I heard it, I still tensed up. With a thought, I twisted the world into the shape I desired and moved myself from where I was to the origin of the roar. To my shock, I saw a massive manticore, facing a group of three equines - pony. While they reminded me of the changeling, they were different in many ways. First amongst these was that their coats were bright colors -- while the changelings are entirely black and chitinous, the ponies were covered in colored fur. Additionally, these ponies only had wings, a horn, or neither, instead of both. The last difference I could tell at a glance was that there were no holes in either the extremities or the wings of the ponies.

Before them stood the manticore. It appeared ready to charge, but before it could, I sent a tiny twitch of power to cut its spine, just low enough to leave it alive, but high enough that it was paralyzed. The three ponies - One stallion and two mares - stared as it slumped to the ground, seemingly unconscious. I cut off it’s ability to growl and stepped through the trees.

For what reason do you wander here? The forest is unsafe.

The unicorn amongst them, a mare with a brilliant white coat and light pink mane, stepped forward. “We wished to explore the forest in hopes of finding herbs.” Her companions nodded quickly, as though scared I would harm them.

None of you have cause to fear me unless you strike. What are your names?

The stallion -- earth stallion, as he has no wings nor horn - answered first. His coat was a light brown - chestnut - and had a dark brown mane. “I’m th-- Starswirl.” Something about him seemed off, though I would not place it for years.

The pegasus glanced at him, apparently startled, before shrugging slightly. She answered next. Her mane was a light blue and her coat a deep indigo. “I am called Luna.” On her flank was emblazoned a white moon.

The unicorn answered last. “And I am Celestia. Who are you?”

I am unsure. Prophecy dictates I shall be the Sixth in the Line of Kings, the King of Death. I think I shall change my name many times over my life. I thought for a moment, before deciding on the name I would use.

Call me Azrael.

Celestia stared at me for a moment. “The Sixth King? Do… Have you read the prophecies about you?”

As of yet, I have not, and I should not. Knowing one’s life before it comes to pass can be a terrible curse. ‘Tis able to drive the strongest insane and brings the greatest low. I should not bring such a fate upon myself.

It was Starswirl who replied. “We need to have a chat, you and I. Meet me at my house tomorrow sometime; you’ve got things to be doing right about now.” He raised a hoof and pointed to the setting sun. I recalled my promise to the changeling queen, and nodded.

Indeed I do. I turned around and began to walk away. You may wish to return home. The manticore will be healed in an hour. As I spoke, I manipulated the world and delayed the effects for the time I stated. I calmed the manticore’s troubled mind with assurances that the spell would act as I promised, and left it food since I had denied it a meal. Celestia stared as I worked this magic in the blink of an eye and, with no noticeable effect on my energy, I walked back into the forest. Once I was out of site, I twisted the world again and stepped through to the clearing I had chosen. Looking through my knowledge, I found a technique to mark a location so I could easily find it using magic, instead of relying on memory alone. I set the ward there and felt the location burn slightly brighter to my magical senses, and the area glowed faintly with mundane light.

I recalled the place where I had first seen the changeling and teleported there, set a ward, and teleported to my room in Eir’s house, where I set a third ward. I still had some time left, so I went to find Eir.

She was sitting in her kitchen at a table, across from a changeling. The changeling, I presumed, was the exile whom Eir had mentioned. He had scars, crossed and covering much of his face and body. His horn was broken in half, and his wings were nothing but nubs. I could only imagine the pain through which he had gone. Within moment, Eir noticed me and called me over.

“Azrael, this is Xor. Exiled changeling from Chrysalis’ hive. Xor, this is Azrael, the Sixth in the Line of Kings. Friendly enough, but don’t touch his Scythe.”

Greetings, Xor. I would extend my hand but I know not if it would harm.

He stared for a moment, before asking, “You… don’t know? How old are you?”

I came into this world yesterday. I lived a life before that on another, though my memories of that time are lost.

“Eh, good enough. I’d welcome you to the household, but Eir beats me to it every time.” The gryphon glared at him, which he ignored. “You hungry at all?”

No. I must go for now, as I agreed to meet Chrysalis tonight. She found me on her lands and allowed me to explore them if I would talk to her at sundown.

Xor stared. “You… you trespassed onto Chrysalis’ lands and she granted you an audience for it? We would just kill trespassers on sight!”

I had not known the borders, and made as much clear when I spoke to her. The sun was very nearly set, and I needed to meet with the queen. If thou shalt excuse me, I needs must go now. With that, I teleported away, to the spot where I agreed to meet.

Chapter 3: Meetings (Part 1)

I appeared silently in the clearing just before the sun kissed the horizon. The same worker was there, her eyes showing she was not controlled. She was lying down, head down. I stood for a moment before deciding to get her attention.

Please tell thy queen I have arrived.

She jumped to her feet and stared at me for a moment. Her eyes turned red.

“You are back. I did not believe you would follow your word.”

I do not give my word lightly, and I do not break it when unnecessary.

She smirked. “If you say so.” Her horn glowed, and a scroll appeared in front of her with a loud crack and a flash of light. “I’ve had a map drawn up of the borders to our lands. Now you know them.” She flung the scroll at me, but I caught it easily. I opened it and on the paper was a map, with geological features clearly marked and the borders, thankfully, were easy to determine while on foot. About a quarter of the area was shaded.

Chrysalis continued, “You can go anywhere in my lands save for the shaded area without needing my explicit permission. The shaded area contains the main hive and I don’t want you to kill anything in there. If you do want to visit, find any worker and ask to speak to the queen. I’ll hear it and take control. You can bring one other animal, sentient or not, with you, but they must be near you at all times so the workers know not to kick them out.”

I cut in before she could continue. Why art thou allowing me in thy lands at all, queen?

“Because your arrival was heralded by the Prophet, and I tend to agree with the old bastard. Besides, if the prophecies come true, I want to be on your good side.”

I would have smiled if I could. I thank thee for thy honesty.

“No problem. Anyway, the only condition for that is you need to tell me beforehand. If I find you within a league of the border, I won’t be mad, but farther in and I will assume you entered intentionally.”

Very well.

“If you need something I can give, talk to one of the workers. They should be pretty much everywhere; just wander a bit until you see one. Normally they hide from strangers, but I’ve had them not do that for you and anyone you bring.” She sat down and her horn glowed again, another scroll appearing in front of her with a loud crack and a flash of light. “This is a full list of the rules I’ve set. Not too long, and I told you most of the essential ones.”

My thanks. With another slight twist, I teleported both the map and the rules to the same rock as the other two places and wove the same enchantment over them. Chrysalis blinked her eyes in surprise.

“What did you do with them?”

I teleported them to the site of my future house and prevented others from picking them up. Why dost thou ask?

“Because that takes a huge amount of power. Selective enchantments and long-distance teleports are both energy-heavy. Are you using gems to power the spells?”

I was unaware such a thing was possible.

“Incredible. Any other spells you’re holding right now?”

A shield above the scrolls to protect them from weather.

“Huh. And it’s steady? Even such a distance?”

Yes. At this point, I was beginning to realize that I should have been tired from my previous exertions, but instead I felt identical to when I first had woken up.

“Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Anyway, follow the worker. Have you tried flying yet?”

No. Before, there was no need to attempt it, so I did not.

“Well, you’re trying it now. Unless you can blind-teleport to my hive.”

I should like to try, if only to irk thee. But I will fly. Lead on, changeling.

As the worker began to take off, I spread my wings. They felt huge, and looking back, I could see them stretch to either side almost my entire height. With a single powerful pump of them, I launched almost thirty times my height into the air. I accessed my knowledge and used it to fly to where the drone was hovering.

“Huh, so powerful wings as well. Impressive. Follow the worker.”

Just before she turned away, I noticed her eyes turn back to blue. She immediately moved forward at a fairly great speed. I followed the worker as she flew to a large, pointed hill. As we approached, I noticed that the top had been cut off, leaving a large area exposed. We landed there and I set another location ward but removed the faint mundane light and muffled the traces of magic. The workers and soldiers around me stared briefly before, with a quiet whisper across the hive mind, returning to work.

The worker whom I was following stamped on the ground three times and muttered a word in the native tongue of the changelings.

"Avari'te."

I noticed that I still knew what she had said, even though I could not hear it naturally. A hole opened in the ground, and the worker jumped in. I followed suit after readying my telekinesis to catch myself if there was not enough room for my wings. As it turned out, the hole opened into a massive cavern, which I took to be the inside of the hill. The worker turned to me, eyes still blue, and spoke. "Follow close behind me. You would not want to get lost."

I did, and the worker led me through a twisting maze of tunnels. After several minutes of what appeared to be random wandering -- but never lead us into the same tunnels -- we arrived at a pair of massive, ornate steel doors. They were inlaid with gold in abstract polygonal patterns, symmetrical across a line which I assumed to be the separation between the doors. Studded in the design were many gems, each anchoring a ward, and each ward reinforcing the others. It was a brilliant design; with all of the wards active, one could open the doors with a touch and still lock them to withstand nearly anything. The wards also soundproofed the room and blocked any magic from entering.

After a few moment of being able to admire the doors, my guide’s horn lit and the doors silently swung open. She immediately continued forwards into the room. It was a fairly long hall, with two rows of columns on either side, evenly spaced. Each one was designed identical to the ones in its row, but no two rows had the same pattern. Upon a closer inspection, the columns all had gems inlaid in the same positions to support enchantments to strengthen the obsidian from which the columns were carved and confuse those who look at them, that the queen could gain the upper hand in negotiations.

At the end of the columns was a massive, pure white marble throne with geometric designs carved into it as well. The designs were outlined in obsidian and at each intersection was a gem, helping to support a shield to protect the queen in case of attack. Before the throne were two guards, encased in shined steel armor with gold patterns laid on th

The queen herself sat on a cushion which covered the entire seat of the throne, and stared at me. Through the hive mind, she addressed the worker, telling her to go. The worker complied and flew out between the columns, presumably returning to whatever task she had before she was called to guide me.

“So, you are the Sixth King,” she said.

I do not yet rule. As such, I should not be addressed as a king. I go by Azrael.

She blinked in surprise. “Very well, Azrael. Do you know why I asked you come?”

I suspect thou wouldst demand an apology for mine offensive behavior when we first met. I meant no harm; I was only confused by my sudden arrival to this world and the loss of memories for a life I know I lived.

This time, her jaw, quite literally, dropped, before she shook her head and recovered. “You… You ask for my forgiveness?!”

I, confused at her shock, simply said, Yes. Wouldst thou grant it?

“B-but… What? Why?”

I trespassed, acted like I owned the land, and demanded I be allowed free entrance. ‘Twas rude and hardly right; I should have striven instead to leave when I was informed of mine inappropriate entrance to thy lands.

Chrysalis didn’t bother to contain her shock. At the time I was still confused as to why she felt it; as far as I knew, I was the only one who had done anything wrong. Was I violating some sort of custom?

“But-- You’re a King! The Sixth King! You rule all lands! You have equal right to pass anywhere without interruption, and I didn’t realize who you were until I had confronted you!”

Clearly, no custom was violated. Instead, I was being feared for no reason. My voice was quieter, and laced with the threat of violence. I am no king. I have not earned the right to rule and so I should not use it. Dost thou understand?

She gulped. “Y-yes.”

Good. My voice returned to its normal state. Thou would have attempted to apologize to me?

She nodded with fear in her eyes.

I thank thee for the kind gesture. Thou now knowest that ‘tis not necessary. Interrupt me to thy pleasure; I am no king. Yet, boy. You are not king yet.

I barely controlled a surprised flinch at the voice echoing through my mind -- it sounded much like my own, but much older. I could not trace it.

And you never will. I shall reveal myself when I choose, and not before.

As the voice faded, Chrysalis spoke, her voice more confident. “Very well… Azrael.” I noticed her guards had moved to her side to offer comfort; I decided to peek into the hive mind and was nearly overwhelmed by the chorus of mental support pulsing through it. I pulled out of it immediately to meet a disapproving stare from Chrysalis. “You would intrude on my Hive?”

My voice jovial, I said, I would indeed, out of curiosity. As always, I shall not harm thee or thy subjects. I apologize if it was wrong.

She grunted. “Fair enough. Keep to that policy and I’ll be fine with whatever you do.” I had left some remnant of me in the hive and saw that, despite her brave words, she still feared mine anger.

Thou needest no facade. I can see thy mind through the Hive. I know thy fear is still present. And I know I would wish it away if it was possible. I can only hope that I shall get rid of it by my actions, now and in the future. For now, I have tasks to complete before the morn. Wouldst thou allow my exit?

With my words, she gave up trying to appear impassive or arrogant, and stopped hiding her emotions. From a detached point of view, it was fascinating, as I was able to nearly read her mind; as a creature with morals it was horrifying to know I caused such fear in any living creature. I vowed to never cause such terror again, and where I did, to assuage the fear and become -- if not a friend -- at least not a hated ruler.

I teleported out of the Hive and to the clearing I'd earlier seen, and decided to read the scroll left behind for me by the Prophet. I picked it up and opened it.

Inside, there was only a map of the region, and a detailed one at that. About three minutes’ flight away was a red cross, marking a location. On the side, where it was only empty space on the map, there was a short paragraph.

If I’ve done my work right, I’ve just met you in the company of two good friends of mine. It will be immediately after a dangerous encounter; I know not what -- it’s three thousand years in the future, I can’t tell it that accurately! Anyway, I’m not sure if I specified it when we spoke, but I want to meet the morning after at the spot marked on the map. We need to have a serious chat about how you got here, what you remember, and how I can help.

I looked where the red cross was, and focused my power to teleport near it. I flew high into the air, compared the location on the map to the landscape below me, and realized that he meant to meet where we’d met before. I landed in the same clearing and set another location ward, then teleported back to my clearing.

At first, I simply wanted a shelter where I could keep items which must be protected from the weather. Just before I reached into my store of knowledge to find out how to conjure things, the voice spoke again. OK. first, call me Five. Second, don’t do things that require a lot of power -- you’ll learn why later; for now, I’ll stop you from doing it. Once you learn the cost, you can decide if it’s worth it. Third, and last, your Scythe can morph into other shapes. Try it. The voice faded, and impressed on my mind was the knowledge of how to do it. I willed it into the shape of an axe, cut down a few trees, and built a small hut that would provide temporary storage over the boulder. I then picked up all four scrolls, shaped the Scythe into a chisel, and carved it into a short, wide platform. Placing the scrolls back down, I enchanted the rock so none but I could pick things up from its surface by any means.

When I finished, I still had a decent amount of time before daybreak. I decided to sit down and see if I could find any reactions that were motivated primarily by fear. As I did, I suddenly noticed that the voice had spoken to me before. It had told me that Eir was a gryphon, and instead of reading text the voice had said its translation in my mind. Well done. You’ve half guessed what I am. It still won’t tell you who. I, of course, was very confused by this. Oh, shut it. You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for. You’ll get it soon enough. With that, the voice again faded, leaving me alone in my own mind.

Experimentally, I tried to morph the Scythe into a glove of sorts. It fit my hand relatively well and, by making overlapping plates, allowed me a full range of motion as well. I noticed that I had to have both wood and metal in the new form, or it would not work, so I made it a wooden base with the metal from the scythe covering it. I tried to make a second one out of it, but couldn’t pull the two apart. I assumed that all pieces had to stay in contact with each other at all times -- the hinges in my glove provided that. Either way, I only needed it to conveniently stay near me, while still letting me hold things with that hand, and having a single glove would suffice.

On a whim, I decided to shape the wood to form intricate designs across the surface of the glove. When it finished, moving my hand was almost hypnotic. The organic curves and twists caught the eye and drew it in. I studied the shape of the glove - the Scythe’s Form - and committed it to memory, that I could form it again later. Heh, nice gear. Anyway, Sun’s about to come up. I’d say you should go to that clearing to meet with… Starry Sky. I was somewhat surprised at the hesitation in Five’s - Finally - voice, but he didn’t tell me why. I remembered that Starry Sky himself had hesitated before saying his name, and suspected they were related. Indeed it is, and you’ll find out pretty soon. Actually, I’m slightly surprised you haven’t already; it’s pretty obvious.

I ignored the veiled insult and teleported to the clearing. The manticore was back, but Starry Sky was not there yet. I spoke to the manticore. I’m about to speak with a friend. Can you come back later, please? It nodded, then turned around and padded away. Just before it left my sight, I said, Thank you. It turned back and gave me a toothy grin before continuing on to its lair.

A few minutes afterwards, Starry Sky arrived. You know, you can also think of him as just “Starry”. It’s a pretty common practice to just take the first name. I inwardly nodded.

“So, you’re the Sixth King. Been wondering when I’d get to meet you.”

I have been called as much, though I do not wish to rule.

He stopped walking towards me for a moment. “Ooh, a humble one! That’s a nice change. So, how’d the meeting with Chrysalis go?”

It was my turn to stare. How didst thou know?

“Oh, the same way I know everything. You get my map?”

It clicked. He was the Prophet -- and still alive after three thousand years, somehow. And it was so blatantly obvious, I was slightly shocked that I hadn’t seen it before.

So thou art immortal?

He winced. “Yes.” After a pause, he said, “Also, we need to work on getting you to speak in Modern Equish.”

I had chosen to speak like this. I shall not change my mode of speech. What thou sayest shall not change it.

He smiled. “Well, that’s fine. Can you speak in Modern?”

Most likely. I have yet to try.

“Good enough for me! Onto the next point. You’re immortal. A bit like me like me, you’re truly unkillable. You also possess the one thing that can kill anything, anywhere. Well, nearly anything.”

My Scythe?

“Indeed. By the way, nice Form for it. Can I see it?” Without thinking, I handed it over. A split second before he grabbed it, he stopped. “I’m one of the things that it can’t kill. The Kings like me too much to make me as vulnerable as that.” A smirk appeared on his face. “Anyway, hand it over.”

I did so, and he didn’t die. As soon as my bony fingers lost contact with it, I realized that most of my power was gone. Yeah, that’s one of the limits. Trust Proph, he’s a good guy normally. He’ll help you until the end of Reality, and I’m not exaggerating.

Meanwhile, the Prophet had finished his inspection my my Scythe’s form. “So, you met Five yet? No idea who he is, but I’m told he’s supposed to have introduced himself by now.”

Eh, go ahead, tell him about me.

Yes, I have. As of yet, only by telepathy, but I have spoken to him.

“Telepathy? Huh. There’s only maybe six or seven creatures I know that could do that.” He squinted at me, before they widened in shock. “Wait, that Five?! Oh, this is brilliant. You couldn’t have a better voice in your head.” He frowned. “And I’ve got all the rest.” His smile came back. “Righty-o, then! Let’s be off. Follow me.”

I decided to trust him and followed. We walked until the sun was at its highest, but the Prophet showed no signs of stopping. We walked for almost the full day before, as the sun began to kiss the horizon, we saw an old, ruined castle in a clearing, a river flowing past it. The Prophet quickened his steps and said, “We need to get there before sunset.” He began to canter towards it, and sped up to a full gallop quickly. I opened my wings and flew after him. As we approached further, he turned to the left. The sun was about halfway obscured by the horizon when we arrived at a tiny door in the side of the castle.

“It’s the one entrance that isn’t warded. Trying to enter through anywhere else will teleport you a thousand meters away.” He paused, before correcting himself. “Sorry, this one is warded, actually. It does the same thing unless I’m within about twenty meters.”

I was confused. And how long is a meter?

He looked back at me, a sheepish grin on his face. “Right, I forgot. Memory wipe and all that. I’m almost exactly a meter tall. You’re about two. A second is about the time between two of my heartbeats, I weigh a little under a hundred kilograms, and that’s all the units I can think of for now. Call me if you can think of any others.” He paused, and after a moment a tiny square of gold with the letter P on one side and six dots, five of them depressed and one not, on the other, appeared in midair above him. It was wreathed in power and floated over to me. I plucked it out of the air. “Keep that with you. If you ever need me, hold it and say my name twice. I’ll be there soon. It’ll only work for your mental voice, by the way -- if anyone else tries to use it, nothing will happen.”

We finally walked in, and he opened a door to reveal… emptiness. Complete and utter void. “Whoops! My bad.” He closed the door, closed his eyes in concentration, then reopened it and it showed a massive hallway. “Yeah, the whole outer structure is a massive fake. Really nothing there. The real castle is in a pocket dimension where the so-called ‘mods’ have infinite power. Each of the Six should already be one, and I know I am. He looked at me and nodded. “Yep! Everything’s all set then. Well, explore a bit.”

Why did we need to be here by sundown?

“Oh yeah! Right, follow me.” He walked down a door and opened the third one on our left. “Right, so if you want to leave this place, go back through that door we came in from. Anyway, let’s find your bedroom. The view from the windows is incredible.” Beyond the door was a massive room with a king-sized bed, a giant wardrobe, an elaborate desk with many supplies on it. There was also a cabinet by the bed, but I knew not what was inside. The Prophet ignored all of it and strode instead to the massive window. I wondered what could be outside, if it was a pocket dimension. Should there not be nothing? “Turn around. I want the view to be a surprise.”

I did, and he opened the heavy curtains. A brilliant light filled the room with dhifting, multicolored shadows. He said, “Alright, you can look now. I’d recommend coming to the balcony here first.” I teleported next to him and turn around. Before me was a massive, shifting landscape of a huge planet. Streams of light played over its surface like living beings, and I stood enraptured. I could tell that my meager sight couldn’t record its infinite majesty, and that no matter how long I looked I would never pierce its secrets. I fail to describe in words its beauty; no image can do it justice -- the only way to truly experience it is to visit it, and that is hardly possible any longer.

“That, my new friend, is what I call Oblivion. It’s a gigantic ball of raw magical power of all four types -- Chaos, Harmony, Life, and Death -- existing together somehow. Touching it will instantly truly kill any being in any reality. Inside, there’s a single room. None have managed to enter it, and it’s said to contain the Secret of the Universe. No one knows what the Secret relates to -- is it magic? Science? Until someone discovers what it is, we won’t know. Oblivion itself exists unchanging, even if it looks dynamic now; it exists across all times and places and realities.” His smile died and his eyes lost their emotion. “I understood its secrets, and no words can communicate them. It’s beautiful and a curse; by Its power I was ‘gifted’ with my immortality and my power.” He put a twist on the word “gifted” as though to suggest it was hardly that.

“Each time you draw on your power, it takes from this. Imbalancing too much it will destroy all existence. There is enough that normal usage will hardly do anything, but you must be exceptionally careful. Five will warn you when you near the limits of the power you can take. Once you learn to take equally from each type of power, you’ll be fine, but that knowledge is locked until you Ascend.” He turned around and walked back inside. “Lastly, it only goes into active mode like that at sunset and sunrise. Normally it’s only a ball of whiteness. It’s calming down now, but we have things to do.” He stood at the window. “Come on, Six, let’s get going.”

With a certain amount of willpower I tore my eyes from the beauty and walked after the Prophet. ‘Tis beautiful.

“Indeed it is. Sorry for the long speech, but it’s only the first of many. I need to tell you a lot, especially about your power. And my prophecies.”

I shall listen.

Chapter 4: Meetings (part 2)

“First things first,” the Prophet began. “Read any prophecies of mine you like. Just know that I intentionally wrote them very vaguely because of timey-wimey stuff.” He snorted. “Heh. ‘Timey-wimey’. Quite possibly my favorite phrase; I learned it from a show where I’m from. Anyway, basically, I could change the course of history with my predictions, and I’m not supposed to. Things would be very bad if I did.” He stayed silent for a few minutes, and we arrived at a door. It looked identical to every other door in this seemingly endless hallway. It actually is endless, in a way. Walk long enough down the hallway and you’ll appear at the other end. While interesting, it was a fact I hardly needed to know. Trust me, it’ll come in handy. I mentally sighed.

The Prophet opened the door to reveal a lavish throne room. “This one is a portal to the actual throne room. It only works if it’s me or one of the Six opening it. Once we trust you more, I’ll teach you how to add people to the list.” He smiled apologetically as he walked towards the throne. “In the past we’ve had a bunch of bad Judges.”

At the word “Judge” a memory arose of a voice saying something about being summoned as a one, but it faded too quickly to remember anything else.

Don’t worry about it. That memory’ll come back eventually.

“Deck it out as you please. This is your castle now. Feel free to rennovate the castle as much as you want, but make sure to keep the two doors I showed you in the same place. Nothing else needs to stay the same.”

Very well. I looked at the architecture and decided that, once I had time, I would indeed be renovating it. The Prophet ducked around me and walked back through the door, and I followed him.

Before I could enter, a massive explosion shook the castle. In less than a second, the Prophet was back out of the door eyes ablaze with dark magic. “Who dares disturb the castle of the Prophet?!” he shouted, at an incredible volume.

A deep rumbling voice carried the answer. “My name is Fireflight, mortal, and I dare disturb it because I have a right to this land.” At his arrogance my anger flared and my eyes turned a blood-red color. I gathered my power. Careful, kid. You don’t want to damage the castle.

With a thought, I teleported myself and the Prophet up to the roof, and we saw a massive dragon flying towards us.

“Ah, so you have decided to show your puny selves?”

I responded. Thou wouldst call us mortal? I let out a sound like a laugh, but morphed and destroyed by anger. Bow before the Sixth King, dragon, and pray I do not take thy life.

The dragon looked taken aback, shocked that any would dare resist it. “I bow for no mortal! Move, or you will die along with your pretty castle!”

And why wouldst thou destroy my home, dragon?

“Because it is in my napping spot!”

I suggest leaving if thou wouldst rather live.

“Hah! You think that because you speak bold I fear you? Think again, boy!” He opened his maw to breathe fire and I, remembering Five’s warning, magicked his jaw shut and removed his ability to breathe fire.

I control more power on a whim than thou canst summon with all of your compatriots. Leave now, dragon, and I shall consider letting thee live. I teleported onto its head and said into its ear, My glove kills all it touches, and I think that thy disregard for others suggests you would rather die than live humiliated. Thou mayest choose. Wouldst thou rather die, or be sent back to your home, wingless, magicless, and blind?

The dragon landed in front of the castle and stared at me. “Prove you can do what you say, mortal. Then we shall talk.”

Humiliation it is.

I teleported in front of him and reached out with the Scythe, changing it back to its normal form. For thy blatant disregard for the rights of all sentient beings, I sentence thee to lose thy wings, thy magic, and thy sight. I ripped off the dragon’s wings and sealed the wounds, then cast an enchantment so they would not regrow. I ripped out the dragon’s magic and sealed it in a crystal which I pulled from the ground. Lastly, I used his distraction of pain and confusion to walk up to him and stab him in each eye, blinding him. I cast the same enchantment to prevent healing on each eye.

Thy punishment has been dealt. Go home, dragon, and never bother the living again. I teleported him into the mountains, assuming he would be able to find his way home or, perhaps, find a new one.

The Prophet, who had been curiously silent this entire time, was smiling. “Good job. That’s your first sentencing. I know that big bastard; he’s terrorized this land for some time. Pretty decent punishment for that.”

I did not know his past.

“At some level, you did. You knew what a fair sentence to give would be, and you gave it.”

How?

“It is what the Judges can do. For now, that and one other will be all you can have. The second you must discover on your own. Once you ascend, you’re pretty much a god.” He paused and thoughtfully looked up. “Actually, on this world, you’ll literally be a god. There’s a religion centered around the five highest ranking Judges and you.” He grinned at me. “I may have helped come up with it, by making a few carefully chosen prophecies.”

Why am I included in your list?

“For reasons you’ll learn when you ascend, or guess at earlier. I can’t actually tell you outright, but I can give hints.”

Very well. I accepted that I probably wouldn’t discover a lot about my role as a “Judge” for quite a while. While it frustrated me, I controlled the annoyance and decided to let the issue go.

Good on you, boy.

I was still holding the dragon’s magic in a crystal in my palm. Where should I put this?

“That’s something I can tell you! I’d recommend keeping that somewhere safe until you ascend, then you can use it for some pretty badass stuff.”

Very well. Is there already a vault in the castle?

“Yeah, it’s in this world, too.” He turned and began moving in another direction. I wondered how long it had taken him to memorize the castle so well that he could instantly start heading towards anywhere I mentioned.

Actually, this is maybe the third time he’s been here. It’s magic.

I decided not to care why - Good choice - and followed the Prophet. We arrived at the vault without more incidents and my companion pressed a hoof to the door. For a moment his hoof glowed in the magical spectrum, then the door itself glowed in visible light. It seemed to dissolve and the Prophet stepped through and revealed a surprisingly large room with metal walls.

The walls were solid metal and enchanted to resist anything and keep everything inside safe from harm, even if the entire vault were shaken.

Impressive, eh?

I carefully placed the crystal on a shelf, which turned out to be cushioned. Its light dimmed slightly and I walked back out of the vault, then waited as the Prophet recreated the door. He faced me, and I asked, Where now?

He grinned. “Now we visit the sisters.”

He charged his power and teleported us to a small house, where the two other ponies he’d been with were laying down, talking. The teleport was silent, and they did not see us appear.

“Are you sure? I know that your dreams have come true before, but--” said the lighter one - Again, Celestia - said.

“Yes, I’m sure. I mean, it’s obviously not as strong as the Prophet’s--”

The Prophet chose then to reveal our presence. “My what now?”

Both sisters jumped to their feet and bowed. The Prophet made a noise in his throat halfway between a growl and a hiss. “I’ve told you two a thousand times, don’t bow! I’m naught but a foreseer.” He glanced back at me. “Unless you were bowing to my companion, in which case you’re probably right to do so.”

No, you would not be. I shall not have anyone bowing to me until I have earned it, I said.

“Oh, right, you’re a humble one!” He grinned again. The sisters stood up. “Sisters, meet Six. Or Azrael. I’m not really sure.”

Azrael.

“Right! Azrael. Anyway, great guy so far. Hasn’t perpetrated any genocides, started global wars, or even killed anything besides a tree that he brushed with his Scythe before he knew what it did. Overall, better than the last two we had.”

Luna spoke. “So we don’t need to worry about him going mad, like Chaos did?”

Celestia shot a glance at me. “Luna, he’s in the same room as us. It might not be best to be so insensitive.”

I was beginning to regret not having a face with which to express emotions. You might get one later, boy.

I mind not. Speak as you would without my presence.

Celestia smiled weakly, before saying, “Alright, then.”

Though I am curious: Who is this “Chaos”?

The Prophet grimaced. “The last one of your kind to arrive here. He went mad and tried to take over the world; he was forcibly ascended by these two with what they call the Elements. Pretty vague, if you ask me, but no matter. Anyway, he called himself a god, which isn’t strictly true, and got turned to stone. He’s probably being punished, and another one of him is being found.”

Celestia spoke. “Didn’t you say that this one would be more stable, because Death is less active than Chaos?”

“Aye, I did.” He turned to address me, saying, “You’re pretty much the physical manifestation of Death magic. These two are a race created by Harmony, who’s already ascended, and Life, who’s decided not to ascend yet.”

Thou speakest of ascension a lot. What is it?

“Basically, you accept your inheritance of being a god. I can’t tell you the details.”

I shrugged again. It seemed that my lack of knowledge about ascension would continue for a while. It will indeed.

So, why did I need to speak with the sisters?

The ponies in question had been staring at the Prophet and myself as we spoke. “Right!” said the earth pony. “These two are going to become shockingly important for this world. I’d recommend becoming friends with them. Plus, they could use your help in building a place to stay. This one’s cursed. Don’t ask why.”

I didn’t, and agreed to help the sisters build a home. The Prophet grinned happily, before disappearing.

Luna sighed. “It’s really creepy how he does that. Teleporting silently…”

Celestia nodded, before she glanced in my direction. When she realized I was still there, she jumped in surprise, before quickly calming herself. “Weird,” she muttered, “I kinda forgot you were there.”

‘Tis unimportant. No it isn’t. Well, it may be, but for now we can work on building a home. I have little experience with it, other than putting up a simple roof, but I will help as I can.

“Where?” Luna asked suddenly.

What dost thou mean?

“Where did you ‘put up a simple roof’?” she clarified.

In a clearing, to cover a few scrolls.

“Can we see it?”

Very well. I teleported us all to the clearing, in view of the sturdy but ugly lean-to erected over a boulder.

“Why did you build it over a boulder? It won’t rain hard enough to flood.”

Objects are easier to enchant than areas. Try picking up one of the scrolls.

Celestia’s horn lit up with a golden aura and the same color covered the scroll. Celestia concentrated, and nothing happened. She looked puzzled for a moment, before pouring more strength into attempting to lift the scroll. Still, nothing happened. Luna, meanwhile, was watching and struggling not to laugh at Celestia’s series of humorous facial expressions as she continued to try -- and fail -- to lift the scrolls. She switched to another, but had the same results. I calmly walked over to my scrolls and picked it up by the length of a finger, then offered it to her. She easily picked it up, and hurled it back at me in anger. I easily caught it with telekinesis and gently set it back upon the rock.

“How can you hold it against my magic?! I’m by far more powerful than anypony on this planet!”

And do I look like a pony to thee?

Luna couldn’t hold in her laughter any longer. For almost thirty seconds she laughed, and with each one Celestia’s anger grew.

To be truthful, I know not the limits of my power, or how it can be used. Were it to come to a battle between us, you may win because of your superior experience.

“I doubt it, from what the Prophet told us,” Luna said, matter-of-factly. “You use a different kind of magic, and it’s a lot more deadly.”

I took a step back in surprise. And why would I wish to kill thee?

“Well, we were talking about a battle, right?”

And still I would not kill either of you. Perhaps wound, yes, but never kill, not without good reason.

Celestia broke in. “As fascinating as this is, can we not talk about killing each other?”

Very well.

Luna sighed. “Sister, you know the only thing I’m good at is fighting. Does it not make sense that I would wish to speak of it?” Her language was becoming more archaic.

“I know, Luna, but we do have something to do.” Celestia turned to me. “So, where should we build our home?”

I knot not.

“How did you find this place?”

I wandered for a few hours and stumbled across it.

Celestia stared at me. “Oh.” She turned and walked towards Luna. “So, ready to go wandering?”

I realized that I hadn’t spoken with Eir yet today, and it was nearly sunset.

Sisters, give me a few moments. I must speak with another friend.

Luna looked up at me, faintly surprised. “Go ahead. You don’t need to ask permission.”

I thought it would be polite.

And with that, I teleported back to Eir. She was pacing behind her desk and didn’t notice my arrival. Eir, why are you pacing?

She, quite literally, jumped a meter into the air in shock, and when she landed -- somehow not falling -- she glared at me. “I was pacing because I thought you’d abandoned me! It’s my job to keep track of you and make sure you don’t go completely insane, and I thought I’d lost you! If I had, I would ha--”

I cut her off by raising a hand. Eir, if I do go mad, there would be no way for thee to stop me. I would rather have thee desert and be a coward and live than be a hero and die. I lowered my hand slowly.

Eir nodded. “Either way, it’s my sworn duty to keep an eye on you.”

I understand, but do not fight me. Speak to me instead. I kneeled before her. But do not attack me.

She nodded, and I heard a throat clear behind me. “Now that you’ve finished that touching moment,” said Xor from behind me, “you and I need to talk, Six.” Eir gasped in shock as his body rippled. He stood on his hind legs and transformed into a creature, much like me, but instead of a black robe and wings, his were white. His hood, instead of being filled with darkness, was filled with a brightness that somehow didn’t extend past the edge of the hood. He extended a bony hand and said, Name’s Life. You know me as Five. Pleasure to meet you.