Chapters Author's Note
This chapter took a bit longer then I wanted it too. But, If I am Honest with myself, the Hel Chapters are mostly about how much I can make myself DAWWWWW at Hel and Aradinee. I love those two.
Hel: Generosity’s Gift
Sapphire Blue awoke as two bodies shifted away from him, opening his eyes he beheld his Mistress and his ward rising from the bed. Realizing that neither knew he woke, he watched as the two quietly started getting ready for their day. Aradinee often would crawl into bed to snuggle, so he had a number of mare brushes and other things at his mirror. The only joy he had most days, was sitting and brushing his young niece's hair, as she told him what she would be doing around the mansion. Cautiously, he watched the two, ashamed to admit that he had no idea how his Mistress would treat the young mare. Surprisingly, Hel was gentle with Aradinee, The Dark Queen treating the blind filly as her own child.
"You know Sapphire, it really is rude to stare." Hel snarked as Aradinee giggled.
Blue smiled, "I apologize Mistress, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the two most beautiful mares in all of Equestria."
Glancing over her shoulder, holding Aradinee in her lap, Hel ran a brush through the young one's mane, then replied
"Then I can hardly fault you, though I believe you have some business to attend to?"
Sapphire's smile grew to something seen only on sharks. "That I do, Mistress, but how'd you know of this?"
To his surprise both Aradinee and Hel giggled, "I have seen into your heart, I know your deeds, and I know what they add up too." Hel gave her own predatory grin, dragonlike and terrible. "I also know your reasons, and I approve, however I must insist on you being home for supper, after all, that will be about when Aradinee and I will be back from our errands."
"E-E-Errands Mistress?"
"Well, Aradinee is going to need to have some new dresses for her introduction to society," Blue's breath stopped, he wondered if this was what a heart attack felt like, Hel continued, "and I am going to need some clothes as well. Aradinee has much to say about a Seamstress named Rarity Belle, so we may stop at her Ponyville location." Hel's smile was directed purely at Saphire now.
"Yep, this is what a heart attack feels like." He thought.
"Auntie Hel, that's kinda cruel." Aradinee said, a spiderly smile upon her own lips. "You're supposed to wait until after Rarity over charges him for the dresses."
Hel's laughter rang through the room, hugging Aradinee tight, "Oh, Bless you child, I'll make a proper lady of you yet."
Sapphire's eye began to twitch, "P-P-Proper Lady?"
"Oh, Yes, from her descriptions of the one's you've encountered, Ms. Belle seems to have been the only one qualified to call herself such, minus the breeding of course. So I'll be giving Aradinee lessons on the proper behavior of a lady." turning back to Aradinee she asked. "Tell me child, do you favor a Dagger, or a mace to wear at court?"
Sapphire was unconscious before he heard his ward's answer.
Rarity had just brewed her first cup of tea, as she heard the bell ring, signifying her first costumer of the day. Setting down her cup she moved to the front of her Boutique.
"Welcome to Carousel Boutique where everything is chic, unique and manifique" Rarity exclaimed.
"Quite, both me and my niece would like to order some clothing. I am going to need things for every occasion and my darling one here needs to commission a dress for both her cutesenara and her introduction to the nobility." The mare before her said.
Rarity paused a moment, the Unicorn stood in shadow and held her niece in both her arms. Something was off though, a chill crept over the Element of Generosity. Rarity shivered, goosebumps upon her skin, however a customer was a customer, and from the sound of it, the mare had been through some recent distress. Rarity could identify breeding and the older Unicorn oozed with it. Such a Mare didn't just commission an entire wardrobe, at least not from her, without something very wrong happening.
Shaking herself, she smiled kindly on the shadowed pair, "Of course, Darlings, its what I am here for. Let me take a look at you both. Once I get your measurements, why don't I get the two of you a cup of tea? From the sound of things it may be just what you need."
The Mare Chuckled, "Very well, Ms. Belle, But my appearance may be a bit startling."
Stepping forward into the light, they were revealed. The mare was short, but commanded the room, the one half of her face was blonde maned and blue eyed, and was breathtakingly gorgeous, the other half was withered and corpselike, flesh the blue of decomposition, the mane on that side, grey and sparse. She wore, Rarity noted, what appeared to be armor, a leather corset, studded in metal with a leather and metal banded skirt. An odd looking sword hung at her hip, it had a blade on the wrong side and the usual cutting edge held crenelations from top to bottom. The guard was bound in steel and Iron, with a leather grip and a gold eged pommel. The little filly came up to the mare's, quite impressive, chest and wore a lovely little dress that fit her perfectly, Rarity couldn't even see the stitches. The filly also had a band of silk around her eyes, embroidered with the unlidded eye of the old gods. The Young one was slender, like her aunt, and her horn barely peeked out from her blond hair.
Rarity smirked, "Honestly, such theatrics. Might I inquire of your names, Lady.....?" Rarity let the question drag out for a moment when her brain shouted what she had seen as wrong. The older Mare was an Alicorn.
The Alicorn Chuckled. "Indeed you may, Ms Belle. I am Lady Hel, Former Queen of the Underworld, and this is Lady Aradinee of House Blue. It is so nice to meet a proper Lady at last."
Jormugdr: Kindness Returned
Penelope and Fluttershy reentered the room. Noticing Discord, Fluttershy blushed averting her eyes, but, after setting the tray of refreshments down, she leaned against the arm of the couch, beside him. Discord, very carefully, placed his arm around her waist. Glancing at the Yellow Pegasai, he blushed as well, before turning back to his father.
"Ahk, Mom! Dad!"
His mother had secured a space on his father's lap, Jormungdr having wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in tight. Discord had happened to look over as his mother was nuzzling under his father's chin, followed by his father's answering kiss. Discord could feel the heat rise in Fluttershy as she too saw the display of affection.
"What? I thought you were the Lord of Chaos, surely a public display of affection between your parents can't embarrass you to much." Penelope snarked.
"Dear, I believe it was the subject matter I discussed with him while you and Ms. Shy were in the other room."
Fluttershy's fur beginning to match her mane.
"And I see by Ms. Shy's reaction you had the same conversation. Still, one would think we were making out in front of you, surely my son wouldn't be such a puritan."
Discord's eyes narrowed, glancing back to Fluttershy, he winked and gave her a sinister smile. Fluttershy's eyes sparkled in reply, turning back to his parent's, he reminded them. "I do believe father, you promised Flutters a reply to all her questions, under the same allowances as were given unto me. So, why don't we get started, hmmmm?"
Jormungdr nodded, "Indeed I did, very well Ms. Shy, you may start when ready."
Fluttershy shrugged, her entire body relaxing, as she asked her first question. Penelope and Jormungdr really should've realized what was about to occur.
"In her explanation of the reproductive cycle of the Serpent, Penelope mentioned, both a tendency towards Polyamory, as well as the aforementioned reproductive limiter. But it also strikes me that such twin measures had to evolve for another reason as well. Namely, that Serpent's must've evolved within some amazingly hostile environments. Making sure that a child will only be the result of a willing partner, as well as a tendency towards multiple partners is an intriguing solution. So, for my first question, What could threaten a Serpent in such a way as to ensure that such a twin reproductive solution was evolved?"
Jormungdr stammered, then recovered. "The answer Ms. Shy is that since we are born very powerful, our enemies tend to be the gods themselves, as we tend not to play well with others, although there are some exceptions. So at any given time any of the Gods of a realm might fear us for our power, rightly or wrongly."
Fluttershy cocked her head. "Follow up question, does this reproductive situation always produce a Serpent and how often are said Serpent genes expressed, for instance are they dominant, recessive, or some combination of both?"
Jormungdr shook himself, glancing at Penelope he noted her look as well. Neither had expected this level of questioning from the timid Pegasai.
"No, the reproductive cycle will only produce a serpent when the environment is safe to do so. Otherwise the child will be closer to the other parent with some level of strangeness inherited from the Serpent. As for Serpent genes, they're recessive until circumstances permit, in which point they switch to dominant."
"So a family could, conceivably, carry these Serpent genes for generations and not have them express, only to have them do so when circumstance permit? Is there a limit to how many generations that these genes can express or is there another mechanism that is at play?" Fluttershy returned, smirking she continued. "You must understand, I wish to know all I can so that I'm able to make the appropriate decision when it comes to Discord and me. After all, a Mare has needs and snuggles are all I've had in a while."
The tea Discord was drinking soon drenched his parents. "Whhaaaa?" was all he could manage in response.
"Shush, Discord. Not your turn to ask questions." came Fluttershy's answer.
Snapping his fingers Jormungdr dried himself and Penelope, then began once again to answer Fluttershy's questions.
"Yes, an expression of full Serpent Genes can be carried, with little to no knowledge, till a child is born with them dominant. As far as I've ever known Serpent Genes can exist in a bloodline indefinitely."
"Another line of thought, You mentioned that Serpent Genes often express in the children of Serpents, that are non-serpent themselves, as strangeness, how did you mean strange? What of those that are merely carriers, can their children be born with the same level of strangeness or do such markers become reduced?"
Fluttershy took a sip of her tea, then leaned against Discord's shoulder, placing her head on his. Discord obliged by keeping his hand on her waist, allowing her to use him as a pillow. This time it was Penelope and Jormugngdr that blushed.
Shaking the flush from his face Jormungdr began. "Uhh, Serpent Genes tend to express in a number of ways, a talent for magic, especially illusion and transmutation. Although many types of movement magics have manifested as well. Unusual coloring, as well as scales, and feathers. In extreme cases a child can be born the entirely wrong species or deformed in a way that indicates destiny or talent. Those last two only happen when fate has a direct hand in things, as such children are often foretold and are omens of things to come." Jormungdr looked away for a moment, his eyes distant, and when he answered Fluttershy's last question it was with a sadness.
"As for that last question, Yes, any carrier can birth children that show those alternate expressions." All was quiet, then Fluttershy spoke again.
"Thank you, I have one final question, How was your Father, your older brother's Mother."
Jormungdr began to laugh, "That My dear is a tale, it began like this........"
Angroboda and Sigyn: First Meetings
Light dappled through the leaves, morning breaking in the Everfree. Sigyn opened her eyes and felt the warm body of her sister next to her. Shifting her position, she snuggled in tighter against the larger Dragoness, laying her head upon Angrododa's chest she closed her eyes once more.
"I should go make breakfast." Came Angroboda's low rumble.
"No, Snuggle more." Came the changeling's response.
"Sister, we should arise and greet the day, not waste....." Angroboda paused, Sigyn's forearm and hand, had changed to a rather sharp blade, currently pressed against her throat.
With her eyes closed, and seemingly only half awake, Sigyn repeated, "You're warm and snugly, cuddle now, responsibility later." Her blade didn't waver.
"Alright, Sigyn, we'll rest a bit longer." Angroboda chuckled, pulling the changeling in tighter. Sigyn's blade disappearing, as both women drifted back to sleep.
"Oh! Am I interrupting something?"
From snuggled to movement in an instant, Sigyn leaped over the cooling campfire, tackling the intruder. Her forearm, again a blade, again at someone's throat.
"Who are you?" She snarled.
The black shelled being smiled. "I'm Chrysalis, former Queen of the Changelings. Forgive the intrusion, I saw the fire and, well, I've been cold for so very long." Breathing in Sigyn's scent and biting her lip, she teased. "Tell me, would you like to warm me? I don't mind sharing."
"I have a blade to your throat and you're flirting?"
"I'm an emotivore dear, I feed on love. Besides, I can tell, you don't mind. After all, you haven't shifted to a better position yet, besides, what woman doesn't like an occasional dagger included in foreplay?"
Sigyn smirked, this one would be fun. Pressing the blade harder against the intruder's throat, she grasped the other woman tight, pressing her self into Chrysalis's ample chest. The Changeling Queen's breath quickened as she felt her face heating, "What is this sensation?" She thought. "And how do I make it continue?"
"Sigyn, let her up. We be strangers here."
Sigyn arose, a small mew of disappointment, turning she returned to the campfire, Chrysalis shakily getting to her feet.
"Strangers, oh like those that arrived earlier?"
Both women turned. "What others?" Angroboda asked.
"Not including you two, there are six. I haven't been able to find much about them, at least not yet."
"When did they arrive?" Sigyn asked.
"Why? What are they to you? I don't know either of you, other then your both dangerous. Besides, you pinned me to the ground, took advantage, and didn't even offer me breakfast afterwards. I see no reason to give away information. Especially if it might make me more enemies."
"More Enemies? Seems you already gave away some free information there." Sigyn snarked.
"Nothing you couldn't have gotten anywhere else or inferred from my introduction, after all one does not become a former Queen, without upseting those in power."
"Three of them are our children, I have no idea who the other three are. Please, help us find the children we thought lost." Angroboda rumbled.
Chrysalis turned her head a moment, pursing her lips she said. "The first three, were unmistakable. They had power like I had never felt before. They entered, largely on their own and went directly to their destinations. Then came you two, walking secret pathways I was not even aware of. The last three, also with immense power, entered through a rainbow, and then scattered, each heading towards the first three, although in a more haphazard pattern."
Sigyn's eyes narrowed. "Why give that to us so easily? You who just a second ago wanted payment?"
"You lost your children, mine were taken, turned against me. If you have a chance to reclaim yours, I have not the right to impede you" Chrysalis sighed, then fell silent.
The two sisters looked to each other. Angroboda tilted her head toward the Changeling Queen, to which Sigyn smiled and nodded.
"You know we're going to need a guide." Angroboda said.
"And I personally will have no problem keeping her well fed." Sigyn finished.
Chrysalis smiled. "You want me to go with you?"
Sigyn darted towards Chrysalis, grabbing the black chittened being, the Pale Changling pulled her in close, affixing her mouth to Chrysalis's. Green energy flowed from Sigyn to Chrysalis as the former Aesir's affection was force fed to the former queen. A low moan was heard as Sigyn disengaged, Chrysalis glassy eyed with intoxication.'
"Does that answer your question, My Pet?" Sigyn asked
Chrysalis's could do nought but nod her head. She had never been given love . She had never knew it could feel like that! This being before her! There was only one response, kneeling she uttered her acquiescence.
"Completely, Mistress."
Angroboda shook her head, "Damn it Sigyn, Another one? I'm not cleaning up after this one, after you get bored."
"Dearest sister, she's a former Queen of shape shifting, emotivores. I doubt I will ever be bored with this one."
Angroboda returned her attention to the recovering Chrysalis. "The first Three can you tell us where they went?"
"Chrysalis nodded, rising she shook her head of the cobwebs. "Oh, Yes, I most certainly can." She paused, did her voice just sound giddy? Ugh. "Sorry, what I meant to say is that I can take you to where I felt them enter this realm. From there we will have to track them."
Sigyn smirked. "I don't know Chrysi, I kind of liked that perkiness. It made me want to have you on your knees." Sigyn traced a finger down Chrysilis's face, before roughly pulling her in for another kiss."
"Sigyn enough, play with your new pet later. We need to find our children."
Letting Chrsalis up for air she replied. "Very well, sister." Then gave Chrysalis her orders. "Chrysalis seek."
Swooning, all Chrysalis could do was obey. "Yes, mistress. I will find them, I swear it."
Crouching low, Chrysalis moved forward into the Everfree, towards the first entry point, not realizing the binding that had already claimed her.
Modi: Loyalty’s Punishment
Modi stalked through the forest, his mind awash with the possibilities. Smells tickled his nose, his blood pumping in anticipation of meeting his wolfen brother. Sniffing for sign, he winded the black wolf, moving in the direction of his cousin, he grinned. At last he could ask for forgiveness from the one that he had failed. Maybe Fenrir wouldn't have indulged his anger if even one of the Asgard had held true to their vow of family. But in the end, none of them had. Even Modi had forsaken his oaths of family to the God Of The Wild Places, all but guaranteeing Fenris's fate was assured.
Entering a clearing wthin this wood most Wyld, he paused scenting the air again for any trace of Fenrir. He was interrupted in his scenting as a rainbow colored blur intersected him. Rising back, his eyes narrowing, he beheld a being that was half way between a winged horse and a woman, hovering in his path. Her attire fitting well on such an athletic build, her glare showing that she was less than pleased with him. Smiling, he stepped first to one side, then to the other, watching while she, hovering, moved to block his path. Observing her ease of movement, he smiled again. This was a woman worthy of any challenge.
"Forgive me, oh Valkyrie, but what have I done to earn such a look from a warrioress such as yourself."
Snorting, she proclaimed. "Modi, Son of Thor, I am the Element of Loyalty. My name is Rainbow Dash and everything about you speaks of a betrayer that goes unpunished." Looking at the Asgardian a little closer she said, "Even if you are a sexy beast, I wouldn't mind having ease my heat."
Sighing Modi answered. "Indeed, I am a betrayer. The one that should've been a brother onto me I allowed to be bound and gagged most creully. I was young, but such was not an excuse. I could've sought him out afterwards and at least eased his imprisonment. Instead, I did nothing. So now I seek the one that I hurt, so that I can make amends and seek forgiveness."
Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed further. "My Element speaks to me of what you and your family did to the one you seek. It has never called to me like this before. It has never spoken through me before. You are a betrayer, the worst of criminals. I can not let you pass, unless you prove your intentions. Modi of the Asgard. God of Courage. Son of Thor. Submit to the judgement of Loyalty."
Modi smiles. "Very well then Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty. I submit to your Element's Judgement. Also, after all this has passed, want to grab some food?" Stepping forward, Modi continued. "Formal language aside, submitting to any punishment from you would be a pleasure. You're the most awesome female I've ever encountered. Maybe we can see about easing that heat problem of yours."
Rainbow Dash smirked, "I think if you endure my 'punishment' you might be just awesome enough to be seen with me. Which you better, because I'm going to buck you so good, all other females will be ruined for you. You will be mine forever more."
Smiling Modi nodded his head, ready for whatever the element of loyalty had planned. Dash blurred, grabbing a plundervine along the way. Wrapping Modi entirely, she blurred again, returning with a spined rock urchin. Pulling Modi's mouth open she jammed the spiny shellfish inside. Pausing to look upon her work, she spoke one last time.
"You'll endure til the one you search for finds you. I'm the fastest pegasus in Equestria, I'll find Fenrir. You'll wait here till he comes for you. Such is what Loyalty demands." Shaking her head she finished. "and dude, you'd better not be full of horse apples because I really do want a chance at that fine flank of yours, HMMM HMMM!!!!!"
Bursting into motion, she disappeared, leaving a very uncomfortable Modi behind. Leaning back, he once more smelled the wood around him, heard the prey animals that he should be hunting, felt the urge to run and move.
"This is what Fenrir endured." Modi thought. "I'm going nuts and it's only been moments, Fenrir endured centuries. This crushing loneliness. This inability to experience the heaven that's just out of reach. It's no wonder Fenrir acted as he did. His imprisonment must have driven him insane with rage."
Hearing the movement of a much larger animal, Modi beheld a wolf made entirely of vines and brambles. Green eyes glowed within the face and deeper within the body. Six foot tall at the shoulder, the animal approached sniffling at the Asgardian, the stench of its previous meals thick in Modi's nostrils. Turning back toward the forest it let loose a bark, which called forth a trio of much smaller wolves. These almost seemed.... cute. Each was no larger than the foxes he would run with among the woods of his home. Unable to move, he was powerless as the pups came right up to him. Sniffling him for themselves, one of them yanked the urchin from his jaw, the other two curling up next to him and promptly falling into slumber. The first pup, after first devouring the urchin soon followed it's siblings into dreamland. To Modi's surprise they were soft and snuggly.
"Even for a betrayer, there is kindness." He thought.
The larger wolf wrapped itself around the Asgardian. To Modi's surprise, a voice entered into his head. "You packmate of Alpha?"
Modi smiled, "I was in the past, I'd like to be once again."
Again the voice comforted him, "Then Everfree will protect you. Timberwolves will protect you. Alpha has come. His mate he claimed. He'd want to see old packmate"
The Timberwolf laid its head next to Modi, protecting him from all that might hurt him. For even in the depths of the darkest places there are those that remember Loyalty.
As she approached the white city on the mountain, Thrud smiled at the beauty of this shining jewel of a city. A stream of bipedal equines and other strange races flowed into the city. Several among the parade of entrants glanced nervously upon her, but otherwise did not challenge her.
"It appears that the race that I have become is unknown and a trifle unwelcome in this shining city." She thought, "This must be a fraction of what Hel experienced. Judged for her appearance, not the strength of her heart."
Walking up to the gates she beheld twin guards, one in gleaming golden armor with white trim and the other in black and silver. Moving towards the gates, she was immediately singled out by the guards.
"Halt, dragon. What is your business in our fair city?" The golden one demanded.
Thrud bowed her head, all the while noting that the one of Silver and Black had moved to support his comrade.
Replying to the Golden Guards query she said. "One who I knew in childhood and would become reacquainted with has retreated to this city. I know not what she looks like now but I know that she was at one point here. I seek only to find her, or barring that any knowledge of where she journeyed from here."
The golden guard scoffed, "You are well spoken for a dragon, but I doubt any who you could possibly know would come through this gate. Go to the west side with the other peasants."
Thruds ire rose, glancing past the guard of blinding light, she looked to the one of darkest shadow, one hand was upon his sword and the other was behind his back. Thrud snorted her anger out her nose as she recalled Slepneirs words.
Nodding her head she replied, "I shall do so, I believe you are correct in that she would not have come through this gate. I am sure the other was more to her liking and were I to be honest, mine as well. I apologize for bothering you, good day."
Turning she walked back to the path that winded around the mountain, further ignoring the disdainful looks of all that entered this gate of the rising sun, heading towards the western gate, Thrud smiled.
"I have always preferred the sunset anyway." She groused.
Several hours latter, Thrud came to a much less well kept door, the arrivals that made their way through this door were both fewer in number and seemed more intent on their own business then any interest in her. Thrud Smiled.
"Indeed Hel would have much prefered this gate. The cool of the mountain shade graces it and there is a much better class of beings then at the Eastern Gate." She groused.
Hearing a chuckle, she turned and beheld a Mare of Burning hair.
"That's why when I come to visit I come to this door." The Mare Said. "What's your name? I haven't seen many dragons come through here?"
Thrud nodded her head, this time in the manner of saluting and equal, "My name is Thrud, and I wish to find the sister of my heart, Hel. I know that she came to this city, but I know not if she is still here or not, nor where she may have gone from here. But forgive my rudeness, what may I call you?"
"My name is Sunset Shimmer, I am here to meet my own sister of my heart. If Any will know how to find yours it will be her."
"It is fortuidous that I met you, then." Thrud replied, "Could this be more the happenstance?"
Sunset smiled, "I geuss you are just going to have to follow me and find out. Hmmmmm?"
Pushing past the much larger Dragon, Sunset swaggered up to the gates, looking back she snarked to thrud.
"Coming?"
Thrud smirked at the playful mare before her, "Indeed, I think I will come along with you. Then maybe we will be coming together?"
Sauntering up to Sunset, she followed the strutting mare, into the gleaming city on the hill."
Third followed Sunset through the streets of the golden city, admiring the sway of the equines stride and her trim form. The citizens here spared her barely a glance and soon they came to a storefront. The words DONUT JOE'S were emblazoned on the storefront and Sunset quickly entered, motioning Thrud to do the same.
"Thrud Thordotter, the deeds of the Asgard towards those that should have been family unto you has made Magic, even harmony itself, very angry with your people. The debt must be paid."
Thrud smiled sadly, "Then I was lured here by the pretty one here?"
Sunset looked upon Thrud, her eyes regretful as she confirmed, "I too am an element of Magic, but Twilight here is the actual Princess of Friendship. Our elements call out for this wrong to be rectified. For the scales to balance. Afterwards though? I have never tasted dragon before, I wonder how long they can keep? And you did say we could come together, I would hate that to be an idle boast."
Thrud turned away from Sunset's half lidded eyes to hide her own blush at the pretty mare's words. Shaking her head she Addressed 'Twilight.'
"Well, Princess Twilight, what is thy judgment. I seek Hel so that I could make amends, so that I could claim her as my sister. I would gladly abide by your decree, if it would clear the debt between her and I."
Twilight's glare softened at Thruds words and she commanded, "You shall take the place of the warden of Tarturus till Hel herself comes to relieve you, when she does so you will be forgiven. I wish there was another way, but the Magic of Friendship itself is angered by what your people did. Bow your head and me and Sunset will do the rest."
Thrud did as she commanded, as she did so Sunset's voice whispered busily in her ear, "Serve your sentence well and there will be treats when you get out."
A flash of light and the smell of delectables was replaced with sulfur and blood. The calm quiet of a bakery replaced by the constant moaning of one's in pain. Instead of at a comfortable both she sat at a sterile wooden desk, piled high with overdue paperwork. The chair was metal and uncomfortable. The door opened and in walked Sunset.
Sitting upon the edge of the desk, Sunset smirked at the shock on Thruds face.
"I couldn't very well let my new friend suffer alone, now could I? Besides, now we can get to know each other properly and I can show you the ropes."
Thrud smiled and reached for an ink pot and quil to begin her new duties, for even in the depths of Tartarus friendships can be formed.
Magni: Laughter's Imprisonment
Magni strolled down the pathway to the Equian town, his heavy clawed feet scratching along the graveled road. As he approached the Equianiod natives began to distance themselves from him, muttering to each other. Smiling without baring his fangs, he tried to look harmless, but there was only so much he could do in his present form. After all, being a fanged, clawed, canine that towered over them was bound to be intimidating. Settling for keeping his eyes, on the ground he slowly moved his way forward. Sniffing the air for Jormungdr's scent, he failed, until the last second, to notice a pink pony standing in front of him.
"The Asgard stole his laugh." she said.
Magni stumbled, trying to avoid the pony before him. Crashing to the ground, his face slamming into the dirt. Whimpering he glanced at the obnoxiously pink pony before him. Her hair hung straight over her stern face, covering one of her eyes, her well muscled form was tense and ready.
"Did I bump into you? I'm sorry I am looking for...."
"I know who you are looking for." The Pony snarled. "And no Asgard will ever steal his laugh from him again. I will make sure of it."
"It is not my intention to do so, Ms...?" Magni let his question hang, hoping the mare before him would give him an answer.
"Pinkamena Diane Pie, Element of Laughter."
Rising to his feet, he tried again to clarify his reasons. "Noble Lady, It was Odin and his lot that imprisoned the Midgard Serpent, I have no wish to continue that feud. Indeed, I only wish to test my strength against him and afterwards drink with him to his health."
"Really?!" Pinkie's hair immediately poofed upwards, "You just want to have a match then party with him?"
Magni let out a sigh of relief. "Yes, in fact you seem like you could use a drink too, after he trounces me thoroughly want to join me?"
The Element of Laughter chuckled, "Sorry, I'm a one Stallion Mare, so going to have to turn you down."
Magni chuckled, "I am sure he is very lucky then, if you could direct me to where Jormungdr is I will commence my challenge and we can see who is strongest."
A frown came over Pinkamena's face, as a chill ran down Magni's spine. "There is still the matter of the crime against Harmony that the Asgard were never punished for. What shall we do about that, I wonder?"
Magni's face turned serious. He had wondered what Sleipnir's words had meant. The crimes of Odin and his father still followed his bloodline and tainted this perfect place. He could feel the fear of the natives around him, judging him as a monster, a thing. They no more saw a thinking being than Odin had seen one when he threw a young Jormungdr into the ocean. To be alone in that darkness till the end of all things. Magni looked into the eyes of the Element of Laughter, he could see the pain and sorrow she felt for Jormungdr, see the torment of someone alone. Magni's jaw set, he knew what he had to do.
"Then I will pay the debt that the Asgard owe Jormungdr. I will submit myself to the Element's of Laughter's judgment and abide therein."
Again Pinkie smiled, but somehow this smile scared Magni more then when she had worn a serious countenance. Taking a step back, he nonetheless held himself firm, he would hold to his course.
"Then Magni, Son Of Thor, I give you my judgment. Unto you will be inflicted the same as Jormungdr was given. To be set free by him or by one of his choosing, only then will you be free."
Pinkie drew her party cannon and fired, and Magni knew no more for a time.
Opening his eyes once more Magni surveyed his placement. He existed in the same spot in time and space, but just outside of it all. He could see all that was around him, but could not touch any of it. Nor could he be perceived or felt by those on the other side.
"Fitting, that I should for a time be as the Midgard Serpent was. Outside of it all. Only able to observe, lest he be called up or dragged forth from the depths. I will endure and when the Serpent comes, I shall thank him and perhaps test his thirst and hunger before I test his strength."
Magni laughed at his own words, "In both cases would I lose, but I would have much fun in the losing."
"Now that's the spirit." A female voice exclaimed.
Turning Magni Beheld Pinke and with her a Stallion of Brown coat and mane. The stallion wore a yellow checkered shirt and had the same unruly hair of the pink mare next to him.
"Indeed Pinkie dear, I think I like him. He definitely needs the both of us to make that party happen." The stallion chortled. "Name's Cheese Sandwich, and between Pinkie and me we'll make sure you're ready."
Laughing with his new friends, Magni saw, that even in isolation, Laughter still echoed forth.
Standing at the door of her hut, Zecora once more called for her Wolf to come home. After the incident the night before, Fenris had still not returned. She knew that the forrest carried her words to him, but still he refused to respond.
"If that wolf thinks me he protects, he should give me greater respect!" She scowled. "And Yes Forrest Everfree! Send that to your Lord for Me!"
Feeling the mirth of the forest wash over her, she smiled.
"I know he's being silly, to think I am such a filly."
Touching her throat she hummed, "By his claws I was claimed, perhaps by my dagger he could be tamed."
Feeling the forest uneasily shift, Zecora smiled nastily, "I intend by that wolf to be bred, even if by him I must be bled. No timid Mare am I, I be a Zebra Shaman that can call the sky. I like things in bed to be rough, so that our future children can be tough. When he slammed me unto my table, I was looking forward to being pounded as hard as he was able. I can give as well as take, of this Fenris should make no mistake."
Snorting, Zecora's cheshire smile split her face as she watched the Everfree flinch back at her words, knowing that they would be carried all the way to Fenris. Hoping they enticed him home.
A multicolored blur slammed into the ground at her feet, looking downward Zecora beheld the Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow Dash, why have you hit my yard in such a crash."
On her feet in an instant, the speed addicted Pegasi immediately demanded. "I need to speak to Fenris. There is a really hot male I need to feel inside of me and your wolf's my ticket to getting filled, I know he was with you Zecora. My element told me and it wouldn't lie to me. C'mon, Help a Mare get some raw griffin cock!"
Zecora sniffed the air, "Why Dash, I thought with Applejack and Rarity you got smashed. Yet arousal I do smell, what is the name of this Griffin you want, do tell."
"Rarity and Applejack handled each other, I blacked out on the cider, so I never got any satisfaction. Please Zecora, you have to help me. I want that Griffin so bad!"
"Serves you right, I still have not had my night. The three of you left me hanging, while you all went off to do some banging. I should let you suffer, but that will only make my heat rougher. Answer what I asked, and we will see about the task."
"His name is Modi and he wants to meet Fenris to apologize for failing him as a friend. Those Asgard jack offs that locked your wolf up are dead. Magni just wants his childhood friend back, before the adults bucked it all up. My element says you'll do for acting as Fenris's representative. Now please can we go let loose the future father of my kids! I want him so badly!"
"I will go and talk to this Modi, his intentions I wish to see. Afterwards, if I deem him true, I will turn him over to you. But if my judgment he does not meet, you will just have to find another way to deal with your heat."
"Alright, Fine, Lets Go Then!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
Grabbing Zecora under her arms, the Cyan speedster, jetted off to where Magni lay, the forest itself moving aside. Even the Everfree knew better to get in the way of a Mare in Heat.
Author's Note
Heh, things are starting to move along. Aren't they? Soon we shall see what will happen to the others, as the debts are paid and all things are settled. For Good or for ill.
Fenrir: Honesty On Trial
Applebloom ran along the path to her teacher's house, her sister lagging behind.
"Hey Bloom, not so fast. This place is still dangerous" Applejack cautioned.
"Can't you feel it Sis?" the youngest apple laughed, "The Forest is Glad that its master came."
The red bowed menace shot down the path, soon outdistancing her older sibling. As she rounded a bend in the path a black furred pair of legs blocked her way. Bouncing off of the Lord Of The Everfree, Applebloom wilted as her other teacher shook his head. A chuckling growl was heard from the large King of the woodland.
"Indeed the Everfree is glad of me to see. But your older sister you should mind, this forest is still not kind." Fenrir corrected his young student.
Sinking even further from Fenrir's amused disaproval, Applebloom answered, "Yes sir, I will."
Sniffing the air, he scented the element of honesty, "Your sister will be her soon, of you I must ask a boon."
"Of course Mr. Fenrir sir, whatcha need?" The red haired teen inquired.
Reaching into his vest, Fenrir pulled out 2 vials of liquid.
Handing them to Apple Bloom, he begged, "Honesty, I can not yet face, so the wood I asked to set the pace. I will return after she takes her drink, no matter what you might think. You have the skill to finish the potion, I have not the will or the notion. My dreams of late have been bad, of days when hate was all I had. I fear the monster I was in the past, old wounds long since past. The smell of one who put me in chains most cruel, puts me in a panic true."
Looking upward, Fenrir listened to the breeze. Whimpering to himself he turned and bolted, leaving no trace of his presence.
Standing in shock, Apple Bloom looked down at the incomplete memory potion in her hands.
"Applejack is not gonna like this."
Trotting down the path after her sister, the element of Honesty smirked to herself.
"I can tell your watching me for him," she addressed the forest, "I don't know what happened to him that I inspire so much fear, but I swear I mean him no ill will."
A russling of leaves and a hot wind was the mare's answer.
"Whatever that God of honesty of his did, I'm different. I ain't gonna hurt him. Dang, the damn fool wolf protected my sister and her friends, he'll probably be plowing Zecora soon, if he ain't already, and he made clear he wants to forget his past." Applejack cursed at the forest, "I owe him, horseapples, if Zecora was willing to share, I'd be lining up to get some plowing done myself. I am the last pony that would've any ill will towards him."
The tinkling of water through the leaves mocked her.
Applejack paused, stomping her hoof she snarled, "I should've gotten to Zecora's by now. I know your delaying me. I'm willing to give Fenris some leeway, but I'm only going to go so far. If I don't see my sister soon or arrive at Zecora's, I will be most put out. Comprende, you overgrown weed factory?"
A nervous confirmation in the groaning of the trees answered her.
Continuing on down the path, she came upon her sister. Apple Bloom was sitting on the ground, staring at something in her hands.
"Hey Bloom, whatcha got there?" Applejack asked, "and why in land sake you sitting on the ground like that?"
Raising her eyes to her older sister, Apple Bloom shook herself from her thoughts.
Taking a breath, Apple Bloom took the plunge, "Fenrir gave me the two memory potions. His is done, I just need a bit of your hair for yours," holding one of the bottles up to the light Bloom snarled, "Well, at least he kinda solved the taste problem."
"Kinda?" Applejack asked, "How do you kind solve a problem?"
Apple Bloom raised half lidded eyes at her sister as she deadpanned, "By removing the limiters on both and making it so you and him will experience the sum of each other's experiences," Sighing Applebloom continued, "You won't just see the memory sis, you'll be Fenrir for the duration. You will never forget it, ever, neither. The ingredients that made it taste bad shifted the point of view and dimmed the memories afterwards. This will scorch what he went through into your mind."
"You said he ran off. How is he gonna drink his?" Applejack queried, "you'all can't tell me that he gonna ask you to track him down."
Applebloom shook her head, " You're gonna drink first. Then once your inside his memories, he's gonna drink his. We better get to Zecora's I want to be somewhere safe to use this. Somewhere I can cure the hangover afterward."
Once more in the lead Applebloom led her sister to her mentor's home.
Marble ran towards Ponyville, her heart racing. Tatzulwurms, had her family! They'd just wanted to see where Maud was working. The strata was so pretty, prime rock growing country. Then, those monster's had come. She needed help!
"Help is this way," a quiet voice whispered into Marble's ear, "Find the Alicorn at the Carousel Boutique, she will give you all you need."
Marble halted, glancing around she saw no one. Ponyville was still minutes away.
"Hurry Marble," The voice in her head urged, "we can save them, she will help us.
"Who are you?" Marble whispered, fearfully.
"You already now who," the voice admonished, "Hurry, before we miss our chance.
Swallowing, Marble nodded. "I'm scared, you'll be with me?"
"Of course, the voice reassured, "from now until the end."
Changing direction, Marble did as the voice bid, a little ember of hope burning brighter within the darkness of her fear.
Author's Note
This took much longer then I wanted, the next story I update/work on will be:
Ballroom Blitz .
Still having some issues. Mostly of the technical variety. I had to type this on my phone. My computer's mousepad decided to crap out on me. But, I carry ever onward!
All Hail The House Of Ren!!!!!
Hel: Return of Generosity
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Angrboda & Sigyn: Second Meetings
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Fenrir: Redemption of Honesty
Fenrir awoke to the smell of eggs, making his way to Zecora's door he rapped lightly.
"Come in for Breakfast, so that we might meet at last."
Fenrir smiled, not only was the woman inside a warrior and shaman but she talked as he did. Her smell continued to intoxicate him. Pushing the door open, he entered. The sight of Zecora, her back turned to him, caused him to freeze. A low growl, echoed forth as he verbalized his appreciation of the Zebra woman's form. She shot him a look over her shoulder. Raising his hands, he bowed his head.
"Forgive This Wolf, his upset, My Nose and your Beauty makes your Heat hard to Forget."
Fenrir took a breath. "However, You are in no danger, To restraint, This wolf Is no stranger"
Smirking, she said. "Upon that Chair you should sit, Breakfast will be done in just a bit."
Turning to the stove, Zecora continued. "You speak of my heat, Is that not what you wished to treat?"
Fenrir watched as Zecora swayed through the kitchen, poise, strength, beauty and intelligence. He resisted the urge to pull her to him, as she dropped the eggs unto his plate, pouring tea into his cup. She leaned on the table, her back arched, waiting for her answer.
Fenrir closed his eyes a moment, then picked up the fork and took a bite of the eggs. He chewed thoughtfully, then answered.
"I will never force a Mare, Only if you truly Care. If this is only to ease your heat, A different male you should ask to treat. In my past I mated with more then one, and had many sons. It was only to not be alone, so that my heart would not turn to stone. So now that the chain Gleipner no longer locks me away, I wish for one that wants me to stay. Not for what I know, or strength my fate may bestow. So until you say that is what you desire, I cannot be the one to quench your fire."
He finished his eggs and gulping down his tea. "Thank you for the meal, but I had to tell you what I feel." Fenrir rose, but Zecora pushed him back into the chair. Straddling him, her chest pressing to his, her arms enclosing him, her arousal filling his nostrils, she leaned upon his shoulder. Still he kept his hands to his sides, he needed to hear the words. Zecora began whispering into his ear, huskily and deep.
"Fenrir, to the children you where kind, Allowing them to pick your Mind. I saw when you came back, the time meant you walked them all to Applejack's. You protected me from the wild, and were so very mild. I think with a wolf I can live, If to me he is willing to give. I fell in love with you that day, when with the CMC you did play. When I awoke and saw, that upon me you had not laid a claw. I knew that you were true."
Fenrir's arms pulled her tight to him, lifting her, Zecora's legs wrapping around him. Burying his snout into her shoulder, he inhaled her scent, then slammed her down on the table. Pulling his muzzle to hers, she kissed him as she drew him unto her, what they wanted only separated by thin fabric. Of Course, a knocking came to the door.
"Unless the world is going to end, I may kill a friend" Zecora Groused.
"Their body I will help you hide, as long as we can continue this ride."
Zecora held him tighter for a moment, then let out a sigh. "A tempting offer made, but later we will get laid."
Fenrir stepped back, helping Zecora stand.
"Zecora, I will clean, or something they may glean."
Not getting what Fenrir meant, Zecora made the mistake of looking down. As her wolf went past her, she looked to the door, grabbing her knife, she advanced, "I am sorry that this pony needs to die, but with that wolf I must lie."
Opening the door, she grabbed the farm pony on the other side, her blade at her throat, "Applejack, my dear, If I were you I'd run from here."
"Easy know Zecora, I just wanted to make sure that Fenrir got back here okay."
A low growl came from the Zebra mare, "He got back here fine, now run or on Pony meat I dine."
Applejack, leaned back as Zecora released her. "I am really sorry Zecora I just......"
Again the growl, frustration quickly turning to rage, as she advanced on the farmpony, her dagger glittering in the sun. A black furred shape shot from Zecora's hut wrapping strong arms around her, a cup held to her lips, her nose forced shut. Applejack watched as her friend drank, and tension eased from Zecora's body.
Zecora sank against the black furred male and for the first time in the light, Applejack beheld Fenrir.
"I am sorry Honesty, You interrupted a moment, you see."
"I can't blame her, damn your gorgeous, I'd stab somepony too for interrupting. Wait, how did you know I'm the element of honesty?"
"The one that Betrayed me, was my world's God of Honesty."
"Well then I know what I have to do. Fenrir, I can't stand that you associate me with somepony that would betray family ." The Farm Mare spat on the ground. "So I want to ask something. I am going to come along on Applebloom's next lesson and Zecora, I want you to brew two droughts of the memory brew. Then you and me Fenrir are gonna drink."
Fenrir tilted his head, "You would go to those ends, just to claim me as a friend."
There was no hesitation, "Yes, You protected my sister, that puts me in your debt, if this eases your pain, I won't hesitate."
"Very well, in a week, you will see my hell, Goodbye Honesty, I wish you well."