“So this is… seriously. A dainty, two story cottage in the middle of the Everfree? Honestly I was expecting more for a secret meeting, and just because it’s in the middle of the Everfree doesn’t make it secret.”
“There’s no need to worry Ignites has taken every precaution to mind. If it makes you feel better there’s a secret passage to a larger living quarters.”
I can’t believe I went along with this. I should have brought my guards. If my predecessors were still alive they’d think I’m insane for not bringing a couple of changelings to guard me. “This is insane; I’m insane for even showing up. This isn't even obligatory.”
Catching the tone of unease in my voice the lackey spoke up quick in an irritated sense of desperation. “It’s too late to turn back! Ignites would not be pleased if you bailed now Amora!” He was right, if I leave now… I’ll only lessen the chance of survival of my people but…
If he seriously thinks he can talk to me in that kind of manor? “Don’t you dare talk to me in that tone you insulate worm, and when you address me its Queen Amora! Being forced underground, while they have us slowly starve by them! I… I was starting to lose hope. If anything I’m more than willing to see what this is about. ”
“And as we promised in the letter that you received, by being here we will repay you for your time.”
Why…why do I feel like I should turn back? As queen I have a responsibility to my people but…
“Your majesty!”
“What is it?”
“Ahem we've arrived.”
It’s been such a long time since I've been above ground. Entering I felt more at ease. It had felt like the time I explored those castles from the lost centennial. “Just open the door already! If you can’t tell the anticipation is killing me.” Everything had felt so familiar; as if I've already been hear?
“Q-queen Amora the passage we need to take is just around the corner.”
“Alright l-lackey how are we going to entering this secret passage.”
“It’s blatantly obvious. As you see the painting in front of you, all I have to do is cast a certain spell on it. Then it’ll open the wall behind it. By casting the wrong spell it’ll set of a warning to everyone who entered the passage.”
It feels like he’s talk to me as if I’m lower then him. I wonder If Ignites doesn't mind having one less lackey? “So how far does this stair way go?”
“It goes a couple hundred feet down. It’ll be awhile till we reach the main room, and by the way you’ll be joining two more in the main room. Along with them there will be two others accompanying you three.”
Great I’m going to have to go back underground. Just p-perfect. “So in all only five of us are attending.”
“Yes. As for Ignites… he won’t be joining you until tomorrow afternoon…”
“And why can’t he show himself to his guests. If it weren't for the fact that I have traveled from great distances, as well as the need of my people, I would storm out! So do tell as to why your master cannot great his guests!”
“I was about to explain if you didn't so rudely interrupt me. Ignites has been resting for a while, and at his age, using magic puts a great strain on him mentally and physically.
“Just wondering, but h-how long has Ignites been asleep?”
“It has been a month…”
“A month! Then how did I receive the invitation.”
“Don’t worry, before he went to sleep he told us when, and were we should send the invitations that everyone had received. Ignites planned for everything, as we speak thing is still going according to his plan. As for his guests, all he asks is that you wait patiently for the events that are soon to unfold.”
Only seconds after the lackey spoke, a blinding light to the end of the stairs became visible. “ It’s so bright.” Though the light was nothing compared to the anxiety I felt. As we entered I could feel the eyes of the other two staring at us, I soon did the same as I entered the room. “Sombra” and “Zmatek!” What is Zmatek doing here? He should be leading the draconequus against Clover the magnificent. The room started to fill with an eerie silence until the silence was shattered by Zmatek.
“As it seems, our third guest has arrived. I presume you are Amora.”
His voice had a hint of impatience. I presume Sombra is feeling the same. After coming as far would leave anyone impatient, especially when your people are in a war. “I am Amora, but answer me this. Why is the king of the draconequus here,and not fighting in the war.
As Zmatek was about to speak, Sombra interrupts with a laugh that echoed through the room. “Oh we all know why you’re not participating. It’s because you are a weak, powerless, wretch of a king, and the same goes for you Amora. Allowing these ponies to take the land that is rightfully ours disgusts me. Maybe I should just kill…”
“Sombra! That’s enough! Everyone that is here serves a purpose. If you feel the need to kill then I’m sure you won’t mind having a death wish. It seems I have to leave; the other two should be arriving near the cottage. While I’m out, try not to tear each other apart.” As the lackey left the room the tension only grew.
Hoping that Sombra wouldn't interrupt I tried to see if Zmatek would have a feasible answer. “Zmatek if you wouldn't mind I’d like to know about the current situation of the war?”
“If you insist. As it stands, we are losing.”
“If you’re losing then why are not helping them in their time of need?”
“By now we all know that each of us got an invite to whatever this is, along with it said each of us will receive something in the end. As the end of the war draws closer, I only get weaker. Unfortunately I had sustained a rare virus. Even now I grow weak and weary.”
“Then why not just ask Ignites for a cure?”
“Sadly it is not that simple. This virus is rare, for as long as it’s been on our planet, no one still has been able to find an antidote. The days only go by faster for me, and as the days leave… so does the hope of our survival.”
“Then what’s the reason for you being here?”
“Hope.”
I soon realized I was here for the same reason, but not too soon Sombra spoke up in an annoyed manor in disbelief if everything he was hearing. “Are you serious? Hope is what you want out of this. Why not power, so you can take back everything that was taken from you. You’re just a bitter old fool.”
“And you a cocky, child who feeds off of others pity and doubt of others, and of themselves. You are an inexperienced brat who is destined for failure.”
Sombra was in a loss for words. Realizing that he had been put in his place he went back to slouching in the dark. Though Sombra wasn't entirely wrong, you could see the tired look in Zmatek’s eyes. The look of one who’s lost so much and now has so little to protect.
“Amora… as everyone here knows there’s a field surrounding the forest to prevent anyone from noticing the strong amount of magic in one area…”
“Its purpose is to keep us hidden, hence the fact that this is a secret meeting.”
To no surprise the lackey stepped in with the final two. Though his reaction to our conversation was inexplicably fast. “Exactly, and once you leave the forest your all on your own, thus we can no longer protect you. I advise you all, that during your free time you will come up with a way to get home safely.”
Taking a long and winded breath, Zmatek said what everyone was thinking. “As we all leave this area… out of all of us I’d be the one they’d immediately target.”
The lackey started to walk away, but soon stopped and turned his head back to us. “As for now I’ll leave you five in good trust that you’ll take the time to get to know each other.”
As the lackey left the two that were at his sides took their time walking to the center of the room. Again the room had been left in a silence besides the sound of the two stepping on the hard wood floor. As soon as they stopped, all that was left was a faint echo fallowed by silence. Minutes went by until Zmatek broke the silence with the newcomer’s names, even though their faces were shaded over by the cloaks they were wearing. “Viserous and Pathema, Interesting to see you both. I thought you both were imprisoned decades ago.”
Enraged by the Viserous appearance, I spoke out in an respectful tone. “I should kill you for what you did to my people.”
His voice sounded just as cocky as Sombra’s. “Calm down queen Amora, your people weren't supposed to be involved. But a plague spreads, what else can you do when death is knocking on the front door. Any ways were not supposed to do anything while we’re here. We promised Ignites that much after freeing us from Tartarus.”
I was inflamed at the thought of letting Viserous go unpunished, but I have no choice. “You’re lucky you’re under Ignites’s protection.
Not too soon Sombra stepped into the conversation, with most likely a malicious intent. “So it seems we have two of the strongest forces of equestrian. The deity of viruses and the deity of terror. If I remember, you both lived in on this land long before those who have arrived on our land. Why not after this we team up and take back everything. Why don’t we all team up.
I wanted to kick his flank so bad, but I guess I can just serve him verbally. “Because… no one here wants to work with an ill-mannered and inexperienced child.
“I’m going to go look for my sleeping courters. I've grown tired of everything.”
Ha…more like tired of being served. Though… it has gotten late, and after all that traveling I’m starting to feel drowsy myself. I guess things seem to be dyeing down a bit. “Wait a minute were did Panthema go. I haven’t seen her since Viserous showed his face. ”
From the table Zmatek was sitting at, he stood up, but seemed to have struggled a bit. “Don’t worry about Panthema, Knowing her she’s not the type to talk much. She most likely found a room. As for me, I’m going to do the same.”
“Well it looks like it’s just us…”
“You can burn Viserous.”
“Not to neighborly then are you.”
“…BURN!” I can’t stand him, nor can I stand that idiot Sombra! They better be important to Ignites or I’ll Strangle them both! Huh just four more days and then I can go back to my people, and maybe even bring hope for survival.
“Amora… darling, I need you to run. Run until your hooves give out, and whatever you do don’t look back.”
“But mom, wha…”
“Promise me…just promise me that no matter what they do to you… forgive them. I know that’s a lot to ask of you. They have caused us so much pain, but someday soon they’ll realize the error of their ways. All it will take is for us to forgive.”
“Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye. If I may and if I might my heart is open for tonight, though my lips are sealed and a promise is true I won't break my word… my word to you.”
“That’s a good girl, wipe away those tears. The time draws near. Now you need to run.”
Run, run, and run. That’s all I can do. I started to fee l tears run across my face. I've always knew this moment would come, but… in the spur of the moment I turned my head back to my mother.
“I told you, I will never give up mu kingdom nor will I give you the lives of the changelings… if I must die so be it!”
“Mom!”
I was soon jolted awake. I always have this dream, and I always will have it. “Every night I have this blasted nightmare, and every time I can’t help but to break into tears… mother. I don’t know how much longer I can uphold my promise.”
Knock, knock. “Amora everyone is at the dining room. The time will come soon, so I’d advise you to make your way downstairs as soon as possible.”
Huh, I guess the time has come upon us. “Lackey! Is… is this really going to help save the changelings.”
“It all depends on how much faith you have towards Ignites.”
Entering the main room, I saw that the table had foods for the needs of us all. Though it didn’t feel right dinning while my subornments are starving. As the time draws ever closer the room only grows deeper in silence. As the seconds steadily creep on by you can see everyone thinking, focusing on what lies ahead of us.
Seconds to minutes then eventually an hour passed. In the matter of moments we all heard a pair of footsteps coming from the stairway we all came from. The lackey had entered with another cloaked figure. Slowly they both walked up a pair of stairs. Making it to the top they both turn to address us. “I believe I have been keeping you all waiting long enough. I am Ignites…”
Unsurprisingly, Sombra is the first one to speak up. “Quick question if you don’t mind. For what reason are you concealing yourself under a cloak?!”
“The only reason I wear this cloak is so that what I look like is never revealed. No one has seen my appearance not even my followers.”
As soon as Ignites finished, Zmatek immediately pushed to the matter at hand. “Why don’t we skip all the pointless questions and introductions, shall we? By choosing us I presume you already know who we are, and no matter what question we ask about yourself you’re going to dodge the question.”
Everyone turned their heads towards Ignites wondering what his response would be. “You’re not wrong, and by that response I presume you’d like to know the very reason I've invited you.”
Ignites turned around and the lackey to the rains and told us what will happen next. “If everyone doesn't mind following us, we will show you why you’re even here.”
As asked we all started to follow, but only more out of curiosity more than anything. I could feel my stomach churn. I felt like mixed about the situation, as if were all really walking into a death trap.
We walked for quite a distance down a dimly lit hallway until we were stopped in front of a chamber door. To my surprise Panthema began to ask Ignites a question. Her voice sounded soft, almost like the voice of a mother. “Ignites! Before we enter, I wish to know why you freed both Viserous and me.”
“All five of you are needed to make what’s about to happen possible. I promise everything will be explained once we enter this room.”
In front of us there were two doors both seemed to be made of thick stone. Turning around Ignites faces the doors and pushes then with ease. Slowly the doors open to expose a stone table. What appears to be on the table is a small glowing orb. Taking my eyes of the white light I looked around to see six gems painted on the wall, each one a different color. “Why are these gems painted upon the wall?”
The lackey picked up on what I said and was the first to answer. “Those gems represent elements, but in all it doesn't matter which gem represents what.”
He sure does love talking to me in that tone. I can’t help but feel like putting my hooves around his neck. “I can handle the rest. It would be best if you waited outside the room.” Realizing my impatience growing because of his lackey as well as everyone else’s he began again. “what you see on the table will change everything.
I couldn't help but to feel confused and asking only more questions. “What is this ball of light, and how is this supposed to help any of us?”
Beginning to speak I've begun to realize there isn't even a second of hesitance with Ignites when he answers a question, but maybe it’s just me. Though I can’t help but be bothered by this. His voice became hardened, and stern. “As you all can see of the source of light lying at the center of the table…”
“Let me guess, this orb is a concentrated source of pure magic.”
That is the smartest thing I've heard from Sombra since I've arrived here. I’ll let him have his moment, but it doesn't mean Zamatek won’t take the opportunity. “Actually you’re half right… In order to maintain or stabilize that much magic it would have to be equally countered by a pure source of energy.”
It still doesn't make sense. “If this is pure magic or energy then why not just absorb it, and increase our own magic.”
“If only it was that simple. Just by absorbing the slightest bit is technically pushing your body beyond its limit, burning you out, and killing you. The only use of this magic is to create a body strong enough to handle the intense amount magic.”
Looking back at Ignites… he seems unfazed as if expecting what was said. “You’re correct about everything. The main reason you are here is to help create a child strong enough to with stand not just the concentrated energy but your magic as well.”
Our magic! “What do you mean by our magic?”
“Simply to put it, your magic abilities will also be added to the child as well.”
Realizing there is still confusion Zamatek takes the reigns of the conversation. “Why don’t I start with the child? By making the child’s body stronger to with stand this amount of magic… no doubt there will be side effects. The child will take on physical and appearance traits of those participating. As for the magic, it’s quite simple. Being pure it can be easily altered. It will take all of our effort to move the energy to the child’s body, to do this we have to use our magic. The energy will imitate not just our magic but our abilities as well, giving them to the child. Basically we would be creating the ultimate weapon. The question though is whose child will take the burden of such extent.”
Zamatek slowly turns his head to Ignites, and as if psychically demanding an answer. “I’m not surprised you figured everything out. Now that everything has been revealed why don’t we begin?”
“Not until you tell us whose child’s life were going to risk just so we can create a mass genocide.”
Honestly this has peaked my interest and by the looks of everybody’s face they seem to want to know as well. “I agree that we should at least know whose child this is.”
“I presume the rest of us are dying to know as well. So why don’t u tell us oh great Ignites, or maybe u don’t have this child and u plan on using one of us!”
“Sombra! Quite acting like a fool.” Zamatek sounded like he was done with Sombra. As if he was going to verbally choke him to death. “Only the body of a child can be adapted. Once at the age of an adult it is impossible to modify one’s body to handle such an extreme amount of magic.”
“Enough! If you really want to know so badly I’ll tell you! The child were using is my child! My own flesh and blood, now that you know why don’t we just get this started. This is my child, I chose to do this. As well as the fact that you’re only here for your selves I don’t need you to show any remorse.”
“That’s were your wrong. There not here for themselves or because you freed Viserous or me. We’re all doing this because you gave us hope for a way out…
“Ever since Clover invaded everyone has been living in fear. Friends and family everyone forced to reform or put into slavery. Ignites… I don’t know what you've gone through but all of us as well have been forced into a corner.” Sombra, what happened to you? “If you insist on using you child then so do, but never think of anything as us as being selfish.”
Minutes go buy and so does the silence in a meter of seconds. Slowly placing his right hoof on the table, Ignites the turns his head facing the orb of light. “I insist you all do the same. Place your hand on the table. We’re running out of time so insist we cut the chat and begin the transformation.”
It seems no one is going to protest any longer. One by one everyone places their hooves on the table. To my surprise there was a slight jolt. Everyone focusing their magic, the orb starts to grow brighter. Appearing in the center of the orb appeared a bead of black that slowly expanded to the surface. All that was left of the white was a thin milky layer. The longer this went the more exhausted I grew. Soon my legs gave way leaving me on my knees. Zmatek was next to drop along with Sombra. Burning up… I feel like an oven. God I don’t know how much longer I can take this.
“Just a little longer. Just… a little…longer.”
In a matter of minutes a small chamber opens underneath the orb. Lowering down the light that extruded from the orb disappears. With the room going dark the torches around us light. With the door to the chamber closing, Ignites removes his hand. “It’s over… done. We've all strained great amounts of energy and were going to need at least a day’s rest. As for what I promised I will call you all one by one to discuss the gift you’ll receive.”
What about the child, we didn't even see the child. How do we even know it worked! “Wait a minute… what about the child!? How do we even know if the child survived?”
“Simple… the reasons were all out of energy is because we were doing both prosigers at once. Wiliest we did the process, if the child died then one of my followers would have ran into the room exclaiming the death.”
“So then the child’s fine. So can we at least see what our fruition came to be?”
“I’m sorry but none may see the child. As of now the mother is tending to him. No one shall disturb her nor shall you get to see her. She chose to keep herself hidden, and as she’s my wife I must respect her wishes.”
“I guess we have no say in the child’s future huh. At least tell us what the child’s purpose is?”
Clearing his throat he gives me what seems to be his answer… “A better future for all.” but it’s as if he was lying. There’s still so much mystery to whoever this is. All I've gotten to know is he’s a father with a cult. No appearance and no history. I’m not even sure he’s a quadruped.
“Now that everything is finished here. It would be best for you all to head to your rooms. I’ll talk to you all later.” With Ignites leaving the room we all do the same. Slowly dispersing to each other’s rooms I make it to the entrance to my room.
“What’s going on!? There’s still so much that’s not being explained!”
“What seems to be the problem?”
Turning around I see Zamatek standing not too far from where I stand. “I’m just tired. I’ll feel better once I get sleep.” It was obvious though that sleep wasn't what I needed. “Alright if you feel like making me feel better then tell me what’s with Sombra?” Might as well get one answer questioned. “He’s been all over with his jerk attitude then he actually shows sign of intelligence.”
“Hmm… so you’d like to hear Sombra’s story. You know, he wasn't wrong when he said everyone’s gone through some sort of pain sense Clover’s takeover. Though it's not Clovers fault, gropes of bandits rose along with the idea that they were far superior then the natives of the land. These bandits would capture Natives and sell them as slaves. Sombra comes from a tribe that’s been roaming these lands far longer than anyone. As they were traveling they were ambushed. Sadly Sombra’s tribe chose to resist, resulting in many of them dying as well as his family. Freeing himself from his captors Sombra has been wondering, searching for ways to get stronger to exact his revenge.”
I could feel tear drops run across my face. Realizing what pain he’s gone through as well as everyone else’s. I started thinking on how and why this would happen to us. “Why? All those who didn't deserve all this, none of us deserve to be treated as lesser then one another.”
I couldn't stop crying, and it doesn't help with the memory of my mother appearing in my mind. “Amora, do you know there are those who believe there is a mighty being watching over this world there’s always hope?”
“Of course.”
“Then tell me, after everything you've gone through… do you believe there’s such a being?”
“After everything I've gone through, ha, there’s no being and if there was… then he’s just as twisted as everyone else on this planet.”
“Then tell me what do you believe in.”
As I was going to give my answer Zamatek was pulled to see Ignites, but as he left he said to… “Give it some thought.” Entering my room I gave Zamatek’s question some thought. “What… do i… believe in?” As the question raced through my mind so did my mom.
Starting to cry again I started to remember what my mom told me. “Promise me that you’ll forgive them.” I realized what I believed. In order to move on in life we must forgive. If only it was that easy.
Slowly the minutes start to pass, and my crying has stopped. Hearing a creaking noise I look up to see my bedroom door opening… “It’s time”
I couldn't get any sleep that night. I’m still so exhausted, but… in the long run it was worth it. I just can’t believe this. “Amora… along with your efforts you’ll be awarded, but before I do… I’d like to know what you want.”
“What I want?” It’s always been obvious what I want. “I want… no I need a way to help my subjects. Even if it means sacrificing myself…”
“You yourself are a rare thing in this world. Keep and spread your beliefs. For you could help change this world. What I’m going to give you is not power nor vengeance. Cup your hooves.”
As I cupped my hooves Ignites puts a small cube then closes them together. Opening my hooves and the cube was no longer there. “What just happened?”
“Changelings feed off of life energy of the things around them, and when they die they release this energy back to the world. You have absorbed enough energy to feed your people for centuries. The price you paid is an increased life span. As well as depending on how your emotions are toward your people is what they’ll be feeding on.”
“It’s that simple. I know what you gave me was a lot but what about my living underground situation?
“All I ask is that you wait a bit longer. Good things will come if you wait a while longer. Everything has now been covered. You may leave. And don’t forget to forgive!”
“Wait how did…” And then the doors behind close. That’s was that. There’s still so much hidden from us. I guess no matter what we’ll all be kept hidden in the dark from something. Even though Ignites told us to rest I have to leave. I would love to get to know everyone a bit more but staying here any longer would be a risk. With it still being late at night it was easy to slip by to the stairs.
Along the way up the stairs memory’s start to flood, and tears once again brushed against my cheeks. “All it will take for us is to forgive.”
“Cross my heart, and hope to die…”
As I made it to the top came to a dead end. Luckily I remember the spell that was casted. I didn't need to waken everyone here.
“Amora what do you believe in…?”
Walking through the halls of the cottage it once again felt like I was exploring those castles.
“What do you wish for…?”
Walking out through the front door I’m greeted by the cool night breeze. “I’m going to miss this. The sun and the stars, all of it.” Getting ready to take off I have one last look at the cottage. “May everyone have a better future…”
“...Ignites, it’s as you said, Amora has left. As well has the spy left to report to Clover. Shall we dispose of the rat?”
“Let them go. What has to be done next is to evacuate everyone from the premises. I will stay here along with the child. There’s no need to be worried, everyone will make it out.”
“I’ll get to it this instant.”
In a matter of minutes the building was clear. No one but me and the child. “This may not be the name I’ll give you but in all the same me and your love the name. Zero… your future won’t be an easy road. No doubt there will be times you will want to quite, but you’ll always have loving friends and family. One day you’ll realize that all this happened because of me. You’ll as well think of me as a selfish being. Selfish is the correct way to word the pain I’m going to put you through. I just want you to know that we love you.” Kissing the top of his forehead I tell him the last word he’ll hear from me for many years. “Good bye.”
As I left the Everfree it was only a matter of moments until Clover arrived. Searching the place they come across a child, a child of pure darkness. Deciding if they should destroy the child, Clover makes the choice to spare it seeing that she can’t take the life of a child. Instead she decides to curse the child. Using a spell that would keep the child at the age of one month, to never develop nor keep memories of those he will ever live with. With a second spell she made the child look as if he was an average earth pony. Generation through generation he’ll be passed down with those caring for him also having the burden of keeping this child’s past a secret. With time passing those who came to the Everfree hid in the shadows waiting. with there disappearance Clover took the opportunity to slowly erased the memories of past events throughout the nation. With everyone forgetting the changelings as well as the natives, including past wars things once again grew to be peaceful until one day clover had two fillies. As for Zero only time can tell what’s in store for him.
For now it's the End.