Yesterday was mostly spent with Shining working in the training grounds. I actually fought a couple of hand picked guards in a three on on match. Unfortunately for them Shining allowed me to use the whip from our first time training, they were down in less than a minute.

It felt natural for me to wield, not quite as like the gauntlets on my arms but close. Like a part that Blake had given to me beyond just his memories. Shining seemed to notice this as well as he kept giving me harder things to try, which I succeeded in all after some practice.

However today would be the one that Snowdrop and I would be taking the train down to Canterlot. It would take about three days to make it there and if we had waited as long as we could.

Shining, Cadence, and Flurry came with us to say farewell.

"You'll come back to visit, right?" Flurry asked with large eyes to Snowdrop and I. Somehow the effect seemed to work on even Snowdrop.

"Of course we will. And you can always come to visit us, once everything settles down somewhat." Snowdrop replied with a smile.

Shining walked up to me with a wooden box in hand. Placing it in my hands he told me, "Seeing how well you took to that training flail, I took the liberty to find something like it that would suit you." He explained.

I opened the box to find a silver chain whip inside. At its end, was a blade with a small crystal set into it. The crystal itself looked clear at first, until a swirl of blue energy appeared and faded. I had a feeling there was more to this than what Shining first said.

My suspicion was confirmed when he continued, "That is a relic from the time of Sombra. He might have been known as the Mad King, but the stallion was also a genius. He created many weapons with extraordinary properties, but never trusted them to anyone. The whip you hold is made from a metal he created and according to his notes is called froststeel. It will never become brittle in the coldest conditions, and is amazingly tough. It was so hard to work with, this is the only item that has ever been successfully made with such fine detail. Typically it is reserved for only swords and shields. However, that is not the most important part. The crystal contained at the end is a winterstone, a naturally occurring magic stone that can create ice. Activating the properties of the stone typically require a unicorn, however I believe you might find some way to make it work for you. Though even without the winterstone, this weapons is formidable in the right hands. I think that it should be in yours." He explained to me.

"Thank you Shining, this should be useful in the future." I tell him, not really knowing what else to say.

He gave a chuckle at my awkwardness and gave me a pat on my shoulder. After that he stepped back and Cadence came forward.

"Though it has been brief, I'm glad I met you Von. I have no doubts that you will do great things in time. If there is anything we can do for you, simply send us a letter and we will do all we can. But for now take this." She told me before handing over a scroll with a wax seal on it. "That is my letter of recommendation for you to continue to act as a Guardian. Present it to Celestia and Luna when you see them in Canterlot. It should help some proceedings go more smoothly."

"Thank you Cadence. Is there anything else I should know?" I asked her, wanting to learn all I could.

"I wish there was. However anything else I could add is not my place to say, and might only make this whole ordeal more troublesome for you both. Being that way, all I will say is that you have my trust and I hope safe travels to you both." She looked over to Snowdrop and added, "And do make sure to keep him out of trouble, if he inherited it from Blake then he'll have a knack for finding it."

Snowdrop giggled but nodded and said, "You can count on me. I'm sure we can handle anything that comes our way."

"I'll hold you to it." Cadence replied with a giggle herself. Then she added to me, "The train will be making a nonstop trip to Canterlot. When you get there, expect an escort. They will likely confuse you with Blake, until you meet with Celestia and Luna, keep it that way. For whatever happens after you meet them, listen to Snowdrop. She won't steer you wrong."

"Yeah, I believe you're right." I say with a smile, looking over to Snowdrop to see one in return.

With nothing more to say, we said goodbye one last time and Snowdrop and I boarded the train. We were alone in the nobles' car, as Guardians are recognized as nobility of all races, and no other nobles were journeying to Canterlot.

It was lavish, would be the easiest way to describe it. Velvet benches with crystal tables for when we ate, along with private beds and bathrooms separate from the use of others on the train. The floors were carpeted a rich purple color, and almost every item in the car was made of gold, or at least gilded so. Willow though didn't have much care for the place and lazily hopped on one of the benches and proceeded to take a nap.

"Guessing from your silence it must look very ornate." Snowdrop's words broke me from my stupor.

"The Crystal Palace I thought was beautiful, but it felt bare. Here is also beautiful, but it feels more..."

"Suffocating?" Snowdrop offered.

"Yeah. I think I prefer bare, that at least feels like I have freedom." I answered.

"I can imagine. I remember visiting a few noble houses. I kept bumping into things as there was always too much to remember." She replied, annoyed by the memory.

This got me to wonder, "Snowdrop, what are nobles like?"

This caught her off guard as she stared blankly at me for moment before finding a place to sit down. I followed suit as she started off, "Well it could very well have changed from when I was around. Nobles were the local leaders in a way. Who you'd go to if there was a problem too minor to bring to court but that you couldn't solve yourself. They also acted as counsel to Celestia from what I know. Princess Cadence had mentioned about proving yourself to the nobility along with other Guardians. Could be they hold more power than simply council now."

"Served as council to Celestia? Not her and Luna?" I asked, noticing the omission.

"It probably contributed to her corruption. There were those that didn't care for Luna's night, top among those where certain influential nobles. As they owned land and resources that where best used during daylight, the night was an inconvenience that reduced their wealth by not having more of said daylight. Luna was often excluded from times they counseled Celestia, doing their best to make it seem they were having helping Celestia not bother Luna. However when this affected the common pony poorly, Luna would see and when she would find out why, she would be livid. The breaking point was when Celestia actually tried to talk to Luna about shorter nights, on a request from a noble."

"That sounds horrible. What do you think they could be like now?" I asked with genuine curiosity.

"I'm not quite sure. Anything I say is speculation. I've been asleep and away from civilization for so long, there's no telling how things are now." Snowdrop told me.

"I suppose so. I tend to forget you are as lost as I am in some ways. We both don't quite belong here, but here we are just the same."

Snowdrop giggles and puts a hand on mine and says, "At least we don't belong, together. We get to find out how we fit in on our own terms."

Willow gave a bark of agreement before returning to her nap. Snowdrop and I looked at each other, just before we both started to laugh. We were together, all of us.

The next three days passed by quickly. Snowdrop was getting more nervous about seeing Luna again. With myself admittedly not doing much better, though for slightly different reasons.

Shining had made it clear to me that what I was about to face would likely be full of events and obstacles where Blake's memories would not be helpful. Considering I had been relying on them for the most part since my journey began, I was starting to doubt if this would go well.

Soon it wouldn't matter though. We were a couple hours away from Canterlot now. I could see the city on the mountain. Though it was still far away, it stood out from the rock of the mountain like a pearl. Bright and shining, a beacon to all around it. I was interested to find out what it would look like up close.

"There are times I wish I wasn't born with eyes like this." Snowdrop said suddenly.

I turned from the window to face her, an action I knew she could sense.

"The only sight I have now is because of this diadem. But even it doesn't let me see much. It's only the soul of others I see, a faint silhouette of who they are. It feels like I miss out on anything I can't touch." She said sadly.

"I could always try and describe it to you. Canterlot that is." I offered.

Snowdrop gave a small smile and shook her head, "No, that's alright. You could describe it with the accuracy of a book and it wouldn't help. I've never seen color so I couldn't imagine anything if you told me. I think the souls I see have color, but you can't see what I do so it's not like you could tell me what they are."

"Isn't their any way I can help?" I asked.

She moved from her spot across from me and sat down. Then placed her head on my shoulder and sighed, "This helps. I like being able to touch others. It lets me know they are real, and not just a silhouette my diadem shows me."

I placed my head on hers and closed my eyes. It was a nice feeling. Willow even came over and curled up against our legs.

We dozed off like that for a while, until a hostess came and shook Snowdrop, which in turn woke me.

"Apologies for waking you up, but we will be arriving in Canterlot Station in five minutes." The young unicorn mare stated.

With her message delivered she moved on without waiting for a response.

We prepared what little we had. We each only had a small bag, filled mostly with extra clothes that Shining and Cadence gave us before we left. And I had the box Shining gave me and the scroll Cadence had given me, of course.

I looked out the window again to an impressive sight. Before it was a speck on the mountain, now I could see it in detail. The most fitting description I believe I could say is that it looked like a city of ivory, crowned with gold and purple. The buildings in the Crystal Empire were simple for the most part, but here each one was ornate. The city was a symbol of wealth, along with being the seat of power for Equestria.

The train slowly pulled into the station and we exited. I had already inquired how to get to the castle, but as we began to move I heard someone call out.

"Blake! Sir Blake! Please wait a moment sir!"

It was the sir that made me pause, I would have corrected him but I remembered what Cadence had instructed me to do.

Approaching us was a squad of stallions wearing golden armor, the apparent leader had his helm off and under his arm, revealing his red mane.

Once they were close enough they stop and their leader saluted, "Sir Blake, I am Lieutenant Strike. Here to escort you to the Palace."

I half expected memories to flood my mind when the guard gave his name, however nothing happened, so Blake must not be familiar with him. "Thank you Lieutenant. Please, lead the way."

"Yes sir, though may I ask who is this mare and her pet?" He said, speaking of Snowdrop and Willow. The latter of which growled at being called a pet, the guard moving back a step nervously.

Though I wanted to correct him, I kept up the act, "They are my companions. They will be joining us."

Still looking at Willow nervously he asked, "Is that dog safe to be around people?"

I just started walking, Snowdrop and Willow following me, the latter growling at the guard as she passed him. I said over my shoulder, "As long as you don't mistake a wolf for a dog again, you should be safe."

The lieutenant scrambled to catch up, his fellow guards forming an escort around us as we journeyed towards the palace.

He wasn't a quiet fellow, chatting with us the whole way. "I must say sir, you look different than the description we were given. Did something happen when you visited the north, sir?"

"Many things. Though it is best that the Princesses hear them first." I gave him a half truth, like Shining taught me.

"Well for now that will be Princess. Princess Celestia is the only one in Canterlot at the moment. Princess Luna had to leave early this morning to deal with some issue in Cloudsdale. Though I believe she is supposed to be due back in the next few hours."

Snowdrop seemed sad at this news, but I held her hand in an offer of support.

The guard continued with, "Princess Celestia is currently in court at the moment. She would have made sure it ended for when you arrived, but we were not certain of when the train would arrive. So not wanting to close court for a whole day so soon after the Conflict has ended,she kept it open and had us wait at the station. We were instructed to interrupt court if necessary, depending on when you arrived." He said with some satisfaction.

"Will there be any problems if we do that?" I questioned him.

"Not really, the Nobles will probably pitch a fit. Other than that, it won't effect anyone."

Snowdrop and I gave each other a look, but didn't press further.

The lieutenant mentioned other things as we traveled, like how reconstruction efforts were progressing, most Guardians were returning to their home nations, and about getting gifts for hearth's warming with it being only a month away. It wasn't long before we finally arrived at the palace.

We walked by several units of guards, all of which stopped and saluted before returning to their duties. Rounding a corner we saw a line of mostly unicorns leading into a set of double doors, the throne room.

Without even pausing, the lieutenant kept on until we entered the room. Causing several angry murmurs to come from the line as we passed.

On her throne was who I assumed was Celestia. With a human standing next to the throne, wearing a military uniform.

At that moment a flood of images and memories filled my mind, more so than from any other encounter.

"You've grown into such a dependable man, Blake." Said Celestia standing before me as I knelt.

Another as we stood in a study, her's probably, "I wish you the best on your mission."

A final one was just words as the images faded out, "Come back safely. You have someone waiting for you, you know." Celestia said with a giggle.

Celestia had noticed us and stood, a smile on her face, but it didn't feel genuine.

She raised a hand to stop the babble coming from a dressed up unicorn who had not noticed us enter.

"I'm afraid court must be concluded early for today, a matter that demands my attention has come up." She said calmly, but with a tone that left no room for argument.

Except the noble that had paused to let her speak, "Your highness, I was just getting to the heart of my complaint!"

"If it indeed needs immediate attention, Sir Long Wind. Then you may speak with my husband, Lord Ryan. I'm sure he will be able to help you." Celestia told him.

The stallion froze while casting a look at the man at Celestia's side, who stared back with a gaze the gave the impression of, 'Try me'.

"I-I-I believe I'll simply return at another time, your Highness." He said with a bow before exiting the room.

Guards safely escorted the rest of the line out of the room, with my escort joining with them and leaving. Which left Celestia, her husband Ryan, Snowdrop, Willow, and I.

Ryan looked to be in his thirties, but a few memories from Blake told me he had looked that way for many years. He was the first to speak up.

"Blake, glad to have you back. Who's this that is with you?" He said taking a step forward, about to walk down the steps from the throne. However Celestia stopped him.

"Dearest?" Ryan questioned, as Celestia walked down herself.

Celestia walked over, ignoring me and standing in front of Snowdrop. Who looked up at the Alicorn who was almost a foot taller than her.

Snowdrop broke the silence that had filled the room with a simple greeting, "Hello Celestia. It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

Tears filled Celestia's eyes as she broke down and collapsed to her knees in front of Snowdrop. The princess hugged Snowdrop as she cried into her dress. Snowdrop knelt down as well and returned the princess's hug as she cried on her shoulder now.

"I'm so sorry for all that happened! I was such a fool! You only tried to help me and save her, but I ignored you. And after I banished Luna I thought I lost you as well."Celestia sobbed out.

Ryan looked concerned as he made to hurry over, but paused as he saw Snowdrop just brushed her hand through Celestia's ethereal mane as she tried to calm her. It looked touching and odd at the same time, giving their difference in height.

After a minute or so Celestia finally calmed herself, and with Ryan coming over to help her up, both she and Snowdrop stood back up.

She brushed a lingering tear from her eye before turning to me, "It appears much has happened since Blake was sent to the Tundra. Who are you?"

Ryan looked more confused than when Celestia had broken down, "Tia? Are you alright? This is Blake. Our friend?" He said to her, as though she should realize.

I saved her the trouble of explaining, "I'm afraid you are incorrect, Ryan. My name is Von Steelsoul. Blake is dead I'm afraid."

Ryan's eyes widened in shock as Celestia turned away with a hand over her mouth.

After she composed herself again she asked me, "Von Steelsoul, I'll ask again, who are you?"

I believe this is what Cadence meant by control the narrative, I needed to tell her the truth.

"I am a wolf, or I was at least until I found Blake. I was an omega, living in a cave in the Tundra. About two weeks ago now I had become aware of myself as an intelligent being. A week ago, a sudden blizzard erupted outside my cave, and a crash occurred not long after. After the crash, the blizzard quickly faded and I investigated. I found Blake dying in a crater not far from my cave. Along with my meta-cognition I found myself capable of sounds I understood as words, I asked Blake how I could help. He was very weak, not going to survive much pass when I found him, I think he knew this too. So he used his weapon and stabbed me, casting a spell at that same time. When I next awoke I was human, with this crest on my chest. " I showed them the Guardian crest.

Continuing, I told my story, "Blake had imparted me with some of his memories when he transformed me, and I knew how to get to Equestria. Knowing that would be my best way to get more answers, I traveled south. Not long into my journey I came across Snowdrop, frozen in a pillar of ice. Once I freed her and I learned she also wanted to go to Equestria, we started traveling together. We escaped a dracolich which was controlled by the Wendigo Zy, and also a golem of onyx which was Cy, on our journey south.

We stopped at the Outpost where I was reunited with my sister, Willow. The wolf here beside me. From there we traveled through the Rift and we met Prince Shining. He brought us back to the Crystal Empire where we met Princess Cadence. They let us stay a day before we took the train to come to Canterlot. They also wanted me to be the one to tell you the news of Blake's death, so I could tell you all this without anyone telling you something false before we got the opportunity to speak."

Celestia listened patiently until my tale was over before she gave a small nod. "Just a moment, please." She told us.

Her horn glowed for a second before the world around us popped, and was suddenly replaced with a new location. It looked like the study I had seen in the memory. Ryan looked annoyed at Celestia for a moment before he sighed and found a chair to sit in.

I was a little dazed myself as I found a couch to sit on, Snowdrop joining me. I chuckled a bit as I saw Willow just shake her head and slump to the floor, putting her paws over her eyes like she was trying to get the room to stop spinning.

A giggle from Celestia as well made me focus back to see her sit down across from us. "First time teleportation can be rough on some. She'll be fine." She reassured me.

Her look turned more serious when she continued, "Thank you for being the one to tell me what happened to Blake. I believe Cadence was correct in having you be the one to tell me. Though this doesn't make things much easier."

"What things would you be referring to?" I asked her.

"That crest on your chest, and how it came to be there, complicates things greatly. When news of Blake's death and your arrival in his place reaches the nobles and other Guardians, there will be things required of you." Celestia said, before adding, "Though I really should first ask, do you wish to be a Guardian?"

I chuckled as I remembered, "I was asked a similar question by Prince Shining. Yes, I do wish to continue as a Guardian. Blake changed my destiny from being a lonely omega. I feel continuing in his place is the right way to thank him for that."

Celestia gave a soft smile, genuine this time, as she continued, "I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure Snowdrop would vouch for you and I bet Cadence gave you something to say her own thoughts on the matter." I opened my bag and handed her the scroll from Cadence. "Not surprising. She has done better about thinking ahead since becoming a mother." Celestia commented to herself.

"Cadence had mentioned about having to possibly prove myself. Is that what you meant by 'required of me'?" I asked after Celestia put the note down.

"That would be correct. When the Guardians were founded over twenty years ago, its members were united in their beliefs for the most part. This allowed the Guardians to function well when members would need to travel to other kingdoms. As all are considered nobility of all races, however nobility means different things to different races. The minotaurs view it as a title given to the strong, the griffons an indication of wealth, for sirens a sign of fertility, and so on. Of the original twelve members, only three remain because of some of these reasons. However when new guardians have been chosen to replace their predecessors , not all races have agreed. This has lead to, in the last few years especially, Guardians being more on guard about who gets to join them.

With this being the case, when we announce Blake's passing and your taking his place, I would expect the minotaurs, dragons, and the yaks to probably contest your right to be a Guardian. Normally, sending out the news and hearing responses would take about a week. However, the Guardians of the minotaurs, griffons, and zebras are currently staying the rest of the week in Canterlot. Because the guards believed you to be Blake, it is likely news of your return will reach them shortly. When the come to see him and find you instead, it is likely one of them will desire to test you in some fashion." Celestia explained.

Snowdrop was actually the one to speak next, "What about the nobles? From what we've heard from the guards, they aren't well liked. How much has changed since I've been gone?"

Celestia looked sheepish as she attempted to come up with a response. It was Ryan that was the one to actually answer her.

"You mean those brown-nosing, bloodsucking, parasitic, overblown, pompous, egotistical, waste of space, scumbags, we keep around because we can't execute them." He said with enough contempt that Celestia looked more ashamed of herself.

Snowdrop looked stunned at Ryan's string of insults, he just swirled some brandy in a glass he had gotten while we had been talking.

"Are they really so bad?" I asked, wanting to understand Ryan's disdain.

He threw back the rest of the liquor in his glass before answering, "For most of them, that was being nice. There are a few that actually live up to their title, but I can count those on one hand."

"Well how does that effect my status as Guardian?" I asked Celestia.

She straightened up and cleared her throat, "All humans are technically citizens of Equestria, as part of a law I passed after the Collapse. Because of this the human Guardian has acted as our representative since we already have the elements of harmony, myself, and Luna. With the guardians being more choosy, the nobles have gotten it into their mind that they can also influence who gets to be a Guardian. When Blake became Guardian, it took all five princesses' recommendation to silence the nobles. However I don't believe that solution will work this time."

Snowdrop looked confused when she asked, "Why is that? Who would reject Von?"

Before Celestia could respond a door opened and closed, it came from the room adjacent to the one we were in. A mare's voice called out as we all sat silent.

"Tia, I'm back. Do you know where Blake is? I heard from a guard that he had returned, but I can't sense him in the Palace. Did he go out?" The mare said.

Her voice was sweet, one I could listen to for hours. By the nickname she gave Celestia, this must have been Luna. Though if that was the case, why was I suddenly very nervous.

"Tia? You're in here ri-" Luna stepped into the room and froze.

She looked between Snowdrop and I, trying to find words as her mouth just opened and closed a few more times.

Again a rush of memories assaulted me, worse than with Celestia.

"Truly, you are most strange. But also most kind." Luna said with a smile, as we sat on a bench in a garden.

"I care for you more than you realize." I actually heard Blakes voice, for the first time in a memory.

"If you mean what you say. Please tell me again." Luna said, her voice almost pleading.

I saw a hand go to her cheek as I heard Blake say, "Luna, I love y-"

The memory stopped there. The harder I tried to recall, or see it again, the fuzzier it became.

I was broken out of my thoughts when Snowdrop stood and took a step towards Luna, who in turn took one back, acting like she was looking at a ghost. Luna tore her gaze away from Snowdrop to look at me. With the initial shock finally wearing off she said.

"W-who are you, and why do you look so similar to my beloved?" She said with fear in her voice. A sound that made my heart ache.

I looked at Snowdrop because words failed to pass my lips. Snowdrop noticed and turned around, placing a hand on my shoulder. Shaking I didn't even realize I was doing, stopped when she placed her hand on me. My breathing leveled out and my voice returned.

I looked at Luna and answered, "My name is Von Steelsoul. Blake made me his successor as Guardian before he... died." It took a moment to say the last word, as I felt something terrible would happen if I did.

Luna's eyes became unfocused, and her balance faltered. Celestia moved and caught her, lowering her to her knees as she repeated the same three words

"Blake... is... dead..."

She kept repeating those words, until Celestia asked her with worry in her voice, "Sister? Are you alright?"

Luna stopped chanting, her eyes unclouded and focused back on me. None of us had realized Luna had moved for a moment, that is except for me. She had me pinned to the wall with one hand with a scythe in the other as she screamed at me.

"LIES! TO COME IN HERE, USE HIS NAME, AND PROCLAIM TO BE HIS SUCCESSOR! YOU KILLED HIM, DIDN'T YOU!? YOU KILLED MY BELOVED!" Luna shouted, her voice shaking the stone of the walls around us.

"Luna!" Celestia shouted at her. Moving to break us apart, but Luna kept shouting.

"BAEL! IF YOU'RE THERE YOU BETTER TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED RIGHT NOW!"

I had no idea who she meant, but Celestia stopped when she heard that name. Instead she cast a spell over the room, and the world around us dissolved into a white plain. Luna dropped me when the spell was complete as the wall I was previously pinned to disappeared.

"Luna, you need to calm down." Snowdrop pleaded with her.

Luna didn't take her eyes off me as she spoke in a harsh tone, "We will speak later. For now I will learn the truth of what happened to my beloved."

"I-I don't know who you are talking about." I stammered out, trying to compose myself in front of this terrifying mare.

"You might not. But if anything you say is true, then I will find it out... from what hides inside you." She said, raising her scythe so the point was positioned over my chest. Willow started to growl, but it turned to a whimper when Luna turned her gaze to her briefly.

It would probably be better to let me handle this. A voice echoed in my mind. The same one from the forge.

You're Bael? How can I hear you?

This is Celestia's doing. Feeding you magic since she made this dimension. Enough to allow me to...

I felt a pressure rise from within me. I curled in on myself as it became painful. Trying to fight it off.

Fool! Stop resisting! Just let it happen!

I tried to do as the voice said, relaxing as best I could. The pressure was no longer agony, but I felt like something was with me. Like I was no longer alone in my own body.

I felt my mouth move, but it was not I who spoke, "Princess of the Night. Is all this really necessary?"

The others tensed up, Snowdrop especially looked terrified. Ryan stood closer to Celestia as Luna addressed him.

"Tell me Bael. Tell me how Blake died." Her voice rose as she added, " Tell me why this copy sits before me! TELL ME WHY YOU DIDN'T SAVE HIM!" She was back to screaming.

As I no longer didn't have complete control of my body, I didn't flinch at her words.

"He died because he was sent on an impossible mission. The man before you now in fact used to be a wolf. Who found him as he lay dying. Blake saw something in him and outside our recommendation, preformed the blood binding ritual. Having no other body to use, we were forced to change this boy into a human using Blake as a model. So in a way this boy is Blake, it is his body. At least, in part. "

"DO NOT DODGE MY QUESTION, CRETIN!" Luna pointed the scythe at us again.

He just pushed the scythe away as he answered, "You would do well to remember who you speak to, pony. Your sister gave us the ability to manifest at this time, but do not presume that this vessel is weak."

Luna seethed as she said again, "Give me an answer, Bael."

"You sent him to fight a spirit of ice and darkness, in its den. His love for you blinded him, made him believe he would live forever. He fought that dracolich, and it cost him his life. Magic for us, is a finite resource. In a land of ice and cold, our opponent's was not finite. Even giving us control would not have saved his life. So do not presume that the fault of his demise lies with us, Princess of the Night. If you desire to blame someone, then look no further than at a mirror." The voice told Luna.

After that the pressure surrounding me lifted, and I no longer felt his influence on my body.

Celestia dissolved the spell, causing us to return to her study. Luna looked at me with dead eyes before turning and leaving, not speaking another word. Snowdrop went to stop her, but Celestia stopped Snowdrop as she watched Luna leave.

After a few moments Ryan walked over to me and helped me off the ground. We returned to where we had been sitting before, while Celestia poured each of us a glass of the same brandy Ryan had been drinking earlier.

"I believe this is most appropriate, considering the circumstances." Celestia said as she passed the glasses out.

Taking the glasses from her Snowdrop shakily sat back down, away from me, and asked Celestia.

"What was that?"

"You'll have to be more specific dear. A lot just happened." Celestia replied, taking a sip from her glass.

Snowdrop jumped to her hooves and threw the glass down, shattering it as she spoke loudly, "What was that thing that took over Von!? I felt it one time before, and it terrified me. This time I saw it manifest over Von. It looked like a wolf the size of a noble's mansion! I want to know what it is, so tell me! Now!" She demanded.

Celestia, for her part, wasn't fazed at all. She calmly used her magic to remake the shattered glass back into a cup and removed the brandy stain from the carpet. After she had poured Snowdrop another glass and handed it back to her, she started to explain.

"What you saw was a being that is older than Equis, much older. The one we know as Bael is a Solest, and the history of this being is long. For according to what they've shared about themselves, they are the first living beings of the multiverse. There are ten of them, along with ten others known as Umbrans. Umbrans serve as counterparts to the Solest. They existed outside any universe, in a space known as the Void. There, a war started between the two races. The war spanned multiple universes and worlds, until it came to the world humans originally came from. The planet humans refer to as, Earth.

Humans were able to convince the two sides to a truce. In the agreement one of each race would remain free, while the other nine were to shed their physical forms and be sealed in pairs into nine human vessels. Those nine would pass down their responsibility for the rest of time. Though to ensure no foul play on the seals, the Earth was made into a magic blackhole. Leaving it devoid of magic, and not allowing it to exist should any find its way there.

This is where Equis comes in. About twenty five years ago, portals tore open pathways between here and Earth. Cadence most likely informed you of this Snowdrop, and Blake's memories you, Von. Eventually because of Earth's properties concerning magic, the portals collapsed around five years later, leaving almost two thousand humans here on Equis. Most by there own will.

The part that isn't known is that in the war that proceeded the Collapse. The one that tried to rid Equis of humans. Was more accurately actually a plot by one of these vessels, who had regained their power by being on Equis, to remove opposition to his desire to rule Equis himself. A good friend of ours, Andrew Duron, stopped this vile cretin's plan just before the Collapse. Andrew also happened to be a vessel himself... a previous vessel for the same Solest and Umbran that currently resides in Von." Celestia finishes.

Snowdrop at a lose for words, manages to ask, "A-are they dangerous?"

"To the individual? No, not at all. In fact from what I am aware, they try their best to keep their vessel alive. If you are referring to those other than their vessel... it's not exactly simple." Celestia began. "I've known two vessels and their spirits, personally. And I also know that our enemy from the war, had two. In the Guardians there currently exist three vessels, or proxies in two of those three cases. From my experiences with them, it relies mostly on the vessel and not the spirits. Bael, and his other half, are two that don't offer much aside from giving advice when it suits them. Though they have been known to make deals for momentary control. Overall I believe that so long as we don't give them reason to act differently, they can be called allies." Celestia concluded.

Snowdrop looked at me with a bit of worry and asked, "Von, how did it feel when it came out?" Her eyes pleaded for a good answer.

"At first, like something was trying to burst out from inside me. Then he told me to stop resisting, and when I listened, it was more like something was over my whole body. Covering me completely." I answered as best I could.

"So he forced you." She looked dissatisfied.

Celestia came to my defense by saying, "What allowed him to in the first place was the space I brought us to. It was a pocket dimension. For reasons that no side seems to fully understand, when vessels are in a non-defined place such as a pocket dimension, the rules they are bound by can... bend. He may have had control of Von at that moment physically, but when the dimension was collapsed he would have been forced to resend his control anyway."

Snowdrop looked back at Celestia angrily, "Then why do it in the first place!? What if something went wrong? What if it attacked Luna, and she attacked Von because of that? Have you changed at all Celestia!?"

Celestia reacted at that. Placing her glass down with a thump, she stood up and flared her wings. "Do not presume to believe you know everything, little one. I had a few hundred years on you when we first met, and now I have over a thousand more. I have seen, experienced, and learned more lessons than you could comprehend. You fear these beings because you feared what took over my sister a millennia ago. There is more to that story than you know, so don't lecture me about what I decide."

Snowdrop stood herself and flared her wings, "I will say what I have to, so I can make sure what happened to Luna never happens to another person I care about!" She shouted.

Realization crossed Celestia's face at that moment. She relaxed her wings and sat back down, while Snowdrop stayed standing.

"So that's it. You're not afraid of the spirit inside Von. You're afraid of what might happen to him, because he has it." Celestia said calmly as she picked her glass back up and took a sip.

"So what if I am!?" Snowdrop replied with a stomp of her hoof.

Celestia looked at her for a moment, deciding what to reply. After a moment she asked Snowdrop, "Snowdrop how strong do you believe me to be?"

The question succeeded in catching her off guard. Snowdrop stammered out, "W-what? You're the mare that controls the sun, and could handle the moon if she chose to. What kind of question is that?"

"You think too highly of me. While I did guide the moon during Luna's banishment, it was always a struggle. If it were not for the elements of harmony, I would not have been able to banish her at all. And when I did they forsook me. The current elements are shared between six mares who reside in Ponyville, and only one is controlled by a princess, one who earned her title." Celestia explained.

"What does any of that have to do with being cautious about what you would do to Von?" Snowdrop demanded.

Celestia gave a tired chuckle, "What I'm attempting to say is that I am no threat to Von in the way you believe me to be, or in any way truly."

Snowdrop made to speak but Ryan interjected.

"Snowdrop, you believe Celestia was the cause for Nightmare Moon, but she wasn't."

Snowdrop stood stunned as Ryan continued.

"Nightmare Moon was a result of Luna's emotions being catalyzed by a spell. Luna tried to create a spell that would have in her words, 'make the night even more brilliant and beautiful'. However in her research she came across a tome that had a hex upon it. This is what caused Nightmare Moon to come to be. It was because the hex and Luna's failure in creating the spell she wanted, that all the events back then played out as they did. It wasn't Celestia's fault, or anyone else. Including you." He told her, finishing off his glass and then refilling it.

Snowdrop's wings drooped before she collapsed back onto the couch as she said, "It was a curse. How could I have not noticed it?"

Celestia picked up where Ryan left off, "None of that now. Blaming yourself won't change anything. What if's will only serve to drive you mad. The best thing to do is remember what you've learned and not repeat past mistakes."

I moved closer to Snowdrop, who just leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder.

"I'm so tired." Snowdrop said to no one in particular.

Celestia magicked all the glasses back over to her, to the annoyance of Ryan, and said, "I believe with all that has happened that is quite expected." She said before looking at me, "Blake had a room here at the palace. I believe you are probably most deserving of using it considering everything. I'll have a guard escort you two there. I believe it'd be best if Snowdrop stays with you for the time being."

"What about the Guardians?" I asked, not wanting it to be forgotten.

"I will see to it that if they desire to test you in some fashion, it will wait until tomorrow." Celestia answered.

With nothing more to say I nodded my thanks to them, helped Snowdrop stand, and left the study. A guard was waiting for us outside, he escorted us to the Lunar wing of the palace,and eventually we arrived at Blake's old room.

Walking in I helped Snowdrop to the bed. After helping her lay down I started to walk away, but was stopped when she grabbed my arm. Worry clearly visible across her expressions.

"Where are you going?" Fear laced her voice.

I gave her a smile and replied, "I'll be right back. Willow is here with you. I won't be long."

Snowdrop hesitated for a moment, then released her grip and said, "I... trust you Von. Please, hurry back."

I nodded and left the room. I needed to see if I could talk to that spirit again.

I wandered around, trying to find a decently secluded place, until I stumbled upon the entrance to a large garden. There was a slight chill in the air but it felt more pleasant than anything. I kept walking until I made my way to a section of the garden that stopped me because of the view.

In two long rows were luminous flowers of varying shades of blues and whites, almost reminding me of freshly fallen snow. It was here that I felt a pressure over me, similar to...

You desired to speak to us again. He more stated than asked.

Celestia said there were two of you, can I not hear the other one?

The dear Princess of the Sun doesn't know everything child. It's more complicated than there just being two of us.

Korvin is my other half, Umbran of Fury. Though as he says, it's more complicated than that.

How so? My curiosity demanded I ask.

In a layered voice I received my answer We are no longer just a Solest or Umbran. We are Bael, and Korvin.

Yet we also remain separate.

It is a existence that is honestly impossible to properly explain through language.

Then I don't care. I want to know what to do with you.

You are our vessel. Our physical cage, in a sense. However it goes beyond that.

Our presence within you grants certain benefits. Something the little Princess of Friendship will no doubt explain to you when you meet her.

What reason do you have to hold that information from me right now?

You are our vessel, that is all. We hold no obligation to help you. If you desire answers, seek them out from our past hosts. Due to an unusual turn of events, two are still alive, and one might even be willing to help you.

I was about to ask them if they meant Andrew Duron, but they're presence lifted and I felt alone again.

I decided to ask Celestia later and returned to Blake's... no, my room. As I entered Snowdrop was fast asleep while holding onto Willow and using her as a pillow. I joined them on the bed, brushing a stray lock of hair from Snowdrop's face as I watched her for a moment. The action caused her to smile in her sleep as she squeezed Willow closer. I settled in with them and drifted off while thinking about how I'd handle tomorrow. It would be difficult, but with Snowdrop's help I knew we'd end up alright.

Author's Note

I suppose that's as good a place as any to end the chapter.

Hey everyone, got another chapter completed! I hope it doesn't feel overly rushed. Just let me know what you think in the comments. I always enjoy hearing from my readers.

That's all I got this time around everyone, see you next chapter.

Stay awesome everyone, Lyruil out.

P.S. This is what I'm using as my mental image of Canterlot. And here's one for the weapon Von was given, just imagine six inch blade at the end with a small crystal in the middle in place of the cross.