4. The Throne of Sun and Moon (Part 1)
The Warmistress of Equestria (Luna's POV; A day before her letter)
Tis' been a few nights since my sister Celestia has left for the Kingdom of my niece Empress Cadenza. Although it has been many years since my return from my banishment in the confines of the moon orbiting Equis, I think back towards the era that I came from, a time of slow sleepy villages and supposedly 'decadent' speech and outdated practices. I find myself sometimes as a mare outside of time, as I am constantly reminded that the life that I had lived long ago is nothing but ink on the page. I have retaken my duties that I have been entrusted and forced upon as the original caretaker of the moon and newfound steward of the realm of dreams.
Seated on my throne carved in obsidian colored stone and accented with velvet's of deep purple and midnight hues I gaze half-heartedly at the decor of the Canterlot throne room where once a solitary throne rested now resides two thrones united of the sun and the moon. The great hall reminds me little of the home me and my sister built together after the fall of the largest tyrants in Equestria which were Lord Discord and King Sombra Rex respectively horrible in their own regards. I gaze out onto the opulent white marble and engraved colonnades on each side of the hall accented by glistening gold engravings, between each pillar the beautifully glimmering colors of stained glass windows outlining important events during my sister's solitary rule whilst I was imprisoned to my lunar cage within the cold void of the heavens. Although I shall never admit it even to my sister, I think of the time spent there and I recall that every day for one thousand years I screamed an unanswered apology towards the planet aimed at my sister. But what still haunts the edges of my thoughts to this day is the feeling I received from the Nightmare eating away pieces of me, with every thought of jealousy and anger fractions of my soul were being torn asunder for the cheap reward of unequaled power.
And to pour oil on the open flame of my past mistakes sometimes I attempt to recall what had transpired during my time imbued with the strength of the Nightmare. I suspect that the Elements have something to do with my memory loss but when I try my hardest to remember I see flashes of blood soaked fields and corpses of equines, with a laughing Nightmare overseeing it all. Even within my dreams Nightmares in which I normally control, I feel powerless as I am accursed to watch over and over the crimes of my past and the faces of those who I took arms against and splayed their bodies across the war torn battlefield. I may not be a great ruler, I may not have been the best in political situations or social events, but in one thing I can take the mantle completely is that I am the Shadow of the Moon and I often prefer words with the clash of sword and steel and the fresh smell of conflict in the air, and much to my displeasure the Nightmare accelerated those qualities too well.
Returning from my lament of my past I gaze from my throne to yet another depressing empty feeling as I am met with a vacant empty hall of to which the night court of Equestria is once again filled with stillness and silence. In my opinion since its creation, has been nothing more than a gimmick as in its few years of creation only a few brave souls or those in desperate need came to my audience.
I recall once filled with joy and excitement about hearing my many subjects pleas and requests from the newfound act of ruling together from my sister, but even still today a millennium into the future I still feel echos of resentment as I am currently only taking charge of both day and night court due to mine sisters absence. But even as I sit here with nothing other that my thoughts and my feelings I gaze down upon the many scrolls and messages that were left during the day for my judgment in the night court; not a subject in sight to purpose their needs in person as they were originally meant for mine sister the 'true' Princess of Equestria. With a shake of my head and my ethereal mane flowing in a everlasting wind I cast out the dark thoughts that caused so much pain long ago.
In my sister's absence I have been tasked to hear the pleas of the day court which is normally undertaken by my sister but due to her absence I had to take over. At first I was quite elated that I would have the chance to see the faces of my subjects within the court of the night, I dreamed of filled halls of ponies with needs and desires that I would be all to happy to hear regardless of their size with the glowing beauty of the moon hanging through the windows. But I should hath known better as even with my 'filly' like excitement I was met with disappointment as none had shown in the past two days. I do not have any disdain for my sister Celestia, but ever since the court of the night hath been open I feel quite. . 'salty' as the common pony says. That the only subjects I receive are the nightly crime reports of the Night Guard which consists of the more nocturnal ponies of the Royal Day Guard and a few of mine own personal guard mixed in.
Although my own personal guard are quite eccentric in nature my personal guard are a subspecies of ponies known as thestrals. Although before being overtaken by the Nightmare I cannot recall their creation but after the curse of the Nightmare was lifted by Twilight and her friends with the Elements I was informed by my sister of their origin. According to my sister the Nightmare had 'blessed' those who fell under her leadership and using dark magic transformed her followers into creatures of the night gifting them with bat-like wings and cat like night vision with slitted pupils. During this transformation everything that they were, such as unicorns or earth ponies, were removed and replaced with this 'gift of the night' changing who they were from the inside and out. After my defeat the remnants of the thestral followers were relocated by my sister to an isolated mountain area of Transylvania where they could live in peace and were told that I would return for them. Over time the population had increased, some having resentment for their past ancestors choice while some were accepting of their lot in life and enjoy a life of simple needs.
Absentmindedly returning back to the world and my charge set by my sister, I look down and I take in my midnight blue magic another scrolled 'request' which is something I have taken to dislike reading these past few days, as most ponies who would normally come to make their requests in person to my sister; would not even show me the common courtesy to do the same to an equal member of the royal family and leave messages instead during the day to be delivered by night. I open the scroll by breaking the wax seal and take note of the written request from a Noble Pony known simply as Elegant Flair in which I notice the header has a striked out message as the greeting:
Dear Princess Celestia Luna,
It has come to the attention that the current tax margin for the nobility is too large and oppressive and is reducing the capacity of the nobility to aid Equestria. We humbly ask that the royal sisters redu-
With a huff of frustration I take the scroll and with a wisp of effort I incinerate in azure flame the offending request with extreme prejudice disappointment that the nobility of this age do nothing more then look out for their own hides than the betterment of ponies as a whole. The falling ashes from the letter make a neat pile on the floor and I close my eyes and exhale rubbing a shoed hoof over the bridge of my muzzle and to my shock the sound of a throat being cleared brings my heart rate up slightly and my nerves tingling with anxiety for this silent trespasser.
I open my eyes and at the base of the throne dais I notice that the Captain of the Night Guard Sir Bane, a thestral from the Nightmares blessing is now standing in front of me with a neutral expression. With awkward expression I quickly look back towards the incinerated scrolls ashes on the ground and with a midnight blue glow and a slow motion of someone caught with their hooves in the candy cupboard so to speak I brush the ashes into a nearby planter and sit silently having a staring contest with the aforementioned Captain, who simply smiles and removes his helmet taking a low bow with his wings extended fully; a tradition that the nightmare once required and should they displease her she could smash their wings a honorable but horribly dark tradition.
"Rise Sir Bane, you and the soldiers of Equestria should know I do not require the formal greetings of the day during the hour of the night," I formerly remind the Captain of my decree to the night guard in an attempt to make my presence less threatening within the eyes of my soldiers, at least while my sister is not around who enjoys such formalities.
Bane rises from his respectful bow and folds his velvety wings back towards his body as he takes a seat silently, "It pleases me that you take to such. . .-enjoyment of reading the requests of the Equestrian Nobility my Princess," Bane says with a smirk and a sarcastic look that could rend steel if held long enough.
I roll my eyes and with a sigh I stand from the comforts of my throne and steadily I make my way down the red carpet that accents the floor towards the Captain of the Night. During my short trip I take note of the Captains current appearance, A charcoal grey coat highlighted with his short cut dark blue mane and tail most commonly found in military stallions within the guard, his amber eyes stare through me as if focusing on something far beyond his vision a sign of knowledge and leadership. I finish my descent of the stairs from the throne dais and take a seat in front of Bane wearing traditional azure and silver trimmed armor with a deep blue enchanted amethyst cast into the chest protecting most guards from a myriad of spells and curses harmful to those unprepared.
"Tis' not a request but was a poorly disguised order from the nobility, as they feel they need more privileges than they already possess,," I state with a small chuckle as see that Bane has nodded in agreement, "However, I hath suspicions that you come with news that should regrettably draw me away from mine duties tonight?," I finish gesturing to the pile of neatly stacked scrolls that are as high as I stand tall.
"Actually my princess, if you permit me to be so bold I was wondering if you would care to fly with this commander during his rounds and be with your subjects this oh wondrous of nights," Bane finishes with a fang tipped smile and a small rustle of his wings as he gestures to the open window outlining the moonlight city of Canterlot.
I stare at Bane and look towards the open portcullis window in the throne room and I see my beautiful cloudless night in her full glory I feel a sudden urge to escape and I look back towards the stack of correspondence at the base of my throne filled with more than likely more un-fillable requests as the past two days have been without Celestia and return back to Bane with a raised eyebrow.
"Captain," I pause with a feigned shocked expression, "I would not think you to be so bold and separate a Princess from her royal duties, what would mine sister say if she saw me do such a thing?" I reply with a smug smile and a few bats of my eyelids. As Bane returns from his smile to a neutral expression he raises an eyebrow of his own he points behind me with a hoof towards the dais.
"What duties your majesty?" He quizzically states, "I see nothing keeping you from being amidst your subjects this evening." In curiosity I turn quickly to the direction Bane has addressed and suddenly where there was once an oppressive amount of legal work I now see nothing but blank space, I look back towards bane and back again at the empty area and turn and extend my wings to fly back up to the now very much vacant area in front of my throne.
"What vile sorcery is this?!" I exclaim confusedly with a shocked expression as I examine around the dais for the missing pile of scrolls and during my search I begin to hear a very faint sound of muffled snickering coming from somewhere near my position. Suspecting utmost heresy I lift my throne with a cracking sound into the air with my magic thinking that my scrolls have bewitched themselves and fled under my seat in a vain attempt of escape seeing their fellow scroll-brother purged in azure fire. With more muffled snickers I suddenly gaze upwards and to my amusement I see a fair amount of thestrals clinging to the roof using their natural magic each with a scroll in their mouth and a bemused expressions innocently plastered across all their faces.
I stare at the twenty or so pairs of amber eyes all staring back at me expecting the worst when I turn back to the seated grinning commander below me. "Captain, it would seem that mine charges for this evening hath been stolen by fiendish pests of the night," I state slowly approaching back towards my original position in front of Bane who is now with an obviously bemused expression of shock he flares his wings and gestures towards the window.
"Then we shall make haste my princess and show these foul thieves that none shall interrupt the duties of the night!" He exclaims with much practiced enthusiasm. I smile internally as I take note of this incident, Although Captain Bane is the leader of the Night Guard, his leadership style has always been one that I have admired often caring for the well being of his soldiers versus outright discipline most of the day guard expresses. It has even been noted that he adopted a filly who lost her parents in a tragic accident a year back and has been a loving and supporting father since. I admit I was once unappreciative of this stallions efforts but his actions have always made my soft hearted nature glow and his soldiers loyalty towards him is unquestionable.
"Very well Sir Bane, we shall see that these heathens," I quickly snap a look back towards the now unoccupied space where there was once many thestrals with scrolls and now there are none, "Shall be brought to justice this night," I state and with and trot and nod to Bane we approach the open window which the captain and I take into the beautiful night sky.
Seeking Trouble (Luna)
It has been half an hour since my departure from the throne room along with the captain in an attempt to catch the villainous heretics under my command who despise the needs of my citizens and keep me from them to come and woefully enjoy the beautiful and wonderful starry night I created for the enjoyment of my subjects. Since my imprisonment I have taken note of the various improvements that the ponies have created such as a newfound form of light source that uses a power known as electricity. There are also new forms of night entertainment that I find most enjoyable as we fly over the Canterlot main plaza, the many wondrous night time attractions such as the 'dance club' where ponies congregate and mingle to dance to various forms of modern music to which in some forms I quite am fond of myself. There are also theaters where once ponies acted out performances live on stage are now replaced with recorded images of the actors and applied various 'special effects' to make it seem that you were actually in the story rather than just watching it.
I lazily flap my wings and close my eyes and I stretch my hooves and perform a slow barrel roll and I smile gleefully feeling the wondrous cool night air across my primaries and my coat through my shimmering mane I feel the breeze of flight and I inside me a sense of ease and freedom from the confined palace walls. With a small giggle to my side I level out and fix my gaze on the re-armored Captain Bane who has instigated the heathens joined me on the search for the day courts scrolls. As we pass over the streets various ponies look up and wave and fillies and colts along with their parents squeal in happiness as they see their Princess of the Night fly overhead. I wave and smile to my subjects as me and the Captain aimless fly over the large mountain town of Canterlot, I feel the brush of velvety wings as I look towards Sir Bane who is gesturing towards a row of buildings that is residing on a street known as Canterlot's food district a place where many grand restaurants have been rumored to call home.
As the Captain and I land on the cobblestone streets, we draw a few looks from various ponies and with smiles and greetings they wave at the new arrivals on the row. I wave back and give a few greetings to a few passing ponies and I think to myself how once I was never given the time of day (or night) by ponies a millennium ago, and now I can walk openly among my subjects in the beauty of my night and meet many smiling happy faces. I look towards Sir Bane who is now seated beside me with a neutral guard expression but if one looks close enough a faint start of a smile can be seen and I now understand the Captains true intentions as I am responsible for the care and well being of my subjects, he is in turn responsible for the care and well being of my own. With the now street bound ponies finished with their greetings I return to Banes gaze and as I open my mouth to address the Captain, instead I hear a loud rumbling noise and not only do I hear the sound but I feel it as well, and as realization comes to my face that I might possibly be hungry and with a smile from Sir Bane, and a few confused stares from the ponies around me I feel the warmth starting to build upon my face.
"My Princess, are you hungry by chance?" Asks the now smirking Captain and with a few giggles from ponies around us out of embarrassment I simply nod and attempt to recover from this situation. Finally fighting the rushing blush in my head I collect myself and turn to Sir Bane, "Captain, I have never really come out of the castle to dine, would you have any suggestions?" I ask with a pleading expression to not cause any more embarrassment towards myself. "Yes I do actually, there's this lovely place around the corner that has become quite popular as of late and I'm sure that they would very much appreciate a visit from yours truly," the Captain says with a grin and a gestured hoof towards an alleyway. I look skeptically towards my escort and am quite suspicious of his activities but none the less I nod and follow the Captain towards the darkened alley, as we move deeper into the alley something very familiar yet foreign greets my muzzle and I can't quite put my hoof on it.
As we come towards the smell, I notice that at the end of the alley is a restaurant, which I find quite strange as most of the restaurants are on the main row but I watch as Sir Bane steps forward and opens the door for me with a hoof. I look up at the sign as I enter which reads 'The Tasty Treat' and has a crafted decoration of a elephant holding a spoon and as I enter the breach I am greeted by the smells of curry and spiced yellowed mustard which has been quite a while from when I traveled with my sister before my banishment into the lands of Saddle Arabia when we were searching for the elements.
As I enter the restaurant which was quite full at this time I see many ponies conversing and having a good time when suddenly one by one they notice the newcomer into the room and the room goes quiet. "Um, Good evening everypony?" I nervously greet at the now quiet restaurant and I feel quite nervous now as I am still not adept towards social situations with unknown ponies especially with ones so quiet as this.
Eventually the ponies return to their business and I get a few passing waves from ponies in the pillowed booths and the eyes of some fillies with their parents in another. I feel something lightly armored skirt by and I see Sir Bane trot past and he makes a motion towards the empty booth in the back of the restaurant which has a small sitting table and a few seating pillows around it, I trot alongside my escort and take note of the very homey decorated restaurant. The restaurant is completely lit by candlelight and feels warm in nature, various textiles and sheets are spread hanging from the roof giving the overall feel that I was stepping into a large caravan tent run by vagabonds. We reach the table and Bane offers me a seat by the table and I thank him and sit with my back to the corner so I can see everypony in the restaurant and Bane takes a seat next to me removing his helmet exposing his short mane cut and face, causing the mares across the table to blush and giggle as they look towards him.
"It would seem that you would have some admirers Sir Bane," I giggle and motion with my head towards the table with blushing mares. "Oh please your highness, do not be like your sister Princess Celestia and attempt to play matchmaker with me, I don't think my poor heart could take it," he states frustratingly with hooves over his head and his ears folded back and like my sister I too have quite the evil streak. "Oh? I did not know that the handsome Sir Bane was courting, especially as a single father with a little filly!" I pronounce loudly so that the mares across the table could hear, and I see them all turn and with various coo's of praise such as 'how sweet!' and 'What a noble stallion!' Bane looks towards me his face even more aflame and gives me a deadpan stare.
"You're dead to me your majesty," he states to which I simply giggle with a smile and I look over his shoulder and notice a mare enter the dining area from which I presume is the back door into the kitchen. I make eye contact with the mare and she makes eye contact with me and I see her pause and slowly walk backwards into the kitchen area not taking her eyes off of me and as she disappears into the back. I raise an eyebrow and I look towards Bane who is still recovering from his embarrassment.
I take two menus from the nearby table in my magic and place one in front of Bane who grumbles something in thanks and I look through my menu, the menu is very simplistic in nature, a majority of items are under the lunch category which means that it was a lunch and dinner restaurant which is normal for Saddle Arabian culture as most of their mornings are spent with their family and sometimes various religious reasons. I glance up from the menu towards the door and I see two heads sticking outside the door staring at me one was of a short haired portly stallion and the other was the same mare I saw with the curly dark mane and violet eyes, as fast as I looked up they were gone back inside and out of annoyance I felt my ear twitch but I attempted to ignore it and focused on the task at hand which was of course sustenance.
I decided on the mustard curry which was labeled as 'spicy' and a side of Arabian grass wrapped in a seasoned dijon sauce which sounded interesting and I look over to Bane who is intensely reading his menu, "Oh Sir Bane?" I fluttered my eyes mischievously, "Have thou decided what will sustain your hunger for this evening my most prized guardian and available bachelor?" I mockingly ask while emphasizing some words and as Bane looks up from his menu with much disdain in his eyes and a firm folding and placement of his menu on the table, a chorus of giggles erupted from the table behind us and I could see that my jests may have gone too far possibly.
"That's it," States a flustered Bane, he gets up from his table and walks over to the group of now silent mares staring at the large thestral approaching their table, I sit back in comfort and watch the proud captain attempt to spite me in the best way possible to which I wish I had a bowl of snacks to compliment this incident.
"Excuse me ladies," Shadow starts off, "I hate to disrupt your evening but I am Sir Shadow Bane Captain of the night guard and my charge over there," gesturing towards me and I feign a sign of innocence and a smile, "-could not help but remind me that I am a very approachable and quite endearing stallion and I was wondering if any of you three lovely ladies would be interested in a breakfast date this Friday at nine in the morning after my shift," finishes the bold captain of the guard.
The three mares simply look at each other and of the three mares the cream coated unicorn with a curly blonde mane and blue eyes starts to blush a furious beet red and in out of something resembling a book her two friends push the offered mare towards Bane with a squeak from the cream colored mare in protest. Drawing my attention from the giggling and hilarious antics of the now soon couple to be, I see the kitchen door open and the mare from the kitchen approach my table with an somewhat strained expression on her face. As she approaches I brush my ethereal mane out of my face as sometimes it floats in my field of view much to my annoyance and I take a friendly smile upon my face and await the mare to approach.
"G-Good evening. . . I-I mean good night. . .I mean Your majest-" the mare stutters and looks extremely flustered and I stop her onslaught of her greetings with a hoof lightly pressed over her mouth and she looks cross-eyed for a moment at my hoof and looks towards me pleadingly with a small flush on her face. "My pony, please calm thyself I mean thee no harm I am a simple mare wishing to partake in your cuisine this evening, which by the way smells lovely," I take a breath and remove my hoof from her muzzle and with another warm smile I nod for her to continue hoping she will relax more. "Y-Yes your majesty I apologize, my name is Saffron Masala and I am the chef here at the Tasty Treat, I see you have already had a chance to look at our menu is there anything I can get you for this evening?" Saffron asks questioningly and I look through my choices again and recite my order to Saffron who quickly jots down my order and nods. As I finish Bane comes to join us from his escapades and he greets Saffron with a friendly hello and asks for his usual plate to which Saffron nods and trots off towards the kitchen. I refocus my attention on Bane and place my hooves under my chin and stare at him with a smile.
"You're an evil mare you know that," states Bane who now looks back over at the table with a small sigh and returns back to my gaze, "But I suppose I should thank you my Princess for pushing me to be more responsible and trying to find a mother figure for my filly Nightfall back home," he finishes.
"So what is thine consorts name?, tell me a bit about her," I ask towards Bane and he smirks back and taps his muzzle twice with his hoof and says one word "Spoilers!" With a huff and a return to a proper posture I see two glasses float over from the kitchen entrance both filled with chilled water and they set on the coasters perfectly and I look towards the kitchen window and I see the head of Saffron disappear behind the counter.
I take a sip of the served water as Bane does the same, I take another look at my surroundings and notice much of love and care was put into this establishment. Along the walls where our booth was I see some photographs, some were in color which looked to be more recent I see Saffron and a portly stallion with a mustache cutting a ribbon to a non painted version of the Tasty Treat. I focus on the next group of pictures and I see a black and white photograph of a younger looking Saffron who is cooking with an elder mare, behind her I see the same portly stallion who is reading a newspaper from the Manehattan press. As I observe more photographs of various events of Saffrons family I think back to the friends that I left behind in my timeline, it seems only as yesterday but in reality the cold and gripping truth of morality sets in as those that I once shared a deep and special bond with are now long gone; and as the holder of the power of the moon as long as it exists I shall exist with it.
A clink of a bowl is heard and I look towards the table and a freshly baked bowl of pita chips is placed on the table by crimson magic along with a pasty looking dipping sauce with a clover accenting the dip. I take a chip in my magic and a small amount of dip and take a bite and am immediately overtaken by the crisp and well seasoned chip with the tangy sauce which I believe is a form of hummus made from chickpeas and a few garlic cloves and a dash of olive oil. Regardless the treat is a wonderful addition and with a hoof i push the bowl towards Bane who simply nods and take a chip in his mouth and performs the same action, as he takes a bite I see a small grimace and he finishes the snack forcefully and shakes his head and attempts to fight past the apparently not-so-tasty treat. I raise a questioning look towards my escort and he looks at me with a neutral expression.
"Not a fan of chickpeas, I do like hummus but only if its made with hearty man-," Bane is suddenly cut off as a second dip bowl is placed looking a bit less robust like the other bowl and unlike the other has a fresh mango sticking out of the bowl instead of the clover piece. I look towards the empty window of the kitchen and back to Bane who has taken it upon himself to start inhaling his mango treat. With a giggle I turn back to the decorative pictures with another pita chip with a moderate amount of hummus and I reflect on times long forgotten.
I remember a time when such technology was foreign to us, I have missed so much in these past thousand years that I can't even remember some of my friends faces from long ago. Back then we used to have a local artist charcoal or paint a picture in order to capture a moment in time and now that I think about it I cannot recall if I ever had any shadings of my friends within my old belongings. As I continue down the line of happy memories I stop and notice something quite particular, It's an old charcoal drawing of a unicorn mare in front of what looks to be a traveling wagon. With much resemblance to Saffron she is wearing a dress and a blouse with a small bit of her barrel showing with a happy smile. I take the picture from the wall unconsciously to inspect it further and next to the now happy mare I see a earth pony stallion with shaded hooves and a short cropped mane happily leaning into the mare and if one looks closer I see two hoof bands around each of the ponies left fore-hoof, a think to the long lost tradition in marriage that once again has been expedited in the passing of time and is now placed upon fallible paper. A sharp smell fills my nose and I look up from the held photograph as I notice Saffron has returned to the table with a tray and our ordered items. She sets each item in front of us along with a placement of silverware. "Here you go as requested, one spicy mustard curry and sides for her majesty, and for the handsome stallion knight a order of assorted seasoned and fried fruit slices," As she sets the places down in her crimson magic I see a face of irritation at his plight then the child like glee face of Bane return with an even more confused look from Saffron and I get her attention with a wave of my hoof.
"Please pardon my Captain as he hast been tested upon this night a bit too far possibly," I say with a smile and with an understanding nod from Saffron She looks to my side and notices that in my magic I am holding the etched frame of the mare and the stallion. I look at the frame and back to Saffron and with a thought I place the frame back upon the wall exactly as it rested prior.
"Oh you didn't have to put that back but thank you Princess, did it interest you somehow?" Saffron asks questioningly as she magics away the serving tray behind the kitchen window.
"Yes indeed my pony, I was reminded of a time long ago when such technologies such as these photographs here did not exist, you can say I'm out of my element in some regard," I state with a glance back towards the hanged picture and back to Saffron. She nods and brings up a small stool and moves it towards the table with her magic, "If it's not so bold may your Majesty?" she asks and I nod with approval and take the spoon and take a small taste of the delicious smelling curry in front of me, which meets all my standards as it is a perfect balance of both spice and sweetness and I swallow my first bite.
"Tis' an impressive dish young Saffron tell me what has inspired thee to cook with such passion?" I question with another bite and Bane takes another bite of his grilled fruit and a unstallion like moan much to Saffrons pleasure and to my unbemused stare.
"Well actually it begins with that drawing of my tenth-great grandmother," Saffron starts taking the picture off the wall with her magic and sets it within her hooves, "My tenth-great grandmother Silk Strider was a part of a traveling pack of vagabond's long ago that traveled along the norther border, from what my family history says that she was a really great dancer and singer," She takes a small breath as I continue to listen and eat my meal along with Bane who is slowly snacking on his fruit. "One day she met my tenth-great grandfather Black-hoof who was traveling north when they met by chance overnight, I was told it was why Grandpa Black-hoof loved her so, was because she used to sing very old tales that she found from the ashen wastes that once kept the Crystal Empire!" Saffron exclaimed excitedly as I looked at her from my meal its rare that I hear a story from the past right before my banishment.
"Well that's quite the area to lay about I suppose," I state and push my finished empty plate away from the placement which was immediately taken by a crimson glow and whisked away towards the kitchen with a metallic clink, "That intrigues me more on why those particular ponies decided to skirt the edges of a once cursed kingdom."
At this point I look across the table to a semi-hurt looking Saffron who has her ears folded back but still none-the-less offended by my spoken words. "My pony I apologize if I-I have offended you," I begin to say with a slight stammer as my own ears fold back to which Bane takes immediate notice and as he just finishes his last apricot piece he refocuses from his fruit craze as his tufted ears focus the conversation to which I don't think he was paying attention in the first place.
"Worry not Princess, it's not a. . .too broaching of a subject however it is a family story if you do have time to hear it, I-I understand if you're busy being royalty and all," she finishes with a reassuring smile and I look towards Bane who simply shrugs while examining a fore hoof and I return back towards Saffron's gaze. "Well there's always room for dessert but no cake please I cannot fathom ending up like mine sister as of late," I state with a smile and Saffron wordlessly left her seat and went back to the kitchen. I look around and see a portly stallion wordlessly cleaning up the tables, this must be the host of the restaurant as he's upturning stools on top of empty tables; I reach out to the moon and my internal connection tells me its around eleven in the evening right when my moon decides to take a mind of her own and hangs in the sky in the for a few hours, a mystery that I could never really solve.
I turn to Bane who is now looking a thousand miles away with his ears rapidly moving and a concerned look is now on his face, "Something wrong Sir Bane?" I ask and he returns back to reality and shakes his head, "Nothing to worry about your highness, I was merely listening to some reports that my kinsmen were relaying me," states Bane calmly and now he returns his attention to the returning Saffron and in her crimson magic I see three bowls of which resemble ice cream and as the bowls were set down and to my surprise all three are of a melon flavored variety to the much enjoyment of Bane who has now assaulted his bowl with much fervor.
"Ms. Saffron, I cannot seem to help to notice that you keep distracting my captain with fruits of his weakness, pray tell are you trying to do to the poor stallion?" I ask with a head tilt and a spoon full of watermelon flavored deliciousness.
"Well your majesty," Saffron giggles, "My family story starts near the edges of the empire and of course as with your captain here his species resides in the western mountain ranges of Transylvania. My family is well aware of their. . dietary needs," she pauses at the captain who is now in a fruit frenzy across the table and is licking the bowl clean with a long forked tongue. We both share a giggle at Banes antics and unlike the captain we finish our bowls quietly and neatly,
"So you were saying Ms. Saffron, I wish to hear your family's tale of the Empire and how they know it so?" I state and I see Saffron exhale and she looks as if she's far away and takes hold of the picture of her relatives.
"It's a long story but one I'm willing to share," she starts and I find a more comfortable position and she gestured to the portly stallion still turning over chairs, "Although myself or my father do not look it our family many generations ago hailed from the Crystal Empire, my grandmother Silk was part of a traveling group of singers and dancers. . .and to a more professional nature courtesan's now that then," much to the reddening face of Saffron I nod in understanding as a mare of the past it was the modus operandi for those without any of the various skill sets in today's time, to use other. . .skills in providing service to those in need.
"But none the less the troupe that my grandmother traveled in was very well known throughout the northern realms, and on that dark day when King Sombra attacked and enslaved the ponies of the Empire," as Saffron takes a breath the noise of a bowl being set on the table we both take a look at Bane who has now finished licking said bowl spotless.
"You're an evil mare, Lady Masala, using mine weakness of fruity deliciousness against me," with a small wet snap Bane returned his very unnatural long pronged tongue to his mouth, and with a moment of silence he smiled and his ears again continued to focus on sounds that were not there.
With a nod and a smile Saffron continued her family's tale as I listened while finishing my bowl "But something that I've never understood is that my mother said that there were once two great cities in the north but I've never heard or seen any etching or written history about the other great kingdom," Saffron finished as I finished my small bowl of dessert now encompassed in crimson magic and levitated onto a bus tray on the counter.
"Strange, I thought that the Crystal Empire was the only kingdom in the North?" asked Bane now finished with his own desert with a small frown and his bowl too whisked away as mine was. and with a curious glance I agreed with the Captain's statement, "T'was my understanding as well Miss Masala, I too am unaware of another kingdom other than the smaller villages of the north scattered in the mountain ranges near the arctic circles."
"Well, I am unaware of the kingdom's name but something does come to mind from my grandmother's trunk if you wait here for a moment i'll go grab it real fast," with a slide and a quick trot Saffron went back towards the kitchen and I looked towards Bane. "I have a feeling that you are paying attention but are pretending ignorance," I say to the Captain.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Bane states with his ears still rapidly focusing on sounds not there and for a moment they stop and Bane gets serious for half a moment, "-also your majesty you have some correspondence from your sister Princess Celestia upon return to the castle." he finishes and I nod in understanding and a sound is heard from the door and Saffron returns with a small crate in her magic and returns to the table.
"I don't have the musical talent as my grandmother so I thought I would just hand you a copy of some of her works," Saffron states and she brings out a book and flips through the pages and stops on a page midway through and slides it in front of me and I take a look at the offered page.
Silk Striders Musical Journal NO PEEKING BLACK-HOOF!!
Hymn of the Twin Fortresses
by Silk Strider
Part One: The Crystal Prison
A king he was on crystal throne,
In many-pillared halls of stone
With onyx roof and jade cast floor,
And curses acast upon the door.
The light of sun and star and moon
entrapped by lamps of red crystal hewn
Undimmed by cloud or shade of night
There souls forever trapped in his might.
The land is grey, the tundra old,
The hearts great fire is ashen-cold;
No harp is wrung, no memory calls:
True darkness dwells in deepened halls;
The entrance lies before his throne
In halls so dark, there lies a tomb.
But still the sunken eyes appear
The dark shadows of the Mirrormere;
Cast from his crown in ice so deep,
Till his vengeance wakes him from sleep.
Part Two: The Winter Fortress Invaerne Bán
Needs Work!
A Lord there was, on a throne engraved,
In great ice walls, a fortress laid,
With roof of night, and azure lit floor,
And mighty runes, that seal the doors.
The brightest light, of moon and star
In spectral lamps, shines through the dark,
Unshaken by, the veil of night
Their souls eternal, shimmering white.
The fortress still, the gate un-aged,
The forges flames, have died away;
No songs are sung, no blade is cast,
In warden's halls no evil lasts!
The darkness hangs, over his tomb
around the mountain, in the gloom,
But e'er the fall~en souls glow free
In cool and breathless, Winter's Peak;
There rests his casque, on the throne of souls
Till need is dire, he'll rest in sleep.
Song of the Crystal orphanage
When you're rife with devastation
There's a simple explanation:
You're a toymaker's creation
Trapped inside a crystal ball.....
I finish the document ignoring the other written words on the other page noting that each line is accompanied by a score of musical notes and I overlook it once more and pass it over to Bane who simply reads it with a neutral expression and he seems to be muttering to himself and I hope he isn't planning to sing cause I am unaware of any stallion with a voice of gold. "If it's possible Miss Saffron could I make a copy of this book for my own personal readings? I promise not to capitalize on your grandmother's works and it's purely for personal enjoyment," I ask Saffron who seems to glow in excitement.
"Would I?!" She exclaims with a shout and reaches back into the trunk with extra parchment and I giggle and take the paper and with a spell I make a copy of the entire book and take the original and pass it back to Saffron, much to Banes displeasure.
"Unfortunately the hour is late my pony and I must be attending to some businesses back at the castle, but I must thank you for the meal as it was very delicious," I summon a small bag of bits on the generous side and place it in front of Saffron, "I hope this will suffice as payment for the meal," I finish with a smile and Bane offers his own thanks and returns his helmet to his head.
"Oh Princess Luna this is way too much for the meal I cannot accept this, I was never going to charge you anyways I couldn't find it in my heart!" Saffron is shocked at the very generous amount of bits placed on the table and I giggle and shake my head. "Its nothing my pony, I sincerely enjoyed the meal as well as my escort here," I gesture to Bane who has a odd smile remembering the fruity deliciousness that was his dinner, "-and if there's anything else we can do for you this evening please feel free to ask anyone of my guards," I finish with a smile and stand along with Bane as we make our way towards the exit.
Upon exit to the establishment I notice that each of the restaurants on the main row have a green wooden sign with three hoof-print symbols I turn to the Tasty Treat where Saffron and her Father are waving at us good-bye and I see the same sign with no marks over the arch of the door. With a glance to Sir Bane he explains the rating system of Restaurant Row to me and with a nod I summon a small spell and cast it towards the green plank and as both Saffron and her Father watched as the bland green boards turned to a amethyst metal with the royal symbol of yours truly burned into the metal. Across the street I see a pale pony wearing a trench cloak who is watching the entire process and he suddenly fainted in which two nearby guards checked on his status while Bane and I took off towards the castle proper.
A Meeting Not By Chance(Luna)
Returning to the great hall a few hours later after a few more rounds, entering through the main doors I first take notice that the 'missing' scrolls have returned back to their neatly and organized pile, I pick up a few scrolls and upon further inspection I see that the official stamp of acceptance or denial is placed properly in each request and much to my approval I see various rubber stamps on the nearby table where Celestia's scribe Golden Scroll sits with various sliced mangoes and other fruits on the table.
"Something wrong your Majesty?" Sir Bane asks with a rocking motion between his front and back hooves, and I shake my head. "It seems that the heathens have Equestrians best interests at heart so I will let them off this time,"I smile and fold the sampled scrolls back towards the pile, "See that these scrolls are forwarded to the day courier and distributed properly," I turn and walk down the dais and as I approach Bane I give him a sudden nuzzle for taking this mare out to a lovely dinner and a walk amongst my subjects who returns it friendly back.
"Oh by the way," I stop mid stride out the hall and I look towards Bane, "If you ever find those noble thieves whomever they are please offer them my thanks and offer them a date of absence from any of their duties of their choice on behalf of my authority," I state with a smile and with a small bow from Bane he bids me goodnight.
I return to my quarters in the southern tower, as I enter I am reminded of gentle hues of the night and I take off my hoof shoes and my adornments and stretch with a cat-like yawn and a crack of my spine. Even though I am immortal I still have many mortal needs and the washroom is first on those lists, approaching the washroom I feel towards my charge and I sense it is around four in the morning and my moon has released control back to me. I take control of the moon and nudge it towards the horizon and prepare for Celestia to raise the sun in a few hours, After taking a hot shower which now and days is a luxury in my opinion I prepare for bed and summon the letter from my sister and the book that I copied from Saffron.
After reading Tia's letter I, quickly take a parchment and fill out a forwarding request from my stationary to relay to her student and my friend Twilight Sparkle the Princess of Friendship. She and her friends hold a special place in my heart as they cured my madness from the Nightmare, with my sister's request forwarded and a little personal notes and a jest or two in my favor I seal and teleport the mail to the guard courier who will deliver the two letters to Sir Spike in the morning.
Resting on my bed I feel the oncomings of sleep and I take in my magic the book of Silk Strider and begin to read the page indicated containing the legend of the Hymn of the Twin Fortresses. Although I'm not one of the musical arts I do have an appreciation of the practice, using basic harmonics I take a few moments to hum out a reasonable tune to the best of my ability and I sing the second verse to myself out loudly. As I started to sing the verses I suddenly felt the overcoming feeling of sleep take over me and before I knew it I fell asleep on my bed with the sun beginning to take over the horizon.
It's strange when I fall asleep, normally since my last incident I used to punish myself by encasing myself in a permanent Nightmare to atone for my sins. But since Twilight and her friends saved me from my own personal tartarus I have been able to dream lucidly on my own accord, normally I place myself within the endless vastness of the heavens and drift but something about this dream felt off, and I couldn't put my hoof on it.
The first thing I felt was the softness of the sand, I was laying on a shore of some sort as the second and third senses awoke as I heard the sound of gentle waves and the smell of the salty air. But something that I was confused about was the coldness of the air in nature, I open my eyes and I'm immediately taken back by the appearance of the shore around me. In the horizon I see a fairly small moon and the sky is filled with a white cast glow igniting the already odd beach with dark colored sands and jet black rocks and coast objects with midnight glowing accents laced randomly within the stones themselves. I stand and take a few more observations around my situation down the dark coastline I see a never ending border as it looks that the coast goes on forever, I begin to head North assuming the moon is supposedly sitting over the West horizon over the very dark waters of the sea.
Walking in a slow gait across the beach I notice that it is eerily silent except for the sound of hoof falls and the soft crashing of the waves upon the dark colored sand. I'm unsure how long I traveled along the coast, but up ahead I saw something strange that drew my curiosity. I approached the objects and I see two pillars about forty hooves high with a distance of a fraction of a league of space in-between them, Upon further inspection I noticed that a throne was perched upon each pillar but what was curious was that one throne was noticeably larger than the other but both thrones were facing each-other as if standing off to one another. As I approached closer and to my surprise that the smaller throne is no bigger than my own but as I look across the distance I see something that brings me to a start, there is an individual standing at the beaches edge near the larger throne but to my surprise it's not just him that's standing there that startled me, it's the fact that there were flowing six wispy purple energies flowing from the creatures back almost like that of how of my mane has a mind of its own.
The individual in my opinion was creepy and something seemed off, if anything maybe a head taller than myself and about Tia's height, but something that I could not identify was what its species was and the fact that it's constantly moving extremities coming from its back was another factor in my overall uneasiness. As I approached I saw a breach of warm air exhale from the creature and I took more note of his form and things that it was wearing and doing. The individual was wearing a hooded traveler's cloak that was black in color and on the edges of its sleeves and cloak edges were a white trim, Beneath his cloak I could see that it was bipedal in nature, but not of the hoof kind eliminating that it was a possible small minotaur but wearing some type of metal armor over his hooves. The creature’s arms are folded behind his back with the same kind of armor covering his hands and his glowing appendages are simply waving in the wind without a care in the world.
I approach the creature within a respectable distance and take a seat on the cold sand and stare at the creature who doesn't seem to notice or care about my presence, and with a side attempt to glance within the creatures hood I can only see the darkest of voids, as if the creature does not even have a face but with a brave heart and the possibility of the nightmare trying to reassert itself in some way I decide to take the initiative.
"Tis a lovely night isn't it?" I ask with a bit of hesitation and for the first time since I noticed it, it slightly turned its head towards me and with a faceless stare.
"Why hello. It's not often I get visitors," It states with a deep stallion sounding voice, but what's odd about the voice is the nature of calm that this creature is expressing.
"My name is Luna, the Steward of Dreams and caretaker of the Moon, what are you doing here all alone?" I question the creature with a bit of a head tilt my focus not wavering from its void filled face, appendages still calmly flowing within a windless drift.
"Well," The creature pauses and turns his attention back towards the Western horizon, "If I am to be honest this a punishment I've had to face for a very long time, but strangely enough this is not the realm of dreams Miss Luna," he states no change in his position and no emotional display other than a calm demeanor.
"Then where are we?" I ask questioningly, "-who are you?" I finish and I continue to observe the creature for any malice or deception in his non-existent movement, my own ethereal mane flowing along with the direction of his appendages.
"I cannot recall my name, the only thing that I can remember in the fragments of my memory is that I am a prisoner in my physical body," he pauses, "I know I am very old, and I have lived a long life in which I can sense deep sorrow throughout that lonely existence but this is not the realm of dreams but the plane of immortals; if memory calls." he finishes.
"You mean the astral plane? We have visited it with mine sister Celestial Steward of the Sun and although we do not understand it fully we and other stewards of primordial magics can commune with each-other." I state with my ears fully focused on the individual ahead.
"This place is special in nature," he says, turning to look at me with a faceless expression, "-those only with a special connection can come to this plane and the connection lies within the source of power, the moon in this case; but those who do not serve under or for it cannot be. If you truly are the Steward of the Moon then if I recall correctly my fate is tied along with yours," he says his faceless gaze staring down into the depths of my soul silently judging me.
"Connected fate? Let us say that we believe this conjecture and we continue under thou's assumption that we are servants of the moon," I pause with a hoof on my chin in thought, "-you have stated that you are a prisoner of thine own physical form how is that possible?" I ask returning my gaze towards the creature.
"The primordial magics have champions Miss Luna, as you are the self proclaimed champion of the sleeping realm and the moon itself I have my own area that I am champion of in my own regard. As for the reason for my imprisonment I am being held captive in a state of life and death by those I once called friends and allies, I am revived to fulfill my duty or to restore my vitality then put to rest shortly after to keep me in control for whatever plans they have in store for me," he states solemnly turning his gaze back towards the white horizon.
I gasp internally at the creatures statement how can one's friends or colleagues repetitively revive and kill a creature especially one who is of the immortal realms. I too recall being prisoner to a foreign magic but that was a cause of my own ignorance and situation between my sister and I, but to what this creature describes is willing torture of another which borders the crimes of that of Discord and Sombra ages ago. I take a breath that I realize that I have not been holding and attempt to inquire about the graveness of his situation.
"I-I'm currently at a disadvantage, as I'm still appalled how could another living creature could torture another for simple pleasure or petty reasons, you crime could not have been damnable as so," I exclaim with a stamp of a hoof in sand my mane increasing its flow and excess magic venting through the ethereal wind, "I find it unfair as once I too was a prisoner amidst the void and I must ask how long hath it been since you have seen the passing of the sun or the moon!? Are those responsible unable to see that you are hurting and what they are during is pure evil in nature and unforgivable?!" I ramble my questions off towards the shadowy figure who simply returns back to my gaze and to my surprise he chuckles slightly in a throaty laugh.
"My dear Miss Luna, although I truly appreciate your concern for my personal plight, but at this point I have surrendered everything but hope itself. I cannot recall my exact time in captivity but to what I can remember is that I have been a prisoner for over two millennia, as the reason I cannot recall for my imprisonment but my jailers are immortal just like me, they are ageless, restless and above all very dangerous to those of the living world it would take something sort of a small army to challenge them," he states.
As the creature finishes his statement I can feel my jaw drop, not only is this being older then Tia or myself but he could be possibly older than Discord himself placing him within the range of a Ancient Being, on top of that he has been at rest for over two millennia which he now holds as the reigning champion of both magical and physical imprisonment with torture of a cruel kind. I barely could stand my own imprisonment and if were it not for the realm of dreams to placate my need for social interaction I feel that I would have gone completely off the deep end in madness. I attempt to collect myself for the first time he moves its whole body and begins to approach the pillar with the large throne on top and he continues to speak.
"Our time is short unfortunately, and since I'm unsure if you can return back to this place I must ask if you a favor Miss Luna," he asks, and I leave my seated position to follow the creature towards the pillared throne, "We will attempt our best, I beg of thee how can we assist in your situation as a fellow immortal and Princess of Equestria l I cannot deny your call for aid," I ask attempting to keep up with his long strides, I begin to notice that his glowing appendages are beginning to fade into nothing. One by one dissolving into thin air he begins to climb the pillar to seat himself on the throne that is five times bigger than his own form, finishing his acent he finally rests himself and relaxes on the engraved throne.
"If you are truly Steward of the Moon Miss Luna, then with practice you can sense those in your moons service in dire need, but I offer this advice to you as I can feel it deep within your soul that troubles you so, the regret you feel must be let go in order to attempt to rescue me; If you harbor such pains then you will fail in any attempts to aid me,," The creature settles himself on the throne and before I can respond he looks down upon me and continues his advisement. "Although it is hard to recall, I do find familiarity within your voice, as many years ago I heard the constant cries and apologies of an unknown child somewhere within this realm, and even though I searched for a time the voice eventually faded and silence was once again met across this dark coast," he takes a breath and as I watch him I see that his form is beginning to fade out along the edges.
He heard me, for in the totality of my imprisonment I truly thought I was alone, but here this creature of unknown origins was searching for the voice that was asking for forgiveness and aid into the long hours of the night I spent alone. I think weather that if this being could have found me and if he did would he been able to curb my resentment towards Tia and make my imprisonment a better experience? I return my gaze back towards the creature and with alarm I see that his form has now faded even more so with very few of his appendages remaining and as he looks at me I begin to hear a harmonious hymn from his direction and I take off with my wings to meet him at his throne.
"One day, you will realize,"
I leap from the sands and take the first few beats of flight; I see shimmering light leaving his body,
"The stars you are chasing,"
I've covered a quarter of the distance but as I approach I feel a sense of sadness as I see the creature fade more and more into the void.
"Shine bright deep inside you,"
A pang of guilt enters my heart as I continue to approach the top of the pillar, I can understand his pain.
"But will you ever let it shine, from within- and cast all of your fears aside?"
I can feel the destruction that I wrought many years ago, the ponies that I have harmed those that I once swore to protect and images of bloody battlefields and crying mares and foals peering over the graves of missing fathers. I see the fears that I am still not apart of my ponies and In my vain attempts to lock myself away forever, with the wind biting into my eyes I finish the last leg of my ascent and reach my destination.
"You'll see the light, But until that day comes. . ."
As the creature suddenly becomes silent over three quarters of his form is now missing and I finally reach the top of the pillar where he now sits, with a sense of urgency I fear that I may be unable to get any type of information from this being before he fades completely and I for one shall never break a promise once it has been given.
"Do you know where thou are?!" I exclaim placing hooves on its shoulders which to my surprise take hold as it firmly sits motionless on the engraved throne.
"/b]I cannot recall," it states, his form vanishing ever rapidly his appendages now completely gone increasing the fade of his main body.
"Who are your captors? How many are there in number?!" I ask with urgency my face contorted in raw concern for his safety and well being getting any specific military details I may need.
"They are death-less, they know no numbers," he continues his voice wavering at some points as his once calm demeanor begins to fade along with his body reaching the crest of his chest.
"Tell me what are you the embodiment of?!" I ask with finality shaking his remaining form as only its head and shoulders remain as the rest of his body has now vanished into nothing.
"Death," It states with finality and a echoing hollow voice and as his form vanishes my hooves suddenly collapse in on themselves with the absence of a physical form to hold I lurch forward into the large throne and with a smack onto the stone throne I suddenly find consciousness in the physical world.
With a cold sweat I shoot out of my bed flinging cover sheets and pillows in various directions, I reach out with a thought of very weak telekinesis I take a second to grab parchment on my desk and quickly write down as much information I can remember, before I feel a sudden magical exhaustion and the vision begins to blacken around me and the realm of sleep takes me over again I feel the embrace of the carpeted floor.
Author's Note
I apologize for the long wait, these next three chapters parts 1,2 and 3 will be very long and will include a lot of information. And the story will begin to ramp up into more actiony sequences as it progresses.
In regards to the words the shadow man said to Luna I used the theme Dearly Beloved as a vocal back the Immortal realm is something I took from concept art as how I see the realm of the moon. This is my first time attempting to write Luna so please offer any comments or objections you have as they are much appreciated.
I will post a character image sheet soon of what each character looks like in my eyes so you have something to base off of, Ill post the next part soon as it is already completed im just splitting up the 25k words into multiple parts.
8/19 - Thanks to my editor Die Pie WiM the grammar and spelling hath been doubled.
The Throne of Sun and Moon (Part 2)
The Matron of Equestria (Celestia's POV; A day before her request)
I lift my cup and saucer of tea to my lips, the smell of fresh chamomile leaves and oils meets my approval and with a delicate sip into the wonderful infusion of warm calming glory which reminds me of the sun's warmth, and I close my eyes and smile softly. Often I am asked on why I consume more tea than water, but I have always reminded them that water is a main component of tea, and still receive my fill adequately. Unfortunately, I have a habit of deflecting questions and true to my promise I guard my heart and thoughts close since the incident with Lulu, although few times my public mask has broken in throws of disappointment or fury I like to think I balance myself out quite well.
I think to those who are not close to me would find it surprising that I am a very emotional individual, much like any other pony I too have needs and desires. But for many centuries I have put aside my personal needs for the benefit and welfare of my nation and those that put their trust within my rule.
*Fwomp* CRACK *Fwomp* CRACK
I exhale as my magic feels two exceedingly large one handed axes make contact with my personal barrier and with a thought I redirect the thrown objects physical energy into the nearby walls, with a sickening snap I hear the metal axes impale themselves into the crystal walls of my niece's meeting room. I take another sip of tea and with a calm expression; I open my eyes to the shocked open jaw faces of my niece Empress Cadence and her husband Shining Armor. Both who are baffled that I have calmly deflected two thrown weapons from none other than my good friend Chief Taurus Steelhoof now fully entering the meeting hall.
"Chief Taurus," I calmly begin while staring at him with a friendly expression, "I am pleased to see that you are alive and well how long has it been two centuries?" I ask with another sip of tea and steady even breathing patterns, I haven't had a stressful morning yet, but we shall soon see if that holds any merit.
The Chief approaches an empty chair near the meeting table as his assistant enters the room approaches the wall embedded with his leaders axe's and fruitlessly attempts to remove them. With a side glance, I think that his poor assistant will be relatively unable to remove the weapons as the deflected instruments had just about the physical force of a speeding locomotive, a kind of interesting story for another time.
"Princess Celestia," Chief Taurus curtly states, "-I'm glad to see you are as radiant as ever, good morning," he finishes and relaxes in his chair.
I give Steelhoof a nod of approval and with respect as I set my tea back onto its saucer and look to the still alarmed faces of my hosts.
"A-are you serious?! He just lobbed an axe at your face, and you did not even flinch, show anger, Nothing! How can that be acceptable!" exclaims a much shocked Shining Armor with a wave of his hoof and a very stern look towards Steelhoof.
"P-Princess Celestia, I must concur with my husband, that is not acceptable as a form of greeting in any shape!" stresses Cadence she turns to Steelhoof and fires a scorn at the elder minotaur, "And you! You should be ashamed for treating a peaceful meeting in such a manner; I should have you expelled at once!!" she scolds the leader for his brash attempt at polite greetings.
I giggle at the couple's antics and smile none the less as I observe the conversation between my niece and the elder chief. I take a more attentive look towards the unamused Steelhoof and note the changes since our last encounter, still ever the tall one standing still four hooves taller than myself. The once gray pelt shows sign of age and wisdom with grey hairs near edges, his once blonde hair now whitened with age, but something still present is his sharp green eyes a value much in approval to my tastes.
Something more endearing is the fact that the Chief has now grown a full lined beard, shaped and pointed at his chin along with his freshly filed and pointed horns, I now most definitely approve of his newfound appearance. Noticing his attire I take note he has changed his look a bit and ditched the cotton robes for something more sturdy, a plated and pauldroned cuirass with a flowing violet and black trimmed cape and ear high collar. Not to mention the now two empty axe holders on his waistband, I decide to end the now pressing argument that might take a turn for the worst.
"Cadence," I interject which brings Shining Armor and my niece to turn their gazes towards me interrupting the feud between the gathering. "I am quite alright as you can see, and I do not take offense to Chief Taurus' greeting so please refrain from scolding him and hurting the intentions of the meeting you have requested us to attend," I finish with another sip of tea and a nod of thanks from Steelhoof. Without hesitation, I summon my magic and pour him a now magically enlarged cup of the delicious liquid refreshment himself which he takes gently and with a smile of approval.
Cadence begins to formulate a rebuttal and I silently raise a hoof in objection which draws her silent and with a huff a disapproval she backs down thankfully and the room is once more returned to a peaceful calm, minus the sharp glares to which Steelhoof and I enjoy our tea in tranquility. Although Steelhoof and I do not agree at times, we have settled our differences through preset formal duels now and then which has always ended in a stalemate of my choosing; we might not be the best of friends as we once were but to his culture, I am still a respected mare.
The sound of the opening of solid crystal doors and a sparse glance from my refreshment, I see a taloned claw grasping the edges of the door. As the entrance widens, I see two new faces emerge into the room, one of the noble High Lord Blood Talon opening the door to someone I have not met before to my much curiosity. As the two figures enter the room, the Gryphon and now with more observation Dragoness halt their conversation and greet everyone in the room respectively, and Talon approaches the last two remaining chairs at the table drawing back one for his guest and taking a seat in the last available chair at the table.
"Good morning high lord," I greet with a smile and repeating the same process I pour another cup of tea from the rapidly depleting kettle and place it in front of the gryphon who takes the cup and curtly nods in response.
"Good morning your Highness, Empress Cadence, Chief Taurus," The gryphon greets each of the leaders. I reimmerse my memory of the Gryphon whose dense plumage is a lovely earthen shade, most noticeable of the high lord is one of his family line traits which is crimson tipped feathers giving the Lord a unique look among his kin. Although Talon is one of the youngest of the assembled leaders, notwithstanding the newest face in the room, his kindness and hospitality knows no bounds and is overall very easy to work with.
From issues of border friction to trade negotiations, Talon is easily my most trusted ally as he falls within more reason than those under Dragon King Torch or Chief Taurus respectively. Personally, I believe he's a good person in general, and much can be gained with a friendship with him.
While some of the leaders are idly chatting amongst themselves what draws to my attention, in particular, is the newest addition to the group who I can assume by racial status as possibly the representative of Dragon King Torch. In stature she's not the biggest of dragons I have seen, placing her within the range of a young adult in Dragon terms maybe possibly in her ‘young adult' years more or less, being somewhat of the same height of Sir Spike my pupils assistant and guardian. Her scales are a well-polished cerulean with darkened midnight spots giving her a pleasing look.
Her most particular trait is that of her horn and fin placement as her two horns, a brilliant white and oddly inverted along her jawline is something rare to me as many dragons have outwardly facing spines for threat displays. Accented with her purple spines that flow well aerodynamically she is most definitely a magnificent looking dragon in her kin's eyes. Externally she was wearing something similar to what Steelhoof was attired in, a plated chest piece made of a bronze metal with a scabbard holding something between the base of her wings.
"Excuse me, Miss; I don't believe we had the pleasure of making your acquaintance," I set my now empty cup once more on the saucer, and I focus my attention on the silent dragoness who seems a bit shocked at being addressed. The rest of the room now focused on my questioning they all turn to the dragoness who now has a faint redness in her cheeks after being addressed.
"Ah, yes I nearly forgot about this pup I found her wandering outside the castle looking for the audience hall," the smooth voice of Talon informatively states. "Apparently, she comes from the Dragon King with a message for us in regards to Dragon King Torch's summons," while gesturing idly towards the dragoness.
"So if she's here to bring a message let her state it and be gone, my time is precious, and I have many projects to oversee in Labyrinthia," a very frustrated Minotaur states receiving a various amount of scorned looks from around the table. Sympathetically I ease my gaze back towards the dragoness with a smile, and she relaxes slightly.
"U-Um Hello, my name is Ember, and I bring some new in regards to the summons," She begins with a nervous expression and she shuffles the scabbard towards her front and with much interest to myself and the gathered leaders. She attempts to pull out a large staff, and internally I cringe as I see the cover slip off the scabbard and the gleaming hyacinth gem of none other than the scepter of Dragon King Torch.
"Usurper!" screams the voice of Chief Taurus and with a will of his power he summons his axe's from the wall behind me nearly smashing the back of my head in. Steelhoof flies out of his chair the second his weapons connect to his hands and attempts a mighty swing towards the dragoness who's holding the sacred object of King Torch.
Although I'll admit either in shock or out of surprise over the revelation of the staff, I too was jaded for but only a moment, but regardless of the circumstances the messenger should never be harmed in any shape or form. With quick thinking before the axes made contact with Ember's head, I summon my magic forth in all its splendor and with a loud *SNAP* I quickly recall the memory of the physical prowess of the Chieftain.
With loud gasps and a stifled scream within the room, I open my eyes after the teleport and look down towards Ember who is cringing in her chair expecting to meet the wrath of Steelhoof holding the hyacinth staff in her embrace. With a sigh of relief, I look towards the angry minotaur, and I look to where his weapons have made contact with my forehooves in my attempt to stop the threats from harming Ember I see that his axes have damaged the gilded hoof guards I wear out of fashion rather than utility. And each axe has taken to embed themselves within my left and right forehoof respectively I feel a warm sensation running down near my elbows assuming its life-giving fluids and through the silence, I hear nothing but deep and angry breathing.
As the adrenaline begins to fade from my initial jump, I start to feel the pain of foreign objects placed within my body, and I look at Steelhoof with a disappointed gaze as he merely stares back at me with a fierce stare. I only have time to turn to Cadence and with a smile and I begin to feel my forelimbs tremble through his sheer strength, and the calm facade I typically keep slowly starting to break.
"Cadence, the adults, are going to have a discussion, please do not panic," I state calmly and before she has a chance to open her mouth I use my magic to teleport myself and Steelhoof well outside the Empire's borders and into the cold, unforgiving tundra.
I will admit, the tundra outside is unbearably cold, If not for my internal warmth of the bond I share with the sun, Most would become quite cross at this moment but to some solace, I am happy that it is just chilly and not a howling wind cold.
As Steelhoof and I emerge from my quick teleport, I feel myself and his dense form flung in a different direction as I'm met with the feeling of soft snow to cushion my fall. I take a small moment to collect myself as I rise from the snowy trench my impact has made, the Chieftain Steelhoof emerges from his ravine, dug by his broad and massive body. I know now he is apparently writhing in anger as he picks up his weapons from the snow gazing towards me with an unbemused expression.
"Steelhoof! You should know better than to let your anger control you so, how would your mother feel about you killing a helpless messenger with your full strength?!" I shout across the expanse feeling the ever-growing sense of being alone with an ally I break my mask for the first time in a long while and try to reason with Steelhoof. Even from this moderately short distance away I can see the steam rising off his body. It takes quite a lot to get a minotaur enraged but so something as personal as this I can unders- no, I can FEEL his rage.
"Shut your mouth BITCH! You will not talk about my mother who lies beyond the grave!" He exclaims and starts to pick up his pace and start to charge towards me. I reach into the wells of my magic and extract an object long forgotten these days and as Steelhoof reaches me and swings another full weight swing I materialize a relic from ages past to block his strike.
Although I am a mare of peace and understanding, I know too well of the dangers of the world and within seconds I fully form a large sky steel and gold piped Spear-Halberd and using my magic I lift the weapon and block his opening strike with the center of the staff.
*CLANG*
The sounds of ear piercing metal reach my auditory senses, and my horn feels the pressure from his strike I riposte and strike my opponent with the blunt end of the shaft causing him to retreat slightly. Just as he retreats, I see him return for another attack and to what feels time slowing to the millisecond he uses his left axe for a side uppercut motion and using the same momentum I swing the edged end of my weapon upwards catching the hook of his axe and flinging his blade high into the air.
To punctuate the disarmament, I take the blunt end of the staff and jab him with it sternly in between his eyes as a reward for a well-placed hit I hear the thick snap of a carrot. The minotaur's nose cartilage breaking while reeling his head back in pain, with the continuation motion of the strike I take the halberd and with a rotating motion I smack the side of his head with the flat of the edge launching the minotaur across the snow leaving another deep trench in the soft white powder.
"Stop this senselessness Steelhoof! I too feel your loss, and I understand your fury, but the manner you choose to exact your revenge is unforgivable and honorless!" I state using a voice amplification spell and with the added volume I hear a distant rumbling of an avalanche cascading down a nearby remote mountain. I see movement within the snow and exploding out of the mound of powder like a daisy in the spring I come under the assault of speedy well-placed attacks from the Chiefs remaining weapon.
*CLANG* *SCRAPE* CLANG*
"You know nothing! That elder taught us the ways of the immortal existence, our duty!" states Steelhoof with each swing of his axe I become a bit more fearful that during my time of peace I might not be able to stop the Warriors blows as they increase velocity with each strike. I attempt to gain some space by extending my wings and trying to fly away for a brief moment with my weapon dragging behind in golden magic.
Regrettably, before I could get even half the distance I would find comfortable with an opponent of this caliber; the curt sound of rapidly moving chains greet my senses. I turn my head to locate the source of the offending sound, and I see a fastly approaching battle-dart, a weighted chain weapon, flying towards my barrel and before I can react it wraps a few times around my form and I suddenly feel myself accelerate towards the ground.
As I made contact with the ground before I could get my bearings, the Chieftain does not relent and uses his current advantage and arcs me through a few snow banks much like a wrecking ball through a building. *POMF* *POMF* *SLAM* I feel the strength behind his attack as it crashes me hard into the ground after a few horizontal swings, inside the small crater annoyed thoroughly in the far corners of my mind I can't help but think of the little feeling of exhilaration of this duel. Using my magic, I heat the chain to a red hot glow, and Steelhoof recoils immediately from his grip on the cord and as the melted iron drips from my midsection a snap of my wings and a strong push-off I fly towards Steelhoof with my spear tip aimed straight at his chest.
Although I've never had the intent to kill except in certain dire occasions, fighting Steelhoof with anything less of that conviction would only enrage him more and send him even more off the deep end.
I speed closer and closer towards him I infuse my halberd with the power of the sun and I see Steelhoof wind up his axe with a crimson glow and at the same time our weapons connect I can no longer hear except for a steady ringing noise. I look around, and I see the amount of force we have placed in our attacks which have melted the snow in every direction around us in a nearly perfect circle of harmonious destruction.
As steam rises from the expulsion of power, I see the ground itself has become charred and in some places of metal purity glowing red hot and simmering in the cold morning air. Along with myself, I see that Steelhoof is heavily breathing as I feel quite exasperated for the need of oxygen wafts of steam emanating from our bodies.
With a few more deep breaths we return to our discussion, and I feel my face contort in focus as each of our strikes fastly approaching the level of fatal blows. With every swing of Steelhooves axe, I meet with equal force with my halberd and at the place of impact the ground cracks with power. In the background the glow of the Crystal Empire glistening in the morning sun I chuckle at the irony that I once long ago I fought King Sombra Rex along with my sister with equal tenacity.
Mid-swing of my weapon I was caught off guard as Steelhoof used his offhand to backhanded strike me across the face. With an enormous amount of force, cast down rolling uncontrollably in the soot and ash covered ground. I hear the heavy steps of the Chieftain tromp towards me as I vainly attempt to get up, and suddenly to my surprise feel pressure around the base of my tail as I'm lifted flank first into the air.
I feel conflicted as I suddenly experience an embarrassing warmth upon my face, and confidently looking back with a smug grin towards a confused look from Steelhoof like a cocked spring I plant both my rear hooves into his face sending the minotaur recoiling across the damaged tundra his armor flying in various directions.
With a solid collision into a hidden rock pile covered in snow, I felt a pang of worry for Steelhoof I may have started becoming a tad overzealous, but when a 'bull' grabs you by the tail, you tend to react quite hastily especially if you're unaware of his intentions.
Trotting towards the impact area where Steelhoof is now fallen and I feel even more urgency as I see that he is not moving. Worryingly breaking into a sprint approaching his fallen form I place a hoof on his now bare chest with a shake as his armor had been cast off with the force of the buck I gave him.
"Steely?" I question with another shake of his body and suddenly his eyes open and before I can react he latches onto my forehooves and throws me across the expanse. I summon my halberd and with a roll from my back to my barrel, I balance myself returning my efforts as Steelhoof and I charge at each other full sprint once more primal energies flowing deeply into our weapons as we both prepare to end the fight once and for all. As we rapidly approach one another magical energies cracking with hissing whips of energy flowing from our forms I feel a sudden pressure change and as we both wind up our swings to do catastrophic damage to one another I hear something entirely odd as a little pitched screeching noise entered my senses.
*sssskkkkrrrreeeee*
And right as our blades were about to make contact I feel another presence as the air around us explodes and before the sound occurred pressure from the explosion casting snow and ash in all directions. Suddenly appearing in between the minotaur and myself, a gryphon materialized at breakneck speeds and in each of his bladed talons, he gripped our weapons still held in our respective grasps. And with a change in motion with more force than I would originally imagine for the Highlord, lifted both of us off the ground and with a pinwheel-like motion flung us both respectfully across the scarred battlefield holding onto our weapons in each claw. Making contact yet again with the unforgivingly hard ground. I hear an earth-shattering voice of once someone who I've never known to be loud at all.
"ENOUGH! YOU TWO WILL CEASE THIS FOOLISHNESS!" demands High Lord Blood Talon champion of the western mountains and vicious warlord of the Kingdom of Griffonia. With a flick of his wrists, he forcefully and gracefully throws my halberd with pinpoint accuracy, landing spear first into the snow two hoofs from my face causing a crack deep in the rock below along with the war chief's axe somersaulting with the same force right in between the Chieftains legs near his pelvis.
With a heavy breath, I look at my weapon and the gryphon and my to the former opponent, the adrenaline's effects wearing down greeted by a sharp pain realize how severe my injuries are. I can easily feel that two or three of my ribs could be broken, and I at least have a sprained hoof somewhere; I can't quite put my mind on which hoof, but it's there, not to discount the probably numerous bruises under my alabaster pelt.
Across the way I see Steelhoof assessing his damages, and I see the blood now pouring from his broken muzzle, and I understand my error and attempt being the supposedly bigger mare in reparations. I make an effort to stand and in my efforts, I find that my right forehoof is sprained. Using three legs, I make my way slowly to Steelhoof with a deathly glare from Talon, and I approach the minotaur none the less ignoring the avian.
"Need a hoof Steely?" I query with a neutral expression and extend my non-sprained hoof to him and with a judgemental look, Steel takes the offered limb and with a tug from both tired warriors brings himself upright. Now standing I see that we both have various wounds, none too grave but I still feel sorry for his muzzle that I broke, kind of. As he hunches over in weariness, I use my magic to grasp his face reset his medial bone correctly and with a sickening crack along with a glare from the first shocked then thankful expression of Steelhoof.
"Thanks, good fight Tia," he states while using his hand to attempt vainly to ruffle my ethereal mane, although it steadily moves I still feel the firm pressure of his hand on my head a rather odd yet satisfying feeling as my pelt is rubbed roughly beneath my mane my ears folding back in reciprocation of the strange sensation.
"Hopefully, we can return to the meeting now that we've blown off some steam?" I ask questioningly towards my friend and before he can form a response we are both set upon by a duly triggered avian.
"You two! You are both acting like rowdy hatchings; we are guests here within the Empire and here you two are-," the High Lord pauses and rotates his talons in a rotating motion searching for words, "-conversing, in a manner unbecoming leaders of your nations! You should be ashamed of thine selves!" finishes Talon while approaching us I feel a bit of shame as he is none the less right.
"Not to mention your poor niece," he starts catching my attention, "She is pacing a hole into the palace balcony worried sick about the display and light show you're putting on at the edge of her city, and her subjects have retreated in their homes!" Talon exclaims and at this point I find strange as we didn't put that much effort in our strikes and I take a glance around the arena for our sparring match.
Before where I saw simple trenches and ravines where our bodies hit I now see gaping chasms, the charred and scorched ground is now cooled glassy molten slag and impact marks from the wind force from our weapons have rent nearby hills and rock mounds which I thought were small snowdrifts and rock piles.
At this point, I feel a bit of embarrassment as I observe the damage in the nearby landscape, and can't even imagine what would've happened if I took the fight outside and within the city limits due to sheer laziness.
It was silent for a better of a minute before anyone decided to make a move, and over time and as my heart rate began to slow to normal. I hear a tired exhale from Steelhoof and without a hint of what he was attempting to do he started to walk towards the center of the destroyed area.
The High Lord began to form a complaint most likely assuming that Steelhoof was going just leave when suddenly the Minotaur lifts his right hoof and slams it firmly into the ground causing a small pillar to rise in front of him. The process now repeated a few times alternating hooves, and a small set of crude stairs is being formed and with a final more sturdy stomp a broad flat plateau is jetted from the ground which Steelhoof walks on.
Although personally, I have never seen the Chieftains earth magic, I could feel a slow buildup of adamant energies from his direction and with another loud stomp and a roar of conviction echoing across the tundra his body suddenly becomes engulfed in a crimson glow.
Through a shockwave of energy, that emits from the epicenter that is now the Chieftain. He raises his hands with force and the chasm's begin to loudly close with violent shaking of the tundras floor; the rent hill's return to their smooth slopes, and the stony rock mounds burst in beautiful crystal explosions littering the snow with freshly made geodes adding beauty where there was once none.
As shockwaves and sounds of the vibrations through the area cease, the crimson glow begins to fade from his body, and he slowly turns and walks down his makeshift pillar stairs with a tired gait in his step. As he approaches the High Lord and myself, he gestures towards the landscape with a unbemused expression and raises a quizzical eyebrow.
"Close enough I suppose," Talon states then lifts a single digit with his eyes closed. "-however I also want you to apologize to Miss Ember as well and to Celestia for this entire incident you will make-," before Talon can finish a large amount of snow is suddenly dumped from the arms of said Minotaur and burying the Gryphon completely in powdery coldness.
I can't help but laugh with sharp pains along my broken ribs as Steelhoof marches off towards the Empire walking past and securing his equipment along the way. With a frustrated growl, the High Lord explodes from his snowy tomb and shakes his closed talon at the retreating Steelhoof.
"I SWEAR ON ALL THAT HIS HOLY; YOU WILL RUE THE DAY STEELHOOF!" Talon exclaims at the slowly walking Minotaur who acknowledges his challenge with a dismissing wave his unoccupied hand not stopping towards his trek to the Empire.
Recovering from my painful bouts of laughter I take my equipment in my magic and return it to its magical storage space disappearing in an amber flame. Using a clotting spell, I seal my open wounds and nuzzle the still venting Gryphon who responds immediately by silencing himself and blushing profusely staring at me like I've caught him doing something dastardly.
"Come Talon; I have a lot of apologizing to do to Ember and my Niece," I make an effort to walk towards the Capitol on three legs. I could have flown, but feeling a sharp soreness from my wings, I would rather avoid further embarrassment if I fell in public view flying with tired wings. As I continue walking, I feel a feathery mass support my right side as the still blushing Gryphon uses his body weight to assist my movement avoiding all eye contact with my own. None the less I smile a warm smile as I prepare to dawn the mask that I frequently use in the public eye.
Returning to the Empire proper with a being supported Talon and a brooding Steelhoof we make our way back towards the Palace where we see two rapidly approaching Crystal Guardsponies who stop and bow at a respectful distance.
"Your Majesties, the Empress, has requested to inform you that the meeting has been reallocated to the following morning due to extenuating circumstances regarding Miss Ember," the lead guard states.
I look to my fellow leaders and with various forms of understanding and I nod in approval towards the guard ponies who rise and with a salute return to their duties.
"I could do with a bath regardless," bluntly states Steelhoof who continues towards the palace, "Catch you two later," he absentmindedly says.
With a huff and a talon rested upon the High Lords face I smile and tentatively take a few steps past the Gryphon my injured hoof recovering enough for an unassisted walk.
"Do not worry Sangre" a bold grin highlights my face as I call Talon by his pet name such as Steelhoof's 'Steely' alias which entices a quick response of a venomous look from the avian which I laugh internally to his plight. "-The meeting overall will not be ruined and hopefully tomorrow we can resolve the issue with Miss Ember, and we can continue the meeting," I finish keeping my slow gait towards the castle and my personal quarters.
"Yes, hopefully, we can pursue the conference as planned without a lethal clash of the titans, this time Celestia?" He queries with a tilt of his head catching up to me.
"I make no promises; you know how emotional the Chieftain gets regarding his personal teacher Dragon King Torch especially when someone shows up with his sign of leadership and rule," I say as we make our way up the palace steps the guards opening the doors for our entry.
With a nod of agreement, the Gryphon and I take separate paths leading to our quarters and with time alone to myself for a moment I recollect on the day's events making a note to start the process for the Suns decent for Lulu. As I approach my quarters, I open the door with a touch of magic and enter the spacious room with very basic amenities such as a bed, desk stationery, and a dresser with an entrance to a private washroom. My first goal is to remove my regalia I take off my tiara and chest with relative ease however once I get to my hooves that's where the issues start to arise.
I attempt to take off my rear shoes and with some effort, they finally come off to my relief, the issue I'm having is my forehooves which sustained the brunt of Steely's first strike. When I attempted to pry them off, I recoiled immediately with burning pain, and gazed down to inspect the cause; I see that the two horizontal lines where the brunt of the impact struck that the metal regalia was slightly embedded into my pelt much to my distaste.
With a huff and an action much akin to quickly stripping an adhesive bandage I tore the fragmented metal from the wound and the flow of blood began to trickle onto the crystal floor. I cried in pain as I have not been seriously injured for quite some time and with my adornments removed I could focus on healing myself of my battles injuries.
Thinking about few spells (the first being a clotting incantation for my forehooves) I begin the painful and daunting task of healing myself. Most ponies assume healing magic comes naturally to all Unicorns and Zebras, and any wound can be treated within seconds, as much as I wish that statement to be true it is woefully quite the opposite. The first thing I concentrated on was my cracked ribs; I knew they were there but not knowing where to focus magic would be a waste of power, so the first thing to do was cast a scanning spell to get a sense of where I should begin.
After a quick scan, I take note of the various injuries I've sustained; Two cracked ribs multiple bruises and a sprained right forehoof with two broad impacts on each front leg respectively. I approach the washroom and turn the relatively large bathtub faucet to the hottest setting it can go. After a few minutes, I slowly enter the hot water and cringe as the hot liquid burns my many cuts and scrapes unseen by my scans. Eventually, I fully submerse myself and after a few seconds emerge my head from the surface of the water.
A few things can typically associate with me from my habits according to my staff members, and close friends. One; that I usually am a proud partaker in many varieties of tea, almost bordering the unhealthy to which I still am unsure how tea consumption can be harmful. Two; that I am some invulnerable force of nature, I always know what is best for everyone, and every decision that I make is for the betterment of Equis. Although I would like to believe, the only thing neutral about me is my mask. And unfortunately this couldn't be farther from the truth as I have personal goals and ideals, and as I continue to soak in my bath I see small tendrils of red liquid come from my various surface injuries. Third and final which I have no objections are that of my personal enjoyment of long relaxing baths or saunas and the consumption of my guilty pleasure cakes and pastries.
I absentmindedly sit in the heated water with my eyes closed and my mind blank, focusing on nothing in particular. I turn my thoughts to my charge which is the caretaking of the sun and with a stretch of power I set the motion to bring the sun into its final stages towards the evening to make way for my sister Luna to bring up her moon. Something I've learned over the past thousand years since her disappearance is the ability to release a majority of my power to return my mane to its natural state. Although many ponies admire my pastel flowing hair, I still am quite fond of my light rose colored mane as I find that more beautiful and personal to my tastes.
Releasing the power over my charge slightly the once flowing pastel mane now falls around me in its original pinkish hue and with a smile I take in my magic a brush and slowly work out and knots and damages that may have occurred during the day's activities. I find brushing my mane very relaxing, and I still like to think I am a stunning Alicorn before the duty assigned by my once great friend Starswirl the Bearded many ages ago.
I recall the day when we were approached by Star Swirl and representatives of the three different pony tribes. Although it is very rare sometimes so called miracles happen and sometimes foals are born as Alicorns, So far to my knowledge there are three natural alicorns born to the world Cadence and Shining’s foal Flury Heart, Luna, and Myself. Though there are technically five Alicorns including Cadence and Twilight they are more of ascended alicorns which do not possess the one ability that makes natural borns unique versus ascended.
The gift of long life. . .
Plight of the Eternal
Immortality, to some it is a blessing granted by those who are 'chosen' to change the world. But to those who receive its gifts, it can be considered a curse, for as long as you may live you would be forever imbued to watch your family, friends, even those you love to perish to the sands of time. For natural borns it is as Starswirl put it the achievement of all mortal life to find the door to immortality, I for one would wish to close that door if I could go back in time all those years ago. For too long a there are parts of me that cannot be fulfilled, a never ending torture that I must go on throughout time, investing my emotions and efforts into friends and relationships that do nothing but fade into the void of the timeless existence.
Although more recently it is an interesting twist to have two ascended alicorns appear within a half-millennium span I can't feel extremely jealous that those who are short lived. It's often a subject that I avoid as much as possible, especially to those who are not virtually immortal such as Twilight or Cadence but those who I can confide in are those who were gathered in meeting today. Steely was a Minotaur that I encountered during my time as a foal while my family traveled across the continent, back then it was a time of monsters and magic where seeing impossible demons and creatures of dark magic thrived.
It takes me back to touch upon such memories, almost too painful if I think hard enough. Times of war and uncertainty and times of peace and harmony, it makes me shudder sometimes thinking that someday the peace that I have instilled into my subjects may one day be shattered as a wave strikes the coast of eternity.
I am broken from my train of thought as I hear a knock upon my bedroom door, and woefully I must exit the now comfortable water; I hate personal reflection sometimes.
"Just a moment please," I state loudly to no one in particular and leave the bath using a minor form of a barrier spell to push the water from my pelt onto the floor. I could have used the power of the Sun to dry me instantly, but I still have yet to address my primary healing issues due to the isolation inside the warm bath.
Unsure of who may be at the door I take a nearby towel and expertly wrap my hair to hide the fact that it is not in its free-flowing state, I at least deserve some happiness now and then.
I open the door and stick my head outside, and I see none other than my one of my friends outside one looking a bit worse for wear than I last left him.
"Oh, good evening Steely what brings you to me this night?" I questioningly ask as the tall, hulking Minotaur stands outside my door.
"I need your help Tia," states Steelhoof who has taken the liberty to wrap a good majority of his chest and arms in bandages, quite poorly if I may add with a giggle.
"Why certainly of course," I roll my eyes allowing Steelhoof entry into my personal quarters and I turn and move back towards the washroom to return the towel around my head back to the rack as Steelhoof enters and shuts my door behind him.
I hum a small song to myself as I hear Steely do something outside the washroom much to my curiosity. Looking into the mirror I see my pink mane and for a moment I consider returning it to its tri-color pastel state, but for some reason, I opt against it tonight and walk back into my room with a brush in my magic working out the damp knots formed by the towel.
Entering back into the main room I see Steely sitting on a stool hunched over nursing his arm, and I shake my head and smile as he takes notice of my entrance back into the room.
"That's a surprise, I thought that you lost your beautiful hair a long time ago," Steelhoof states, and I pause mid-step at my friend's declaration with wide eyes.
"W-What did you say?" I shockingly say frozen with a dumbfounded expression.
"Your mane Sunny, last time I saw it was a few centuries ago, thought you got rid of it or something," says Steelhoof lacing his words with a nickname long forgotten from our childhood.
I'm completely frozen with most likely the champion of embarrassing looks, and while my brain attempts to process this amount of unexpected compliments alongside being called by my original name; the smirking laughing lunkhead that is Steelhoof begins a hearty laugh to the point pain; I close my eyes with my face still on fire as I recover from overload. With an aggressive tug of my magic, I completely burn away Steelhoof's horrible display of medical knowledge much to his surprise.
"I presume that you need some help with your injuries then?" I ask venomously starting to prepare spells to mend my friend's wounds sustained in our skirmish earlier this morning.
"Yeah since you screwed me thoroughly earlier today I thought I'd make you at least rub my shoulders a bit ya' know," Steely says with a smirk as I give him quite the death stare unaware that my room door has opened.
"Well Mister," I state applying a mending spell to his chest area, "I wouldn't have bucked you so hard in the face if you didn't grab the base of my tail so hard which was quite rude by the way," I finish.
"Rude? if you wanna talk about rough take a good look in the mirror, it was my first time in a long while so you could have been a bit more gentle on my face you know," Steelhoof quips rubbing his face, and I puff my cheeks in frustration as I continue to heal the Minotaur.
As I'm healing the Chieftan, I see him staring at behind me with a vacant stare; I pause my healing slightly to crane my head wards the door at the now 'hoof over mouth' face of my niece Cadence with a basket with some sandwiches sticking out of it.
"Hi, Aunty. .I-Ill just come back later after I visit Lord Talon," she retreats slowly behind the door with a click of the lock, and internally I sigh with a hoof to my face.
After healing Steely adequately, I slump slightly becoming quite tired expending much of my energy with his mending, with a stretch Steelhoof give a nod of thanks and before I have a chance to react he grips me in a hug pressing my barrel and ribs painfully. With a squeak of pain he stops quickly and gives me a worried glare, and I look sheepishly at him knowing full too well the scolding I'm about to get.
"Tia, are you trying to punish yourself again?" asks Steelhoof with a serious face holding both my shoulders with his firm hands I make every attempt not to meet his gaze, but slowly I look up and meet his burning eyes and feel my begin to water.
"N-No! I was about to tend to my wounds, and you came while I was washing. .I had full intentions to heal myself, this time, I promise Steely," I plead my case to the concerned Minotaur who looks unconvinced.
"Celestia, you know this is not healthy we talked about it, it's why I forbade you from participating in duals some time ago when I discovered you tried to fight me with near fatal injuries, tis not healthy," Steelhoof states coldly, and I attempt to come up with an excuse for my past transgressions some decades ago.
Lulu's banishment was hard on me, if you had asked me a week before the battle of two armies I would have had you locked away for suggesting that I would fight my sister in a duel to the death. But it's regrettably something that did happen and something that I was blind to; my sister felt scorned and hated by her ponies, and I did nothing to stop it I still wish it was just a dream.
I'd never had imagined the scale of conflict that occurred in such little time, tens of thousands of lives gone within a single battle. History writes it as a corruption that overtook my sister, but in reality is was the lack of love and care for my one and only sibling from not only my subjects but of her one and only sister. Even through my battles with Discord the God of Chaos and the tyrant King Sombra Rex none of my subjects were harmed in those battles, the Nightmare's conflict was borderline total war.
Suddenly I felt gravity shift as I was lifted gently into the air by Steelhoof and my attempts and protests were silenced when he carried me over towards my rooms bed and laid me softly on the bed's covers.
I thought about the seriousness of his accusation as for weeks after I banished my sister into her moon, I did not sleep, eat or even leave my quarters or even fulfill my duty to raise and lower the sun. Eventually, the nobility reached out to Steelhoof who was already in route to my castle in the Everfree seeing the strange patterns in the day and night cycle.
When Steelhoof arrived, it was already pretty bad, at first I flat out refused him and even when he was at my door I barred it with every single piece of furniture inside my room. At that point of time, I hadn't seen Steelhoof in a long time since he went to warrior training and I went to Starswirls leadership tutelage with Luna. For days he sat outside my door as my depression overtook my mind, asking every day if I was ready to see him and each and every time I replied with a 'No.'
Eventually, Steelhoof had had enough and with a shower of splinters my door was opened and to a more surprised Steelhoof than myself I was in an awful disheveled state. My mane was clumpy with knots, and I had tracks of tears on my face with my only defense between me, and the intruder was a pillow and a bed cover, which the pillow was thrown at Steely post haste.
Despite my futile efforts of assault pillows, Steelhoof got my life back in order; he woke me every day at five to raise the sun and forced me to sleep at eight to lower it, oddly enough even without my sister the moon retained its proper cycle. Over time Steelhoof became less and less involved in my day to day affairs, but something that he introduced to vent my frustrations and anger were predetermined sparring matches with him which eventually got so big that we moved them to a nearby mountain.
But something that was supposed to aid in my recovery soon became another source of my pain as after each and every fight I started to reduce the amount of healing I gave myself. Eventually, it became so bad that I couldn't walk, and Steelhoof caught on and ended our sparring sessions and hired six different physicians to heal me without my consent one of them being Starswirl himself even in his old age.
Weeks passed, then years, eventually decades as Steelhoof became less involved in my life. But before he completely disappeared he told me one solitary thing that brought me from the brink of my downward spiral 'Be better, my friend once inspired me to strive for great things, but I haven't seen her for a long time maybe one day we'll see if she returns.'
After that the rest is history, my mask fabricated and my emotions withheld in a secure lockbox. I decided on a visual trigger and with a firm grasp in understanding my connection with the Sun I turned my hair into its flowing pastel form for the first time and Princess Celestia the calm was born.
For many years I did not see Steelhoof as my moniker Tia, but the new Celestia made a new friend, the noble and chivalrous High Lord Blood Talon, and as a political powerhouse I continued the charade for quite some time with a few scuffles between Steelhoof now and then my emotional state was quite well.
"Tia your daydreaming again," Steelhoof reminds me of my situation at hand. which he now sits on the same stool from before repositioned towards the edge of the bed that I rest upon.
"I'm sorry Steely," I pause, " I did not mean to ignore you, and thank you for your concern, but there is nothing to worry about," I finish with the same bravado that Celestia would with any personal questions.
"Stop that, I am not a subject I am your friend and this friend will be making sure that you heal yourself before you retire this evening otherwise it will be a very long night," states Steelhoof with a firm expression and body language.
With the feeling that he will not leave until I have treated myself I attempt to start the process of healing myself but with every attempt, I cannot summon the strength to start the spells as most of my power had been used for Steely's mending. As I turn to Steelhoof, I open my mouth but am hastily interrupted with a light pink flash as the basket of sandwiches my Niece was carrying winks into existence on my nearby nightstand.
With a glance at the basket I see a pink card is placed in the center and I pick it up to read the parchment, and the loopy calligraphy of my Niece is neatly written on the card:
Hey Auntie,
Sorry to have interrupted your. .personal space but I wanted to bring you sandwiches as you did not join us for dinner this evening. I forgot to drop off these sandwiches in case you were hungry, but I did not know you would be having company, good luck and always remember the walls are soundproofed.
Love Cadence
I exhale with a hoof to my face, and I look towards Steelhoof who has already taken it upon himself to pick a sandwich from the basket and begin his snacking.
"What's on the card?" Steelhoof asks with a half-full mouth of bread and hay sandwich offering me another of the treats from the basket in his offhand.
"Nothing in particular, Cadence just missed me at dinner is all and was curious to see if I was hungry," I curtly reply taking the offered sandwich, a kale and tomato filled snack with some cheese for good measure.
"I hope she does not get the wrong idea; I already have enough rumors that I have multiple wives across Labrynthia and that alone is a nightmare to squash," Steelhoof states absentmindedly finishing his snack and reaching for another.
"Oh?" I say with mild shock and laced with sarcasm, "-and here I thought you were always one of the herd mentality, my female subjects will be quite disappointed in that bit of news," I quip with a raised eyebrow with a neutral expression from Steely.
"Please Tia you wound me, I have never been bedded before in my life and don't plan on it until I find the right prospect" he states knowingly much to my surprise as he chews another bit of sandwich.
"N-Never?!" I exclaim almost too brashly to his curiosity filled expression, "I find it hard to believe that a warrior such as yourself would easily find a companion," I finish questioningly as the squinting Minotaur eyes me retrospectively.
"Nope," he pauses, "Although I did have one potential possibility however she decided to lock herself away to where no one could reach her, an entirely unfortunate turn of events," he states dismissively with another bite of his sandwich.
My heart flutters slightly contemplating if my once good friend had intentions of furthering our relationship, but I assume that the world does not revolve around me and continue to eat my sandwich as I chew both nourishment and thoughts. My mind betraying my heart I thought of the pros and cons as much a leader would look deciding what was best for their people.
Taurus Steelhoof was unquestioningly strong, probably one of the most physically tough creatures I've encountered other than Dragon King Torch. A being of action rather than words if I had to put a title to the Minotaur it would most likely be 'The Silent Hero' as he performs many acts without unnecessary words. Its quite romantic to think about it, a silent broody hero who saves ponies, almost poetic. But Steelhoof never actually saw himself as a hero as his rule had been questioned by many but received too few answers for the curious.
Once I recall Steelhoof personally assaulting a stronghold of Naga, a powerful serpentlike creature who primarily feasted upon the young of many a species. Although not an issue for ponies with a majority of them residing near Labrynthia, Steelhoof's area of influence, they became quite the night terror. Eventually, I was told that he had enough and set forth towards the Naga nest.
Two days later Steelhoof returned with many of the missing children and unfortunately for some grave news of their young's terrible demise. One by one he delivered children to their homes or passed along the news to others but dutifully he carried his task with conviction. While some were grateful, others arose who were not saying that the Minotaur did not do enough and scorned him for extended periods of time, regardless he ignored their hecklings and continued his path as the Chieftain of his kingdom.
"If your done getting your fill can you try healing yourself," Steelhoof says while prodding my still sensitive ribs as I give him a scorned look. I focus on my chest area and apply the same mending spell that I performed on him with a slower effect as quite honestly I didn't feel any need to be alone for tonight.
With the sound of nothing but the hum of my magic and the soft chewing of sandwiches I dive back into my thoughts about the Chieftain when there was a loud knock at my bedroom door.
"Don't move, I'll get it," says the stern voice of Steelhoof. As he approaches and opens the door, I lean a bit trying to see past his broad form who might be at the door when it becomes apparent that my new guest might be unwanted as Steelhoof attempts to force the door closed with struggles from whoever is on the opposite side.
"Steely who is at my door?" I question with a stern voice. Steelhoof was looking back at me on the bed and then returning his gaze towards the entrance suddenly lets go of his grip on the door which suddenly flies inward with a surprised Gryphon making entry and faceplanting hard on the floor.
"I loathe you," quips a floor-bound Talon, holding a solitary claw pointed at Steelhoof his face still firmly planted into the floor. With a roll of his eyes and a snort from the Minotaur he returns towards his stool and reaches under the basket and draws out a newspaper that I didn't notice was there.
With a giggle, I continue to mend my wounds as Talon situates himself and as he sits there the silent hum of my magic and an occasional page turn from a non-attentive Minotaur is the only sounds that permeate the room for a while. With a pause in my healing I open a cupboard with a momentarily stern look from Steelhoof, he watches me draw out a set of cups and a teapot. With some effort, I gradually begin pulling water from the surrounding air into the pot and start the process of making some warm tea, with a few pre-infused packets from a nearby dry cupboard. Convinced I am not doing anything heinous Steelhoof returns to his paper as Talon drags another nearby stool and sits on my left side opposite to Steelhoof.
With a few side glances, while I continue to prepare some refreshments, I can feel the tension in the room grow as the colossal forces of Steelhoof and Talon face off. Trying to alleviate the pressure I take another nearby sandwich and pass it to Talon who silently accepts it not moving his gaze from his opponent across the room. Although I can obviously see what is occurring here, I hopefully pray that what I'm suspecting is not going to occur as I don't think my heart could take it, but the actual mastermind behind this is my niece Cadence which will receive a scolding much later.
With the tea finished and heated properly I pass a few saucers and one enlarged cup towards my guests. Each accepting their offered refreshment with a nod from Steely and a 'Thanks' from Sangre. With peaceful offerings made I hope I can diffuse the situation that my mischevious Niece has most likely setup.
"So Sangre, what brings you by this evening?" I query with a peaceful expression and a sip of tea returning the progress on mending my injuries.
"Well, I came to apologize first for my actions with you outside, my other goal was to check if you are recovering well from this. .brute's actions," Talon states and with an internal sigh, I look towards Steely who is continuing to read his paper but with enough skill you can see the hint of a frown beginning to form.
Reflecting on my time spent with Talon was quite the pleasant one, always being treated well was a big bonus and with a keen mind and a big heart were many of the warlord's positive traits but with good always comes bad as nopony is perfect.
I was under the constant assault of the Gryphons affections, although they were appreciated numerous times as even myself could not be flustered at being called beautiful time to time. Talon had a cultural difference to mine, and that was that Gryphon females were more or less wed in service to their husbands rather than life long companions.
Leading to a series of serious discussions with Talon as he reassured me that his pursuits were not intended for that nature, but in the back of my mind I couldn't help but believe that it could be possible. Although our friendship was never changed and our countries status's never deteriorated based on the personal reasons, he none the less pursued me occasionally.
Although the idea of interspecies relationships do not bother me as I promote a diverse, healthy culture, there are some within my nobility that if I did pursue such endeavors it could lead to disharmony among my subjects, and that is something that I absolutely could not tolerate. Seeing the Gryphon expecting a response I quickly form a reply to not cause duress.
"Well that is very kind of you as you are forgiven, as you can see I am quite well; and Chief Steelhoof is not a brute I'll remind you he is a respected and fellow leader of a nation as we all are," I say with a firm notion hoping that he understands such offhanded comments will not be tolerated with me.
"I apologize," starts Talon, "However I still find it quite unbecoming for a leader to attempt to destroy a messenger for no particular reason," he finishes with a sip of tea and with another internal facehoof I hear the paper to my right fold unceremoniously.
"No particular reason?" a slightly irritated Steelhoof states, "If you only knew what that 'messenger' as you say had done you would be as furious as I am." Steelhoof declares as he attempts to burn a hole through Talons head with his gaze.
"What, that she was trying to show us a staff? Cause that's relatively petty even for a beast like you-" before Sangre could finish I suddenly stop a mighty fist with my magic attempting to punch the Gryphon through the palace wall.
"Enough boys, since you are very much unaware of what that staff symbolizes and before Steelhoof here redecorates my lovely room I will tell you why it is a personal nature," I declare knowingly releasing the offending fist and giving the offender a stern glare, I return towards Talon continuing my mending.
"The Staff is the Scepter of the Dragon King Torch; it is the symbol of his authority as the King of Beasts and Creatures," I knowingly state; "-what's so important about it is that it is also the source of his power and without it the ever ancient King Torch has not only given his charge to a new successor but has also chosen to give up his Immortality," finishing my statement I feel a somber emotion as I reflect on all the advice and lessons I have received from the Dragon through all my years.
"Wait, you're telling me Dragon King Torch, a fellow immortal has chosen to give up his charge? I thought that was impossible. Isn't he a bearer of Prime Magic?" questions Talon with a head tilt.
"Although King Torch was a bearer of Prime magic his was special due to his connection with nature and more specifically to the planet," I gesture towards Steelhoof who nods solemnly with a face reflecting the graveness of the situation.
"As Chieftain Steelhoof is in charge of the mantle and surface of the planet, and his Zebra Shaman who controls the trees and plants, King Torch was in charge of the mythical beasts and creatures that inhabit them; without the vast knowledge he possessed it will be very hard to maintain the balance of the physical realm for quite some time," I answer Talons question to the best of my knowledge and return towards my healing which is progressing quite nicely.
"I can see why one would be so upset but If King Torch did pass on his charge don't you think it would be in good claws if he passed it on willingly? My position still stands on the unnecessary violence overall," he critically asks looking towards Steelhoof for an answer.
"The Charge of Creatures must be passed through triumph and conflict, as nature is a delicate balance of survival of the fittest the same must occur when chosen-," Steelhoof recites the quote from Starswirl's work on the primal magics.
"-however that may be," he pauses with a stern expression, "at the time of his ascendancy, Torch was one of the few Apex predators of the world that could represent the balance unless he found a way to circumvent the process the magic is now masterless which could spell danger for everyone," Steelhoof finishes stating the open-ended issue that could affect all nations across the world.
Reflecting on Steely's keen knowledge, this could bode dangerous for the physical realm, predators without limits or monsters what have no boundaries would be able to hunt or feast without limitations. If it even progresses as far as total anarchy, deadly creatures from the Everfree could move towards populated areas and extend their hunting grounds resulting in possible loss of life.
"Either way, a successor must be found for his title or if one has already been chosen he or she must be aware of their charge and must accept its role in the balance," I continue the conversation with finality as both Talon and Steelhoof individually take their time reflecting on the matter at hand.
As the silence continues through the room with the sound of tea consumed and the hum of my magic finally finishing my chest, I move my efforts towards my sprained hoof and other minor injuries. Even in the silence, my own thoughts betray me as I reflect on my own time with King Torch, although relatively small in comparison to Steely once or twice I did come in contact with the enigmatic King of Beasts.
The Gift of Life (A century after Luna's banishment)
The first was during my early years without my sister; I was requested through Steelhoof that my presence was required by the King and that denial was not in my best interests. Regardless I made my journey to the fiery plains of Draconia home of the Dragon Lords and Dames, and as I approached the kingdom, I was greeted by a messenger who was an envoy of the King who granted me unmolested access to his nation.
Passing through the grand valleys and rivers of molten earth, I was given the opportunity to witness the fabled ferocity of dragonkin in all its splendor. I saw territorial battles, flocks of dragon hunting parties bringing in their kills for consumption, much to my distaste; it was a land primal and untouched by the conventions of modern decency. Although the brutal nature of the dragonkin was evident something that I am thankful for is that through reserved observation no sentient creatures were being brought for feasting a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise. .disturbing display.
As my guide brought me to the lone mountain in the center of the valley, I see with more observation that It was a large entrance to a cave system to where none other Dragon King Torch would most likely reside as the center of his kind. My guide and I entering the cavern undeterred; I started to see the curious gazes of many lesser drakes and dragonkin, as my guide continued through the mass of reptilian strength, I followed close behind as I was in fear of being snacked upon out of misunderstanding. Some may call it racially profiling; I would prefer to call it being in the air of caution.
Eventually, I was ushered into the Dragon Kings lair, and oh boy, his title did not misrepresent his status as all as for the first time in my life I felt quite insignificant in size much to my shock. If the term Apex predator had any image, it would surely have a picture of King Torch without question. As I now sit fearing that I might pass out from my hearts rapidly beating attempts ordering me to flee, I feel the burning stare of King Torch gazes upon my small form, and as I meet his eyes his round pupils focus into slits which I now believe stare into my very soul but as a leader of Equestria I must make a good impression.
"Dragon King Torch," I exclaim loudly hoping my voice can reach the giant dragon's ears, "I am Princess Celestia of Equestria and I come on behalf of your summons and my nation's honor, how may we be of assistance?" I ask questioningly with a courteous bow in respect of another country's leader.
The cavern goes silent as the other dragonkin now focuses on the tiny white interloper who has entered their Kings lair. Holding my bow the sound of the horde of gold and treasure begins shuffling beneath the massive King and he sits upright from what I thought was his natural position, oh how very wrong I was. The Dragon King now seated at full height his glory on full display, his crest almost touching the roof of the massive cavern. As he moves into a more comfortable position, I take a look at his form, scales glistening azure with dark patches mixed in between. His spines and webbing for his wings colored a bright hyacinth along with his fierce glowing amber eyes, but his most fearsome features being his thick inverse horns that run along his jawline with a grin of bladed horrors for teeth, did I ever mention that giant dragons make me uncomfortable?
"Rise Princess Celestia, you're actions of respect are noted and appreciated, and it shall no longer be required of you in my presence," The deafening boom his deep voice echoing around the deep cavern walls. "I also appreciate your timely arrival in a matter most personal to me as I understand the nature of your solitary rule within your kingdom you have my condolences," finishes Torch with a toothy smile and a -less terrifying- soft expression.
"Thank you for your generous hospitality as nopony that I am aware of has ever been granted passage into these lands," I rise returning a nod and with an act of faith I took to the air and plant myself on a large flat rock closer to the height of his head.
"And for good reason I am afraid," he pauses with a side glance to the other dragons in his chamber, "I have no rules within these borders of what prey is allowed and not allowed to be hunted. However, I do make special considerations for those who accidentally trespass within unaware of the danger." Torch finishes with a broad gesture almost as if reaffirming an ordnance that might have been forgotten.
I take a seat on the warm flat stone, my pelt already starting to sweat with the amount of heat inside the cavern. None the less I attempt to make do with the situation given, and with a smile, I await for the reason I was summoned for.
"As for the reason I bring you here, I must take it to personal quarters after my arrangements for the day. For now, you have free reign to do as you wish within reason, and I will call you during evening meal so we may discuss my request," Torch states returning to his lower rested form which I follow gliding back towards the ground.
"Sorry, " he says, "Not used to having smaller creatures in my courtroom I'll try to be better next time," Torch promises as I giggle softly at his plight for being a larger individual.
"No worries King Torch, It is no trouble to me, and I look forward to exploring your kingdom while you finish your duties, But if I might make a small personal request for dinner?" I ask with a pleading look and with a raised eyebrow and a claw under his chin, Torch answers my request sensing my possible issue with cuisine.
"I am well aware of the 'needs' of equine nutrition Princess Celestia, and I have asked my sea drakes to prepare a meal of seaweed and fresh wheat and oats from our kin to the west if that shall meet your request," he proclaims much to my approval.
"Thank you, your Majesty, I look forward to having dinner with you tonight," I state with a smile as I start to trot outside the oppressive heated cavern.
"And I look forward to having you for dinner," Torch responds, and I reel my head towards the Dragon King with a worried expression and an eyebrow my windswept mane the only thing moving in the cavern.
"Just Kidding," he smiles, a sharp toothy grin.
It's a few hours since my meeting with Torch and I've taken a very leisurely flight around the valley, and for a show of good faith, I performed the Summer Sun celebration ritual for a crowd of dragons. To Which received a various amount of emotions, some claimed a pony trick while some attempted to worship the ground, which I shot down quite promptly as I didn't want another cult started due to my power to raise the sun and moon.
I return to Torch's cavern to which I'm greeted by the same drake that met me earlier. Shortly I'm guided to a hall with a large stone table made with polished obsidian at one end sits King Torch, and another chair has been placed across from him which I approach and take a seat promptly.
"Enjoy your time amongst my kin Princess? he asks as I settle for comfort in the rather hard granite chair and with a few adjustments I finally find some comfort.
"I did your kind are most intriguing and hopefully one day I could send some scholars up here to study and archive your traditions," I gleefully state hoping to make some headway towards open borders.
"Like I said before, I won't stop you from allowing your kind across borders, but if they do, their lives could be forfeit as I do not control what is put on the table so to speak," he coldly reminds me and I make a mental note to make an edict once I travel home on the dangers of entering Draconia.
A pair of similarly colored drakes enter the room with serving trays and skillfully place a stone plate of grilled seaweed and assorted hay stalks with a bowl of oats in front of me. For my host, they carted in a large container filled with an assortment of expertly-cut gemstones. However, I believe that if I was more of the carnivore variety he might be dining on a roast pig. .or something.
We eat our meals in relative silence, after a time we both finish and I rest my hooves under my chin and watch the King with a critical gaze as we drew closer to the announcement of his request, I can see for the first time on his strong face a hint of worry.
"King Torch, although we are meeting me for the first time please be at ease I'm sure the reason you have summoned me is something I can help you with," I say eyeing the elder dragon.
"Princess, it is not doubt in your power that I have its the nature of how personal the request is that I fear you may outright deny," says Torch lifting a goblet of ale and taking a chug of the liquid courage while I tilt my head in confusion. "I need your assistance as the bearer of the Sun, and the caretaker of life, as my situation is of personal sadness and regret. I feel I cannot say that I have tried everything unless I've asked you to aid me in my plight," he finishes with a somber tone, and something catches me by so much surprise that I'm stunned.
The King of Dragon's begins crying, not just sniffles, tears and all its glory. I move from my seat with a flap of my wings and approach the dragon and with a comforting nuzzle around his chin I can feel the wetness of his tears dampen my pelt. In my mind's eye I imagine dragons tough as nails, never moving, never retreating showing no fear towards the world. And yet here is the opposite, an apex predator displaying emotion just as any other individual would it certainly brings sympathy to my heart.
"Torch, I can see that your plight is dire, if it is within my power I will try my best," I reassure the King with a brush of my primaries across his scales. With a single amber eye focused on me, the King looks deep in thought and before he has a chance to back out I offer a gentle smile.
"Even if it involves bearing the responsibility of my children?" he questions and for a real moment, I pause thinking I misheard him. And as he stares at me my face begins to redden deeply, and I feel a strange feeling in my barrel as my heart speeds up in rhythm.
"W-Well. . . I-I mean that certainly is a bold request, flattering even. .but I'm not so sure how we could. .um," I stammer the fire now very much apparent across my alabaster face, and my wings fully displayed in a very undignified manner rubbing my front hooves together.
"What?..NO! I don't mean like that!" Exclaims a now blushing dragon with a shocked expression, "My mate has already laid the eggs but. .since her disappearance I am unable to hatch said eggs due to our specific nature," says Torch and I slightly recompose myself and return my focus to him.
"Our kind is long-lived much as you are, but our long life comes from a unique form of equilibrium, it is true that dragonesses can lay many eggs; however, to hatch an egg comes at a significant cost to either parent which is why there are so few dragons in Equestria," Torch informatively states taking a small pause to catch his breath.
"For a dragon egg to be hatched a parent must donate something which they cannot touch, in essence, dragons are two souls, one part of the parents and one of their own this is why our society revolves on mated pairs. Each dragon pair can only give two children to the world so the parents must choose wisely on which egg to donate, and thus begins my plight to my misfortune as my mate went missing over a decade ago." Finishes Torch and I fully understand his situation and take a seat near the dragon.
For a moment I contemplate on what he is asking, and it's something I definitely wouldn't have thought of this outcome at all. This decision would not be something to decide lightly, and it is something that even I'm unsure that I would be willing to give or even could give what he's asking so being the only sensible thing to do I decide to get some more information.
"Torch," I pause for a moment as his eyes meet mine, "I am truly appreciative of your decision to contact me over this matter, honored even to be considered, but I need to know a few things before I come to a decision would that be acceptable?" I ask with a smile and the King nods with a sincere nod; I trot back to my seat finding that perfect comfy spot, and I begin my line of questioning.
"How many unhatched eggs are there?" I ask neutrally.
"Two." he holds up accompanying digits.
"Have you already contributed your. .part?" I flush a bit
"Yes."
"How long til the hatchling hatches?"
"With a steady flow of magic and affection, half a millennia?"
Why did your mate disappear?
"I still do not know, but she started hearing whispers she told me in confidence."
"Whispers of what?"
"A tormented soul, screaming within her dreams."
"Was your mate a oneiromancer?"
"Not powerful but yes, she was a reader and interpreter of dreams in her own regard."
"When she left, did she say anything?"
"No, she was simply gone by sunrise."
"Am I a beautiful mare?"
I supp-..wait WHAT!?
"Just kidding," I giggle at the stern stare of Torch unbemused by my antics. "But in all seriousness, this isn't an easy thing for me to decide," I state with a somber tone.
It goes quiet for some time and with a few moments to contemplate over some of the answers provided I close my eyes in thought. In essence, I am being asked to be a surrogate mother for these hatchlings. Personally, I think that I am not ready for such an endeavor of being a mother. The idea has crossed my mind once or twice as I am surrounded by very attractive guards within my palace walls; not to include some old crushes who still have a large part in my heart.
"Torch I am unfamiliar with this kind of magic, could you please enlighten me a bit more possibly?" I ask unsure of the repercussions of giving something quite sacred in my book.
"The magic is something that only those of long lives can give. Although there have been variations the magic must remain the same two parts making a whole life," Torch informs with a snap of his claws another of the light colored twins brings a book and sets it in front of me opening the tome to a chapter regarding soul magic.
I read the offered book and notice it is more of a picture book outlining the process pictures of two dragons imbuing a part of a vague force into egg-shaped objects. Looking at the next illustration, I see that the eggs have hatched, and two baby dragons are now holding their parents.
"Although the process requires two separate dragons, there have been cases where long-lived creatures such as the hippocampi have successfully hatched newborns with sea drakes, increasing their numbers quite substantially over the past few decades." Torch says knowingly.
"Wait, you're saying sea ponies exist?" I question doubtfully ask the dragon with a raised eyebrow.
"Surprising to some, but yes the hippocampi or 'sea ponies' do exist although quite reclusively near the bottom of the ocean far from the reaches of any shore. There are a few cases or curious younglings who venture towards the beaches, but the distance between those events lies in centuries at most." With an inhale the King continues.
"The magic will also take the shape of the soul in general, so if female shares her soul the hatchling will be female and visa versa. But if you should choose to aid me; know that a part of you will be in that hatchling, she will gain similar personalities, traits and even partial fragments of memories it is a very personal experience." Torch finishes done with his exposition.
I consider the dragon's words and my biggest roadblock remains, am I ready to be a mother in essence? How would I even raise a child that shares similar traits to my own personality, it could become quite stressful if she would even share my memories of my sister's banishment and the pain I felt in doing so. After a minute or so I decide to make a decision based on the expectant stare of Torch and I exhale deeply and close my eyes, with a slow inhale I make my offer towards the Dragon King.
"King Torch, after consideration to your plight I understand why you have asked me to come, I sympathize with your particular issue and with some consideration I Princess Celestia am willing to undertake such a task," I pause with a deep smile from Torch. "However, this is something that must have conditions if I am to offer support as it is my life that you are asking me to give willingly for another. If I am to understand correctly that if I share my life with this hatchling, it will become she and will partake in certain traits that mirror my own, correct?" I ask Toch who is listening intently.
"Yes, the hatchling will be female, and she will mirror traits of some but not all. I am uncertain which she would take as the choice is random, some hatchlings take kinder qualities while I have seen some take darker features of their donor. It is simply live and let be I am afraid and cannot fathom what would be chosen as I do not personally know you too well other than the most blessed praises from Chieftan Steelhoof." Torch states with a reassuring gaze as I feel a flush appear on my face and I continue my amends to his request.
"Since that is the case, my first request is a swap of sorts," I pause much to the confusion of Torch, " If I am willing to do this I would want to raise the egg that you have inbuned, and you would nurture mine," I state plainly, and I can see the expression darken on the King's face and I hold up a hoof.
"The reason for this is simply because I do not feel qualified to raise a youngling that would closely represent me. Instead, I propose a medium of balance, In your care, you will take my daughter in essence and raise her in Draconia while I take your son and raise him in Equestria. The reasoning for this is that if I'm going to invest something as personal as you have suggested I want to learn something in return such as raising a Drake." I finish with a firm tone as I gaze to Torch who looks infuriated at the suggestion with smoke filling the air with every exhale of his heated breath.
"You're telling me, that I have to give up my son to be raised in a land of ponies, and I would take your daughter and raise her in the land of dragons." Torch reaffirms through gritted teeth.
"Yes, you are correct, would this be an issue?" I ask as the King across the table begins to past the cave in small circles, and I hope that I have not offended Torch.
"This is difficult, not because I have to give up my SON, but because it is unheard of in dragon culture. Our kind raises their children according to gender, dragonesses with dragonesses and drake’s with drake's; Personally, I want to outright deny this request-," Torch stops pacing the hall and looks towards a room and exhales. "-however, it would pain me to allow that train of thought if I am not willing to change for the sake of two lives. Your request does bother me, do not make that mistake, but for the sake of my missing mate's hatchlings and that this is the only way I can save both of them I will persevere." The dragon strains to say, and I hear the frustration in his voice.
"I promise that I will raise your son with love and care Torch," I take leave from my seat and approach the sitting dragon, and I tentatively place a hoof on his claw.
"I have no doubts that you will, I just have personal doubts that my son will become estranged from his own kind." He gazes down upon me his amber eyes focusing on me.
"He will never be estranged, my ponies promote harmony and unity I will do everything in my power to ensure his happiness, and when he is ready, he can come see you at any time," I reassure Torch, and he looks up starting at an unknown object across the room.
"I hope so Celestia, I hope so."
I sit in my bed between the Minotaur and the Gryphon; I recall the ceremony that I performed on the Dragon Kings egg laid by his mate and the only thing I can actively remember is the pain, the nearly insufferable pain of something sacred being torn from my body to give life to another creature. Shortly after I took Torch's hatchling back with me to Equestria while I left my hatchling with Torch, he explained the needs of the hatchling while it gestated into a young Drake requiring a large portion of magic daily to sustain its growth. Although it would be very taxing to perform this transfer, it could be done with a longer hatching time compared to the hatchling I left with King Torch.
Spike, the name of the hatchling I named and took care of was prematurely hatched by none other than my personal student turned alicorn Twilight Sparkle. Through a mix up on my part, the eggs commonly used for magical testing which is no more than chicken eggs was accidentally mixed by a new staff member as a 'special egg' due to its unusual texture and shape. I went looking for the egg myself when its location became aware to me by means of a large reptilian head being forced through a nearby school tower. After I investigated the incident, I was made aware that a young Twilight was the cause of accidentally pouring so much magic into the egg causing it to hatch prematurely. For the first year, I took care of Spike and made sure he was healthy and well cared for, eventually I left the care of responsibility to my student who took great interest in Spike but something that I could not shake was the feeling that something was off or unseen by me. Not something menacing but something that I could not identify between the two but I pushed it more to the lines of unbiased suspicion. Eventually, Spike journeyed through many adventures with his caretaker and in my opinion, mother, in a sense he has grown into a fine drake that we all can be proud of.
With a final wave of magic I finish my healing and for the first time take a huge stretch on my bed which Steely and Sangre both look at me quizzically and I smile softly with my eyes closed.
"You finished there Tia?" asks Steelhoof looking upon my relaxed form I nod with an 'mhm' of approval. "Good It's getting late and I would like to go to sleep sometime tonight," Steelhoof stands from his stool and Talon sensing that I would ask him to leave attempts to make his way to the door as well.
As they reach the door and Steelhoof attempts to open the door suddenly finds the door being held by a golden glow, and he turns his head towards me with an eyebrow raised. Before he can ask a question I snag both the confused Minotaur and a very alarmed Gryphon and effortlessly drop them on my bed much to the angry looks i'm getting from one and the flushed face of another.
"Tia what's the meaning of this, I have shit to do," says Steelhoof unamused by my action.
"U-um a-actually i do. .have some paperwork to do Celestia," A furiously flushing Gryphon asks.
"That's a shame, and here I was hoping to have a sleepover with my two best boys," I quip to them with my eyes closed and snuggled between both leaders.
"Tia, no. I'm not doing this-" Steelhoof starts to argue, and I place a hoof over his muzzle silencing him. "Steely, Sangre, for tonight I want my two best friends to be with me Don't ask why, nothing's going to happen I just don't want to be alone please," I pout with a pleading glare towards Steely who exhales and crosses his arms with a grumble of "Fine.". I turn to Sangre still flushed and look for an answer and he silently nods not sure of what in the world's happening.
I make room and make myself more comfortable between the two and with a flick of magic I turn down the crystal lamps in the room and grab a blanket from the chest at the foot of the bed and cover us all.
But before I fall asleep. . .
Outside Princess Celestia's Door. . .
"Cadence I don't think this is a good idea," States Shining Armor clearly annoyed by his wife's antics and trying forcibly to matchmake Princess Celestia between the High Lord and the Chieftain.
"Oh hush honey, my ships are never wrong; I mean look at us I matched us up-. ." States Cadence who is not gazing at a deadpan Shining armor, "Never mind that, I just want to check and see if-" and before cadence can open the door there was a bright flash of golden light and two very weak and confused ponies.
"What the hay was that?!," exclaims the very glassy non masculine voice of Shining Armor attempting to recovery from his strange dizziness.
"I'm not sure honey I but I feel weird for some reason," states the rough voice of Cadence gaining some baritone.
"Babe what's wrong with your. ." Shining starts but is quickly interrupted by a possible trick on his eyes. Sitting before shining armor is a more masculine version of his wife, if he would have guessed he could honestly assume Cadence was a Stallion. With a quick glance down out of curiosity low and behold she was also equipped with the correct parts as well.
"Honey what's wrong?" Cadence asks and turns to her husband who has lost most of his muscle mass and looks to be about a third smaller than he usually looks now sees the same color tones and cutie marks as her husband but is now more feminine in appearance.
As the couple looks towards each other, they look down and see that they have changed streets so to speak and when they meet each other's gaze Shining Armor takes a unamused look and scolds his wife.
"See, I knew something like this would happen, why on EQUIS do I ever listen to you," Shining scolds crossing his hooves and staring at Cadence.
Cadence on the other hand takes a look down at herself and looks at Shining with a slow gaze and suddenly grins manically.
"Honey, what are you. .NO DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT YOU PERVERT!!!" Shining exclaims with panic across his face and a look of hunger on his partners face.
"Oh~Shining~. . . ." Cadence singsongs her partner's name with a half-lidded stare starts to walk towards Shining Armor who now is attempting to backpedal across the crystal floor ~~his~~ her hooves not making any traction whatsoever.
With a quick effort, Shining turns and takes off away from his ~~wife~~ husband and with a giggle and a laugh Cadence chases ~~her~~ his conquest down the hall as Shining throws nearby tables and objects to block her his path.
As the two royals fee down the halls, one in panic and one in glee two nearby crystal guards stare at the upturned hallway and the fleeing couple and then look at each other.
"That's it, no more cider before the shift, cause I start seeing some weird shit that I DEFINITELY do not get paid enough for," states the Sergeant with a nod from his associate.
A Meeting Reconvened
I wake up feeling very warm and cozy in my bed, to my right I hear the loud snores of Steely, and to my left the chirping exhales of Sangre who have decided to accept my offer and stay the night with me. It's a strange sensation, personally I have never had another share my bed except for my sister both before and after her return. I look towards each of my friends and feel content that I truly am lucky to have such good friends, and If I were honest with myself there was no way I could choose between either of them. With a feeling of tiredness I reach out towards the sun and according to its position relative to my own I sense it's about five thirty in the morning, and like a foal trying to prolong school I close my eyes and mentally say ‘five more minutes’. As I attempt to rest my eyes closed when all of a sudden I feel a tugging from the familiar magic of Luna who is more than likely tired and wanting to go to sleep and with an exhale I tug back across the connection and take control of my sun and nudge it over the horizon allowing Lulu some rest.
A side effect of taking control of the celestial bodies is that my mane would return to its pastel flowing state and still in the grips of waking up I forgot that I had guests in my bed and my mane waved over Steely’s muzzle and before I could react an explosive sneeze decided to shock the avian to my left into an alarmed state with a squawk and with a giggle from me as each leader decided to wake up in their own fashion. After everyone moved from the bed to their morning rituals I took a brush from the desk and started to brush my mane, although its free flowing if not brushed it still gets tangled. I few moments later with the morning tangles sorted I feel a large presence behind me and I fold my ears back as the massive form of I presume Steelhoof behind me and I turn my head to see him gazing down at me.
“Um, Yes?” I slightly question with a tilt of my head as Steely takes a moment to place a stool directly behind me.
“Turn around and face forward; oh and close your eyes,” Steelhoof directs me and I turn to face my head forward with curiosity and close my eyes. After a few moments, I feel my mane being pulled and shifted a few times in an over and under pattern and I take a few breaths and I hear a gurgling noise from my washroom assuming its Talon. Eventually the motion stops and I feel the same pattern on my tail, normally I wouldn't allow many to get close to my personal space, but I let them sleep with me so why not.
“Ok you can open,” Steely states, and as I open my eyes I see that my mane and tail is now braided in a tri-braid manner most common with Labyrinthian females. I blush a bit and turn around and give him a small hug appreciative of his efforts and he walks out of the room most presumably towards the dining hall. Turning back towards the mirror I admire my friends handiwork, although the hair in general is still flowing with the wind the change in style is appreciated at least for once I feel like an individual. But as the promise I made myself centuries ago I feel like I'm betraying myself, I am conflicted on the choice I am about to make.
After a moment's reflection, I hear a short inhale of breath and I turn to see Talon now leaving the washroom with wide eyes. I think to myself that this isn’t helping my decision at all. Instead of pondering what I should do I leave the danger zone and Talon behind as I make my way to the dining room.
After an uneventful stroll through the breakfast hall, I secured a bowl of oatmeal topped with sliced bananas. Garnering a few looks from the morning shift of the crystal guard I couldn't help but feel a bit. .normal, if that is even a feeling. After breakfast I make my way towards the meeting hall hopefully in attempt to finish the conference this time around.
Entering the hall I see that I am the first to arrive, occupying the same seat that I did the prior day, I look around the room evidence of the incident prior still around the walls of the room. The indents of Steely’s axes, the fragments of metal from my armguards which still need to be replaced; maybe I'll have Steelhoof forge me something. Using my magic I attempt to clear the area of debris from yesterday's incident, surprisingly there are dried spatters of my blood on the floors which I remove with a glimmer of golden magic. Content in my seat I now await the others and decide to prepare a batch of my camomile tea for the negotiations hopefully this time there will be no interruptions.
I turn my thoughts to the messenger Ember and truly wonder of her intentions, to bring the symbol of power to a room of immortals was not a smart move for anypony. Although the staff itself isn't magic, the most important component of the staff is the hyacinth gem at its peak. The Bloodstone is an artifact as old as the Crystal Heart itself, Not only does it signify the leader of all dragonkin but it is the object of power for the King of Beasts as the blood of all creatures flows within the stone, it is a symbol of life and living nature without it or its master the world would become desolate and barren.
I hear the door move as the deadbolt is depressed and I refocus my attention towards the room's entrance, at first I was expecting either Steely or Sangre, maybe my Niece but what came through the door was a good surprise. Entering the room was the messenger Ember who timidly peeked into the room and entered seeing that I was the only occupant, she approached the chair she occupied yesterday then paused and decided to sit in a chair closer to me. Normally I would find this strange but after yesterday's events I would understand if she was a bit fearful of anyone other than the pony who saved her.
“Good morning Miss Ember, I hope you are well?” I ask with a smile my braided mane flowing slightly. Ember takes a look towards me and looks towards my forehooves and cringes at the missing fur from Steelhooves initial attack, I see her shrink into her chair.
“I-I’m sorry your Majesty,” Ember starts nervously, “It's my fault that you were hurt yesterday and I am not sure how to make up for it.” As she dragoness finishes I tilt my head and rest a hoof on her shoulder who slightly becomes alarmed at the contact.
“My little dragon, what occurred yesterday was nothing of your fault, Chieftain Steelhoof is a very emotional leader and often acts before he thinks. Although his actions were wrong his heart was in the right place and I am only happy that you are unharmed.” I reassure Ember hopefully with a warm smile, in my magic I take a cup and saucer and fill it with fresh tea and place it in front of Ember. At first she simply looks at the cup and then back towards me and exhales as if something is heavily weighing on her mind.
“Is your name Princess Celestia?” Ember asks to which I nod confirming her suspicions, “I thought so, King Torch always spoke kindly about you, said that you were always kind and lighthearted like a mother would be to a youngling. Though sometimes he would comment and say that you could be Tartarus incarnate when it came to politics or combat, and I am kind of grateful he was half right on the combat part.” Ember finishes her exposition and I look at her with a critical eye, although I can see she is a young dragon she has the face of someone who is burdened with a terrible weight.
“Miss Ember may I offer you some advice?” I ask and with a side glance to Ember she nods, after her approval I reach into my storage space and resummon my halberd and I place it on the table with a golden glow. “Although this is a lesson I prefer not to teach I feel it is a lesson that is necessary, tell me Ember what do you see?” I gesture towards my equipment and the dragon stares at it and reaches a claw towards the weapon and pauses to look at me, with a nod she continues to touch and tap the polearm in various places and looks towards me.
“It's a Sky-Steel Spear Halberd, although piped with golden accents it's still a beautiful weapon none the less. You can tell its origin from the fact it smells like a thunderhead which pegasi used ages ago to forge their weapons, overall I estimate the weapon to be about two meters in length and roughly twenty pounds in mass.” Ember states knowingly, at first I am a bit taken back by her nearly spot on analysis of my weapon I smile none the less and continue.
“Well my little dragon, although your analysis is very thorough the actual weight is around fifty pounds as I use magic to lift my weapon, regardless your knowledge of weapons is quite good however, I was asking more of what it represents rather than what its composition is?” I refocus the question and look towards Ember who has now placed a claw on her thin in thought, after a few moments I see her sigh and shake her head and gesture to the table while giving me a slightly irritated look.
“It's a killing instrument, that's all that it is,” she states coldly and I look into her eyes trying to see her thought process to come to such a serious answer.
“Ember, although it is an instrument that is designed to take life one must understand it is the beholder of the weapon that actually gives it purpose. For example, if given to a Labyrinthian Raider the weapon could be used to commit horrible crimes and untold destruction. To a soldier it would be a weapon he would use to serve his kingdom, as for me I use my weapon as a means of defense to protect those I care for and those who cannot protect themselves.” I state and lift the Halberd into the air with a golden glow, “Even though I have not used this relic for some time its purpose still stays strong as I; its wielder, still intend to bring peace to those around me without its use. However, should the need arise and I would have to wield this blade I would do so with a heavy heart that I may have to use the weapons true purpose in order to return peace and harmony.” I finish my monologue with a twirl of my weapon and look to ember who has a quite perplexed face, if I had to gauge it I would call it my ‘Twilight is learning something new face’ that my loving student would get after discovering something new.
“My father was right, you are pretty motherly in a good way. .you even make a weapon of war seem as harmless as a newborn hatchling,” As ember finishes her statement I stop spinning my weapon abruptly the top of the blade facing the ground and flick my head towards Ember, “Pardon? I don’t think I heard you correctly did you say Father?” I ask now looking for features that would tell if someone is fabricating the truth.
“Yeah, King torch was my dad, he said that you always had this ‘Motherly’ vibe about you and I can agree with it. Although I never was raised by my mother cause she up and left many centuries ago, I thought about going to look for her but my Father forbade it becau-” Ember was interrupted by the heavy halberd being dropped into the crystal floor with a thud impaling it within the jade cast floor. Turning her gaze towards me I can expect she would be frightened as I must have been staring at her intently while breathing deeply in quick breaths my wings fully erect in shock.
This is my daughter, this is my daughter, this is my daughter, my mind screamed over and over in my head. I would always imagine that I would meet her later in her life and quite honestly I am unprepared for this moment, this must how stallions must feel when they get approached by a mare who claims to be their daughter outside of wedlock.
“U-Um, Princess. .are you ok?” Ember tentatively asks and I attempt to recollect myself with a cough and with my hooves I fold my wings down and dematerialize the halberd back towards its storage space, the impact mark still present in the floor.
“Y-Yes my dau-Dragon!” I exclaim catching my mistake mid-sentence with a strange look from Ember, “Tell me did Torch ever talk about your m-mother?” I ask softly shuffling in my chair out of anxiety, internally I keep repeating to myself ‘Don’t break the mask’.
“Well, I didn't know much about her, all I really know is that when I was an egg my mother left Draconia in search of something but before she left she donated her part to give me life. .but the funny thing is that during my teachings from my dad that dragonkin have this sort of, bond between their donating parent and their offspring. He never really liked to talk about it, and sometimes I found it weird that after nights of drinking barrels of ale if I asked he would tell me to come find you cause you might know better that he would.” Ember finishes with a hopeful gaze with the ‘glassy child pleading eyes’ that wound me every time I pass by an orphanage.
What should I do?!?! My mind screams internally as she now is asking if I know anything about her mother. Should I tell her, could I even tell her? These were questions that for the first time in awhile I was not prepared for and I sit on the brink of what I hold are my ideals. But as if fate was playing a cruel joke I hear the hall entrance again begin to open and the rest of the leadership enter the room I turn to ember before they fully set their sights and minds upon us.
“Ember, I cannot discuss this at this time, but please know that when we have a chance I will do the best of my ability to inform you of all that I know as I am sure that your mother cares for you very deeply,” With a tearful eye and a fully enclosed hug wrapped by my hooves and wings I embrace Ember for the first time and my heart breaks as it calls me a coward for not being able to own up to my responsibility.
As the other leaders take seats around the table I release a confused Ember who is touching the areas where I embraced her. Greeting everyone with a smile and a cup and saucer of warm tea. Around the room I see different expressions upon each of my friends faces, Steelhoof a face of neutrality, Talon a questioning gaze towards myself, to the couple of Cadence and Shining I see two quite different faces with my Niece having a look on pure bliss and a disturbing glow with her husband shooting me a glare that could kill.
“Good morning everyone, I trust everyone is ready to get this conference underway?” I ask with various amounts of agreement. “First things first, Miss Ember if you would please relay the message that you were attempting to relay yesterday? I promise this time nothing will befall you,” I shoot a glare to Steelhoof who rolls his eyes and rolls his hand in a motion that tells me ‘yeah I know continue’.
“Well, hello again everyone,” Ember starts with a cough and a meek smile, “As I said before I am Ember and I bring a message regarding King Torches summons to this meeting.” Ember once again reaches back and takes out the hyacinth Bloodstone Scepter as I eye Steelhoof who is now drumming his fingers across the table, Ember looks toward me again and I nod with a hoof on her shoulder.
“I am here to inform you that I Ember, daughter of King Torch and Queen Malygos have taken the role of Dragon Lord of Draconia since the passing of my father King Torch.” With a tearful expression I now fully understand the weight of her message, I once again embrace the dragon with a single wing hug and instead of two axes flying at unreal speeds I hear the voice of Steelhoof.
“So the old Kings finally gone, well; I wont say I didn't expect it sometime or later but my question to you Queen Ember is how did you come by that staff. The reason I ask is that the details are very important in regards to your late father.” Steelhoof states more than what I thought possible, as the room focuses on Ember she slowly begins to tell the tale of the Gauntlet of Fire.
Through her tale, I hear about the actions of a younger Spike, and the meeting of Princess Twilight and Rarity. Although I recall the summons that drew Spike to the dragon lands, I did not receive any sort of information from Twilight about the event which I will have a discussion with her later about. As Ember finishes her tale she leaves the space open for questions and Steelhoof continues his investigation.
“You said when Sir Spike passed you the Dragon Scepter you felt a strange sensation through your body correct?” asks Steelhoof which Ember nods in agreement causing the Minotaur to sigh deeply. “Queen Ember, that feeling you received was not just a simple transfer of authority of Dragonkind, the Bloodstone atop the scepter is an artifact of great power. Tell me are you aware of your late father's duties?” Steelhoof finishes.
“W-Well Chieftain Steelhoof-” she starts with an interruption from the Chieftain, “For now just call me Steelhoof,” with a nod Ember continues. “Well from what I understand he was just the King of Draconia, in fact he's been king so long no one seems to remember if there ever was a previous leader,” Ember states questioningly.
“You are half-right, King Torch was the leader of Dragonkind for longer than most were alive. If you were not aware Torch was an Apex predator who has lived far longer than Equestria, Labyrinthia, or Griffonia were conceived. However, his charge was not only the care of his kind but he was the King of Beasts, his charge was a primal magic that rivals my own of the mantle of the earth. The reason I asked you the nature of how you received that staff was because in order to transfer the mantle the Bloodstone must be passed through conquest or triumph, its nickname was how Torch himself received the stone by killing a rival Apex predator for its possession.” Steelhoof finishes his exposition on the origins of the Bloodstone and the possible new King Queen of Beasts shrinks into her chair.
“If what you say is true Miss Ember,” High Lord Talon begins, “Then you have succeeded you father and are now among the caretakers that bring balance to the world, unfortunately you have some very big shadows to fill I’m afraid.” And with Talon finishing his statement I see Ember slump deeper into her chair overwhelmed with the news that she not only has become Queen of the Dragons but of Beasts and Creatures as well.
“Queen Ember, If I may call you that, please understand that we know this is a lot for you to take in at this time but please know that every caretaker here will love and support you in your endeavours and should you ever need help that Chief Steelhoof, Lord Talon and myself would be more than willing to help you understand your role in this world. We will discuss this later along with the other information after this meeting will be concluded and hopefully we can come to terms with this revelation.” I guide Embers gaze towards my own with a hoof and with a smile she nuzzles my forearm which strikes a pang of guilt internally.
After a few moments of silence my Niece clears her throat and we focus at the matter at hand before life decided to throw a wagon in our path. She takes out a few charts and diagrams and I’m reminded of where Twilight received some of her mannerisms from as I mentally prepare myself for another political meeting.
Revelations
It was early in the evening before we retired from the conference hall, overall I could not be more proud of my Niece who has taken her role as the Empress of the Crystal Empire in full stride and I hope in the future we can continue to grow prosperous. The meeting took an interesting twist when Cadence declared she was attempting to aid her ponies regather their history, it was then she thought about making her Kingdom a Political haven where all races could come together to meet, mingle, and possibly begin a new start. It was this idea that brought another revelation that somewhere deep in the edges of the empire there were possible remnants of King Sombras army deep in the mountain ranges, although this fact was highly improbable the fact that the crystal ponies were all brought from a time long ago it could not be dismissed so easily.
Along with the possibility of a leaderless army within the Northern Wastes strange artifacts of power had been discovered by the Crystal Ponies. Cadence displayed drawings of strange objects appropriated by the guard and when experimented with shown great and alarming destructive power, one such object which was smaller in size no bigger than my hoof made of a curious metal and when a small lever was depressed it barked a loud noise and a projectile was cast from the object at such speeds that pierced a quarantine spell around the area of testing. Although no pony was harmed there was no magic that was detectable from the object and when the lever was depressed again it refused to procure the same results with a solid clicking sound.
I think about what the former Tyrant Sombra Rex would do with such weaponry if Lulu and myself did not intervene after receiving notification of his madness from a brave survivor. If I were to recall his crimes they would be of the most grave, enslavement, murder, intent to perform hegemonial genocide. The list goes on and on, much to my wounded heart, that I have to physically push the memories from my mind. As I walked aimlessly down the halls of the crystal palace I found myself within the throne room, a room filled with colonnades of crystal hewn with gemstone and with the right light it radiates warmth and beauty. But as my memory slowly breaches my reality I remember a much darker version of this room, obsidian and crimson crystal with a darkened throne of none other the Lord of Shadow himself. I recall when my sister and I broke through the thick double doors we shattered many curses cast upon his own throne room door. After a lengthy battle we defeated King Sombra and with a dark laugh we discovered the purpose of the curses which took the entirety of the Empire and sealed it within a pocket of time until Sombra would return.
Breaking my thoughts I feel a presence, nothing physical but I can definitely feel something that I can’t place my hooves on. I look around to confirm that indeed I am alone and I return my gaze towards the crystal throne, I approach the throne and louder and louder the whispers become and as I put a hoof of the dias, and something that makes my pelt stand on end is heard.
“Celestia. . “ an unknown whisper graces my ears.
NOPE. I never knew I could teleport so quickly in my life and I find myself within the comforts of my room with a snap of magic I hear a squeak of surprise. Locating the source of the noise I see someone who should not be in my room in the first place but at the same time, I could have expected none the less from happening.
“Hi Princess,” A timid Ember is sitting on a chair near my stationary, a bit of a different look from the meeting hall as she has removed her chest piece and is carrying nothing but the scabbard with the Bloodstone Scepter inside. I exhale and prepare for the revelation of the century, maybe second best since Lulu made me acquire a scale for personal use.
“Good evening Ember, please call me Celestia, no title is necessary since you are a member of our little club so to speak,” I state while moving towards the room's mirror and I slowly being to unbraid the work Steelhoof did much to my disappointment.
“Sorry for breaking into your room. .” Ember states softly her wings droop slightly and through the mirror's reflection I giggle slightly. I take my brush and make sure to get some of the knots from the braid out of the way.
“I liked how you braided your mane it looked nice. .” Ember offhandedly comments much to my approval as I smile and continue to brush my hair with a small flush to my face.
After a few moments of silence and Ember looking around the room awkwardly she gets out of the chair and starts to head towards the door with a crestfallen expression on her face. “Sorry to have bothered you Princess Celestia. .I’ll just get out of your mane so to speak. .” a defeated Ember admits as she slowly moves towards the door. Internally my heart explodes with guilt and I turn around setting the brush down on the nearby nightstand.
“Miss Ember, please stay, I have something very important to explain to you but it's something that I am even unsure if I can say as it is difficult. . even for me,” with a neutral expression I express probably one of the most throat constricting sentences since I had to tell Lulu that Cadence was not a child of mine to some unknown stallion sire.
Ember retracts her claw from the door handle and in my magic I take a scroll from the desk and write out a few words for my sister to relay to my faithful student regarding Cadences meeting. If I am going to occupy the most of my night with this conversation at least I will get my work done first. With the scroll written, I roll it expertly and take some wax along with a seal I keep in my trunk and wink the letter towards Luna; with a few tugs across our shared magic line letting her know not to drop a letter in the washroom which has happened once or twice before. Now fully situated and with nothing else to interrupt my time with my ~~friend~~ daughter so to speak, better start getting used to that now.
“Ember, come with me please,” I motion towards the center of the room drawing a few seating pillows from a nearby stand setting them around for a good long talking session. As I take my seat in the velvety goodness, Ember approaches tentatively and takes a seat in the offered position. “Ember, what do you think of me?” I ask with an open question which draws a curious look from Embers face as I reassure her with a smile.
“Your Princess Celestia, one of the rulers of the diarchy of Equestria home of the equines. My father said you were once a fierce fighter, a proud spellcaster, and a good friend. According to. .Sir Spike if I recall correctly you are his friend and Twilight’s mother from rumor around Draconia.” Ember states with a small laugh from me as she stated that Twilight was my daughter which couldn't be farther from the truth.
“Close, but wrong only on one account Twilight is my student, not my daughter as much as many believe even within my own kingdom that she is. But in all seriousness, if I am honest with myself I only have one daughter and I could not be more than proud of her,” I state looking at a dragoness who has folded her wings around herself and brought her knees to her chest while looking at me intently.
“I-It must be nice, I never really knew my mother having always been with my dad Torch, always the warrior and hard hand, even after receiving the scepter with Spike’s help he saw me as an unfit ruler even though he stated otherwise for his subjects. .could you tell me a bit about her?” Ember asks with a pleading glance.
“In due time, but first I want to talk about your father and your issues with him one mare to another, so to speak.” I nod with my entire focus on the dragoness.
“Tch, what about him. .” she states dejectedly, “As much as I want to scorn him I can't find it in my heart now he's passed away, it's an unhonorable thing to do to tarnish one's memory like that good or bad.” with a claw ember begins tracing lines within the jade floor and looks dejectedly away from me, it must have been hard living up to the legend of Torch now even more so as she has been given the title of both Queen of Dragons and Beasts.
“My-my, what a noble sentiment, where did you learn such a thing? Surely one as young as yourself didn’t learn that without some help?” I ask with a questioning glance.
“I'm not really sure. .I just know it's the right thing to do, I might not be the toughest, or strongest or bravest according to father but at least I know what's right,” with conviction states her belief and I couldn't be more proud of her. .
“Ember, I don't think that those qualities make who you are-,” I reach my wing out and guide her face towards mine as I want her to understand that there is nothing wrong about her. “-I see a. . talented young lady who has many things to offer as the newfound leader of her kind. You have much to learn but I see great potential within you Ember, I once told a former pupil of mine these same words and she has become many great things and deep inside you somewhere I see the same thing. But in order for you to achieve these goals, you need to do one thing; you need to believe in yourself and cast off your self-doubts. I myself am not a perfect mare and am just as fallacious as any other being much like your father, I have made mistakes, and I have most definitely made errors; but what defines an individual is how they take these fumblings and turn them into something wonderful.” I finish my advice while looking deeply in embers eyes, if one would look hard enough you could see the beginning of a certain wetness hear the bottom edges and before I had time to react I was embraced by the dragoness, who has buried her face in the thicker pelted part of my chest. Unsure of what to do, I simply let it happen and I begin to feel my fur beginning to dampen from warm tears as Ember breathes deeply with a silent cry.
“I can see why father called you a motherly figure, if it means no offense you're like the mother I’ve never had. . “ The muffled voice of Ember states and my heart nearly breaks, as we simply sit there for a few moments I decide to encompass the dragoness with my wings and hooves.
“Ember, what do you know about the birthing ritual of your kind,” I ask absentmindedly as Ember as she lifts her head not leaving my embrace a slight flush on her face.
“Oh please don't tell me you're going to give me the drakes and eggs speech,” she deadpans as I giggle at her reaction with a shake of my head.
“No little one, I'm simply asking if you know about the magic involved in hatching a youngling I understand it's something that most fathers don’t want to ever talk with their daughters about.” I state with a knowing look as Ember looks deep in thought she shakes her head she separates from her embrace and stares at me as much as Twilight would awaiting a new lesson. For a short time I explain the magic of dragons taught by Torch along with some newer information that I received from my dear friend Star Swirl after I performed the act, the entire time Ember had a few questions and I answered them with what I knew and a small revelation appeared on her face as I finished her lesson.
“So. .what your saying is that part of my mother lies within me? She gave a part of herself to give me life?” Ember started rattling off questions and I hold up a hoof to stay her from asking a rapid onset of questions.
“The answer to both your questions is yes, your mother is a part of you but do you remember our earlier discussion about how I would help you with information about your mother?” I counter question as Ember nods, “Are you also aware that your mother was a oneiromancer?” another shake of the head with a tilt to which I think she has no clue whatsoever. “If you are unaware a oneiromancer is an individual who is tied with the dreamscape, it is a form of premonition that involves looking into an individual's dreams. According to your father, Queen Malygos was becoming more strained as she was experiencing a disturbance in her scrying. Your mother was experiencing visions of a tormented soul across her readings, and although your father attempted to ask what was wrong your mother suddenly left one day and never returned.” I finished my recollection much to Embers despair she continued to ask questions.
“Do you know where my mother went? Is she still alive? Does she still think about me? Is there a way to locate her using your-” Suddenly her flow of questions stop as I place a hoof over her mouth her eyes going cross-eyed as she focuses on my hoof. I remove my hoof and she apologizes and I try to answer more of her questions.
“I unfortunately do not know where your mother went it is still a mystery, as for her status I am currently unaware and there's no way I could find out. But I believe that your mother cared for you deeply and had very good reasons to pursue this voice and thought about you daily. And as for any attempts at scrying your mother's location, I am also apologetic as I am not able to locate creatures or beings as that is beyond my scope but there are some who specialize in that sort of magic like my sister.” I state calmly as Ember becomes slightly dejected at the answer that she most likely did not want to hear.
“But there is something most important that I need to discuss with you Miss ember as I feel it is important for full disclosure and I need your help with something.” I stand from my seat and motion for Ember to follow who stands with a confused expression but follows me none the less.
We exit my room and walk down the corridor and after a few silent moments we enter the main hallway and I proceed towards the throne room and as I approach the two guards stationed outside open the doors allowing us entry. As we enter the throne room I see my Niece seated on her throne with her reading glasses looking at some scrolled papers she glances up at me and gives me a quizzical expression which I nod towards her balcony connected to the colonnaded grand hall. With Ember in tow and my Niece curiously following behind I approach the rails and gaze upon the horizon to which my charge is resting gently over the mountains to the west. I hear Ember and Cadence approach behind me and I turn to Ember with a smile.
“Ember I need your help with something do you think you can try?” I ask questioningly as I gaze at her she looks quite confused in both facial expression and body language as she crosses her arms. “I guess. .I'm not really sure what I can help you with though,” she answers back. I motion for her to come closer to me and she skeptically approaches.
“Place your claw on my back Ember,” I say with a look towards Ember who still seems very apprehensive about this whole thing decides to just go along with it. “Now, with your other claw I want you to reach out towards the Sun, I want you to focus on its warmth and its power and internally I want you to repeat the word down over and over while keeping your eyes on it,” I advise and with an even more doubtful look I see her focus and none the less attempt my request.
As Ember focused upon the sun I simply extended my magic towards her and used myself as a magical foci as I wanted to see if this was possible. Over a few moments, nothing seemed to happen when suddenly something wondrous occurred, Ember’s scales started to turn an alabaster white and her webbing on her wings along with her spines started to glow a bright orange as if on fire. But what was most surprising of all was that the sun slowly but steadily started to lower beneath the horizon and after a minute or two it disappeared leaving the crystal empire ready for Luna's night. As I lowered my output I see Ember returning to her natural coloring as my control over the sun started to recede and as she regained her balance after a slight stumble she looked at me with confused eyes as well as Cadence who was observing the entire event.
“Celestia. . why was I able to lower the-the. . OH MY STARS I JUST LOWERED THE SUN,” Ember started to panic as she rapidly looked in between myself and Cadence seeking an answer. I watch Ember fall to her knees and clutch her arms and look away as if she had committed a great sin and using my front hooves I lift her up back onto her feet. “Celestia, I AM SO SORRY I DID NOT MEAN TO STEAL-” Before she could embarrass herself further I place a wingtip over her mouth and smile.
“Ember I want you to think about all the conversations we’ve had today, I want you to think critically why someone like you with my limited support could control something very personal to me. Know that there are no wrong answers and I want you to try and figure this out for yourself,” I finish explaining the question to Ember who now looks at me panicked and shocked at her previous actions in lowering my charge.
I release Ember who starts immediately pacing the balcony in thought her wings twitching every so often. I look to Cadence who is eyeing me critically and I simply give her a vague smile and return to Ember who has stopped mid stride to slowly turn and stare at me.
“Celestia. . you explained that dragon eggs needed a donation of a partial soul in order to hatch correct?” Ember asks as I nod affirming her suspicions. “And I just moved the sun. .the FRIGGIN SUN and that is still something that I can't fully explain as it felt both wonderful and terrifying at the same time,” I nod in agreement again awaiting Embers conclusion to her thoughts.
.
..
...
“C-Celestia. .did you give up part of your s-soul to hatch me?” Ember declares and a gasp is heard from Cadence.
I walk over to Ember slowly who attempts backing up and pressing her back along the railing of the balcony, I can see her wings twitch and I think that maybe her fight or flight instincts are kicking in and this could go very badly if I don't act fast.
“Ember,” I state, the dragon's eyes shrinking to pinpricks as a visible sweat and panicked breath is slowly increasing. And before she can decide to run away I reach out and embrace her in my arms with a firm hold refusing to now let go of the struggling dragon. “Ember!” with a bit more force than I would rather intend it still got her attention none the less, now staring at me fully our eyes meeting in realization.
“Although I can never replace your maternal m-mother, I did willingly give up a part of me; to bring you into this world and I know it seems empty hearted now of all times when I could have been there to love and support you and watch you grow into the strong dragon you are today.” I pause with tears welling into my eyes and with an afterthought my mane returned to its non-pastel color. “I want to be part of your life Ember as tough as it is for me to say and for you to accept. .”
“I am your mother and will care for you no matter what you d-decide,” I state barely audible with my voice quivering in certain areas. As I await Embers response I see a kaleidoscope of emotions cross her face; fear, shock, surprise, anger, but after a few moments a reaction I was not expecting decided to finally emerge and one that made me shatter my mask entirely.
“M-Mommy please don't let go,” Ember weakly says and with a strong determination she embraces me in a strong hug and for the first time I gently kiss my estranged daughter's cheek and for the first time as we both cry tears of joy.
Nearby I look over and see the fainted form of Cadence who is obviously overwhelmed by the revelation. And with a rising moon on the eastern horizon, my daughter and I share our first night together.
Author's Note
I AM SO SORRY PLEASE DOT HARM ME (Although I deserve it!!!)
There were so many issues with that chapter and I wanted to get it right especially the first time. So if your still with me please accept my apology as I worked throughout the night to put this beast to bed so to speak.
I planned to reveal the Celestia/Ember bomb in another chapter but I thought to myself to add it inside this one as we are reflecting on her personal thoughts which added another 15k words to the original chapter. and to those who are curious I was listening to this song the entire time rewriting the end of the chapter over and over
Also I am trying something new by not italicising spoken words to see if it looks better, let me know what you think.
1. Prologue - UU : : 4160 'The Hell's Edge'
Author's Note
I Apologize for this author notes being at the top but this will be the only chapter that will do this,
First of all there will be very similar 'story elements' that have been used in many pop culture references such as World of Warcraft, Nordic Lore (NOT SKYRIM) and Various Military language and history with some modern day science. Please do not comment about 'Hey This reminds me of this is not a crossover it is an original story combined with familiar elements into a unique story.
Second and most important, I do not have an editor so the fragments and run ons can be very real to which I'm sorry. After the second chapter I will attempt to self correct as much as I can.
I plan to write at least 5k words a chapter unless i need to do more and I have not decided on chapters involving different points of views when certain characters are introduced.
1. Prologue - UU : : 4160 'The Hell's Edge'
The Edge of Hell
"Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Do not go gentle into that good night." - Dylan Thomas
June 4th, Sol Date 2880
"Alert! Alert! Instability within dark matter containment field has reached. . six. . five. . percent, All personnel are recommended to abandon ship to safe distance immediately," informs the ship wide automated response system for the near umpteenth time as of ten minutes ago.
The klaxon, probably one of the most annoying inventions ever created, has now to these men and women become a rallying cry to everyone on board that we need to leave 'as quickly as fucking possible'. At this point in time everyone on this ship including myself has hit rock bottom and has come from ultimately one ‘impossible situation’ to a ‘we are going to all die’ situation.
But aside from annoying inventions of humanity I currently have more pressing matters to accomplish at the moment, as I sprint from the barracks section of the Warship UU :: 4160 or as we like to call our home 'The Hell's Edge'. The ship itself, although sturdy is an aging relic from the middle of a war now concluded hopefully as we flee the remains of the now collapsing star of the Sol system.
As I sprint rapidly down the ships narrow corridor, attempting to bypass recovering crewmen who are either motion sick throwing up their stomach contents or too dazed to realize what's going on aimlessly wandering or lingering in the halls. The cause of their sickness is a form of transportation method known as shock jumping, or in non-nerd speak; using the energy from condensed dark matter entanglement and sling-shooting massive objects across space, although risky at most times it's very safe unless you attempt a blind jump which amounts to shooting a pebble through a thicket of trees at 80,000 miles per second and hoping to hell that it doesn't hit a single one and coming out the other side unharmed.
As I reach my assigned squad's preparation room I reach to my waist and look for my access card on its retention lanyard and as I fumbled to grab the small object I hear the cascade of chaos in the background, to which the most I can identify is fear.
I hear Non-Commissioned Officers (or NCO's) and Commissioned Officers (or CO's) having possibly recovered and beginning to move rapidly among the decks behind me shouting orders to the still dazed crew of the warship. Although in times of confusion many young leaders heed alerts and automated messages as guidelines of what orders should be filled out next, I have learned well from that automated piece of shit to refer to it as the ‘idiot funnel’; besides through years of experience I have learned from the horrors of war in all its splendor, that you always get your suit first (if you're a Hell Diver at least).
"Hurry. The fuck. Up. You piece OF SHIT!" I exclaim shouting the last part of my frustrations at the keypad and slamming a fist into the Nanite Display Screen which now has flashed the green words 'AUTHORIZED' either heeding my act of physical prowess or actual credentials I shall never know.
Sliding into the squad room as the door continues to open I approach the Saiga Fabrication System, I go though what I call my expedited checklist of preparation before entering my Helldiver Infantry Tactical Suit (or HITS) which in lack of a better terms is no fucking checklist at all, at this point and I jump into the SFS. As the half moon door slides securely behind me I stand into the highlighted foot placement locations and the bottom clamps are engaged as I feel the cuff like clamps secure hold of the under suit locking points at the ankle, knee, waist and SIG Control implant located at the crest of my spine which is painfully implanted in every Helldivers spine to better control their allotted HITS system making the armor an extension of your body not a tool as most mechanical suits are. I hear the magnetic clamps secure and prevent movement unnecessary to the construction of the armor itself and as I hear the system begin to spool up I take inventory mentally as the long process of armor fabrication commences (in essence the suit is 3D printed around me).
The system begins to initialize and takes body measurements, outside I feel and hear a cascade of several explosions and a quake of alarming urgency shakes the fabricator with me inside I shift from my mental inventory and curse god if he's out there for throwing us under the fucking bus at every turn. Venting my frustration through an aggressive sigh and exhale of heated breath from my lungs I attempt to focus and calm myself while the SFS finishes its work which can normally takes about several minutes. . mostly. As the SFS finishes spooling up I hear a release of energy and a sharp cooling sensation at the base of my feet, the pitched buzzing and sounds of welding tungsten based alloys forming heavy composite plates around my body according to the stored pattern in the blueprint I close my eyes and take collection of who I am and why I am here.
My name is Saad Ayran, I am a Specialist Commander of Helldivers assigned to the 13th Defense Legion, Special Operations Unit Tundra Squadron as the teams skull leader or officer in charge (OIC), as my responsibility is to lead my assigned team to success of any missions tasked by the Union Navy Command and their overall health and well being to which mostly I adhere to within reason. As I feel another vibration that returns me to the reality that I now find myself in along with the sound of loose equipment slamming into the nearest wall outside the SFS causing the system to pause and stabilize the construction process.
I hear in addition to the debris the return of the most annoying equipment ever fucking invented klaxon just outside the pressurized chamber with a muffled tone of Artemis the ship's artificial intelligence system. "Alert! Alert! Instability within dark matter containment field has reached. . six. . nine. . percent, All personnel are recommended to abandon ship to safe distance immediately."
"Distressing bitch." I mumble as the SFS continues to construct my HITS suit now at a mid thigh level, a uncomfortable cold sensation adding to my annoyance, along with muffled shouts of distressed diver’s and crewmen leaking into the sealed space of the squad assembly area outside and the sharp increase and decrease of its volume leads me to believe the door has been opened but as of this moment my priorities are elsewhere.
Looking forward and breathing evenly I see a few photographs attached to the internal 'clean space' of the SFS and as I remember some of the fun memories and times of achievement of personal importance. A few photographs of past family and a few of my subordinates during the course of Sol's conflict to its conclusion I think back to sometimes how the photographs have gotten me into trouble as well, though i'll never admit it when asked.
I recall a few occasions when Union inspection officers have commented on me and my squad with the 'unauthorized' additions to our squad area and personal space, but I simply scoffed at whoever the Unions dregs sent down to harass me with a smile and often retort, "I the Skull Leader have ordered my troops to personalize and bedazzle their equipment to inspire other divers of the Hell's Edge." Mostly for my own personal amusement but I will say it was for the merriment of my subordinates who often broke out in fits of giggles and hoo-ha's much to the fury and unbemused stare of the inspection officer. I take a look at one picture of our first victory in the saga of conflicts that in the end I feel didn't amount to much since we came to a stalemate and destroyed a whole star system, I hate being a downer sometimes.
The picture is of us standing, sitting and to my amusement, one hanging upside down by his legs, a side thought to myself on the individual hanging upside down that I love to hate the kid; or I hate to love the kid to which I still have not decided as he is adrift often in the harbor of my patience. Ignoring the Synth and the subordinate I focus on myself sitting in the middle of the biggest rag-tag team of misfits that I have ever have had to command as a skull leader in my several years of command.
Looking at myself I see a portal to the past as a twenty-six year old very proud 5'11 commander with a dark brown high and tight fade, a cocky smirk and brown eyes. Giving absolute zero fucks that we took down a armored Synth and are now taking a photograph on its battered corpse during the middle of a flipping defensive war, at the time that photograph my determination to the fight had taken a slight rise in contrast to my present downfall at the end and i've relaxed more and less from my firm hearted leadership style. Reviewing visually the equipment of the day (and to what the SFS is currently equipping me with) is the Special Operations Mk II 'Ghost' full body armor with my high collared carbon printed cape which I programmed into my SD Nanite Foundry; A device that allows the diver to create limited amounts of equipment and as the highly unauthorized cape flowing into the wind standing one leg propped on my white on gunmetal grey skull painted helmet, the nano-scythe blades protruding from my arms and a Manson Custom SMG mag-clamped to the small of my back.
As a Squad Specialist Commander initially trained in the art of stealth based Nano-Combat I still think of myself to this day as a shadow of my former self, where once there was duty, there now lies contempt and where there was once faith, doubt; and the most crippling of all the constant fear that I will end up killing my squad or leading them on a fucked up martyr mission, but then again having ones entire solar system destroyed can do that to a person but then again several years of war can change a man considerably.
Adding to the internal turmoil of my heart, a soul crushing vibration and a brief break from memory lane with the short cascade of screams made me pain under a worried heart as I hear cries of the wounded pass the squad room. Call me a softie, but I have a bleeding heart and care for all crewman not just ones under my command. A quick glance to the display screen shows that four minutes remain until I can be released from my pod and my suit completed as I can feel the awkward cooling sensation and creepy crawly nanites around my midsection (to which at first i sternly refused to have tiny robots crawling around my sensitive male parts, SO MUCH NOPE! But ignoring my internal suffering I partially got over it).
"Alert! Alert! Deck decompression detected. Decks four. . five. . nine. . and thirteen have been breached. Manual shock jump slowdown successful, attempting standard orbit. All personnel are recommended to proce-*bzzt*.," as the ship's automated alert system abruptly cuts off and I refocus my attention to the sounds outside the pod another voice echoes throughout the system. "Attention crew, this is the captain speaking," colder than ice, disturbingly calm voice of none other than Captain of the Hell's Edge, Captain Thomas Blackthorne, a legend of his own class and to some the murderer of moon base Phobos and the entirety of the Mars colony. As rumor and record has it, the once long ago Admiral of firebase Phobos two years prior to the war in an act of duality destroyed the stability monitoring station tethering the firebase in orbit onto the Mars colony to stop a resonance cascade event that was the initial attack of Sol's invaders. Although no record was able to be proven due to massive amounts of data being destroyed by the fall.
The stories and wounds of the some thousand civilian and military survivors confirmed his claim and the only thing the Union could do to quell the riots was to remove his Admiral status and label him a traitor to humanity. But as great as all military records go, through some behind the scenes meetings in a total war scenario Blackthorn was reinstated as captain of the Edge and his military career continued and those under his command were none the less afraid that their lives were left to a madman.
"As you all know with the forced detonation of the Sol System's star we have made a bold emergency blind shock jump into uncharted space, to our gambit risk of attempting to save the lives of this crew and remnants of our forces our final orders from Fleet Admiral Hoss and the singular word of 'Survive'. I have regrettably endangered you further as collision with an unknown object during jump has damaged the ship's dark energy core and we have thankfully been able to exit jump safely before collision occurred with an unidentified planet that our navigation team discovered in the nick of time." states the eerily calm Captain. "The planet in question that we are attempting to slow down from colliding into is orbiting a young yellow star similar to the Sol system, unfortunately with the breach of various decks within the ship and the loss of many lives during jump we must begin the process of recovery from this event." With a sigh of relief that our ship did not become a pebble in the forest I continue to listen as the subtle noises of the SFS continue.
"With the solar detonation of our system causing damage to our dark matter entanglement core and the loss of our main propulsion systems due to our violent collision in shock jump, we are now on a direct collision course the the planet ahead of us despite our best efforts from engineering," a pause from the Captain with a hint of determination in his voice he continues, "I will not lie to you, as we have all done admirably in the final defense of the Sol system and the unfortunate sacrifices and loss of life is disheartening, we must persevere into the abyss of this new endeavor to now which I will give our final orders in the case of possible total loss of leadership and command structure."
As the captain continues his speech the surrounding area around the squad room has become deafeningly quiet but the commotion of movement is still present along with the hum and noise of the SFS continuing to build my HITS, I can imagine that all soldiers and crewmen are now listening to Captain Blackthorn while continuing at the ushering of NCO's and CO's to continue preparations for the eventual evacuation of the Edge.
"Our sensors have estimated that in one hour, this Warship will enter the atmosphere approximately in the northernmost hemisphere of the planet, In which case our luck by the grace of god almighty is a Gaia Class World with a atmospheric makeup much like earth's own atmosphere," he finishes with a pause.
Internally I exhaled in relief as this is by far the most awesome stroke of luck that anyone making a blind shock jump into space can achieve, but now the problem is that most planets with a Gaia Class could have fauna on them and with possible life and the possibility that it could in theory match in strength we could be in some serious trouble, if we survive the landing that is. With a side glance to the display I can see that with less than two minutes I will be finished with the current production which is now up to my mid chest level and a with slight cooling sensation near the core of my body, I am glad that I did not puss out and join the regular navy cause of a little surgery and implants of a Saiga Integration Rig.
"Nonetheless," the Captain continues, "It is now the responsibility of the current command team to make the the final choice and perform an emergency shutdown of the Edge's dark matter entanglement core that powers eighty percent of this ship's primary functions to ensure that upon collision with the surface that the core will not destabilize and engulf the planet and increase the chance of survival of this crew," the Captain states with a tone of finality to much my dread.
My heart races and I look at the timer on the SFS nearing barely a minute and a half, remembering a warning we were always instructed of; the dangers of power failures while suit construction was in progress. To put it short, the user no matter what the completion state, would be encased in a shell of unpowered metals and plated alloys and could possibly be killed or seriously harmed if the system's power is cut before completion or finished without activation of the suits internal power source. Horror stories of incomplete suits with a power failure or surge could encase the soldier in a non-powered metal coffin and they would slowly suffocate to death if the suit was not finished completely. And which is why near every SFS there is a Laser cutter which we all attend safety briefs for every three months to my annoyance. At this point i begin to panic as the suit is being constructed at almost near eye level blocking my vision from the timer in front of me.
As I now hope and pray that the captain does not turn off the lights so to speak, and I would feel really fucking stupid disappointed if I died cause of a can opener accident especially seven years later after all the shit I've been through. As the calming voice the Captain finishes the situation report I struggle against my panicking hearts frustrations and fears. "With this consideration in effect," states the Captain, "the core takes an effective total of fifty-five minutes to stabilize completely and safely with no ill effects, which leaves me to this announcement that in two minutes and thirty seconds all power to main systems will be rendered offline and only secondary power systems will be available." 'WOO-HOO I'M NOT GOING TO FUCKING DIE!' The small army of brain neurons celebrates in my head and I relax considerably.
"And to my core of deepest regrets in these announcements to you I must be forthcoming about the seriousness of our situation which now as you must know borders on levels of the Phobos incident that unfortunately I had to set into motion and cost the lives of four-hundred billion souls I must make one thing known to my loyal crew..," a pause so silent that all movement has stopped outside "No, to my loving family. . " as the now once calm voice turns to a voice of worry and regret, my mind runs into a mental wall.
Captain Blackthorne has NEVER and I mean EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE WAR seemed foreboding about anything I mean he dropped a fucking moon on his enemies and unfortunately innocents as well, in order to stall the enemies advancement into Sol. But as the silence and anticipation of what was enough to keep his next sentence hidden away, the dam shatters and the history and screams of four-hundred billion souls scream from beyond the grave.
"During the slowdown from shock space deck four. . containing the ship's flight deck has been completely destroyed and inoperable, to which no ships from deck three's storage bay can exit the Edge. . .regrettably leaving the atmospheric drop pods as the only means of exiting and escaping the now collision bound ship. . "
Silence (and a falling wrench is heard somewhere outside if one could listen close enough);
Complete utter fucking silence is now the sound I hear.
No movement, voices or even whispers, absolutely unnerving silence.
Which is now broken in my surprise as I am thrust back into reality with a monotone voice of 'FABRICATION COMPLETE! ENGAGING POWER SYSTEMS. .', which has given me a complete heart attack due to the distracting revelation of Captain Blackthorne that all our escape craft are pretty much shit outta' luck. As the internal helmet display begins to power on and the activation of my self contained entanglement core (allowing for nearly infinite suit power as long as it remains intact) is stabilizing. I am ejected from the SFS with a hissing noise of decompression as I step backwards out of the bay with my suit fully primed, powered, and pristine for the trials needed ahead I turn and take a step forwards as the SFS closes behind me.
I come face to face with the worst sight that an officer can see and something that I was totally unprepared for, four of my divers in the room with me.
My entire squad, covered in various amounts of dried blood, ash and grime in various states looking at me with the heartbreaking of gazes and a new realization that I was the only one able to get in my suit in time.
And that out of my Squad. . .
I might possibly be the only one who will escape this damned ship alive.
The Prelude to Madness
17,000 souls, approximately seventeen-thousand souls condemned to death, are aboard the Hell's Edge, and I am in charge for the well being and responsibility of at least five of those souls including myself (as pitiful as my existence is at this moment). As I step out of the SFS fully protected and armored my internal visors pick up the faces and expressions of the divers before me. Once proud strong members of the mighty United Union Diver force are now shells of their former selves with several years of grueling heart wrenching war now outlined with total defeat, shock, and despair in their eyes.
"Fucking knew that once we got here that heartless asshole of a captain would screw us," quips none other than Crystal Smith or also known as 'ArcLight' by her comrades in arms sitting at a preparation desk with her arms crossed and 'lovable' stare directed towards the ship's comm system. Wearing nothing but a half unzipped under suit designed for HITS armor, Her pale toned skin and well worked abdominal section on full display with nothing more than a sports utility bra to cover. Sizing her up she roughly sits at about 5'6 with her well framed shoulder length blonde hair, and her piercing hazel eyes.
As I try to will myself to address my squad I'm more afraid that they would be angry at my cowardice running for the armory the second we exited shock jump, but as I am frozen in fear as I hear a locker forcefully shut, played through the suits internal audio sensors none other then Sergeant Dan 'The Doorkicker' Jones, who stares unbemused at Crystal.
"Crystal," Dan scolds with a neutral look, "What have I told you about fighting things bigger than you, he's old for a reason which should be an achievement in this business," Walking towards Crystal dwarfing the team at a stunning 6'5 feet and weighing in about 265 pounds (I blame his condition) the bald close quarters battlemaster clad in his black under suit he reaches out a suited hand and ruffles her hair aggressively. And like an overwound spring being released from its retaining bracket Crystal leaps out of her seat towards the African American bruiser, "YOU WANNA FUCKING GO?!?!" and like watching a smaller dog attacking a tyrannosaurus rex who simply does not give a shit, Dan simply lifts her with his synthetic arm (to replace one he lost in a mission) and holds her in the air like a small kitten and keeps her there as she flails her unfiltered fury towards Dan.
A series of smooth chuckles opposite from the altercation on the opposite corner of the room along with my irritation towards the fighting squad mates I see Samuel (or Sam as he likes to be called) Tucker, rumorly known as 'Casanova' for nearly screwing anything with two legs and a vagina on the Edge; as he shakes his head with a sly grin and a quick snap shut of a small book held in his hand sitting poetically on a stool in the corner of the room he returns to gaze understandingly back at me with a knowing smile.
"Seems like even with the disturbances we still act is as nothing is wrong huh Frosty?" asks Sam to which I sigh expressively at my nickname that they have given me for how I once was a cold hearted commander who thought of them as nothing more as numbers but after seven years you stop keeping up appearances. Yet with a quick thought (as most HITS are controlled by thought through the Sagia Integration System) I decompress the internals of my suit and the system starts unlatching my helmet from the retention system.
As I reach up to lift the helmet from my armored suit I feel two hands on the side of the helmet twist and lift the unsecure helmet off before I can even touch it and to my surprise and irritation, no one other than Vincent Kiota is hanging upside down from the utility pipe now clutching my helmet with his shaved head and brown eyes staring at me.
"No worries boss I gotcha' back." he states and with a bemused look and a flip back towards the reality that's called the ground, he offers my helmet back to me. As a side thought, I've always thought Vincent as quite odd, simply being a war orphan that was pushed into my lap at the start of the war. Regardless, I return to the situation at hand i forget how with my suit on I over them all due to the armored suits all universally forcing everyone's height to about eight feet (to my knowledge is to allow uniformity and equipment fabrication).
"Thanks Carl." I state to Vincent with a sigh and take a seat in the reinforced standby chairs meant for the weight of the armor as I recall how Vincent earned his nickname to which 'Carl', as the joke is told is the definition of the military scapegoat 'Carl' incarnate. Weather it be jokes, dumb questions, obviously known remarks, you name it he's said it. Most of the team puts up with the little 5'8 rascal and more often than naught starts every interaction with him as 'God Dammit Carl!'.
Nodding with enthusiasm Vincent smiles and jumps from the ground to the corner of the bolted down table and is now resting on top of the squad lockers staring at me with bemused eyes and a coy smile. Seriously I want to backhand this kid, "God Dammit Carl. I said it once before and once again, No you will not get that cookie from me ever." I say with tiredness lacing my voice and an armored hand pressed against my face. A chorus of giggles now filling the room as I re-scan left to right and now up to include Vincent (Did I mention the frustration I bear with this kid?) and the now heavily breathing crystal with Dan sitting on top of her. I take a moment to collect myself and ask the most simple question an officer can ask his subordinates, "What took you all so long? And why am I the only one in my armor ready for battle?".
A few looks around the room and towards each other, each diver now situates themselves in a more formal setting, Vincent joining us down from the lockers, Dan removing himself from atop Crystal and picking her up and placing her in a chair next to Sam. All five soldiers sit before me and with trained precision each diver stands and falls into a position of parade rest. Which to the un-uniformed is where your hands are placed at the small of your back and your feet spaced shoulder length and all divers attentions are focused on their leadership.
Dan the Specialist Sergeant looks with a stern face towards myself and with practiced and neutral tones replies simply in a situational report tone, "We apologize Skull Leader, but myself and these divers were caught behind in several bulkheads when the decks decompressed. Dan states with a small pause, "-and when we re-routed through the Edge's emergency maintenance shafts we arrived after the announcement of the shutdown of the entanglement core." With a nod of understanding I wave them off "At ease," as each diver takes a seat and waits for me to continue, with a deep exhale I return to my seat and give them the situation as I have understood it." This does not look good group, If we all have heard Captain Blackthorn correctly we now have fifty minutes until the ship collides into the northern hemisphere of the unknown planet," As my divers in front of me find other places to look I continue my analysis of the situation.
"As i'm sure you are aware of the breach of the-." a clearing cough and a quick glance at Dan who nods to the left and right of him and I see the hopeless faces of the team before me, with a breadth of understanding I nod and revise my approach towards troops that need a bit of upbeat attitude, "Right; fuck formality, here's the situation we're up shit creek without a paddle; Lifeboats are gone along with the launch deck and the only way off this falling rock is through the drop pod system which we all know requires HITS suits in order to use and of without a suit the drop pod upon impact would rack a normal person's internals and kill them immediately." As the team looks back up more attentively I give them the real issues as usual before completely fucked missions.
"This ship is not equipped with alternative escape systems and is not designed for inner atmosphere flight, which means that we will have to take the brunt of the crash head on and hope to god if he's still alive out there that the ship will not break apart upon impact," knowingly I state to my team.
And to my irritation like the nerd that Sam is although surprisingly informative nonetheless, our communication and technical specialist chimes in, "Sir, with all do respect this ship is approximately three point five miles long and weighs an epic shit ton to where I don't even know for a fact, and that collision of this ship regardless of the entanglement field stable or not would destroy a good portion of the planet and possibly cause world wide catastrophe, or alter the impact area so severe that life could possibly not exist in that impact area due to the ship's mass ripping a hole in the atmosphere," finishes Sam the egghead.
"Never tell me the odds Sam, you know I loathe gambling," I retort to both Sam and Crystals amusement. "Yeah the boss can only count to about a'hundred, big numbers like that scare 'em cause I'm not sure that his credits ever last that long." she quips as Vincent smiles like a loon and to the deadpan stare of Sam glaring stabbing looks into Crystal raises a finger to verbally strike back when the thundering sound of the Sergeant stops them all dead cold; "Enough! The commander's personal funds are not up for discussion, he is not done speaking," The occupants of the room suddenly return their attention back towards me and I sigh and continue to the best of my ability.
"It's fine, I spend my credits on the holodeck if you must know learning dead languages," as the revelation of what I do on my person time interests Sam and Crystal alike, "-and as i stated before the chances of getting off this ship are very slim to fucking none regardless of the impact this event will have on the planet. My question to you all is what are our options as a team? Give me some ideas cause I'm well fucking beyond my scope here. . " I relent to my team but more often than naught in a tough situation they have always come together and given us a rash plan of escape cause I can't give it in my heart to just leave them to 'accept death', busy divers means less panic among the crew and more rational options.
"Vincent, give the commander his helmet I need him to check something," Dan states to Vincent who simply nods and before I can reach down to my helmet myself Vincent beats me to it and chipper as a chipmunk hands it over without a question in the world.
Accepting the helmet with a curt nod of thanks I believe Dan has caught on to schemes of keeping them mentally busy and I place the helmet on my head and the automatic snaps clamp on the helmet with a sharp breaking noise; the suit begins to pressurize and the NetBat (Networked Battlefield) system kicks on with the display giving me various data about the suits status and surrounding area. I think to expose my face to the suit and the armor responds by deconstructing out the painted visor and a blue grid is shown over my face in the pressurized suit. "What did you want to know Sergeant?" I ask questioningly.
"How many HITS suits are currently active at this time?" He simply states an order within a question, as I frown to his passive-aggressive order to which sometimes I question how smart he really is and how well he hides it, regardless I simply think about the number of HITS connected to the Networked Battlefield and a number shows at the top right of my heads up display. The number itself is red in color and is single digits and I look back to Dan with a serious expression; "There are five suits total active at this time," I state to the subtle surprise of Sam the most logical of us, to the expression of 'Are you fucking SERIOUS?!?!' plastered on the face of Crystal. As neutral expressions upon Dan's and confused stare Vincent's faces, "W....Wait! you're telling me that roughly Six-THOUSAND divers are on board this worthless space wreck and only FIVE divers MADE IT INTO A FUCKING SUIT?!?!" the shock and frustration are very apparent to Crystals voice which at the end of her statement was more or less a shriek of frustration reserved for scorned lovers and neck-deep in shit husband's.
"It makes sense to me," states Sam, as all eyes turn to him. Even though his face is contorted into a deep thoughtful expression, Dan simply closes his eyes and crosses his arms while Vincent snaps his head back to attentively listen to Sam (seriously kid needs a can of concentrate).
"Think about it, it's diver policy to completely deconstruct armors and shutdown vehicle cores before shock jump, and even more so with an uncharted emergency jump. Divers on the flight deck were being cut out of their armor like sardines and the suits air-locked outside so we could have even made the jump you of all people should know Crystal." Sam states in a knowingly fashion as he watched a laser cutter forcefully extract Crystal from her armor just before the jump and continues on his nerd lecture. "If the suits miniature entanglement cores were to breach in the middle of a shock jump and as the energies of vastly different frequency cores being quite dangerous and radically different to the Edges own entanglement core, the suits could have and most likely would have exploded and we would have all died in a cascade of miniature dark matter detonations from our own weapons. The second we broke shock many of us were in secure corridors and some corridors are closer to the squad bays, allowing those without shock sickness such as the commander here ample time to run to a SFS and re-secure a suit." he addresses the group, "-we unfortunately, were unlucky enough to be inside the hangar at the time and luckily moved inside before the bulkheads closed and it was destroyed by the object, meanwhile the commander had a Skull Leader meeting near our squad room." after finishing his monologue Sam leans back in his chair and shakes his head either out of disbelief or disappointment I'm not too sure which.
With Sam's lecture finished, Crystal recalled her time getting cut out of her own suit and it being ejected outside the ship. "You are correct Sam,' I state to him, "-the second we broke shock I made a break for our squad room and reconstructed my armor, I just now regret that I could have had you come with me now that I look back to it. . " I state regrettably and to my surprise Dan looks at me with a single open eye and a calm expression with his arms still crossed across his chest, "Don't, we all knew what we signed up for commander and there is no pity parties within the Helldivers. But that does leave me to the question that who got into; other than you of course , inside a constructed suit."
Dan finishes and looks at me to which I bring up the NetBat reverse ID system and to my confusion the hud flashes red and gives the 'ACCESS DENIED BY AUTHORITY OF CAPTAIN BLACKTHORNE' system message and I look back to Dan who comes back with the answer before I could express it, "Denied by Captain Blackthorne?" he asks and I nod in reply to which he sighs and Crystal and Vincent questioningly look to their superiors while Sam looks with a sad expression.
"How'd' you know? Are The rumors are true and you can r-READ MINDS?! I Knew Sergeant's were scary! I Need to hide the snack stash!" a distressed Vincent alarmingly trying to flee his chair looking at Dan with shocked expressions (who is now holding the child down in his seat despite his struggles) and panic while Crystal with confusion written on her face returns skeptically to my gaze, "Why would the Captain restrict access to the Netbat ID System 'top?" she asks hoping for some explanation.
"Its because of one of the earliest naval traditions among human history." Both Dan and I reply at the same time in a monotone voice and to our utter frustrations at having the same command brain wave.
"Oh is that because the Captain wants to give us privacy time now?" Vincent quips ceasing his struggles before being snatched from Dan and strangled by Sam who has probably had broken the dam in the harbor of his patience. I sigh and Dan looks towards the rest of the team and shakes his head, "No Vincent, and Sam put him down, please." says Dan with a disgruntled look Sam drops Vincent unceremoniously who is trying to regain his lost oxygen. Dan returns his gaze towards me and motions to me to continue.
"In times of extreme duress the navy traditions of earth can sometimes come back to haunt us, tell me team if you were inflicted with a deadly poison and there was only one dose of antidote to save your life between you and your most hated enemy what would you do?" I ask openly, and none to my surprise I hear the dumb answer first 'Fucking Carl'.
"Well duh we could just split it rig..*ERK*" Another sentence of strangulation between Vincent and Sam while I look to Crystal for a more reasonable response, "Well, if it was my most hated enemy I would choose me and take it before he could reach it?" she timidly replies.
"And if he got the antidote first?" I counter back and for a moment she scrunches her face and replies with almost full commitment "Oh, in that case I would simply kick his ass and tak. . - oh. . I think I see where this is going. . ." she meekly replies and knows what me and Dan are hinting towards, meanwhile another bout of gasping for air is heard and the oddly silent Dan speak with an expressionless face.
"The word you're looking for is mutiny Crystal," Dan says calmly, "-if the entire crew has access to the NetBat system and if the names and squads of armored divers appeared there would be a riot and a fight over control over the five suits for access to the drop pods for a chance of survival. Even as powerful as the suits are I highly doubt that the armor could repel fifteen-hundred divers at once trying to fight for survival it would be a slaughter house." he finishes.
I look towards my hand and expose my SD Nanite factory built into the armor and release a cloud of nanites above my palm almost looking like black flames. Initially the nanites are meant to decompose key biological flesh or soften armor and can print and dissemble small amounts of matter; to an extent repair and recall and dismantle various weapons stored in their buffers but even the small amount of nanite the foundry can create its meant for maybe two targets at a time and requires some time to recharge. Even as good as I am with my arm blades if formed, summoned constructs or firearms and explosives (all stored in the nanite system) the nanite foundry would not be able to keep up with the amount of bodies required to fight back a skilled army. Not to mention the suit is only about as strong as fifteen decently fit men and has limitations that sheer attrition can trump quite easily especially when your opponents are other divers who are aware of each individual HITS weaknesses, with my armors role for quick strike fighting and surprise attacks, not full CQB face-tanking abuse like Dan's Assault Mech system.
As if on cue the ship wide announcement system alerts everyone to a message announcement, as the team turns to the intercom I observe a sudden darkness overcame me as my armor system suddenly flips into diagnostic mode almost silently and my protective visor fades back into existence with bright red lettering 'ADMINISTRATOR OVERRIDE ENABLED'.
War's Justifiable Homicide
The odd thing is which is most uncomfortable of all, is that I cannot hear outside of my suit and that an incoming message request light in this darkness is really fucking bright. So with no clue what is going on and the inability to move or access my external vox system and as a even greater annoyance on this stack of shit is that forcefully opened without my approval and I roll my eyes as the connections being created I await the call. A bit to my surprise the face of Captain Blackthorn is the first thing that greets me, the second is him sitting in his quarters with his observation window showing the Gaia planet supposedly were crashing into in the distance behind his chair. As these visuals are shown within the helmet display I see four other boxes with the words 'VIDEO/AUDIO DISABLED BY ADMINISTRATOR' across all the boxes which I assume is the captain's doing affecting mine as well.
The first thing I notice about the captain is the simple fact that a large bottle of what looks to be alcohol is on his desk and it's already half empty, he has a reserved expression and sighs and takes another sip of what I assume is whiskey or a bourbon and looks into the screen more intently with a sip of liquids begins to speak.
"If you are receiving this conference this means that you are one of the few members of the divers that have been smart enough to get into HITS Armor right after the disengagement of the shock jump drive. This message as of this moment is now classified as top secret-," and with a sudden pause and a exhale the captain refocuses his efforts, "-who the fuck am I kidding, here's the deal ladies and gentlemen." As captain Blackthorn shoots the last of his liquor down he burningly focuses back towards the screen.
"You commanders are most likely going to be the last survivors on this ship, due to the special nature of you being the only five with a HITS I have a special task for you should you choose to accept it, This message is a precursor to an announcement that I am putting out to the crew as we speak with my 'elaborate' plan to reinforce the ship and to brace for impact which in all sense is nothing more but to support the task I am about to give you all. I don't expect it to work, and I more than likely suspect that after this message Mutiny will possibly break across this ship like the plague for the fight to survive." Blackthorn states with resolve, and as the tired Captain pours himself another brim full glass and continues his very un-motivating speech or more the likely the 'I've got a task that will send you to hell and I hope you can scrape out of this alive so I can have some solace' speech.
"As there are five of you in total and I have restricted the video and audio feeds to each other for personal reasons and will give you the ultimate choice to accept this task and show your faces to one another, the possibly soon to be saviors of the Hell's Edge. If you should choose not to accept this mission simply disconnect from this message, I will turn off the life support for your suit, ending the inevitable and shortening your struggle. If you wish to back out now is the time to do so and know that I hold no grudge or ill will to you because what I am about to ask you is going to be the hardest thing to ask of any diver and any soldier under my command and should not be asked as a former officer of the Union when I dropped Phobos on the Mars colony. . . Starting now you have ten seconds to make your choice." As the Captain places a timer on his desk facing the video monitor, I notice strangely enough that the timer on the desk isn't counting down ten seconds as he stated but more or less ten minutes, as I think about this he must have timed his announcement message and is leaving just enough time to give orders to the four of us armored divers.
As the seconds tick by one screen winks out and I return to my captain's gaze who seems unfazed, then another fades into nothing and my heart feels a pang of dread. As the last few seconds remain the other two screens fade and I feel wholesomely infuriated, that commanders would turn their back on fellow divers in need and they should be ashamed of their commission, returning from my thoughts Blackthorn turns the clock around and leans forward to push a few buttons on his Holo-Desk and as he finishes and returns to lean back in his chair and downs a glass of liquor within his reach, out of motion I notice the count of divers within the Networked Battlefield slowly drop one by one to a red '01' meaning that the captain has used officer's prerogative and killed insubordinate soldiers by means of suffocation, completely brutal in nature.
I could not fathom that divers could quit or even think about turning their backs on those in need, but in the likely events that have transpired in the past seventeen hours I cannot blame them for taking the easy way out. Many a civilian and soldier alike hold no compassion towards the captain's dark history but as I was taught when I was young that men make mistakes that that no one is unredeemable.
"As heartbreaking as this moment is we must press on because time is of the essence, I will update the records so they are now accurate and this briefing can continue," The captain continues on and leans forward to make a few keystrokes on the display near his desk and as I look into confusion on Blackthorns face I notice he has five soldier records in front of him I seed the red letters 'HONORABLE DEATH' stamped across their faces and with a wave of his hand the four records fade and the final record with a photograph of my face is left displayed in front of the Captain.
"Commander Saad Ayran age thirty-three, a commendable record since commissioned at the start of the war and current leader of Tundra squadron; as of this moment I am authorizing a field promotion to the commission rank of Chief Warrant Officer under extreme circumstances." A slight pause and the captain pushes forward, "The reason for this promotion and commission to the highest enlisted rank I can offer as a Captain of the Naval Fleet is because the rank has unquestioned access to all ship areas and subsystems within the confines of this ship and allows you to perform any task without authorization from anyone other than myself." As the Captain finishes his typing a notification has flashed on the hud screen showing the rank of a solid bar with a black line through the top and bottom of the bar and a image of the hell diver skull in the center indicating the Warrant Officer Authorization.
I feel conflicted, on one hand I have received the rank of Chief Warrant Officer to those that do not know is a HUGE FUCKING HONOR. It is basically saying that a Union Naval captain has proclaimed you as his Prodigal Son and now has uplifted you the same authority as the Captain and you can now make decisions as if he himself was there. But at the same time I feel conflicted to the fact that Captain Thomas Blackthorne, the lord of Justifi-. . no GENOCIDE by definition, the man who sacrificed the souls of 400,000,000,000 colonists on mars ending the life of a whole planet to stop the supposed void portal of the enemies of Sol giving us two precious years of preparation has named me his equal.
A break from my thoughts, I re-focus to the screen and notice that my face is now visible to the captain, and if one looks hard enough you can barely see the expression of tiredness in the eyes of the legendary captain. With another finished glass of liquor and a thunk of the glass being set on the table the captain folds his hands underneath his chin now adorned with a very visible shadow of a beard and continues his briefing.
"This mission is one I must give you with a heavy heart, as the needs for it are dire and necessary for the possible survival of the 17,641 souls aboard this vessel. Your task which is now being routed to you now by my senior engineer, are plans to deliberately sabotage this ship at key points by placing anti-matter charges on outer decks, storage bays, living quarters and even medical areas, while the crew hopefully builds structural reinforcements for the corridors affected in key points throughout the ship to effectively make a long fluting channel." As I receive another message I see a layered map of the Hell's Edge and locations where AM-27's will be placed across the decks, totaling in 117 explosives in total.
"It is imperative that this task is carried out as the breaches that are created by these charges will be effectively air-breaks and will slow the ship as much as possible giving the souls on board a possible chance of survival. This mission needs to be conducted immediately at the ending of this briefing and you have full authority to dispose of threats by any means necessary with authority of Chief Warrant, as all lives are considered discretionary at this moment including myself, meaning those that are harmful to the mission must be dealt with post-haste. If you fail this task then we will most likely not survive, even as dismal as the chances are now." The Captain takes a pause and I can collect my thoughts for a brief moment.
Justifiable Homicide, I have been ordered to possibly kill the ones that I swore undying loyalty and friendship to, not only does this go against every relation in the Articles of Military Justice, but to all morality as soldiers of the Union. I think to my squad, and what they will say if I told them about these unfathomable orders, and if i can even ask them to help? Would they even consider it? It's a decision that is impossible to think about or one to even share and here lies Captain Blackthorne, who has single-handedly masterminded these orders no doubt, and I can understand that why he's downing that entire bottle at the moment.
It's not something that one sound of mind would make, It's the decision that a commander. . . no, a father would make for his children, it's tough love; love so strong because he cares so much to hurt his own family but it's something that must be done to keep his family safe as well. As I look at the face of my now equal by gesture, the Captains deep green eyes, so full of sadness I remember looking away from the screen half a moment just to prevent myself from tearing up myself cause you know 'Men don't cry' and all.
"It is up to your discretion to recruit trusted allies into your task however, I must advise against it as much as possible because I cannot gauge their reactions to the orders themselves but, if you should so choose there are four unsecured suits available to you if you so choose to accept trusted allies into your fold. The suits locations have been added to your task layout and contents have been purged with activation authority transferred to you only, when this task is complete you will move to your second task which should be completed by the time you reach the midsection of the ship." says the near slurring captain, most likely I'd die from the amount of liquor he drank but then again you don't get old because your weak especially in this business.
"By the time if you are successful you should be able to reach the data core where the ship's Artificial Intelligence system A.R.T.E.M.I.S is housed, under normal circumstances the A.I. has its sentient algorithms disabled within the ship for many reasons but as we speak Artemis is now preparing itself to be divided into four pieces to be taken and safeguarded by you. The reason for the separation is not only because for security reasons that I am unable to circumvent, but because the system has stored within its data-banks the entire neurological pattern of the entire crew aboard the Edge." The captain takes a small breath and continues effortlessly after taking another sip of liquid courage.
"The patterns unknown to the crew were taken as part of a secret project code-named 'Frozen Throne' the plan was to save the human race in case of total annihilation, through the means of advanced digitization of neural patterns and every time a individual has interfaced with this ship a copy of their current pattern was stored on this ship in the data-core. This project is highly experimental and is only current as of yesterday as I have disabled the system from recording patterns since the battle for the Sol system with the exception of my own. Their final memory was altered digitally by Artemis to include the memory of victory in the war and to exclude our situation at this moment. You shall will be the bearer of this record and as long as you defend the information with your life everyone has a chance to come back as an artificial intelligence of their own to continue their lives, but I must warn you each disk will contain 4,410 souls and a fraction of my own pattern for sentimental reasons of my own design. I will always be part of this crew, and A piece of me will always be a part of them as they have changed my views and my life as a whole." A single tear breaks from Blackthorns face as the glass of liquor topples over and then the unthinkable happens, Blackthorn begins to cry.
Not just sniffle tears, full blown sobbing to which I blame the alcohol cause men of his conviction do NOT cry but my sympathy grows as I see no longer a legend, but a human being. The action is so sudden and abrupt that my breath falters along with the once unshakable image that the legendary Captain Thomas Blackthorne, who with great sacrifice of both his reputation and sanity in fear of annihilation, obliterated the enemy of Sol with so much destructive force that out of hatred or sacrifice he collapsed the moon Phobos on top of an enemy portal inflicting billions of casualties with untold numbers upon the enemy and slowing the overall progress of the war and possibly giving the Sol system the chance to create the Helldivers and to have even a chance at surviving the war long enough to survive. Blackthorn, partially recovered and through heavy emotions finished the last portion of his brief.
"After your two t-tasks are complete-"a recovering Blackthorn attempts to compose himself, "-you will flee to the indicated drop pod system near this location and you will escape to the planet's surface, I have enabled five of these pods to which the drops will be as far away from the impact site as possible and you may or may not survive, but the drop pod will keep you initially safe from the blast. As soon as the dust settles you will all return to the Hell's Edge and you must decide what must be done as I cannot fathom what needs to be achieved after this brief. . ." at the end of the statement of the mission in total Blackthorn presses a key unceremoniously and the sound of my deep breathing could be heard over the comms of Blackthorns desk, as my audio had been restored and now I knew could address the Captain.
As my audio now reached Blackthorn he turns the clock on his desk around with swift motion the timer now displaying three minutes remaining. "My son, before this meeting expires I have one final question to ask you. . not as an officer but as another human being to another, this task will weigh heavy on even the most hardened souls and even one as tortured as myself I cannot bear any more loss than what I already have wrought against my own kind as my accepted second I wish to hear your voice and anything you have to say in regards to this mission. Whatever you say here I will transpose onto the ship's final record and I will ordain a mission title to this final mission of the Hell's Edge."
With an act of finality the Captain sits up and prepares himself to take down the last words he may ever write. I inhale and exhale deeply knowing that I have accepted this task and being knee deep in the dead with no chance of turning back I look into the captain's green eyes of sorrow and recite the final writings of the Hell's Edge.
"I Saad Ayran, now Chief Warrant and right hand of Thomas Blackthorne, legendary Captain of the hollowed Warship 'Hell's Edge' hereby accept the responsibility and final tasking to save the condemned crew of this ship. Through many years this ship has served the citizens of the Union and the Sol system with loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor and unshakable courage in the face of certain death." I take a pause and the captain nods and I continue my monologue with more determination.
"But as the hour of our ships journey comes to a close I can only offer my apologies of the crimes I will commit and crimes of those under my command shall perform in the acts we will dutifully fulfill in the final hours of the Hell's Edge. The members of this team including myself shall be of the following; Sergeant Specialist Dan Jones of Sol, Specialist Crystal Smith of Sol, Specialist Samuel Tucker of Sol, and Specialist Vincent Kiota of Sol.” I take a deep breath and continue as the captain continues to write my final words into the mission log.
"We, from now on be unified in heart, mind and soul, under the banner of the Knights of Death. Sentinels of the condemned souls of a shattered and fragmented system far across the voids of space and oblivion, act now as the remnants of the void, forced from their homes and slaughtered for reasons unknown," As I finish the opening statement I look towards the captain and now the burdens we both share and I continue the mission prelude.
"In our final mission and ultimate sacrifice for our species and the souls that we are entrusted we shall heed these promises. and carry the memories, hopes and dreams of our beloved comrades and perform within the best of our abilities to achieve" A pause as I think about my oaths carefully as this will be reflected towards the entirety of this ship.
"In the face of darkness -we shall be unyielding in strength." As I think towards the massive frame and unshakable fortitude of Dan Jones, the mountain of unyielding strength.
"In the times of doubt -we shall be unshakable in faith." A flash of a smirk in a memory of Samuel as he has always been the one to unify others in the absence of compassion from the leadership of Dan and myself.
"In the midst of battle -we shall have no fear." A memory of Crystal as she charged into the onslaught of hundreds of enemies attempting to uproot her sniper position atop a knoll-side with nothing more than simple determination and a curved sabre.
"And in the face of uncertain death, -we shall have no remorse." A disturbing memory of when tasked to hunt the traitor squadron of Ki'raas the only time I've seen Vincent lose himself around the waist high piles of fallen corpses of deserters and murderers of humanity.
And as I reflect upon the oath admitted towards Thomas Blackthorne, I gaze into the tearful but proud captain and father-figure of the Hell's Edge I finish the monologue with a determined stare.
"And as the head and lord of this mantle of responsibility, I Saad Ayran take sole responsibility of these men and women of 17,641 souls and accept them as my charge until the last breath leaves my body. This is a promise I do swear, and I will make any sacrifice necessary to see that the task handed to me will be upheld." I close my eyes and the last sound I hear is the proud voice of Captain Thomas Blackthorn
"Good Luck Death Knight," Says the aging Captain, "May we meet one day and the stories we could tell."
I with a smile I will my connection to end with fierce determination and the captain's face leaves my vision for the last time.
For Whom The Mantle Weighs Heavy Most
The forced diagnostic mode lifts, restoring the HITS user controlled functions, without knowing I was clenching my fists so hard that when control was resumed the initial reaction of the suit was to overcompensate the reaction thus crushing the reinforced chairs armrests that i was holding when the suit was placed in diagnostic mode. As the helmet's visor fades out allowing my face to be seen the only one left inside the room is Dan, who has taken the liberty of changing out of his undersuit and gone with the khaki pants, black boots, and white tank top making his synthetic arm the more visible which covers his whole upper right shoulder and chest to integrate it with his body it's quite an intimidating look and is now perched in a reverse seated chair directly in front of my face with a neutral expression.
"So what's the verdict? No games, too old for that shit and cause I presume we don't have time if the Captain wanted a private audience," he says knowingly that the Captains recording was probably fake in nature.
Standing up I assume full height of eight feet towering a solid two feet over Dan and he watches me lift my arms from the now destroyed rests and as the visor fades back into existence with the Skull Face emblem of the Diver leadership and with a thought to my nanites the high collar of my cape begins to materialize I look in his general direction and say the beginning into the decent of our horrible duty. One that as an officer of the Helldivers I must adhere to and to keep the promises and memories alive of the now doomed vessel, I stand from the reinforced chair and begin walking towards the door and as I open the passage into the corridor without a hint of regret I vocalize the only thing that could be possibly said in this fucked up scenario.
"Grab your gear sergeant, we have some work to do."
