Fallen (Original)

Unknown:

Arkantos’ anger and fear for what may be happening to he beloved was slowly consuming him. He had crafted himself a blade, using all his rage, it came out blacker than even the darkness just outside of the liquid rock and metal. Even in the pitch black of the caverns, any creature would be able to see the blade approaching. He didn’t know he had that sort of emotion buried in him. He wanted blood, and blood he shall have. “Sanguine Por Sanguine.” Arkantos repeated the simple mantra.

Chrysalis remained just out of reach. “We’ve gotten reports, Equestria's preparing for an attack.” She said. “It also appears that your wife to be had escaped that monster’s clutches. One of my infiltrators saw her in Ponyville with Celestia and a full contingent of guards. The way they’re arming… it’s like war is just on the horizon.”

Arkantos remained silent, his thoughts turning more hopeful. Twilight was fine, and he needed to let her know he was okay too. “Is she still in Ponyville?” His voice startled her, for nearly three hours he’d been repeating the same few mantras, readying himself to take on his previous role as executioner.

“Yes she is…” Chrysalis began.

“Take me there.” His command was simple, and left no room for argument.

“That’s suici-”

“How stupid is this… thing, we’re up against?”

Chrysalis paused. “Incredibly intelligent… he wouldn’t… ju…” She trailed off. “Okay… that may guarantee your protection, but I’m still going to be in danger.” Chrysalis reasoned.

“You’ll be with me. And it was your son who saved me. And it was you who agreed to help me.” Arkantos retorted. Chrysalis scoffed.

“Only to protect my hive! I can’t just go committing suicide.”

“Are his changelings different from yours?” Arkantos questioned.

Chrysalis went silent and he could see a growing sense of both depression and stark realization. “Some of them used to be my children. But now… they are so much different…” She muttered quietly. “He’s… tortured them, mutated them… turned them into monsters…” She sighed quietly.

Arkantos surprised her by placing a hand on her shoulder. “Then help me. And I’ll help you. I swear it.” He said. “They deserve peace and rest. Together, we can bring about something new and bold from their memories and ashes. If you come with me I can make sure you remain safe. And if Twilight accepts you, I’m sure Celestia and Luna will. And if they do, you’ll be able to make damn sure your hive will remain safe and well fed.” He squeezed her shoulder, his grip soft and reassuring.

Chrysalis let out a long sigh, “Alright. Let’s go then…” She grabbed his hand, pushing it away. “Just… prepa-”

“I was teleported to this world from my own with a crossbow bolt in my shoulder. Long distance teleportation is nothing to me anymore.” Ark joked.

Chrysalis shook her head. “Whatever.” Her horn lit up, and the two vanished from the cave.

Ponyville:

Spike and the girls got back to Ponyville as quickly as possible, so as to not leave Twilight alone through this dire time. Twilight however, still couldn’t be at ease, Arkantos was still missing, and possibly hurt badly. The fact that the last thing the two of them had was a fight… it did tear her up inside.

“He’s alright…” Rainbow Dash assured.

“What if he’s not though? What if he’s dying… and… and…”

“Twilight, just take a deep breath. The guard’ll find Ark. There ain’t no doubt about it. If he’s alright, and actively searchin for yah, he’ll find his way here in no time.” Applejack added, trying to remain hopeful.

“Yeah! Just give him some time, I’m suuuuuuuure he’s on his way here.” Pinkie stated. “Like one hundred percent sure.”

As they were succeeding at getting Twilight to grow more hopeful a guard burst into the room. “C-chrysalis i-is here! Sh-she’s with s-s-some demonic looking… k-knight o-or something s-she’s l-looking for you, Pr-Princess Twilight!”

Twilight immediately stood up, “Where is she?” She asked.

“I-in the town center!” The guard replied.

“Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie. You stay here with Spike. Dash, AJ, you two come with me… I want to at least investigate this myself.” She stated, looking towards the guard now, “How many guards are out there?”

“Twenty ma’am. They’re completely surrounded!” He saluted.

“Take us there then.” Twilight ordered. The guard nodded and as soon as Rainbow Dash and Applejack were with her, the three were lead out to the square. In it they saw Chrysalis, who looked nervous beyond belief, putting off she didn’t want to be here. Beside her however was a towering and imposing figure. Though the thing that gave it immediately away as not being any race from Equestria was the shape of it’s helmet. Twilight’s eyes widened as she stepped beyond the circle of guards, drawing the figure’s full attention.

“There… There she is.” Chrysalis glanced to the knight. The knight turned completely to face Twilight. Immediately she felt a the sense of overwhelming dread leave her. Despite the obsidian black armor, and the absolute aura of fear the knight was giving off, she could sense something under it all.

That feeling was confirmed as the knight removed his helmet and approached Twilight. In an instant all the fear in the square fled, Twilight tightly wrapping her arms around her once missing husband who immediately kissed her. The two clung tightly together, nuzzling and just kissing each other as the two began to cry.

Ark was the first to speak, “I’m so happy you’re alright.” He whispered, kissing her forehead as he hugged her head into his neck, just trying to comfort her. Twilight could immediately feel that it was him, the heat of his skin was more than enough.

“I’m just… just so…” She nuzzled him lovingly, pulling him into another kiss. Chrysalis was at a loss for words. She could tell neither of them knew very much about each other, or what they’d each been through, but she’d be damned if they weren’t in absolute love with each other.

“Perhaps we should take this somewhere safer. You both may still be targets, and there’s only so much the guards can do out in the open.” Chrysalis interrupted them, her suggestion a sound one.

Arkantos lifted Twilight up, carrying her bridal style. Twilight just rested against him, happy to have her husband and lover back. “Right. I don’t want you getting hurt anymore.” He kissed Twilight’s nose, “Let’s go inside.” He slowly carried her through the swathes of guards to their shared home, Chrysalis, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack right behind them.

The three mares still in the library gasped when they saw Arkantos carrying Twilight.

“Oh my gods!” Rarity stood up, absolutely ecstatic to see the two back together. She, Pinkie, and Fluttershy hugged both Twilight and Ark.

“Wait, if he came in with Chrysalis… how can we tru-” Rainbow Dash was cut off.

“I know it’s him. No other creature is this hot constantly… both aesthetically… and just how burning up he always is…” She nuzzled into his neck. “Now… I do want you to tell me… how this came about.” She motioned between Chrysalis and Ark. Arkantos set Twilight down.

"Right, I'll explain as much as I can." He said, taking in a deep breath to tell them all what he and Chrysalis were now planning.