Tales of Dark Souls

"Alright, so tell us about this king." Rainbow Dash said as she snuggled into her futon. "The story about Raime was kind of, well, meh." She said, faking a yawn.

"Oh really?" Tim asked sarcastically. "Well, I'm sure I can come up with one story that'll pull some strings." Tim said as he looked at her. "Oh, and believe me, there are plenty."

"Bring it." Rainbow Dash retorted.

"Could you please continue?" Twilight asked in slight annoyance.

Tim looked at her and rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Sorry Twilight, I'll begin right away."

"Oh this is going to be amazing!" Rarity whispered.

"Alright, let's begin." Tim said as he looked at the ponies. "Why do we build walls?" He asked. Everypony looked at him in confusion. "Well, there are two reasons. The first one is more common, it's to protect something, something precious. The other is much more rare and terrifying, it's to keep something from getting out. The walls of Eleum Loyce are those second kinds of walls. Eleum Loyce is like a Pandora's box. Containing one of the most ancient and terrifying evils ever known to mankind. The Chaos. The Chaos did not always exist, it was born from fear and respiration. The Chaos had returned once more, for it was thought to be destroyed long, long ago. The people of Eleum Loyce fled in fear from The Chaos. That was, until The Ivory King came."

"Ooh, these are the kind of stories I like!" Rarity squealed in excitement.

Tim laughed at Rarity's excitement. "Yeah, but let's continue."

"Yeah, let's." Twilight said.

"So, with his sword, his soul, and Loyce Knights, The Ivory King fought back The Chaos. When it was contained, the king build Eleum Loyce, a vast; rampart city. Golems patrolled the walls, given life by The Ivory King. They were charged with the containment of the creatures of The Chaos within. A cult of priestess' was formed, who devoted themselves to a ritual that appeased the ancient Chaos. The king himself erected his throne at the very entrance to Chaos, for he wished to serve as the first line of defence. Any creature of Chaos that threatened his city would have to pass him first. And the king would not falter. It was here in Eleum Loyce, that The Ivory King took a queen. Alsana. It appeared she was a woman of great power, for she possessed the same talent as the priestess' did. And she quelled The Chaos Flame below. Together, in a city cut off from the rest of the world, and facing constant danger, they were wed and they stood together; despite the hardship. But, like Nadalia and the queen I mentioned in the first story, Alsana was a Child of Dark. She wed her king out of selfishness."

"How could she?!" Rarity almost screamed. "Getting married is something you do when you truly love your special somepony! Not because of selfishness."

"Easy Rarity, you're heating up." Applejack said nervously.

Tim shook his head and continued. "She saw that the king was strong, and intended to find safety by his side. Nevertheless, The Ivory King loved her, and supported this Child of The Abyss, even as he fought against the flames of Chaos. Two ancient evils weighed upon the king. One in front of him, and one at his side. But even so, he weathered them both, for himself and for his people. There was evidence that having a Child of Dark weighed upon the king. He had seven pets, and two could be found in the outskirts of Eleum Loyce. Task with the mercy, killing those who were exiled form the kingdom. Lud and Zallen are great cats, brothers of Aava, a tiger that remains in the city itself. The two outside were cursed with a dark aura and one has to wonder whether they became this way due to the presence of Alsana. For they were kept out of sight, so none could report on their true nature, or what The Child of Dark was doing to those who stood beside her. Inevitably, there came a moment were The Ivory King sensed the degradation of his own soul. In this moment he made a decision, he would not run from Chaos, rather, he would give himself to Chaos in order to appease the flame. Without a word, he left his home. He left his wife. And he left his country. But not without one final act."

"For before he set off to strike at the heart of Chaos,, he entrusted everything to Alsana. Upon his parting, he handed her Eleum Loyce. The city and a ceremonial blade by its name. The twin blades of Eleum Loyce, one light and one dark, were intertwined. Just like The Ivory King  and his Dark Queen once were.  He knew Alsana was a Child of Dark all along, but he said nothing. He believed her to be more than the sum of her parts. And so she was. The king' s believe in his queen allowed her to rise above her dark nature, it was his final gift to her. But then he left, never to return."

"I don't like were this is going." Fluttershy whispered.

"A true love. The king loved her even if she was dark." Rarity sighed in sadness.

Tim shook sighed. Damn, the king had really been through a lot.

"Chaos claimed The Ivory King. And many knights of Loyce, many were burned along their lord,  and to this day they burn in agony. Alongside their once proud king. Lacking all sense of self, and driven only to sponge those who disturb  the flame. Even former compatriots. But those who survived, fight against the Chaos, commanded to strike down their former comrades and their own king. Their sacrifice is total, and they freeze the portals that contain the creatures of Chaos, and their comrades. What makes a king? Some say that it is birthright, while others call it destiny. Perhaps it is not important. As long as the king's name serves to unite his people. The Ivory King was one of the greatest, if not the greatest king to have ever lived. His sacrifice saved the world from Chaos, and he was not changed by The Child of Dark at his side. In fact, she alone remains, despite her fearful nature, and watches over Chaos out of respect for her lord. Such was his influence over her. The Ivory King gave everything for his queen and kingdom. He died, with his honor intact. Unlike others, the king died for his queen and kingdom. He saved the world from Chaos. He was a true king."

"Wow, that was probably one of the saddest stories I've ever heard." Twilight said, scribbling on a piece of paper. "The Ivory King, Princess Celestia would certainly respect such a king."

"A true gentlecolt." Rarity said, wiping away a few tears.

"He wasn't a meanie, nor was Alsana." Pinkie said.

"The story was cool, but, I didn't cry." Rainbow Dash said.

"Well, I was on the verge of crying." Applejack admitted as she looked at Rainbow Dash. "And you too Dash. Don't deny it."

"Pffft, yeah right." Rainbow Dash said as she looked at Fluttershy. "What about you Fluttershy?"

"Well, I'm just happy The Chaos didn't spread." Fluttershy smiled.

"Yep. Alright everypony!" Tim beamed in joy. "Next up, Sinh, The Slumbering Dragon!"

"Dragon!" Spike beamed. "Awesome!"

"Did you honesty think I would forget about you, Spike?" Tim asked.