To Link the Flame

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1 - New acquaintances
Chapter 3 - The beginning of something greater
Chapter 2 - The road of sacrifice

Prologue

Celestia, Luna and Twilight sat at the dining table eating their evening meal. A magnificent fire crackled and popped to the left of them, radiating its warmth and light outwards into the room. Winter was approaching and as usual, preparations were to be made, food to be stored and such. The three finished their meals in silence before speaking.

“Twilight.. This is powerful magic. You’ve outdone yourself as usual.” Celestia spoke as she reviewed a piece of parchment. Luna used her magic to levitate the scroll over to herself.

“Quite. This is indeed powerful magic, surprising even for yourself I must say, Twilight. You truly believe this can work as intended?” She asked while reading over it.

“Yes! I tested it on a smaller scale and it worked perfectly! I believe if we channel our magic into this, we’ll be able to move vast amounts of resources in just minutes, when it would take normal ponies days or even a week to do so normally.” Twilight was beaming with pride. This winter would be different, colder and harsher than the last and with the tension between Equestria and Griffonstone on the rise, the need to stockpile was higher than ever.

“Twilight.” Celestia spoke. “I’m proud of you for bringing this to our attention, I would like to see a demonstration. I want you back to Ponyville tomorrow, we’ll see just how much this spell can move.” She said.

The three rose from the table and parted each other goodnight.

“Go on Twilight, get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow, Luna and I are going to talk for a little longer.” Celestia spoke to Twilight as she left the room. The two sisters made themselves comfortable in front of the fire, the warmth and subtle dance of the flames were mesmerising.

“Tia, I must inquire, as to how practical this is. Surely such a teleportation spell could prove undeniably useful in many regards but, I cannot help but to wonder what implications this could lend aid to in, certain, situations.” Luna spoke discreetly, as to gauge Celestia’s response.

“Yes, Lulu. I was thinking the same. I have to commend Twilight, she is trying her best to help in her new position of power, and I must admit, such a spell would be very helpful for preparing our stockpiles for the winter, why, we could do in an afternoon what it takes normal ponies days to do. No doubt the logistical capabilities of it are sound but, I fear it may be more useful in other regards.” Celestia responded while she watched the flames dance and like the brick of the fireplace.

“Indeed, dear sister, I see you are thinking along the same lines as I. Such a teleportation spell could be used to move-” Luna was interrupted before she could finish.

“Armies.” Celestia said, her gaze never breaking the fire. “Luna, not a word of this to Twilight. I doubt things will ever become that heated between Equestria and Griffonstone, but we would be careless rulers to ignore the possibility. We’ll discuss this more tomorrow, until then I am tired, and going to retire for the night. I assume you will be up a while longer?” She said before finally leaving her seat and making way for the exit. Luna stared at the fire a moment longer before arising.

“You are correct, Tia, you know me quite well. I will be stargazing. If you require my council you know where to find me. Goodnight dear sister.”

Luna and Celestia departed each other and went their separate ways. Celestia pondered for a moment before finally getting into bed and drifting off asleep.

***********************

Celestia awoke at the crack of dawn, the sound of birds singing their morning melodies reaching her ears as she prepared for the day. Luna was already waiting in the dining room with breakfast served. She ate slowly while going down a mental checklist of things to do.

“Twilight is in Ponyville already I assume?” Celestia asked.

“Indeed. I sent her off this morning, not before dawn, I trust she is ready and waiting for our experiment.” Luna said, finishing the rest of her meal.

The two made their way to an empty courtyard outside that they had designated as their testing grounds the day before. The clouds hung high above as the cool air chilled their coats. Celestia was, for lack of better words, cold. She looked to Luna who seemed to enjoy the weather. Never one for the sun she assumed. She couldn’t help but crack a smile thinking about the irony of that thought.

“Let’s begin.” Celestia spoke. She used her magic to convey a scroll to Twilight who was eagerly awaiting them in Ponyville, to signal her that they were ready.

***********************

Twilight, Spike and Applejack waited outside in the orchard of Sweet Apple Acres, several bushels of apples before them.

“Now, ya’ll mind tellin’ me again what this here spell is supposed to do, Twilight?” Applejack asked.

“Not at all. How long does it usually take you and Big McIntosh to move an entire orchard worth of apples?” She turned to face Applejack as she spoke.

“Well, it really depends but, I reckon’ most of the day is a good estimate.” Applejack replied.

“Precisely. With Winter so close around the corner and this year looking to be bad, I figured, what if we could just teleport the entire harvest straight to where it needs to go? I mean, we use teleportation for sending scrolls and sometimes, if you’re adept, even yourself places. But we’ve never tried sending something of this size or amount someplace. I figured, if we could move all this quickly we’d save more time for other preparations.” She said proudly. As she finished speaking a scroll appeared and she eagerly unravelled it.

“Twilight, we are prepared and ready for the tests. Please begin channelling your magic, just like we showed you the other night. I have full confidence in you.

•Celestia”

Twilight gleefully motioned for Spike and Applejack to step back while she concentrated on the bushels of apples, fifteen of them to be precise. She strained as she poured her magic into the spell, small beads of sweat starting to form on her brow.

***********************

Luna and Celestia closed their eyes as they both began to channel their magic. A simple teleportation spell itself was nothing to either of them, but it’s the object, or objects, being teleported that required great concentration. When teleporting one’s self or something as small as a scroll the margin for error was much smaller, but teleporting larger items, and multiple of them, the room for error was exponentially higher.

The two silently concentrated as their magic started to form a circle in the middle of the courtyard, an almost mirage-like image of Sweet Apple Acres could just barely be made out in the middle of the magic image. It continued to grow in size until the other side was clearer.

***********************

“My word..” Applejack said as she looked at the growing portal.

“Woah..” Spike muttered.

The pair watched as they could barely make out the images of Luna, Celestia and the courtyard, the image grew larger and larger and started to encircle the bushels, stretching and distorting until the image was no longer clear.

With a sudden clap like lightning, the apples were gone and the group was sent flying back. Twilight lied still for a moment before groaning, her head throbbing and the world around her spinning.

“Eughhh… what happened? Did it work..?” She said, slightly dazed.

“Boy did it! Ya’ll just saved me a long days of work Twilight!” Applejack exclaimed excitedly.

“That’s great… I wonder, how the apples are. Hopefully, all of them made it.” Twilight spoke as she pulled herself up, Applejack and Spike moving to help her.

***********************

“Tia!? Tia where have you gone!?” Luna said shockingly, darting her head around the courtyard. She winced in pain as she finally noticed a splitting headache taking over. Several guards came running to her aid as she collapsed onto the ground.

“Find… Twilight. You are to bring.. Bring her here immediately, at once. Is that not understood?” She managed to get out between gritted teeth as the guards helped her up and moved her towards the castle.

“Yes, Princess.” The guards said as they helped her up the cobble steps and towards the infirmary.

***********************

Cold. That was all Celestia felt. She was bitterly cold. Wherever she was it was dark and very damp. Her head ached and throbbed as she shook herself awake. She sat in the cold dark for a moment as her eyes adjusted only slightly.

“Where.. Where am I?” She wondered to herself. Celestia tried to pull herself up but winced in pain as her hind leg gave way and she fell back to the cold wet floor. She stayed for a moment, silent and listening, shivering in the dark. It wasn’t until she strained that she noticed an odd sound, one she didn’t hear before. Harder and harder she pushed her hearing until it became clearer. The hairs on her neck rose and her heart dropped. The very distinct sound of gnawing and chewing was now very prominent in, wherever she was. Slowly, fear crept up on her, as she continued to listen to what sounded like sloshing and slopping coming from somewhere in the room.

“H-Hello?” She said weakly. The sound stopped, and the silence sent a surge of pure, primal fear deep inside of her.

Celestia steeled her breathing as she thought to herself. “Calm yourself, Celestia, you’ve been in bad situations before, you’ll be ok.”

“Is.. is anypony there?” She spoke again, more loudly and confident.

“I’m hurt.. I may need help. There’s been a terrible accident.” She continued to talk out to the room, her vision had barely adjusted to the darkness and her muscles shook from the mix of adrenaline and very cold, musty air that enveloped her. She sat in silence for what felt like an eternity. After several moments she finally heard something, and the dread she was fighting off so bravely had returned, only, this time, she wasn’t so confident in her situation. From somewhere off in the room, she heard a low, guttural snarl and what sounded like chains being drug across cobble stone. What started as guttural sounds slowly turned into raspy growls as someone, or something, was clearly shambling towards her in the darkness. Her heart raced as fear and instinct took over.

“Who is there!? I demand to know!” She said, trying very hard to not give away the fact she was panicked. Again the only response was a low, guttural growl, only this time, it was much closer, and sounded much more sinister. Panic had fully taken over as Celestia pushed her body to work, she pulled herself up and onto all fours and wildly looked around, she judged what direction the sound was coming from and tried to move in the opposite way behind her, pushing herself against the wall she groaned as her hind leg burned in pain.

She stumbled in the dark for a moment before collapsing over something and crashing to the ground. She scrambled to turn the other direction, the sound now closer than before.

“I’m warning you! Don’t make me use my magic!” She commanded, but to no avail. Whatever was so eager to meet her had clearly continued to pursue her. With her pursuer showing no signs of stopping she had no choice. She pointed her horn towards where she judged the sound to be coming from and concentrated.

“W-What’s happening?” She said out loud as her magic failed to produce the desired effect. Instead, only a faint spark shot out and fell towards the ground. Frustrated and growing more and more panicked she concentrated again and managed to fire off a very weak blast of magic towards the direction of the sound. She wished she hadn’t.

Shambling towards her was a bipedal creature, it was frail and looked almost like a skeleton. From the brief glimpse she had seen of the monster, it looked like a corpse, covered in rotten flesh and dripping with a red substance she assumed was blood, only now it finally clicked in her head what the sound was. It was eating something, or someone. She tried to concentrate again but to no avail, her head throbbed as she teetered on the verge of passing out. Her final thoughts of Luna, and Twilight. Equestria. Her loyal subjects. She closed her eyes and prepared for whatever may come.

Something kicked the wooden door in, splinters flying everywhere as the flimsy door was busted off its hinges, a small amount of light flooding in the room. Celestia looked up as another bipedal figure stood in the newly discovered doorway. In the light, she was able to make out a few features and noticed this creature, unlike the other, was very different. Adorned in some sort of armour it held a shield with intricate designs in one hand while wielding a sword in the other.

The monster that had pursued Celestia turned to face the new creature and shrieked, it quickly shambled over towards the armored guest and swung violently at it. The armored creature brought its shield up blocked the blow, and with its other hand it brought the sword up and shoved it straight through the monster. It howled with pain as it fell to the ground, the armored one pulling the sword from the monster and finishing it with a clean blow to the head.

“Henry! In here!” Celestia heard the creature yell, nay not a creature, a female. The voice was distinctly feminine but, most of all, Celestia understood her. The woman charged into the room with shield up and ready, she turned away from Celestia seemingly not noticing that she was pushed in against the corner. Moments later another armored combatant came forward through the door. The two of them moved away from Celestia and she strained her hearing as she heard more howls and shrieking.

It was quiet again for a moment before footsteps could be heard approaching from down the hallway, Celestia strained her eyes and saw it was the same armored female from before, now covered in blood. The bipedal female knelt down and inspected the monster, it rummaged around the area before slowly turning its head and meeting Celestia’s gaze. They both froze and stared at each other.

“Henry.. Come here.” Celestia heard the female said. Her heart raced as the other armored figured appeared, it had a body slung over its shoulder and let it drop to the ground, a sword still impaled through the monster's chest.

“Henry.. Do you see this too, or have I gone hollow?” The female said. The other figure, Henry, turned to look and met Celestia’s gaze. It turned to look towards the female then back to her, doing a quick double take.

“Do you.. Suppose it can understand us?” The female said. At that Celestia pushed herself further into the corner, her eyes not leaving the two armored figures.

Henry looked towards the female then towards Celestia.

“Right right, well there’s no need to worry love, we’re good people, honest!” Henry said as he pulled his short sword out of the decrepit, decaying monster that now lie on the floor dead.

“Brother.. You’re scaring it. Stop speaking like an idiot! And put your damn sword away, it’s uncouth to introduce yourself to someone while brandishing a weapon.” The female said. She sheathed her sword and stepped over the dead body, coming closer to Celestia, who was pushed into the corner as far as she could go.

“Come on then. Don’t be afraid, we’re not crazy like the ones before, see? They can’t hurt you now. What’s your name? Can you speak?” She said, nearing closer slightly.

“Auusha be careful, I really don’t want to have to find you again, you know I bloody hate it when you go off and get yourself killed.” Henry spoke while pillaging the undead that lie limp around the room.

Auusha knelt down now only several feet away, she waited for what felt like ages before turning to look towards Henry, an almost defeated sense about her. She began to stand up and walk away when Celestia let a frail sound escape from her throat.

“C-Celestia.. My name, is Celestia.”

Author's Note

The formatting seems to have gone wonkey, not sure why. This probably sucks, so feel free to downvote and tell me to kill myself.

Chapter 1 - New acquaintances

The trio sat around a fire and warmed their bodies. Henry was deep in thought as he polished his ornate sword, and Auusha sat with her back against the wall. With her armor removed Celestia started to notice fine details about the warrior woman. Her auburn short hair glowed in the light of the fire. She had deep blue eyes and freckles that covered her bare skinned face.

“Thank you.. For saving me back there, you two.” Celestia spoke awkwardly, in an attempt to break the silence. Henry just mumbled something as he continued to work on his sword, and Auusha scowled at him.

“Try not to mind him. He’s a bit of a brute.” She said.

“A brute with style, mind you.” He said, never taking his gaze off the weapon.

“Don’t mention it, uh, Celestia. Yes. That’s what you said your name was. What exactly.. Are you, if you don’t mind me asking. I don’t think I’ve ever met a talking horse before..” Auusha spoke while twiddling her thumbs.

Celestia was slightly amused at their entire predicament.

“I could ask you the same, dear. I am Equine, and yourself?” She asked.

“Right. Human, or well, supposed to be.” Auusha said lightly, almost betraying a sigh towards the end of her statement.

“Human. How.. strange. I don’t think there’s any of you where I come from, unfortunately.” Celestia spoke carefully, she felt safe with the two, after all they did save her life, but many centuries of diplomacy had taught her to always tread lightly when meeting new friends.

“I should hope not.” Auusha said. She stared into the fire, a silence returning back to the group.

“What.. what were those things, earlier? They looked like you do, except.. Wrong. They looked-” She was cut off by Auusha.

“Dead. They were dead, and so are we, actually.I don’t know where you’re from, Celestia, but it sounds a hell of a lot better than this place. They’re called Hollows, humans who have died so many times they forgot who they were, their purpose. We’re cursed, you see. Henry and I, all of us really. We don’t die, not for good. We just.. Lose a little bit of ourselves everytime it happens, until finally you turn into, well, that.” She said bluntly.

Celestia was taken back, she had no idea how to respond to such a statement. Being an alicorn a natural death was something she had been blessed to avoid, but by all means, her life was still very much mortal. To actually not die, to be immortal, one would imagine that a gift, rather than a curse.

“I see that look on your face. Trust me, it isn’t a gift. Henry and I, we.. we can’t even remember when it happened. It feels like an normality. we’ve just been.. Dying.” She said, still gazing into the fire, drawn to it.

Celestia found the courage to finally utter only a single statement.

“But.. why?” She said.

“There’s an old, very old saying, by a knight I know not the name of.” She stated, before reciting the words.

“Thou who art undead art chosen, in thine exodus maketh pilgrimage to the land of Lords and thou shalt discover the fate of the accursed undead.” She stated, somberly.

“As you can probably tell, we’re still trying to discover that very fate.”

Everyone sat in silence again, Celestia at another loss for words. This world, these creatures. Evil magic and curses weren’t unheard of in Equestria, but a curse that could actually prevent death? She shuddered to even imagine what the inhabitants of this world must experience daily. She had been here for just a few measly hours and was already at a complete loss.

“Celes’, can I call you that?” Auusha asked, smiling at the white alicorn. Celestia nodded her head and Auusha continued. “Right. Let me look at that leg, dear. I might be able to help.”

Celestia permitted Auusha to come closer and inspect her hind leg. She felt oddly safe and comfortable in their presence. When you’ve lived for as long as she has, you become quite good at judging character. Celestia felt from these two, radiant warmth. They had saved her life, despite the odd predicament of their being of two entirely different species, something she assumed they had grown used to stumbling upon in such a world. For all the warmth and kindness she felt coming off of the two though, she also felt a terrible sadness.

She had seen the same look before. Henry was well at hiding it, a tall and slender man, she had yet to see his face as he had not removed his helmet, but it was clear the man took great satisfaction in his distractions. He continued to quietly work on his weapon and shield in the corner. Auusha, on the other hand, was not so adept at it. Her eyes betrayed her true feelings, a deep rooted sadness in them. Celestia had seen those eyes before, she let her mind wander back to the day she banished Luna, those same sad eyes staring her down. She looked up to watch Auusha inspect her leg. She couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness for the poor creature. She indeed felt lucky to have met the pair when she did.

“Alright then, it doesn’t look too bad, Celes’. I’d wager you must have sprained it when you ended up here, some good rest and easy going and it’ll be ok.” She said, once again smiling her toothy smile at Celestia.

“Thank you, Auusha.” Celestia said while smiling back. “Though, I guess there is a problem with that. This world.. Is clearly much more dangerous than the one I’m from, I fear, on my own. I might not be able to-” Celestia was failing to find the words she wanted to speak, and it was clear to her company.

“Nonsense! Henry and I will stick with you! Isn’t that right Henry?” Auusha said while gesturing to her brother. He simply mumbled something incoherent while obsessively polishing the hilt of his sword.

“See! Then it’s settled, Celes’, you’ll stay with us!” Auusha said beaming a triumphant victory. “A good bit of jolly cooperation never hurt anybody now did it?” She was stoking the fire while speaking to the room.

“I see.” Celestia said while scooting herself closer to the fire. “I am in your debt, Henry, Auusha. To new friends.” The white alicorn presented a half-hearted celebration.

“To new friends!” Auusha gleefully joined in.

“Mmmmhm.” Henry mumbled.

Auusha and Celestia turned to look towards Henry who turned his attention towards them.

“What? Did I miss something?” He said blanky.

The two managed an half hearted giggle. Celestia felt odd, of all the things to feel. She had been plucked from her world and thrust into this new, cold and dangerous one. Her life had already been threatened once and she now sat around a fire, nursing a sprained leg while conversing with two strange creatures she didn’t even know existed up until a few hours ago. With all said and done though, she felt, alive. For the first time in a long time she actually managed to laugh, both at the absurdity of the situation and the company she was in. She liked these two, yes, indeed she felt their warmth. In all the sadness she could feel, one thing was certain, she knew these two would never hurt her.

Sleep did not come easy at first, but Celestia gave in to her exhaustion and soon drifted off. The accident clouded her mind, what had happened or even why it had happened. Her mind drifted to other places, too, to this new world and her new companions, why she had been teleported here and what this place even was. Sleep did come, but it was not an easy or enjoyable sleep.

************************

Celestia was jostled awake quickly by Auusha, who had her finger placed over her mouth, signaling to be quiet. She motioned towards the door of their shelter, the same room Celestia found herself in previously, where the two had saved her. They had cleared the bodies and pushed some of the larger, rotten furniture up against the doorway to act as a barrier and conceal their presence while they rested for the night. Celestia could see light creeping in through the rafters and got a good look at the room they had spent the night in.

There were chains and torture devices strewn about the room, tables with rusty and bloodied instruments on display and what she was certain were blood stains splattered across the floor, no telling for how long they had been there. Celestia turned her attention towards the door where Auusha was motioning and noticed the furniture had been moved. While Auusha crept towards the open doorway she also noticed, Henry was nowhere to be seen.

Her head hurt, and she was dehydrated. Using all her strength she pushed herself up and onto all fours, taking special care to not strain her bad hind leg. She watched as Auusha pushed herself up against the wall and peaked out the doorway, she then whistled and quickly ducked back into the room, moving quickly to back away from the entrance. Celestia watched as another bipedal figure entered the doorway, although this one was far different from the others last night. It brandished what looked like a crude farming tool, except it was covered in blood, the thing wore a long cloth garb caked in mud and filth. It snarled at the two as it began to approach, and Celestia felt her heart starting to pound.

The creature stepped forwards only a few paces before Henry, who was entirely unseen before, dropped from the rafters just above it. He brought his sword down with him and plunged it straight through the creature's head, piercing through one end and out the other. It squealed before toppling to the ground as blood flowed forth from the gaping wound, and Henry finished it off with one more blow.

“Good morning, Celes’, Auusha. Sleep well?” He asked politely. Celestia stared down at the now dead creature, its blood had slowed from a healthy flowing to a slow trickle. She had seen her share of violence before, Equestria was, a long time ago, a much different place. But it had been a very long time since those days, and it was evident too.

“Celes’, I know this must be so hard. But we really should start going, there will be more of them. You can ask questions while we leave but for now, let’s depart. Come on, I’ll help you walk.” Auusha came over to Celestia and placed her hand on the alicorns mane. It was an odd sensation for sure, but she accepted the gesture akin to how one would accept a hug from a friend. They left the building and Auusha walked along slowly with Celestia, offering any help she could as Henry kept watch in front of them.

They exited the building and Celestia took in her surroundings. They appeared to be in the middle of a village, a very run down one at that. She immediately noticed the piles and piles of burned bipedal bodies that dotted the ground, and the ransacked buildings, the smell of decay and smoke fresh in the air. She had to fight the urge to vomit.

“Is.. is this what your world has always been like?” Celestia asked Auusha, while trying to process what she was looking at.

“Unfortunately.. Yes.” She responded. The group slowly made their way down a grass path and Celestia looked back briefly to inspect the building they had found her in. A body hung from a wooden rafter that stuck out the side of the run down building, a sign hung around its neck.

“Undead not welcome.”

The three set out on their journey and slowly traversed the bodies and rubble. Celestia no longer felt self, at all.

************************

Luna awoke, her head still throbbing and her throat extremely dry. She gathered her surroundings and surmised that she was resting in her bed. She noticed a glass of water sitting next to her on the stand and used her magic to bring it over and take a long drink. Through the pain she pushed herself up and out of the bed and made her way towards the door, opening it slowly the two guards stationed outside her chambers were alarmed slightly, but quickly regained composure.

“Princess, you’re awake. Please, allow us.” The two opened the door the rest of the way and went to help their princess, but were cut off before they could.

“I thank thee, but I am fine. Where is.. Twilight.” She said while flashes of the events came back to her. Her mind was still reeling and the memory was blurry, but she remembered being in the courtyard and channeling her magic with Celestia, opening a portal in which to test the spell invented by Twilight.

“Of course, Princess. Twilight has been.. Detained.” The guard, clearly in charge, said.

“Detained? What nonsense? I ordered her to be brought to me, not detained.” Luna said, a slight hint of anger rising in her voice.” The guards were quick to explain the situation.

“Princess, she is here in the castle. She’s in the study under watch. I must apologize, when I said detained I merely meant, we’re keeping a close eye on her. She’s very upset.” The guard said while walking next to Luna.

They came to the study and Luna excused the guards who were stationed outside. The doors swung open and Luna saw Twilight, a mound of books and papers scattered around her. Twilight turned to presumably speak to the guards and was met with Luna, her face instantly contorted into a pained expression and she tried to speak, but instead only shallow breaths escaped her throat before she broke down into tears.

Luna tried to smile at her, to reassure her sisters pupil that she was not there with malicious intent. She turned to speak to the guards.

“Leave us, at once.” She said while motioning for the troop to exit the room. The guard who had followed her protested.

“B-But, Princess.” He said, slightly alarmed.

“Do you wish to test me, Captain? Or shall I refer to you as Corporal instead?” Luna said quickly, staring the guard down.

He protested before leaving, and taking the others with him. Luna used her magic to shut and lock the door before moving over to Twilight and taking a seat on the cushion, avoiding the mess.

“Twilight..” She spoke, but was interrupted.

“L-Luna you have to- you have to believe me! I have no idea what happened! That spell was sound, it was only a s-simple teleportation spell, I never intended” Twilight said in between sobs. Luna looked down at the purple alicorn, and her expression changed from that of regal authority to compassion.

“Come here, Twilight.” She motioned for Twilight to come closer. “I would never even for a moment entertain such a thought that you intended for this to happen. You need not explain your loyalty to me. This was a terrible accident, no doubt, but not for a moment do I expect foul play on your part, Twilight.” Luna said softly. Twilight took a moment to breath and calm herself.

“Princess.. I know that spell was perfect. I would have never, ever suggested testing it if I had any doubts about if it was safe or not.” Twilight said, her sobbing reduced to a small trickle of tears.

“Quite, Twilight. I trust in your abilities. I cannot help but feel.. Something is off.” Luna said.

“You don’t mean..” Twilight had calmed herself and began to speak normally again, her crying now replaced with confusion.

“I do. I suspect something else may have happened here.” Luna said. The two of them sat in silence for a moment before she spoke again.

“I want you to stay here, Twilight. I have business I must attend to, and something I wish to investigate.” Luna said as she made her way to leave. Before leaving though, Luna spoke once more, discreetly this time.

“Twilight, stay alert about your surroundings. If you feel.. Strange, or something is wrong. You come to me, immediately. Do you understand?” Luna spoke sternly. “Celestia have mercy on whatever caused this, because I shan’t.” She said coldly. Twilight felt power radiate from Luna, and a chill ran down her spine. She knew Celestia and Luna were, without a doubt, the most powerful alicorns in history, on a level akin to gods, even, but never before had she fully realized the scope of that power until now, feeling the pure, raw energy radiate from Luna’s body. She stuttered for a moment before getting the words out.

“Y-Yes, Princess. Of course.”

************************

The group made their way down the steps carefully, Auusha taking extra care to help Celestia down.

“That leg is bad, I’m afraid, dear.” She said. “We’re gonna have to find somewhere to rest soon.”

“I’ve endured worse, Auusha, don’t worry about me.” Celestia winced through the pain. Her hind leg was burning again and her strength was fleeing her quickly. The group continued to make their way down the steps slowly, Henry leading their courageous effort, if you could call it that.

“Oh boy, dear me. That isn’t good.” Henry said, pointing ahead. “Dearest sister, do you see what I’m seeing?” The group now stopped, Celestia and Auusha looking to where Henry pointed.

A group of hollow humans sat around the body of a knight, a long dead one. They tore chunks of flesh off the dead man and gorged their faces with the meat. Auusha made sure Celestia was situated on the steps before going to join her brother.

“Well, what do you suppose we do?” Auusha said, joining her brother.

“Hold on, I have a plan.” Henry said while stepping forward slightly. He cleared his throat loudly, and the feast turned slowly to face them, now alerted to their presence.

“Uh, hey! Yeah, you lot! Could you quietly piss off the other direction aye!?” The group of hollows stared blankly for a moment before pulling themselves off the ground and shambling towards the trio.

“Well can’t say I didn’t try.” Henry said, shrugging his shoulders before unsheathing his sword.

“You stay with Celes’, I’ll take care of these jokers.” Henry said as he descended the steps. Auusha shook her head before returning to Celestia, she sat down next to her on the cool cobble and began to speak.

“It’s frightening, the first time it happens.” She spoke. “That first time you die, but not really. I remember it quite vividly actually, my first time taking the plunge was only but a few weeks ago.” Celestia was listening, but her gaze didn’t leave Henry. The man was, if she had to describe him, an artist. He moved gracefully with his blade, dancing around the group of hungry hollows, taking an arm off here and there every time they lunged for him.

“Henry, well, he’s not as afraid of it as I am. He’s died a lot more than me, and sadly, he doesn’t remember much other than the fact I’m his sister. It’s an odd sensation really, dying. You feel cold, so cold, but then suddenly your senses leave your body and you’re somewhere else, you can feel yourself start to warm up, and the world just melts away as you drift. It must sound strange to hear, but, I long for the day that I can finally just let go, and not have to return to this.. Hell.” Auusha said. The pair watched Henry as he finished the last hollow off, he took its arm off and then kicked it to the ground, it tried to lunge for him again but he brought his sword down on its neck, severing the head from the body.

Celestia watched the entire scene unfold, unflinching. The violence of this world she had been thrust into was unmatched, no doubt, but she had seen many a terrible act in her time as ruler.

“Auusha, what happens to them?” She asked, while eyeing the dead hollows that now litter the ground.

“We’re not really sure, too be honest. They seem to just.. Show up, no matter how many you kill.” She stated. Auusha helped Celestia up and they continued down the stairs to meet Henry. Inspecting the knight, it was evident he had been dead for several days, his armor was stained by his own blood and his body had started to decay. Celestia noticed this fact and was confused.

“If I’m not mistaken, you stated upon death you’re.. Reinstated, no? Undying? For what reason has this one’s body appeared to have been left here to decay?” She spoke, and now that she thought about it, she had noticed several other human bodies left to decay as well.

“We should go. Now. We’re not safe here.” Auusha said, her cheerful tone changing to a more serious, rushed concern. Henry sheathed his sword and joined them.

“So you’ve noticed, I see. Well then, I should tell you. Upon what someone could consider a, normal, death.” He spoke while gesturing to the dead that now littered the area. “You come back. This poor sod, however, well. I’m not sure how to say this other than bluntly. He was killed by a Darkwraith.” Henry spoke, now gesturing to the dead knight.

Darkwraith. That word sent a cold shiver throughout Celestia. It sounded wrong, evil. She looked over the body once more before finally turning away.

“What.. what is a Darkwraith?” She asked.

“They’re like us. Human, most of the times, other times not so much. It’s really hard to explain but I’ll give you a quick rundown until we’re somewhere safer. They aren’t friendly, and they are certainly not out to help you. They prey on weaker victims, looking to steal and absorb their soul, but more importantly, to steal away their Humanity.” Henry spoke as he strapped his shield onto his back and joined his sister.

“I see.. That sounds.. Terrifying.” Celestia spoke. The word Humanity lingered in her mind for a moment longer. The group continued down the path and came to a fork. A magnificent church stood on the edge of a narrow and deep crevice in the ground, and to their left a winding pathway took them deeper into the valley beneath the village they had just came from. The church reminded Celestia of Canterlot almost, and she felt a small fault in her emotions as she thought of her loved ones, who must be worried sick about her.

“The church. I hate that place.” Henry stated boldly. Auusha joined him in looking upon it.

“Yes, that was quite the adventure. That cursed great wood gave us so much trouble.” She spoke.

“Gave us trouble? It killed me twice if you remember!” He said, while picking up a rock and flinging it towards the direction of the lumbering church. Celestia couldn’t help but smile at this. These two had seemed to defy every notion of this world. It made her feel better about her newfound situation, certainly it was better with company that she could trust.

“What happened at the church, if I may ask?” Celestia spoke.

“Oh nothing, really. We stumbled upon it the other day, and inside a nasty old cursed great wood was residing. That wonky dressed bastard, the one Henry took care of earlier, they were in there worshipping the thing, like some kind of god. Before we knew it, the entire tree was alive and boy was it angry! Flattened my poor brother here twice too, thankfully I was far too nimble for the thing to get me.” She said, almost proudly and at the expense of Henry.

“Regardless. We should continue that way.” Henry pointed towards the path that lead deeper into the small valley below the village, and away from the church. “I reckon Celes’ needs to rest soon, and if I’m not mistaken, there’s a bonfire nearby, I can feel it.” He spoke. Celestia hung on one word in particular in that statement.

“A.. bonfire? What do you mean, like the fire we made before?” Celestia asked, inquisitively. Auusha helped her up as the group made their way deeper into the valley below.

“Right, err. How do I explain this. They’re kind of like.. Shrines, where we undead can rest. It rejuvenates us, and even heals us if we’re seriously injured. We’re not sure who put them there, only that, they exist and are randomly scattered throughout the land as far as we can tell.” Auusha produced a small flask from her satchel and showed it to Celestia.

“We call it an Estus flask, we can harness some of the energy from these bonfires in them and, if we’re injured, we can use it to heal. I would.. Have offered to try and give you some earlier, for your leg, but.. I’m all out.” she said.

“That’s ok.. I understand. Thank you, though.” Celestia winced as the pain in her leg was becoming worse, the burning sensation now shooting up into her back. “I do hope we find this place soon, I think I may need to rest.” She said.

“We’ll get there, Celes’. Don’t you worry! Henry and Auusha are here to protect you!” She exclaimed gleefully. Celestia smiled again through the pain and thought to herself once more.

“Yes, indeed. These two will never hurt me.” She watched as Auusha picked up a rock and threw it at the back of Henry’s head, laughing as he turned around to yell at her. “These poor souls, I cannot imagine their struggle.” Celestia finished her thought as she followed along slowly and surely.

Author's Note

Alright so. Chapter 1 turned out a tiny bit shorter than I was planning, but I didn't want it to drag on forever and ever. If you like it, please give me a thumbs up and tell your friends. If not I'll personally email you the video of me drinking bleach to appease you. Peace.

***If you notice any errors please point them out so I can fix them, firstly so I can cry about how bad I am writing, though.***

Chapter 3 - The beginning of something greater

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Chapter 2 - The road of sacrifice

Celestia, Auusha and Henry had been walking for what seemed like ages, passing by the occasional body or abandoned dwelling. As they walked Celestia couldn’t help but let her mind wander to home, and wondering if her sister and Twilight were ok. The group had walked in silence for most of their trip, with the occasional flare up between Auusha and Henry, usually due to some form of enticement from Auusha, whether it be in the form of a rock mysteriously finding its way to back of Henry’s head or the occasional argument as to who would win in a sword fight.

Every time the two argued Celestia couldn’t help but smile, it somewhat reminded her of Luna and herself when they were younger, bickering siblings.

“So.. Celes’, tell me about where you’re from.” Auusha said, innocently.

“Well.. it’s quite different, but that goes without saying.” She thought for a moment before continuing. “Obviously as you can tell.. There are more like me there. In fact, I am a ruler of a nation inhabited of Equines.” She said, almost proudly.

“Wow! A ruler!? Henry did ya’ hear that?” Auusha said excitedly. “Celes’ is royalty!” She was beaming with enthusiasm, something Celestia very much enjoyed about her new companion.

“A ruler you say? Next you’ll tell us you live in a bloody castle.” Henry stated, slightly unconvinced.

“Indeed, I do actually. Canterlot..” Celestia replied happily.

“Really!? That’s amazing! Don’t mind Henry Celes’ he just hates being happy.” Auusha was nearly ecstatic at this point.

“I don’t hate being happy! I just prefer to expect to be disappointed rather than not.” Henry interjected.

Celestia couldn’t help but smile, yes, she was indeed reminded of herself and Luna.

“I indeed live in castle, Auusha.” She stated. The group had returned to silence for a moment, before Auusha finally spoke again.

“Will you show it to me, some day?” She asked, but her ecstatic demeanor had changed, instead replaced by an almost somber feeling. Celestia was caught off guard by this question, she was faced with the possibility that she herself may never see Equestria again, but in the off chance she were to escape this world, could she actually bring them with her? Better yet, did she want to?

“Auusha…” Celestia paused, trying to find the words. Auusha slightly hung her head, only barely noticeable, but just enough that Celestia could see the disappointment.

“Yes.. I would love to show you.” She finally spoke, how could she not say yes? She had no reason to believe these two would ever hurt her, if anything she felt more alive in company than she had in years, they have saved her life once and surely without them, and without her magic, Celestia would not have taken but ten steps into this world before perishing. Yes, she decided right then and there that if there was any way to save herself and her new companions too, that she would do it.

Auusha didn’t explode with joy like Celestia expected, she didn’t antagonize Henry or even so much as physically celebrate, instead she only said two words, but they were enough for Celestia to know she had made the right decision.

“Thank you..”

********************************

The adventurers came to a small bridge across a deep chasm in the ground, the three huddled down behind a broken, decrepit wagon as they surveyed the surroundings. Several armed undead wandered about aimlessly, adorned in the same style of cloth as the one from only a few hours ago. Celestia assumed they must be part of some religious group, or a militia of some sorts.

“Right, Celes’ you stay here, let dear brother and I deal with this, can’t have you fighting with a sprained leg, that is assuming you can fight.” Auusha said. Celestia thought about informing them of her magical abilities, but decided against it, for all she knew magic didn’t exist in this world and perhaps that explains her inability to use her own, she would inform them later, but for now they had a job to do and a place to find.

Auusha and Henry rose from behind the wagon and unsheathed their weapons, they moved together closer to the bridge before they stopped, presumably to draw their enemies to them. As they set up for combat Celestia watched a much larger bipedal creature emerged from behind a run down building, it was massive and easily towered over the other beings, including Henry and Auusha.

“Bloody hell… get a look at that one.” Henry said.

“Uh.. right, Henry. You deal with him, I’ll deal with the smaller ones.” Auusha said before clicking her sword against her shield to draw the attention of the already lumbering smaller creatures coming towards them. “Good luck!” She said before she was off.

The lumbering, gigantic beast was covered in a red hood, with a giant cage chained to its back, to transport victims to some gruesome death one would assume. It carried a giant saw covered in rust and dried blood. Celestia watched as the two worked, and was again impressed with Henry.

“Hello there big boy, my name is Henry, and you are?” He said in a friendly tone.

He was met with the beast roaring as it brought the blade up and down with impressive speed, but not quick enough. Henry stepped to his left and narrowly missed the blade.

“Not one for introductions I see. That was very rude!” He said as he brought his own blade up and down along the lumbering monsters arm, slicing deep into muscle and bone. It howled in pain as it swung its other arm in a sweeping motion, aiming directly for his head. He rolled quickly below the beasts attack and used his momentum to slice through the achilles heel. It dropped to one knee and, again, howled in agonizing pain.

Celestia had watched Henry fight twice now, and it was clear the man was very skilled and a seasoned warrior, but she had never seen Auusha before in full fledged combat, only the night before when she had dispatched the monster that pursued Celestia, and that was it.

Auusha stood still in the dead center of the three attackers, they circled her like a vulture would circle its next meal, she simply stood and waited for the opening. Celestia watched as Henry continued to get quick jabs in at the beast, and felt confident he was fine, but Auusha, she couldn’t help but watch with a slight feel of anxiety. She was outnumbered, and unlike her brother, Celestia had never seen her fight.

The first one came at her, it charged the petite girl and swung the crude weapon it held madly at her, she quickly brought her shield up and deflected the blow, and using the momentum of her deflection she brought the shield straight into the creature’s neck, effectively crushing the things windpipe. She gave it a quick kick to the chest and it was sent reeling back before toppling over, gasping for air. The other two took the initiative and flanked her.

She spun around right as the two swung their weapons, using her shield in the left hand she blocked the first strike, and brought her sword up and blocked the other, without a moment to spare she quickly pushed hard against her left and knocked her enemy off balance, she quickly brought her sword down the length of the others blade and spun quickly to the left to narrowly avoid it, she brought her own sword into a complete arc and down onto the creature's back, now facing her two assailants again. Celestia watched her, and was once again, impressed.

The uninjured creature snarled at her as it charged Auusha, the other barely recovering from the blow it had just received. She used her shield to meet its blade at an angle, and as it slid off her shield she thrust her blade straight through the creature’s heart, letting it fall to the ground she pulled the blade out and made herself ready again. Only one remained. Auusha walked back over to it, and as it was finally pushing itself back up, she shoved her sword through its chest cavity. It struggled for a moment before finally becoming lip. She finished the one from earlier off as well, and went to join her brother.

Henry had done his work masterfully, the towering giant now exhausted and gasping for air, he had so far sliced both the achilles heel’s and the tendons in the things left arm. It gave one final battle cry before it collapsed before the man. He shoved his blade into the head of the beast and twisted the handle hard. He pulled it out and wiped the blood off on the monsters hooded cloth before turning to face Auusha.

“I see you took care of them?” He said.

“Yes, and I see you had fun over here..” Auusha responded, looking over the giant beast.

“Quite, we had a good chat.” Henry responded, admiring his work.

Celestia was breathless. She had seen war before, fighting and death were nothing exactly new to her, but the display before her was nothing she had ever seen. No pony could ever move with the agility and speed of these two bipedal ‘humans’ as she recalled. The absolute control of their weapons and the precision, she was impressed, but also awestruck. Certainly if magic was something alien to this world, these creatures made up for it in their physical traits and abilities.

Auusha and Henry retreated to check on Celestia, who was still safely tucked behind the cart. They regrouped and surveyed the now clear bridge and crossing.

“You alright then, Celes’? Sorry for the mess..” Auusha said.

“It’s quite alright.. I’ve seen, violence before, just nothing like this in a very very long while.” Celestia said, inspecting the now dead that litter their surroundings. “You called these.. What again?” She asked.

“Hollows. Humans who have died so many times they’ve simply.. Gone mad, lost their purpose. They’re nothing more than rabid animals at this point, attacking whoever they wander onto.” Auusha replied.

“Hollows..” Celestia said.

“Nasty bunch, but thankfully there weren’t too many, come on then, let’s keep going, there’s an abandoned tower ahead. We should take our leave before more of them come back.” Henry said, already taking off across the bridge.

********************************

The group made their way across and through the small lot of rundown buildings that surrounded the other side, until they came to a small clearing. The group stopped as they noticed they were not alone. A man, adorned in charcoal black armor with an animalistic helmet, almost akin to a Griffon, sat on a large stone. To his right a giant hammer rested on the ground, leaning against his leg, and a rather impressive shield to his left to compliment it. Neither moved for a moment, until Auusha finally broke the silence.

“Uh.. Hello, you?” She said, in a friendly tone.

“Hmm.. another group of unkindled..” The man spoke, his voice was very deep and scratchy, almost like sandpaper. It sent shivers down Celestia’s spine and she was very uncomfortable listening to him speak. “All you faceless undead..behaving as if you deserve respect. You won’t find it here.” He said, blankly.

Auusha stepped forward slightly and spoke to the unknown knight again.

“We aren’t looking for trouble, we simply seek a bonfire, our.. Friend.. Is injured.” She said, cautiously.

“Interesting friend. Can’t say I’ve seen many people traveling with horses.” He said, now looking in the direction of Henry and Celestia. Henry grabbed the hilt of his sword, fearing the worst was about to happen.

“Mmm.. you’re not worth it. If you wish to play the champion.. Then go on ahead. Right past the abandoned church. You’ll face death.. And it won’t be pretty.” He stated. Auusha briefly looked back to her brother and Celestia again before speaking.

“What.. what is your name?” She asked.

“I don’t know yours.. So why should I tell you mine, maiden?” He spoke.

“Auusha.. Is my name, pleasure to meet you.” She said with a slight bow.

“Hmm.. Eygon, of Carim. Tell me, Auusha. Do you seek death?” He said, now looking towards the rather small woman.

“Eygon.. No, we do not seek death. Simply a bonfire.” She replied sternly, yet friendly.

He laughed slightly before sighing, then collecting himself again.

“Hopeless.. Like moths drawn towards the flame. Your bonfire is ahead, past the abandoned church.” Eygon replied.

“You do not seek the bonfire?” Auusha asked, almost confused.

“No.. I only seek the protection of someone. Now go on, go meet death.” Eygon said, before turning his gaze back away from the group.

Auusha sheepishly returned to her brother and Celestia, the trio now making their way towards the abandoned tower. They approached the great double doors and, with a little bit of effort from everyone, they pushed them open. The doors creaked and groaned as they slowly parted, and the inside was musty and dark. Dust covered the old rotten wood chairs and hundreds of melted candles lined the walls. It was clearly a place of worship, long ago. They approached what appeared to be a lift of some sort, and quite a crude one at that.

Standing near the lift was a new knight, this one though, was quite different. He wore very rotund, almost onion shaped armor, and held a massive sword that he let rest against his shoulder. The group approached him nervously, yet confidently. Celestia felt much less nervous about this encounter over the last, though. The onion knight gave off a much calmer feeling, and he paid them no attention, almost as if he was deep in thought.

“Hello..” Auusha said, again introducing herself. The man did not respond. Henry finally stepped forward, deciding his sister had offended the man, somehow.

“Good afternoon, friend.” He stated boldly.

“Hmmm….mmmm…” The onion knight thought out loud, now only did the trio realize he was staring intently at the the lift, clearly deep in his own mind.

“Mmmm..Hmm.. Oh! Pardon me… I was absorbed in thought.” The onion knight finally spoke, and his voice was very deep, and almost regal like. Much deeper than Eygon’s by far. “I am, Siegward, of Catarina.” The now known onion knight stated.

“Siegward, what a fancy name you have! I’m Henry.” Henry stated, in his usual polite tone.

“Too be honest.. I’m in a bit of a pickle.” Siegward stated, as if completely ignoring Henry. “Have you ever walked near a white birch, only to be struck by a great arrow?” He stated, in his deep, regal voice. Henry looked back to Celestia and Auusha and only shrugged, not knowing what to make of the situation.

“Uhm.. no.. can’t say, I have.. But if I were.. You’d be the first I’d tell.” He said, trying to decipher the Catarina knight's words.

“Well.. if I’m not mistaken, they came from this tower.” Siegward spoke, seemingly ignoring Henry again. “Whoever it is, I’m sure I can talk some sense into them.” He stated.

Henry was silent again for a moment, before Siegward started to speak again.

“But I have to find a way up, that’s just the trouble.” He spoke to nobody in peticular. “This lift only goes down you see, and.. Well, that doesn’t get me anywhere..” Henry stared at the knight, then looked back to Celestia and Auusha, he again looked to the knight. The scene was almost comical.

“Right.. Well, if this lift goes down.. Down is just the place we need to go.. Perhaps, uh, perhaps you’ll find a way up.. When we go down..” Henry spoke awkwardly.

“Hmmm….mmmm.” Siegward was, again, lost in thought.

“Right..” Henry stated, he motioned for Auusha and Celestia to join him, and they stepped onto the platform. “You uh.. Good.. good luck, going.. Up.” Henry stated as he activated the pressure plate, and they descended. “He was nice..” Henry stated, as Auusha scoffed.

Siegward stood there for a moment, before finally coming out of his thought.

“I wonder.. Perhaps a way up…” He stated, as he stepped forward to test the lift again.

Auusha, Celestia and Henry stepped off the lift and immediately it started to shoot back up, and they watched as it departed them. In front of the group was a dimly lit stairwell that led down into a room with only a single doorway made of stone. As they descended the stairs Celestia felt, cold. Very cold, in fact. She started to shiver and she had a very bad feeling that something terrible was lurking in the shadows.

“Celes’.. You alright, dear?” Auusha asked, as she put her hand on Celestia's mane. “You’re shivering, love.” She said concerned. They entered the doorway and into a room with four pillars, and immediately the atmosphere changed. Celestia could see her breath, and the cold had started penetrate her muscles. Auusha and Henry unsheathed their weapons, they too now felt it. Something was wrong, very wrong.

“Watch out!” Henry yelled as he pushed Auusha out of the way. He recoiled backwards and out of the way as a large, deep blue blade came crashing down. Celestia looked in horror as a giant creature lingered before them. She knew why they were freezing now. Before them an eerily human looking creature crawled on all four legs, frost was falling off the being, and in one hand it held a sword made of pure ice. It shrieked as it lunged forward, swinging its blade and just missing Celestia by a few inches, she pushed herself back and onto the ground, watching as Henry came to his feet. The icy monster swung its sword again and Henry caught it with his shield, it sent him flying several feet back and crashing into a pillar.

“Henry! You bastard!” Auusha screamed as she ran towards the beast and she plunged her sword straight into the beings arm, but to no avail. Her sword simply started to frost over before it shattered into hundreds of tiny shards, like glass. She did a double take before realizing what just happened, but it was too late. The monster howled at her and swung its sword again, she deflected it with her shield but in doing so it was knocked out of her hands and clear across the room.

“Celestia!” She screamed, as the monster picked her up and brought her close to its face. Auusha squirmed and tried to break free, but it was no use. Her body had started to go cold, so very cold. Death was coming, and she knew it. “J-Just go! Run! Don-” She screamed again as the monster clenched its fist harder, clearly enjoying the pain its victim was in. “Get away from here!” She yelled again.

Celestia’s heart was pounding and her adrenaline was pumping. Her mind was racing as she watched this, thing, crush the life straight out of her only companion, and looked on as Henry lied there unconcious. She had to do something, anything. She then remembered, back to the previous night, her magic didn’t exactly work, but she was able to produce a tiny spark. Perhaps, she could do it again.

She aimed her horn at the beast and concentrated, her head throbbing and her body was shaking violently from the adrenaline pumping through her veins, but she pushed on. “Come on, Celestia! It’s just magic! Save these two, they’re your only way home!” She thought to herself.

Celestia pushed her mind harder and harder, and a small amount of light had started to form at the tip of her horn. She was sweating profusely now and her head trembled, she hadn’t even noticed that blood had started to trickle out of her nostrils, but she pushed on. “Almost.. I can feel it.. Just a little more.” She continued to think to herself. Celestia listened as Auusha screamed one last time, and it was all she needed.

A bright flash shot from her horn, as a golden and pulsating bolt of energy tore through the beasts right shoulder. It dropped Auusha, who had passed out moment before. It bellowed in pain and anger, and looked at Celestia, its eyes fixed on hers. It went to move towards her, but Celestia was too quick on the draw.“No you don’t.. Not like this!”She thought to herself again, as she closed her eyes and strained to produce another bolt of energy. The monster lunged forward, but ultimately was too slow, as another flash erupted from the alicorn’s horn and tore straight through the icy monsters left eye. It again, howled in pain, recoiling and flopping onto its back. Henry had regained his consciousness at this point, and with no time to ask, he went into action. He unsheathed a dagger from his belt and bolted straight for the creature, it swung wildly in pain but he managed to narrowly dodge the attack, he pulled himself on top of the monster and plunged the dagger straight into where he assumed its heart was. It flailed uncontrollably as Henry rolled off the beast. It howled again once more, before going silent. They watched as the beast curled up, and turned into a glossy ice, before shattering into hundreds of pieces. In the spot where it lied dying, a small, icy blue sword remained. Henry and Celestia looked to each other, then to Auusha, and they both ran to her aide.

“Auusha! Wake up! Wake up damn you, come on.” Henry shook his sister slightly. He removed her helmet, and while doing so she spat up a large amount of blood before gasping for air, her eyes shooting open.

“H-Henry.. M-my chest.. It’s-” she gasped again, having trouble speaking. Celestia looked in horror as the girl lie there, choking on her own blood.

“No.. no no no, you are NOT dying, do you hear me? I am not going to go searching for you, what am I supposed to do without you? Who will I have to argue with, Celes’? No no, it isn’t happening. Not to you. Not to my baby sister!” Henry held her in his arms as she struggled to breath. He frantically looked to Celestia now.

“I don’t care what you tell me, about what just happened, help me get her to the bonfire and I’ll do whatever I can to get you home. Do you understand?” He said, looking Celestia straight in the eye. She only nodded.

“C-Celes’..” Auusha turned her attention to Celestia, managing to speak through mouthfuls of blood. Celestia steeled herself, and it took all her willpower, the willpower of a god one might even say, to maintain herself.

“Yes, anything.” Celestia said, as Henry began to prop her up.

“I-I’m so-sorry.. That yo-you’re here..” She said through gasps.

Henry now held his sister in his arms. “Right. We need to get her to the bonfire, and soon. Celestia.. I’m going to drape her over your back, and you’ll carry her. Don’t worry about me, whatever comes at us, I’ll deal with.” In the short time Celestia had met these two, one thing was for certain. They were inseparable, and they were certainly light hearted, but what Celestia felt from him was something entirely different from before, his casual and almost joking demeanor had changed, replaced by pure, unaltered rage. She couldn’t help but realize, that she knew exactly how he felt. Visions of battling Nightmare Moon came back to Celestia as Henry and her made their way for the exit, moving quickly. She could remember every detail, almost. The absolute destruction of their duel, and the immense pain she felt having to use her powers against her own family, but for all the pain and sadness she felt, it was amplified ten fold by the rage that had burned in her heart, the rage against whatever being had turned her sister into a monster, rage against the world that had allowed such an act to happen. The same rage she saw envelope the man in front of her.

Henry and Celestia, with Auusha draped over her back, exited the building and into a small forested area. They looked down towards a small cobblestone bridge.

“There! The bonfire is beyond that bridge, let’s hurry.” Henry stated, he was holding his usual blade in one hand, and the frosted, icy blade in the other. They made their way down the path before stopping, barred from going any further. Before them was a wagon, tipped over and destroyed, and to the left of it a pile of rotting bodies. However, the seemingly worse part, were the disgusting creatures that feasted on their corpses. Large, black bird like monsters with rotten flesh sat around the pile, screeching and feasting on their meal. They turned their attention to the white alicorn and the man, who were standing only yards away. They looked to each other, then back to the group before screeching again, and moving their attention away from the pile of rotting meat. In doing so it was revealed they had not come unarmed, as hidden in the brush they pulled out great long scythe's with a nasty, serrated blade.

“Go! Run ahead, I’ll deal with these.” Henry stated as he moved closer to the group, which now moved to encircle them.

“B-But.” Celestia managed to say before she was interrupted.

“I said go! Get my sister to safety, don’t worry about me, do you understand!?” He yelled back at her, now being encircled by the hungry scavengers.

Celestia didn’t say another word as she took off, running the best she could. Her leg burned with an intense and blinding pain, but she pushed onwards, forcing her legs to move. The last thing she heard was the clash of blades as Henry, fueled by rage and his protective nature, fought. She reached the bridge and saw a massive stone archway, she pushed herself across towards it before stopping short of the other side, she turned back to look for Henry, and to her surprise, he was there.

Using both swords to his advantage, he was on the defensive, but slowly taking over his enemies. She watched as one of the scavengers swung its scythe at him, he used the icy blue blade to catch the blow on the inside of the scythe, and pulling hard he brought the monster directly into his other blade. Without letting his momentum escape him, he pulled the creature to his left and used it just in time as a shield to absorb another blow from the things comrade. He kicked it hard and sent it flying into the other creature and turned to sprint towards the bridge.

“Go! Get across! I’ll be fine!” He screamed at Celestia, as the pack of hungry beasts regained their composure and chased after him. She wasted no time in sprinting, as best she could, to the other side and through the archway. Celestia turned to watch as Henry narrowly made it past the bridge, and he was only feet away now. With the things right on his trail, and Celestia struggling to go further, she was certain this was it. Henry dashed through the archway and toppled onto the ground, his pursuing monsters stopping just short of it, they screeched and hissed at them, but dared come no further. “There must be something stopping them, something.. Magical.” Celestia thought to herself.

“Come on.. Let’s- Let’s go, we’re almost there.” Henry said, gasping for air and pushing forward.

Celestia looked onwards and, in the middle of a large courtyard at the bottom of the stairs, was what looked like a pile of skeletal remains, and sticking out of them was a wedge with a spiral flame that surrounded it. She also noticed two other humans, sat a few yards away from the curious bonfire. They made their way down the stairs and Henry grabbed Auusha off of Celestia’s back, cradling her in his arms. It wasn’t until now that Celestia actually noticed how short and petite the girl really was.

“Alright.. Alright, come on then, just what you need.” Henry knelt down before the bonfire and held her, and Celestia watched intently. The other two travelers looked on, as well, seemingly interested, but not wanting to intrude on unknown guests, especially in the state they were in.

There was silence for a moment, as Celestia watched the scene unfold in front of her. Henry sat there, cradling his sister in his arms, slowly rocking back and forth.

“Please.. Please work.. You can’t be too far gone, you can’t! What am I supposed to do now, if you die here. Where am I supposed to find you, I need you! I can’t.. I can’t remember, anything without you..” Henry pleaded with his sister, and Celestia couldn’t help be feel a great, great sadness overtake her. In their short time together, she had grown to not only feel safe with these two, but had even grown to care for them slightly. She might even go as far as to say.. They were her friends.

“You can’t… Auusha..” Henry said, his voice betraying his struggle to keep his composure.

He hung his head as there was no response, and pulled his sister closer to him, he embraced her in his arms and cradled her head in his shoulder. He just began to give up.

“B-brother.. Would you mi-mind.. Not holding me.. So tight. I’m having trouble breathing.” Auusha’s lips parted and her words came out, barely above a whisper. Henry stared down at her for a moment, almost in disbelief before laughing. He pulled her in and hugged her tightly.

“I-I l-love you to- too.” She said before Henry released her from his hug, realizing he was almost choking her.

“You’re.. Don’t. EVER. Do that again! Don’t you ever die again! Do you understand!?” He said, now yelling at her. Celestia couldn’t help but smile through her watery eyes, she quickly regained her composure as Auusha sat up. Celestia noticed, interesting enough, that not only was the girl's body seemingly healed, but her armor was too.

Auusha coughed and sat there for a moment, breathing in the air and letting it fill her lungs. She pulled herself up and looked directly at Celestia. Without a word she began slowly moving over towards her, and for a moment, given their circumstance, Celestia wasn’t sure what was about to happen. Was she about to be angry at the alicorn for hiding the fact she was capable of magic, or perhaps something else? She was wrong.

Celestia felt the girl throw her arms around her neck, and embrace her into a deep hug. She wasn’t exactly expecting that, but she couldn’t complain, she was just glad everyone was ok.

“Dear..” Celestia tried to speak.

“You saved us.. Celes’.. Thank you.” Auusha said, still hugging the alicorn. A warmth overtook Celestia’s heart, a feeling of peace and calm had replaced the panic and terror from before, she also noticed something odd as well. The pain in her leg had gone, when just moments before it had been burning hot. She also felt rested, and at ease. Had the same effect that healed Auusha, actually healed her too?

“I’m sorry, I should have told you two, I was capable of magic.” Celestia said after Auusha had finally let go and went to join her brother by the bonfire. “I… I wasn’t sure how to tell you, or if magic even existed in this world, in your world.” She spoke.

“Nonsense, Celestia.” Henry spoke. “Magic exists.. And I’m damn glad you appear to have the gift.” He said, sighing.

“Magic.. Exists in this world?” She spoke, now even more confused. “That doesn’t explain why my magic isn’t working, or at least, why I can’t hardly control it.” She thought.

“Indeed, it does. And Henry is right.. If it wasn’t for you, we’d both be dead. I’d.. be dead. Thank you, Celestia, for protecting us.” Auusha said. “Too bad about my sword though..” she finished on a low note.

“Ah, don’t you worry, dear sister. I got you a present! Here, have this.” He pulled the icy blade from a cloth at his side, even in the warmth of the bonfire it still shimmered and emitted a cold frost that emanated off the blade.

“This is..” Auusha went to speak.

“It was left there, in the place of that.. Whatever it was, when Celestia killed it. I figured.. You should have it, seeings as your sword is gone to oblivion and what not.” Henry spoke as he patted his sister on the knee.

“It’s.. beautiful. Thank you, Henry.” She slipped the sword into her sheath and, oddly enough, it fit perfectly.

Celestia sat and joined the two, taking in the warmth from the bonfire.

“Now.. I believe I owe you some answers, as I promised, but in return.” Henry spoke. “I want to know more about your world, and better yet, how you can do magic.”

“Very well, that is only fair.” Celestia replied.

“Right, then I’ll begin..” Henry said.

********************************

Luna sighed after finally sending the last pony off, concluding today’s business. She hated dealing with court. After the room was finally empty a guard approached her.

“Princess, I must inform you, the diplomats from Griffonstone will be here tomorrow.” She stated.

“Tomorrow!? Damn them!” Luna said, frustrated. “Did they not get my parcel? Or have they elected to ignore it entirely?” She asked.

“I don’t know, your highness, only that they reiterated they will be here come tomorrow.” The guard replied.

“Very well. You are free to take leave, I wish for this day to be over.” Luna said, while leaving the room.

She walked along the hallway towards Twilight’s room and went to check on her, using her magic she cracked the door open and noticed that, again, Twilight was asleep in a pile of books and parchments.

“No surprise there, as usual.” Luna said quietly to herself.

She strolled into the garden and excused the guards on watch, as she wanted to be alone. Inspecting the area she found a cozy bench to rest on and stare up at the moon and the stars, a usual thing for her, a calming and peaceful ritual.

“Luuuuuuna~”

The lunar princess was startled, but found nobody around when she inspected the area. She could have sworn she heard something, a voice, almost.

“Luuuna~ Luuuuuuuna~”

Again, she heard the barely audible sound, and could have sworn it was someone whispering her name.

“Who is there!? Present yourself to me, now!” She stated loudly, in an attempt to calm herself and also alert any guards that may be nearby. To her dismay, nobody came.

“I’m overrrrrr hereeee~”

She heard the voice again, this time louder but still barely above a whisper. She came to her hooves and slowly moved in the direction of the voice, preparing to defend herself if need be.

“Behind you~”

Luna spun around, magic ready, but to no avail. Nobody was there.

“You think you can save her.. Don’t you.. Oh Luna. We know better, don’t weee~”

The voice had seemed to come at her from all directions now, and she searched widely for the source. Her heart was beating faster by the second, and her anger was starting to rise inside of her.

“Who are you! I demand you show yourself to me!”

Silence fell over the courtyard for a moment, and Luna strained her hearing.

“You can’t save her.”

The voice spoke now, as if directly into her ear.

********************************

Luna gasped for air as she awoke, sweating profusely. She looked around her chambers frantically before coming to her senses. She lied back down into her bed, and sighed. A nightmare, of all times. She replayed it in her head.

“You can’t save her..” She spoke to herself. She felt a cold shiver trickle down her spine as she recounted the words.

Falling asleep did not come easy that night.

Author's Note

And here it is, chapter 2. I'm aiming for a sweet spot between 7-8000 words per chapter, although I did fall short with this one, simply because I felt anymore after that load of action packed goodness might be drawn on for too long. A bit longer than the first though, so I'm happy with it. Please, if you enjoy it, share it. I'd love to get this more views. As usual, point out any errors in the story so I can killmyself.