Dark Iron Kingdom

Moonlight shown all around me as I sat on one of the tallest balconies of Twilight's castle. Steam continued to lift from my cup of mint tea as I stared at the heavens. For the last three days I had spent all my free time here watching the stars flicker in the night sky and of course thinking. Always thinking, for my mind continued to be far from easy in times such as these. But with a small measure of luck and a great deal of effort I managed to push the more unpleasant thoughts from my mind as I focused on the task at hoof. Namely the gift that I had planned on giving to Twilight on our "Special Day".

"Special Day" I smirked at the thought, "Special Nightmare" would probably be more apt I suppose. For it was not that I did not share my heart with Twilight, but more that it was the beginning to a great deal of stress, but I digress. I was up here for a purpose and that purpose was trying overcome the "slight" snag in the gift idea that Silver Mane and Sharp Fang had given me. To elaborate they suggested I find a way to bring back Twilight's parents from the grave for the grand wedding. A task that is not as gruesome as one would expect, but there was indeed a glaring problem, it was completely against the "rules".

These "rules" imply that death is a one way street if you will. Namely once somepony has passed on to the next world it is not allowed for them to return. My long passed father bent this rule once to collect my mother on her time of death, but Death himself was not pleased in the least and thoroughly frowned upon it. To ask Death to allow such a thing would be out of the question...or would it?

A mischievous smile grew on my face as a thought appeared in my mind. "If Life and Death got us into this disaster then surely they owe us such a favor hmm?" I whispered to myself before I took another sip of mint tea. I then took a deep breath and stated into the cool night, "Life and Death I require your presence".

This however proved to be my first mistake. Because for those that do not know Life and Death do not materialize in the physical world due to horrible repercussions from doing so. As such they appear in indirect ways like Death's shade form or Life's method of taking over plants...like the small mint plant that was right next to me...without warning...

"Please don't still be mad at us!" the small plant blurted out in a sing-song voice as it formed a vague sort of face.

Needless to say this caused me to shriek like a little filly as I flung my teacup into the air. This however lasted only until gravity had a word with it and said teacup shattered over my head thus splattering me with boiling hot tea. The result of such somehow caused me to shriek in an even higher pitch as the newfound flaring pain amplified the illogical panic I still seemed to possess. And while horrible in its own right it eventually got worse when I blindly stumbled around and fell head first right off the balcony.

Wind soon sailed right past me for a second before I realized I was plummeting towards the ground at speed. And the good news of this was that my shrieking had ceased but only because the bad news...it transmuted into an echoing howl of terror. But luckily in my continued blind panic I managed to summon my scythe and formed a death gate, my usual method of portals, right below me before I became one with the earth as it were. And with another great deal of my ongoing luck I managed to form the portal's exit back to my room with the balcony. But this was when my uncanny luck promptly ran out as I realized I had forgotten to account for one thing...my current velocity.

And thus to my great displeasure I had discovered what it feels like using one's face as a brake on hard stone floors before crashing into a wall. The impact of such made an audible thump before in added mockery the hanging tapestry I slammed into flopped on top of me. The guards just outside my room began banging the room door in response to all this while shouting if everything was alright.

To which after a lovely and quite painful coughing fit I managed to croaked out, "Yes...I am...fine...delicate negotiations...with forces beyond...the material plane...do not disturb...or else..." Which was not necessarily a lie if one overlooks the fact that it mostly my own doing. But regardless due to me having a...notorious...reputation for dangerous experiments in the past the guards probably found it far safer to leave me alone. And considering what had just happened I truly did not need the added humiliation of a few guards having a laugh at my expense.

However regardless of my delightful blunder I eventually pulled the fallen tapestry off of myself only to see Death's shade scolding a rather embarrassed looking mint plant. "Well if he was not cross with us before, he certainly is now," Death grumbled out.

The small mint plant ruffled its leaves before I could hear Life's voice state, "Oh dear perhaps I came on too strong. I figured the mint plant would've been non-threatening. He really needs to get over being so jumpy."

"No please...do not mind me...I shall be fine," I snarked as I popped a few of my ribs back into place. Then after the near blinding pain of me forcefully regenerating them I limped over to two sightly concerned looking primal entities.

"Are you...Alright? Death's shade stated as I flopped into a sitting position in front of them.

"Nothing I cannot fully fix later," I replied still rubbing my chest and grumbling to myself.

And silence soon reigned until Life shifted her mint plant around nerviously before stating, "Sooooo you summon-" But before she could finish her sentence I interrupted her.

"Why did you two do it?" I firmly inquired.

"I am not certain what you are-" Death began to say before I interrupted him as well.

"Before I begin conversing on any other matters with you two I need to why you two did it. Why did you both use me and Twilight, without our permission, like a pair of cheap marionettes? Pleasure? Amusement?" I said as my tone grew darker all while attempting to remain calm.

The mint plant Life possessed wilted slightly and even Death's shade let out a deep sigh. Then Death recovered somewhat before stating, "You...need to understand something first Blood Moon. Me and Life...we...we..." However he could not seem to finish what he was attempting to convey.

But upon seeing Death struggle for words Life's leafy eyes looked down at the ground before they mimicked closing. "Long ago, probably longer than you can imagine, a divine spark of life was gifted to this world. Through this spark both me and Death were formed into existence to serve as counterbalances to each other. I create the conditions to allow life to grow. And he generates the decay to allow life to change and renew. Now given our complete opposite responsibilities, you'd think we'd be eternally at odds, but that's not the case at all," Life said in almost a whisper.

When Life remained silent for a minute Death continued the explanation. "Everything in this world eventually changes. From the mightiest mountain to the smallest stream...it all has a beginning...and an end. Now given such turbulence the only thing that stayed consistent was each other's company. But it was through this connection that lead to a grand folly on our part. One that we lament to this very day," Death said in a sorrowful tone.

Then just when Death ended his statements Life took up the mantle once more. "We...we became envious of the very creatures we were suppose to serve. You all are able to embrace each other. To feel each other's touch. In the end we became so envious that we forced ourselves into the material plane, but this...this was like dropping a boulder into a still pond. The massive disruption of our physical presences distorted the balance of life and death so horribly that we caused a mass extinction in the distant past," Life stated as she began to weep. However when Life again could not continue Death did so instead again.

"So other than that singular time fifty years ago in the battle of Canterlot neither one of us had dared take physical form for you saw the results of such. However, many years ago we discovered this was not needed as we could temporary control our selected advocates with their permission. But, this too proved fruitless as our advocates would either show animosity towards their counterpart or not live long enough to even ask them for such a favor. Well until you and Twilight that is. You two remained together even though you both became each other's polar opposite," Death spoke before he turned his shade's skeletal face until it was obscured by his wispy cloak before he added, "But how does one ask for such a favor? Please assist two near timeless beings experience something as mundane as physical contact? We in turn erred and broke your trust of us. For we exploited a 'Loop-hole' while you two slept and thus again our foolish desires had rippling consequences. So we ask of you to forgive us as you have our word that such actions will never be repeated again."

Death then pulled his scythe closer to himself as some odd form of comfort. Even Life wrapped her mint plant leaves around herself as some other display of self-comfort. And I must state that I thought that I would remain angry at the two of them for who knows how long. I had sooo much rage from being used, but upon hearing why they did such an act, it all fizzled out to ash and embers. And as a result a heavy frown crawled down my face as I came to realize this was no trickery. Some small part of me knew they were telling the truth which made it all the worse.

Then after a few seconds of silence I rubbed my face with a hoof as I whispered to myself, "By the stars when did I become such a sap?" And in some odd turn of events I said something I thought I never would. "Perhaps...perhaps we can work something out...about your little...'problem'," I grumbled out while the words left a bitter taste in my mouth. As the thought of being used in such a manner again was unnerving to say the least. However the result of such left both Life and Death in a mixture of bafflement and disbelief.

But before either of them could state anything a sly grin soon replaced my frown as I said "Hoooowever, there is something I would like in return for such a favor..."

It was then I more or less described my plan in a near one sided conversation before the room went completely quiet. Life responded only by looking further bewildered or at least at the limits of what a small mint plant could display. Death's reaction, on the other hoof, could best be described as...sour. He looked as if he had just consumed an entire field of unripe lemons without even the distant memory of the concept of sugar. To which I had to admit was impressive given the fact that he appears as a walking robed skeleton.

But after a few a few minutes of this Life's mint plant seemed to shift uncomfortably in its pot before she said, "Erm...Blood Moon...not to umm...criticize your plans...but that's really against the rules." And I was just about to make a retort until Death cut me off.

"Do not waste your breath, Life. We have known the stubbornness of this one for over fifty years. And nothing short of a cataclysmic world shattering event will prevent him from using this opportunity as leverage for his goal," Death snarled out while the normal glow of his eye sockets fizzled down to mere dots.

My face scrunched up at the half-insult. "Half" only because I unfortunately can become a tad "bull headed" as it were at certain times. But regardless of that it still "ruffled my feathers" if you will to be treated in such a manner. "I beg your pardon?!" I shouted out and then added, "I am merely attempting to salvage this disaster we currently find ourselv-" before getting interrupted by Death again.

"We know full well why you ask this of us...my advocate..." Death growled out before he walked over to stare down at me with those tiny glowing dots in his eye sockets. "There are two others that I must converse with if you wish for your little crazed plan to succeed. And IF they agree to give you audience and ONLY IF they grant you permission may we even dream of striking a deal... Now excuse me as I have work to do," he further growled out as he moved his skull uncomfortably close to my face before he turned around and walked through his own newly formed deathgate.

Silence returned in the room for a few seconds more before I heard Life let out one of the deepest sighs I have ever witnessed. "Ooooooh dear...You've really done it now," she said as she placed her mint plant's leafy face in its front most branches.

I could feel a small bead of sweat drip down the side of my face in response to her statement. "Ummm what pray tell have I done? If you would not mind filling me in that is," I said unable to fully stabilize my shaky voice.

Again Life let out another sigh before she lifted her face up. And just as she was about to explain Death's deathgate opened up again. Then without a single word his shade walked through the portal before he walked over the nearest wall. He then turned around and sat down before proceeding to repeatedly smash his skull into the pole of his scythe over and over again.

"Is...is something wrong?" I nervously inquired.

Death stopped what he was doing only to state, "They accepted," before he continued where he left off.

More beads of sweat soon started to drip down the sides of my face as I began to feel something. Not something physical like hot or cold. Or even the pressure of somepony touching you. No, it felt as if my spirit itself was attempting to force my mind and body into finding the nearest place to hide. It ultimately took every bit of my will to stay put as this horrible feeling reached its peak.

Then without further warning an all white misty portal opened up before a swirling and fiery one opened right next to it. I however did not even have any time to process this before a figure stepped forth from the all white portal whom was far too bright to even gaze upon at first. But what made this far more strange was that my vampiric nature normally would shriek away from such light, but it instead felt comforting for some reason.

But that sensation did not last long before something far worse stepped forth from the fiery portal in a near torrent of flame. And while I could not make out much, what I notice was the searing eyes that gazed upon me. Fear soon welled up in my very soul as I stuffed a hoof in front my mouth to silence a yelp of terror.

However luckily for me the other figure was able pull my panic fueled mind away from those burning eyes as they called out my name. "Fine greetings...to you...Blood Moon..." the bright figure said in a eerily soothing voice before adding, "We apologize...for the effect...of our presence...let us...lessen our influence...my counterpart."

The smoky and burning figure merely let out a booming and cruel laugh before bellowing out, "LESSEN INDEEEED! HE SHOULD BE PLEASED HE HAS NOT SOILED HIMSELF YET!"

Then after a few seconds the influence of the two deeply different in nature figures lessened until I could make out their form better. And while I was not certain if it was just my perception of them, but they both appeared as alicorns. The bright one seemed to be made of mostly condensed ethereal mist and her seemingly female body seemed to slowly shift back and forth as she stood there. In fact the only thing that remained consistent for the most part was her kind natured light blue eyes. Eyes that when I gazed into I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and tranquility. The feeling of a peaceful end. The end of all pain, suffering, and hardship. I could feel tears well in my eyes as it took everything in me to pry myself away from such an experience.

But this in turn only lead me to gaze upon the other figure that was here. And in complete contrast this alicorn had a broad masculine frame that was both solid and unwavering even while still somewhat ethereal. He was a rippling mass of muscles that were constructed seemingly of molten rock and ash. And if that was not imposing enough the scorching and piercing red eyes that stared back at me certainly were. For the act of looking into them brought out every last ounce of mortal and immortal dread I could hardly even fathom. It was if every single one of my misdeeds throughout my entire life was brought to bear. Like a cruel gavel of judgement crushing me into the earth. And again it took everything I had to pry myself away but only this time it was due to paralyzing terror.

In turn I was not certain which one of these two experiences was more painful but I made a firm note to never stare either of them directly in the eyes again. But regardless of that I took a heavy swallow before croaking out, "Thank you for...taking the time out of your busy erm...schedules to see me. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity. And...and as I see you know who I am may I respectfully ask whom I am addressing this erm...fine evening? "

The bright white alicorn gave a small bow before stating, "I...am Paradise."

The other one however just snorted before booming out, "AND I AM TARTARUS AND I WILL CUT TO THE CHASE! I KNOW WHY YOU HAVE SUMMONED US HERE! AND WHILE WE ARE PLEASED WITH YOUR EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN THE BALANCE OF LIFE AND DEATH, THUS STABILIZING THE FLOW OF SOULS TO THE AFTERLIFE, I STILL DENY YOU ACCESS TO MY DOMAIN! FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN DESERVE THEIR FATE FOR A REASON! I CANNOT ALLOW A SINGLE ONE TO ROAM FREE! BUT FROM WHAT DEATH HAS TOLD US I DOUBT IT IS MY PERMISSION YOU SEEK!"

My knees shook throughout his statements in some sort of mixture of panic and fear. Even my ears rang from the sheer volume Tartarus spoke at. And if I was a lesser stallion I would have run screaming by this point, but fortunately for me I often lack far too much in the survival instincts category that any sensible pony would possess. So with that in mind I somehow managed to regain enough nerve to sputter out, "I-i-indeed...I-I-I b-bel-l-lieve t-they-ey went-t thro-o-ough a w-whit-te po-ortal year-rs a-a-ago."

Paradise nodded in response before she closed her eyes. She then remained so for a few seconds before opening them again. "Your lover's...parents are indeed...in my domain. As such I will allow...for them to return...should they chose. I believe I have done so...for your father as well...if I remember correctly. And I would have...done so for others...but...I cannot grant them passage...to your world...without permission...from another," she said with a kind smile as her gaze drifted over to a certain robed skeleton.

And I was puzzled by this for a second before I realized why Death was so miffed at my request. For if Twilight's parents had been sent to Tartarus this would have been the end of the tale. Death could have used the excuse that Tartarus would not allow them to leave thus absolving him of the responsibly of any denial. However, they were in Paradise instead and Paradise seemed more than willing to allow them to return if they wished. An example of this was that my father must have asked her politely some fifty years ago so he could temporarily return to collect my departed mother. This of course resulted in angering Death as it was against the "rules". But regardless I could see now it was not Paradise's rules that were being broken...but his. Though, in his defense I doubt he would uphold them if there was not some sort of valid reason. But again regardless, it is he who was ultimately the gatekeeper that I had to lean on.

So with a nice new spring in my step and sly grin my face I walked over to a quite defeated looking Death. And in a bit of amusement Life seemed to try to console him but it did not appear to be aiding all that much. Though, it probably did not help that her little mint plant was beaming from ear to leafy ear I assumed from the news as she padded his back.

"Soooooo it seems that I have achieved both of your stated conditions," I said in a slick tone while trying to not oversell it as it were and failing.

But my mood did not last long before Death looked at me with a sly look of his own. "That you have...my Advocate. However, you have forgotten we have not discussed the terms of our 'Agreement'. And it is I who still hold the 'cards' in that aspect," he said in a similar slick version in his usual multi-toned voice.

A small curse left my lips as I realized this grand oversight. "Alright...what are your terms O' Death," I stated with a newly forming frown.

He then rose to his full high before stating, "Firstly I cannot allow for Life to return Twilight's parents to their physical forms. They can only come in their spirit forms instead. Two, this will only be a temporary affair say but a single day. Three, as for that day I will only allow it on the day you ponies call 'Nightmare Night'. For it is when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest. Now if you accept these conditions I will allow...a small...a tiiiiiiiny list of others to come through as well" Death said, but shuttered at the last sentence. Then after thinking a few seconds he let out a deep sigh before adding, "And...if you forgive Life and me for our transgressions and aid with our little 'issue'...then I will...I will...I...will allow...you...to do...this...more...than once. But only once a year! And only on that Nightmare Night day I mentioned earlier! Remember only once a year...ONCE!"

I pursed my lips in response as I thought over what had he said. But, it did not take a scholar to determine this was the best deal I was going to receive. For if I tried to push it too much further Death would probably just scrap the whole plan without a second thought. So with little other option I simply said, "I accept."

"Ahh grand. Also one more thing. Being as you are sending more than one spirit into this world, all while still maintaining a connection to Paradise in order for them to return, you will need a construct something. A spiritual anchor if you will," Death said to me as he turned around to leave.

"What?! What do you mean 'a spiritual anchor'?! What would one of those even look like?!" I blurted out in growing worry.

"Oh you know. Just something to maintain the binding of the spirits to Paradise. I am sure an intelligent stallion like you shall figure it all out by Nightmare Night," Death snarked while facing away from me right before he walked through a newly formed deathgate.

And so right as he left I did little else but sink my fangs into my left foreleg in extreme fury. I then proceeded to snarl out in a muffled voice every single colorful word I had knowledge of and perhaps even several I just invented for the occasion. For everything was going more or less according to my little train wreck of a plan right up until the end.