The forest dark and tall
Mist does blanket thee
The wood wild and free
A place not meant for pony
Home to fangs bare in knowing smiles
The dwellings of things both dark and cruel
Where lords of ponies is but a stranger
Red be painted along the forest floor
Run home little pony
Run home from the forest dark n tall
For if you do not thee end it shall be

• The song of the Everfree

The Everfree forest, that's a name that many ponies have stated as the greatest stain in all Equestria. That ancient forest had stood since Avalon's birth, silently watching as ages come and go. It is the very last remnant of the age of Humanity, it alone survived the Titan war, it stood against all ponies who dared to claim it domains, it's denizens stubborn and proud as their forest home would not kneel to the ponies, blooding any pony the dare to enter there even the Alicorns failed to tame the forest . the forest itself knows only one lord only one master Grimmnjor the humanic god of the wilds some say that Grimmnjor had survived the last battles of the Titan war making the heart of the forest his dwelling place and that as long he lives the forest will never know pony hooves. Many ponies enter those woods even the Alicorns seeking the heart where Grimmnjor is said to dwell but never had they found the mythical heart. The final pony temp to claim the forest as theirs was the ill-fated Caste of the two royal pony sisters that sever not only the foal-hood home of Celestia and Luna but as the staging point of the conquest of the forest. fortunately for the forest denizen the castle and the plan of the pony conquest was abandoned by the ponies after the battle of the new moon, the fight between Celestia and Nightmare moon (Luna) who all but destroyed the ill-fated castle thus the irony of a pony, one of those who aimed to claim the forest was the one to save it.

________________________________________

In the skies above the Everfree…

''There it is Alkeyore.'' shouted Luna flying beside my familiar Aroo. ''The Everfree forest is just below us!''

''Aye, your words rang true.'' I replayed my naive Rohnirian heavily on my words ''but how ya know it be the wood thee spoke of, methinks it be an normal woodland not some cursed place'' As we neared I felt…something, like a magical signature but different again. The forest wasn’t normal for this continent standard; with only that I could say that the forest is a place to be careful.

''It may look like any normal forest, but sometimes your eyes can lie to you.''

''Very well, let’s proceed.'' My hand gave the signal to where we would be landing so we wouldn’t be separated. ''Land Aroo!''

With a cry the familiar eagle dives down to the ground safely landing on the outskirts of the Everfree soon followed by the night princess who lands gracefully a few meters away.

I left my familiar behind so I could greet my companion.

''How are you fairing?'' My question got her attention.

Luna stretched her wings both sides ''A feel a bit sore, especially my wings since they were strained.'' The glare that she send to me wasn’t didn’t have any ill intentions. ''But a long message and a warm bath will do perfectly, but you should have known that I could have easily fly with you. ''

''Aye perhaps but I feel that my method was more…effective maybe?'' I stated, I was trying to achieve a laugh so we could forget the problems that we are currently in.

Luna giggled my remark. “Perhaps you are right Alkeyore.''

First came a smile to my lips then a laugh attempted to come but was interrupted when we heard a cry of pain.

''What was that?''

Knowingly I look to the wimping form of Aroo, Luna following my gaze gasping at the sight of the once mighty eagle crumbled up on the ground in pain, as it slowly fell apart.

“What's wrong with Aroo?!'' asked Luna frenetically, tears threatened to fall from her eyes.

I sighed solemnly. ''Princess, there is nothing wrong with my familiar.''

''ARE YOU DAFT?!” I almost recoiled for the tone that she used, “Aroo is clearly in pain!'' Luna anger was beginning to rise after hearing my response of the normal procedure of a familiar, is perfectly normal but it was not normal and should never be allowed is to try to stop the process thing that the alicorn was about to do.

''Don't even try it'' I quickly said in a menacing tone.

“I won’t let a creature suffer” Luna seemed to be determined to help the eagle in any way possible totally not knowing about the consequences.

''Luna listen to me, Aroo is fine because this is part of being a familiar.'' I say gently walking from Luna's side placing a hand on the said eagle my fingers run though his soft feathers ''Unlike you or me a familiar is not a living being despite they seem to be like us in many ways but they are mere tools forge by magic and stone, thus meaning they only purpose is to sever a wizard or any other magic user.” The more she heard the more she felt pity for the eagle.

“Due their nature they only exist for a limited time outside of their statue form, if you try to ''heal'' you'll only cause him more harm, and probably destroying it in the process. ''

''B-But he.....” She was rendered speechless knowing the truth.

''I know but Aroo is not alive, never was.'' I spoke my true feelings about the matter as I pet Aroo's form ''Your services were satisfactory.''

My familiar gave a soft pained cry '' Master, I'm ready to go back to sleep and tell your new companion that I’m grateful of her compassion.”

''It shall be done.'' I whisper to him before starting the chant

''No need remains,
the deed be done
Return to your slumber,
Until you are needed once more''

With that said a flash enveloped Aroo’s form that progressively shrank in size, moments later only a small statue was left on the ground.

Luna's form showed how much grief she was feeling and I became a bit concerned about her. Making me question the why I care about her.

“Are you troubled?”

She sighed with sadness still present in her breaths. ''No-no I'm not is just… it just pains me knowing what their fate is, he will be alright?''

I cupped her face and my lips gave a gentle smile. ''Would it help if I told you that Aroo is grateful of your compassion?''

However I had to hold back my amusement watching her immediately reaction after another truth was revealed to her ''He could talk?''

“Partially, the familiar can only communicate with its owner.'' I answered.

“Then…it does, I feel a bit better.” Finally after a long battle against her dread tears fell from her, which I wiped away without hesitation.

We shared a moment of silence until I felt the necessity of changing the subject, anything could be useful. ''Such Milady as yourself shouldn’t be alone in this time of need I hope that you could accompany in my trip as I comfort you with the best of my abilities.''

And I got the desired reaction from her, a sincere smile. ''Why yes my good lord, we would be delighted to join in your journey for rest but with the condition if thou will carry us since a tidy mane and dirty hooves, will simply not do.''

With a victorious smirk my magic lifted the princess off the ground, who gave a whine in surprise but not of displeasure; without further interruption I placed her on my arms, in a bridal style and finally we started our journey. ''Of course milady, after all that’s what a gentleman as myself would do.''

Surprisingly she wasn’t heavy as I expected her to be.

Luna’s Pov…

It was difficult to contain my blush at being so close since never before I was this close to a stallion except for my dear father, it was a new strange but welcomed feeling that refreshes me.

I felt like I was in a fantasy tale, and it was wonderful. The knight in shining armor escort the damsel in distress through a journey that will have dangers ahead, but it will not matter since the knight will protect her and keep her safe at any cost. All the facts fitted, and at the end of the journey before they go into their separates ways the knight declar…

I probably overreacted.

Or my mind is merely playing tricks.

''We will be heading somewhere better for a well deserved rest'' He spoke to me and that was enough to return me to the reality, I couldn’t say anything at the moment since I felt a knot of my throat but it was quickly dismissed when I cleared my throat.

''How about if you let me down first, I believe I’m able to walk on my own.'' I said tensely

“Perhaps you are correct, but I do not mind to have a beautiful maiden on my arms.'' he replied, of course I gave a genuine smile, being complimented after so long was wonderful.

Only when my hooves touched the ground below, I took the lead. ''Let's find a safe location Alkeyore.''

However I still wondered about our journey.

Meanwhile In the Everfree…

A young being stirs from her slumber, the silhouette had the appearance of a common pony but sometimes eyes can lie, when this young life yawned one could see the teeth of a predator, made to tear the flesh; the closer one looked the supposed pony showed more things to doubt.

The little one was still sleepy from waking up just moments ago, however that wouldn’t stop her to begin the her day; the boulder that served as her bed was covered by marks that could only be done by claws, more specifically her golden claws. Next to her was a a small pond of water where she submerged her head so she would be fully awake from the sudden cold into her system and be aware of her surroundings.

Staring directly at the water she could see her own reflection; her coat was black, he had a long purple lavender mane and with a pair of golden dragon-like horns. However the moment didn’t last, with her tail she hit the pond causing the water to splash and destroy the reflection such action was done out of anger from the events of yesterday; she managed to escape from the grasp of racist who wanted to beat her to death only for being a Kirin. Of course she didn’t leave unscathed however her assailants didn’t survive to the light of the next day something that gave her morbid pleasure of revenge. The few bruises she got weren’t much of a concern thanks to the scales she possessed on her purple underbelly, she locked her teeth and a though invaded her mind, the thought of a predator; a thought that she should have eaten the burned flesh of her enemies but of course she wouldn’t do it.

She is not a mindless beast.

''Nopony but nopony messes with Moonlit Bloom of the Everfree.'' she laughed in her song-like voice ringing across the trees. She was totally aware that most ponies feared the forest but it was not her case at all, instead it was more like her home ever since she was abandoned as a newborn; the forest itself took her in as its own, timber-wolves the dutiful elemental guardians were her bothers, the proud manticores her friends, all the denizens treated her better than any pony ever did, each of them taught her how survive in the ancient forest, they even took her to meet the lord of forest Grimmnjor and his wife Valeria, the old gods welcomed her into their dwelling where she spend her foal-hood listening to the god's tales of the days before ponies and the bastard Alicorn Sleipnir took over. Despite all the kindness the forest and the old gods gave her she grew restless with the questions about herself.

Who is she?

Who are her parents?

What is her purpose?

As far as she knew Grimmnjor and Valeria could be considered her parents, however she still searched for answers so she left on a personal quest in discover the true about her, she spend the last few years wandering the forest seeking answers armed with simple yet powerful things, her knowledge and the four items she was found as a foal, a dagger made of obsidian with a black diamond in the hilt and the words in dragon tongue 'Fiat lux lunae sustentet tibi filiam meam' carved into the short-blade, a simple short bow, a necklace with her name engraved on it and lastly around her neck a dragon head amulet. Moonlit consider the dagger and the amulet as clues about her parents were or at the very least were their last gifts from them.

''Perhaps today is the day.'' She says solemnly as she once again began her search.'

Luna’s Pov…

We have just entered the Everfree and already I could tell that something was wrong, even knowing that the forest itself was, the silence wasn’t helping either, the predators and normal animals of the forest were out of sight; it was like everything was dead. Quite frankly the environment was slowly pouring fear into my being, staying close to Alkeyore was a temporally solution and company to at least feel safe.

''Luna, what has the resemblance of a wolf yet is not one?”He suddenly asked after he stopped walking.

''You speak of the Timber-wolves Alkeyore, they are the elemental guardians of the Forest.'' I answered worry starting to grow in me, I had the concern about them lurking around explaining the reason of why it was so silent.

''Very well, now tell me what weapon can kill a ''timber-wolf''?” He asks again with the difference that he entered into a combat stance; his head moving side to side no doubt scanning his surroundings for anything.

“Well if I remember correctly massive damage weapon are effective but fire is commonly used against them or to avoid combat.” I didn’t like the direction that our conversation was taking.

Then he shows me a weapon that only two races are able to use and its whole purpose is to kill the guardians.

The fire enchanted steel claws,

''Those can only be from the Diamond Dogs or Gryphons'' The answer left my mouth without my consent.

“Then we are not totally alone in this forest.'' He stated as his eyes got darker.

“How can you say that by only showing me a weapon that could have been here for who knows how much time?”

''I had established a perimeter and I found this weapon next to two dead Timberwolves, besides the weapon still resemble to be recently maintained.” He says nonchalantly.

Of course the idea of a deceased creature was something that couldn’t be taken lightly “Alkeyore, how can you be so nonchalant at the very idea of the dead?'' I expected a reaction from him any kind yet he stared at me with the same face as before.

“At certain point of my studies I had to get involved with the arts Necromancy, besides death is something natural for us, we are misunderstood Luna.'' He explained as the forest become even more silent.

At his words, panic started to overwhelm me.

Necromancy couldn’t be called an art because is the most forbidden and thankfully forgotten magic in all of Avalon which not even that monster of Sombra got involved with it, in fact before his fall he hunted and killed the necromancers until there were no more alive. Yet here I am in the Everfree forest with a powerful being called Human that knows necromancy.

I was scared and fear was growing every second.

''I sense your fear increasing.” With sadness he spoke again. ''I believe we can end our-“

“Wait!” I interrupted him with sudden courage that overwhelmed my fear. In response he stared at me with his normal eyes, awaiting for me to continue.

''No....”

“yes...”

“...maybe”

“.....I don't know!''

It has a simple answer but it was so difficult to say something at the moment, I was so confused. I don’t know what happened with the determination that I had moments before.

Just what changed?

''I should fear you, Alkeyore. You are a human and a necromancer nevertheless, yet here I am standing right at front of you. My family was the only support I had however my parents left leaving my sister alone with me but she just…I don’t know, I’m scared.” The memories of what happened thousands years ago resurfaced in the form of a heartache and a knot on my throat. “I just don’t want to be alone again.”

The dread manifested itself with tears falling with no hint of stopping at all, memories of being trapped on the moon for a thousand years then when I returned I was lonely and that loneliness was far worse than been totally alone like I didn’t exist. Probably that could explain somehow my situation of why I got attached to him so easily, he cared.

He cared, and his hand wiping my tears showed how much he cared, I couldn’t reject that. And those eyes reminded me when my mother was still with us.

''I understand, being utterly alone is cruel yet as you said you are right here standing before me that shows how strong you are and remember that. Staying with me or going in your own path is fine, but if you stay then I promise that I'll never hurt you like the ponies did.'' And with his words alone the tears came to a halt.

''You mean it?'' I said my heart beating faster every passing second.

''Yes, my words held true and meeting you allowed me to remember how it was to be kind once again, I can say that you helped me more than I helped you. Being near you reminds me of things that I can’t picture anymore for some unknown reason and it feels amazing, and you suffering wouldn’t be fair for any of us.”

“I didn’t have many friends not because I was a recluse person, because war took them away from me, and the more you see leave your side the colder you grow until you become accustomed.”

“But now I wonder, what will happen?”

''We live Alkeyore, that what happens now.'' I answered to him, our faces were inches away from each other and the more we told about ourselves the distance became closer and I wouldn’t mind what could have happened next. ''But first we should find a place to rest''

He gave me a genuine smile.

''That would wise-'' However his eyes flared open and pinned me to the ground in haste.

I wanted to protest until I saw a small projectile hit his body only to bounce and fall to the ground like it just impacted on a wall.

________________________________________

In a tree a Gryphon who is a member from a hunting party was hiding in utter fear and regret the moment he shot that arrow, that was never his intention; he wanted the alicorn so the Gryphon king will reward him handsomely and the shot was direct and silent and it was going to hit his target but at the end it just bounced.

A human was there who received the impact.

The horror plastered on his face was clear as water when the Alicorn was being protected by a human, he wanted to flee to move to do anything yet he couldn’t. It was like he was chained on the ground by some invisible force.

His body felt so heavy.

He looked how the human’s eyes glowed with a fierce black as he neared his position, without anything to do he began to pray and say his last words.

Alkeyore’s Pov

I silently watched the arrow fall to the ground, how I couldn’t notice him concerned me until I felt his presence the moment he landed. So I deduced that he or she was a the flying type. I knew where exactly our foolish assailant was, without a second though I send my shadows to trap him or her in place and to make sure there is no escape I send my perpetual stare on the direction he or she was. I knew this fool wasn’t powerful so submission to my perpetual stare would happen without much of a problem.

I charged a quick offensive spell, to channel the spell I hit the ground and a small explosion occurred sending to my position a Gryphon armed, it was interesting to see a mythological creature who is capable of reasoning however that wasn’t on my mind at the moment, without seconds thoughts and morbid pleasure I unleashed pandemonium upon him. There was no denying I loved every hit I landed on him either a kick or a normal punch but when started to feel tired I changed tactics and slowly but surely agonizingly burned him.

He screamed and screamed but nothing and nobody will come to his aid.

However on the corner of my eye I noticed something or better said somebody, the night princess was staring at me with pure horror, fear and disgust at my actions and sorrow for the pitiful form of the gryphon. Her fearful eyes cut into my current being and everything stopped, except for the agonizing pain of my victim who was still breathing. I stared at my hand and it was painted red then I stared at the gryphon and his beak was shattered.

''Kill me'' He begged with his last breath, then his body stopped.

He died.

Blood so much blood.

Many things I could do with it, necromancy at its finest could be applied.

“MONSTER!”

That voice alone was enough to wake me up from the stupor I was in, the necromancer influence faded and in front of me was the princess.

''Luna before…” I tried to talk to her but I was immediately interrupted by her lashing an attack which I quickly deflected. Then she casted a barrier around her and slowly backed away from me with her eyes not leaving me a single second.

''Monster.......Monster.......Monster.............Monster'' That word was repeatedly directed at me and my ears felt like an burning inferno my body shakes with an hidden rage despite the growing rage increased a memory sequence of my past was triggered, those actions and words of that day shall haunt me for the rest of my days

Flashback

On a silent battlefield only two figures were still alive however one was on the ground weeping for what he brought to his very home while the other was fully standing while studying with mild interest the new cemetery perfectly knowing of his companion pain.

“Never forget Alkeyore because this day is the day you learn to decide. For you see what’s in front of you.” He signaled the battlefield, scattered bodies laying dead, weapons broken and a dead terrain.

“When the law of life asks you to stop, when morals pleads for a stop, while your heart beats with pain and sorrow, you MUST IGNORE THEM!”

“ONLY YOUR LOGIC KNOWS WHAT IS RIGHT OR WRONG!”

“Logic is the key to all answers, whether they are easy or hard, let it guide you. But before you decide make sure you know the full consequences of that sole decision. For a life is nothing but a life, and war is a war. Creation and destruction are both things to come out of both; no matter what you do, those two will happen.”

Alkeyore still on his hands and knees rose his head from the ground to look at his surroundings however with a simple glimpse he shut his eyes and returned to the ground yet the survivor didn’t accept such action and pulled his hair up forcing him to look.

.

“I SAID LOOK!”

What he saw was … terrifying. The once green lush fields was now black sand mixed with the dust of a proud army that fought on those lands with courage, but not every soldier became dust and their remains were proof enough of that claim, skeletons and scrapes of armor still remained, but it didn’t end there because that would be shortsighted. Alkeyore was forced to turn around and appreciate the beauty of war and defeat.

And it was described by the color red.

Bodies hanged from dead trees while some where impaled by spears, long swords and even short sword whose body showed how the victim desperately attempted to remove the weapon. Body parts everywhere, probably thrown and died from the fall.

''Am I am monster for bringing all this suffering'' He closed his eyes while tears fell to the burned ground. But this time his eyes closed because he was allowed to.

Alkeyore felt a hand land on his shoulder and it gave him comfort that he needed so badly, his teary eyes looked up and connected to friend’s eyes. “I wanted you witness this day Alkeyore, because this concept does not just apply to war, it applies with every choice you make.” This man kneeled right at front of Alkeyore.

“There will be many difficult choices in your future, I can tell just by looking at you, but this is the first and probably the only one that you will highly regret, however it will not be the last and it will not be the worst.”

Alkeyore's friend gave him a soft smile “Always remember that all decisions will have a good and bad side, but there sometimes they can be justified. A good example would be this very one right here. You made the decision to have me stop the war and the results were a compete massacre to this army but at the end the war was stopped.”

Alkeyore looked behind him to see his beloved homeland Rohnir looking the terrains from afar it still maintained its beauty however he felt like his own homeland was mocking him.

“You are an interesting kid, I wonder what the future will prepare for you but I can say for sure that it will be an interesting one.”

Without seconds thoughts Alkeyore hugged his friend and cried until there were no tears left.

End flashback

“ENOUGH!”

I didn’t hesitate to use the chains on her, she was subdue without any complications not even her attempts of struggle do a thing to the lock. Despite that fact she kept trying and her attempts increased when I got closer. I tried to grab her but when my hand leaned forward to touch her she tried to bite me, I sighed and acted fastly.

“I need you to calm down.”

''Calm down?! You brutally murdered an innocent being with your own hands who did nothing wrong!'' cried Luna

“HE ATTEMPTED AGAINST YOUR LIFE LUNA!'' I roared, the words echoing in the forest. “OPEN YOUR EYES!”

She didn’t say a word; she just fell silent staring at the ground.

“Tsch! I shouldn’t have bothered to care about you.” I dispelled the chains that kept her in place. “After all monsters don’t care for others.”

'' Alkeyore...I-“ She looked pathetic why did I care for her in the first place?

Why did I bother?

''Come with me or go back where you come from, I don't really care anymore'' I made my way further into the forest leaving her behind. Hopefully she will not follow me; I don’t want a burden in this journey.

________________________________________

Meanwhile in the Edar

Discord waited with hesitation as the black furred Alicorn with a mane of the purest rainbows gazed into her crystal ball thousands of images dance in her pupil-less white eyes humming in thought. ''Discord your words don't surprise me but they bring me worry.'' her soft-spoken voice whispered into his mismatch ears.

''I doubt anything can surprise you Seer but I must know if he is the one'' Discord further inquired.

''Maybe yes maybe no Discord'' giggle the older mare

''AHHH which is it Faust is he the balance of Light and Darkness or not I must know'' say Discord annoyed at the vague mare

''Oh but where's the fun in that my little chaos spirit'' said Faust smugly, knowing perfectly that was his phrase.

''Dear Faust the seriousness of the situation is as serious as how hard is a rock, because a human has shown himself in Avalon and only you know what future is ahead of us, I must know what you see.''

The black Alicorn rolled her ''For our human and Avalon many trials lay ahead ''

A raven painted in red
Sorrow be great for Avalon when he flies
A lonesome moon with longing
Hand in hand do they flee
A lost son returns to set things right
Nightmares dancing in glee when their prey is near
A spawn of two beings prays on the darkest of nights

A wrong that was done long ago is finally undone
A forgotten queen comes to her halls
Heroes rise, but fall in the sands
Their foes shall be many; but friends few

War shall fall unto Avalon once again
A serpent dances in fire's light
Howls below the moonlight
Horns became sharp
A talon submerged in blood
predators which will seek you fell to your fears.
The Pony stands alone on the withered heath
Drums..
Drums do they sound

A small party is led by a raven who dare to dance in the darkness of souls
The raven shall come to remake the halls of his sires
The sword is sharp, the spear is long
The arrow swift, the Gate is strong
The raven's people shall suffer no more

''A prophecy'' Discord deadpanned as he gave a dejected look “My ears are only for riddles.''

''Shush now, you wanted to know the future this is the only way I can tell it.'' said Faust with a hump

''Fine, have it in your way'' Discord shaking his head rising his crow claw to teleport

''Oh Discord sweetie one more thing before you go'' sang Faust

''Yes what is it'' piped the annoyed Discord before he felt magic binding him in place

Faust wills the chaos god close a knowing look on her face ''I know what you been doing with my daughter Celestia''

Discord stats to comically sweat buckets and nervous look on his face “You do?”

''Yes I do'' Faust nod ''and I have one thing to say about it''

Discord hesitantly gulps

''I want grandchildren lots of grandchildren you hear?'' Faust coos ''and if you hurt her in anyway,'' Discord feeling the older alicorn's magic tighten around his throat ''I'll tear them off and feed them to Sleipnir'' The double meaning message was clear as the water.

Discord wasted no time to cast a teleportation spell.

Faust sighed contently since Discord brought amusement to her yet it didn’t last. ''I knew that you had heard Discord's words Aronnos, He has return to us after all these years...... Alternis is home''

Author's Note

edited by xluferx