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.