I. Chapter 13: Everything will be fine

It was a really beautiful day, the pegasus made very nice weather. Today was Colin's birthday, my sister decided to go to a party organized by Pinkie Pie, I couldn't come, although I really wanted, I had a lot of paperwork, but in addition, I had something else to do.

It started to be late, so I lower the sun, I left Luna a letter, in which I wrote that probably will not be me for a few days, then I slipped out of the castle and flew towards the Griffon Empire. I was going to talk to Asriel and meet little Ashley, I wanted to know from where she got there. I was flying for a very long time, the Griffons Empire is separated from Equestria with the ocean, so the flight took a long time, although I enjoyed the eyes of the majestic landscapes, like the moonlight reflecting in the water surface, it was a really beautiful view.

I was flying for some time until I finally saw mainland - "You can do this, it's not far away" - I said tiredly.

After reaching the place, I headed towards the castle. I had my worries about how Ashley could have been here, I was afraid that she is here by a demon, but I could only speculate.

"Stop! Who are... Princess Celestia? What are you doing here?" - asked one of Griffons, guarding the gates of the castle

"Hello. I came to talk to Asriel, this is a very important case" - I said

"Uhmmm... I don't remember that the emperor would arrange a meeting" - The guard said

"It's really important. You let me in, or not?" - I asked a bit bored

"Uhmm... well, in that case, I have to inform the Emperor. I cannot let you in, without his knowledge"

"Alright, I understand"

"Well... I'll be back soon" - The guard said, entering the castle

I looked at the night sky, it was beautiful, although it was cloudy. Even though the night was calm, there was something disturbing about it, I had such a strange feeling. I dropped my head down and I looked ahead, I froze... In front of me was the dark silhouette of a human. I felt that It was looking at me, suddenly I heard a yawn. I turned my head in the direction from which the sound came, it was only the guard, who looked very tired of his work. When I turned my head, the shadow was just a few meters away from me.

"What is it?" - I asked

"Who are you talking to?" - The guard asked, to which I turned my head again

I and the guard stared at each other, for a few seconds, it was quite an awkward situation, when I looked again straight ahead, the shadow was gone

"Uhmm... to nobody" - I said

"Sometimes you talk alone with yourself, huh? And I thought I was the only one doing it" - The guard said, laughing

"Oh, really?" - I asked

"Well... I'm bored sometimes, so I think aloud. My friends from work have often pointed to this. I suppose they think I'm a freak, hah!..."

"Princess Celestia, the emperor expects you" - The guard said who had just left the castle

"Where's now?" - I asked

"He's waiting for you in the throne room"

"Thank you" - I said going inside

I walked through the corridor of the castle, I was not here for a long time, the castle was very similar to Canterlot, however... There were much fewer decorations here, the castle was much more defensive. After a short time, I reached the throne room door, took a deep breath and went inside when I did, I saw Emperor Asriel staring at the stained glass window.

"Hello..." - I said - "How are you?"

"The guard said you have an important case for me, what's the matter?" - Asriel asked, not taking his eyes off the stained glass window - "I assume it is not about our relations or peace between our kingdoms"

"Uhmm... I heard that there is a human supposedly in your castle. Her name is Ashley"

Asriel immediately looked away from the stained glass window and looked at me.

"How do you know that? Speak!" - Asriel said, looking at me very angrily - "If you think, I will let you hurt her..."

"Hey, hey! Relax. I don't have bad intentions" - I said, calmingly - "Why would I hurt her?"

"In that case, what do you want?" - Asriel asked surly

"So... I wanted to meet her and..."

"And what?..."

"Did Ashley tell you about Colin?" - I asked

"Wait for a second... That kid with black hair?" - Asriel asked

"Yes"

"Hmm... She often told us, about this... Colin. She said that she missed him" - Asriel said

"So... Can I meet her?"

"I don't know if I can trust you..."

"Asriel, I know why you are worried, in Equestria humans are considered monsters, but it's because somepony misrepresented them. I saw humans a thousand years ago, I have more experience with them than you might think, their ruler was my friend" - I said

"Wait... You knew their ruler?" - Asriel asked

"Yes. Lord Thormwald was my friend"

"You... Did you know him?! Oh my... Alright, come with me. Maybe Ashley is still awake" - Asriel said, heading for the door

"Okay" - I said as I followed Asriel

We walked the corridors of the castle for a few minutes, I felt some strange anxiety, just like something unexpected was going to happen, something clearly was wrong, but... I didn't know what.

"I would not want something wrong to happen to her" - Asriel said, breaking the silence. "I must admit that I like her, I am worried about her. Celestia, she has... problems with sleeping, she's afraid to fall asleep"

"Why?" - I asked

"Ashley said that she often has nightmares. She said that a black lion with red eyes comes to her all the time"

When Asriel said it, my heart jumped. My worst fears were fulfilled, the demon also harassed Ashley.

"That's why Saskia often sleeps with her, but despite these nightmares, Ashley is a very merry child, and sometimes she trains with Opinikus. We want to teach her how to defend herself"

"Does Ashley like these... Trainings?" - I asked

"Well, she told me that didn't, but... When it comes to archery, this girl has a real talent"

After a short time we got to the door of the room, Asriel went in first, I immediately followed him, my attention turned to the bed in which little Ashley lay and Empress Saskia, who was sitting next to the bed.

"Shh... She fell asleep" - Saskia said

"Well, well, she sleeps just like a gopher" - Asriel said, approaching to bed and smiling

I also approached the bed where Ashley lay. She was covered with a quilt and slept peacefully, she was so cute.

"She's wonderful" - I said, gently stroking the girl's hair

"Yes, that's a truth. She fell asleep so well for the first time" - Saskia said - "Let's go out of here, let's let her rest"

We quietly left the room, quietly closed the door, very carefully.

"Tell me, Celestia, what brings you here?" - Saskia asked

"Well... I wanted to meet Ashley, but it looks like I have no luck today" - I said, giggling

"But apart from what else brings you here?"

"Yes... actually, I wanted to take Ashley to Equestria, her friend Colin is with us" - I said

"A black-haired boy?"

"Exactly"

"Ashley told us she missed Colin, she was looking for him. Well, I think that you can take her, to him"

"Saskia, what are you doing?"

"What do you mean, Asriel? You know that..."

"Are you crazy? Ashley is going to Equestria?" - Asriel asked

"Uhmm... Excuse me, but is something wrong?" - I asked, slightly disgusted

"Yes. We both know well, how humans are considered in Equestria. Do you really think that I will send Ashley there?"

"What? But... Asriel, calm down" - I said

"Humans are considered to be very dangerous there. Sending Ashley there, it's like I'm condemning her to death," Asriel said

"Calm down, I've long told residents that humans are not dangerous, you can trust me"

"No way, I will not send her there. Do you think you've managed to convince everyone? There will be those who have not believed you" - Asriel said, slowly leaving

"Think about it, Ashley will have a chance to meet her friend. You said that she misses him" - I said

Asriel paused for a moment, looked at the door to Ashley's room, looked as if he was thinking about something, but then turned away again.

"Saskia, make the service prepare a guest room"

"Uhmm... Alright" - Saskia said

"Thank you for your hospitality"

"Do not get accustomed too much" - Asriel snarled, leaving

When the service led me to my room, I decided to go to sleep. I lay in bed, I was very tired of the journey, the only thing which I wanted, was a dream. Suddenly I heard the sound of knocking on the door in the room. I got out of bed and headed towards the door, which I then opened, then I saw Saskia, who was standing in the doorstep.

"Hello, uhmm... Do I bother you?" - Saskia asked

"No, nothing happened. What's the matter?"

"I wanted to apologize to you for the behavior of Asriel, he's just like that. He's worried about Ashley and he would not bear to think that something wrong happened to her"

"It's okay, nothing has happened, I understand him" - I said soothingly

"Well, uhmmm... That's all. Goodnight" - Saskia said, departing

"Mutually" - I said, then shut the door

Saskia was a very nice person, which rarely happens among Griffons. I went to bed again, closed my eyes and just fell asleep.

Next day...

I began to open my eyes. I rose and yawned, it was time for the day to come. I got out of bed, then opened the balcony. The moon slowly disappeared behind the horizon, it looks like Luna is not sleeping anymore. I closed my eyes, I concentrated and then slowly began to raise the sun, when I opened my eyes again, it was already bright outside, a new day was coming.

I turned to the bed, I could have sworn that something was hiding behind it. I began to slowly approach the bed, on the other side was a little Ashley, she was looking at me, she looked really charming.

"Hello, little one" - I said, approaching the girl

"H-hi" - She said with a delicate voice - "I... I'm sorry, I shouldn't go in here, I... I was just curious"

"Nothing has happened, I'm not angry" - I said, smiling warmly - "You're Ashley, right?"

"Yes"

"I'm Princess Celestia, it's nice to meet you"

"You are a princess?" - Ashley asked surprised

"Can not you see?" - I asked, giggling

"You are really pretty and... Are you a pony?"

"Oh, thank you, well... Yes, I'm a pony. There, where I come from, is really a lot of them"

"A land full of ponies? Awesome! Will you take me there? Please" - Ashley asked, beaming

"Well... If Asriel will allow it"

Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and the maid came in.

"There you are. I told you that you mustn't come in here" - She said vehemently - "Princess Celestia, I'm sorry. If Ashley caused any problems..."

"Nothing has happened. I was going to meet with her anyway" - I said reassuringly

"You wanted to meet with me? Why?" - Ashley asked

"Well... There is someone with us, who you probably know" - I said

Ashley looked as if she knew who I was talking about.

"Is... it's about Colin?" - Ashley asked

"You guessed..."

"So, Colin is here? Is everything okay with him?"

"Don't worry, my child. Everything is okay with him"

"Ahem... I don't want to interrupt this conversation, but soon there will be breakfast" - The maid said

"Oh... Okay" - Ashley said, and then the maid left - "Will you come with me? Will we eat together?"

"With pleasure. Let's go"

After leaving the room, together with Ashley, we went to breakfast, we were talking, walking the corridors.

"Is everything okay with Colin?" - Ashley asked

"Well... when he appeared in Equestria, he was a little wounded"

"What happened to him?"

"He was attacked, but he's fine" - I said

"I was also attacked when I appear here, but Lara found me and brought me here" - Ashley said

"Who is Lara?" - I asked

"She's my friend and she's a Griffon too" - Ashley said, then she looked like she was thinking about something

"What are you thinking about?"

"Colin would like it. He likes Griffons very much, it's his favorite mythological creature"

"Griffon?... Mythological creature?" - I asked, intrigued

"Well... there where I come from, griffins are considered to be creatures from myths, but here... I... I am a mythological creature" - Ashley said

"I understand, I wanted to ask you something. Tell me, is Colin your boyfriend?"

Ashley stopped, standing with her back to me, with a slightly sour face.

"Hey, what happened?"

"He... well, he is just my friend and nothing more"

"Ashley, I understand that some don't like such topics, but..."

"Princess Celestia, please... Colin is not my boyfriend. He did kiss me once at school, but... I didn't feel anything to him. I was confused, I don't love him, we're just friends" - Ashley said, wrinkling eyebrow

I was a bit surprised. My sister told me about that, what Ashley just said, about the fact that Colin kissed her at school. Luna thought that Ashley also feels something to Colin, but not.

"Ashley, would you like to see Colin?"

"Yes, I like him, but..."

"But what?"

"I don't know if the emperor will let you take me" - Ashley said sadly

"If he will not, then Colin will be brought here, I would like to see you with him" - I said smiling

"Thanks"

"You're welcome, now let's go now before everything will be eaten"

"Sure"

After a while, Ashley and I arrived at the dining room, Saskia and Asriel were already sitting at the table, breakfast had not yet been served. I decided to sit down with Ashley.

"Good morning, sweetheart. How was your sleep?" - Saskia asked

"Not bad, but... He came to me again" - Ashley answered - "He threatened me, he... wants to kill me"

"This black lion?" - Asriel asked, and Ashley nodded

"Don't worry, honey, it's just a bad dream. It will not hurt you" - Saskia said, laying her paw on Ashley's shoulder.

I was worried about Ashley. Saskia assured her that it was just a bad dream, but neither she and Asriel knew that Ashley was persecuted by the demon. Ashley said the demon had visited her again at night, but... what about Colin? I had a bad feeling, something was very wrong.

After a while, we were served, and we started eating immediately, everything was fine, however... There was one thing that disturbed me. I saw Ashley eating meat, I understood it, all the griffons eat meat too, but... there was something disturbing about it, I felt discomfort when Ashley took another bite.

"Did something happen?" - Saskia asked

"No, it's all right, very tasty" - I said, continuing to eat my salad

"Well, I'm glad, that you like it"

All the while, while we were sitting at the table, Asriel didn't take his eyes off me. He looked at me as if he had something very important to say, suddenly the silence was broken by a loud belch.

"Oh... I'm sorry" - Ashley said, who finished eating

"Nothing has happened. Now go to Opinikus, he's probably waiting for you" - Saskia said

"Oh, I almost forgot. Princess Celestia, do you want to see me, how I shoot from the bow?" Ashley asked

"Of cour..."

"Ahem..." - Asriel grunted, looking at me

"Uhmm... maybe later, I will come soon" - I said

"Okay, bye!" - Ashley said, leaving

"Be careful!" - Saskia said

When Ashley went to the exit, Asriel turned to me.

"Celestia, we have to talk"

"What is going on?" - I asked

"It's about Ashley. She's having nightmares since she came here. It worries me and I thought maybe you know what it's caused"

"Well... I don't want to worry you more, but... Colin also has nightmares, very similar to Ashley's"

"What it does mean?" - Asriel asked

"Colin and Ashley are dealing with a demon, the same one who wanted to destroy Equestria and all other kingdoms"

"No, it's impossible... After all, the demon who wanted to destroy the world was much more powerful, so how..."

"This is the same demon. He's been defeated by Thormwald, that's true, but... he survived. He's been recovering for a thousand years, and now he hurt Colin and Ashley"

"Why?" - Saskia asked

"Demons feed on suffering and fear. When Colin or Ashley suffers, he becomes stronger. Asriel, I'm afraid of that It will be back soon, even stronger than before"

"I suspected that Ashley might be dealing with something... supernatural. Is there a way to stop him?" - Asriel asked

"Yes, you already know who Thormwald was, and do you know how he defeated the demon?"

"From that what I know, he used a sword, but... how will we get it?"

"Don't worry about it. Before humans left Equestria, Thormwald gave me his sword"

"Have you been hiding him for so many years?" - Saskia asked surprised

"He said that the sword had to wait for his master" - I said

"You don't want to say that Ashley is going to fight with a demon, right? She's waving with a sword like a flail" - Asriel said

"Ashley, no, but Colin, yes. You probably will not believe me, but two days ago I talked to the Thormwald spirit. He told me that it was his sword brought Colin, this sword is chosen him. He will fight with the demon"

"You're aware that, he's still a kid, right?"

"That's why I want to give him some time, I want him to enjoy childhood a little bit"

Asriel sat down and began thinking, scratching under his chin, glancing at me every now and then.

"I don't know what to think about it"

"I understand, but... It's about something else. Can I take Ashley to Equestria?"

"I've already said it once, but I will say it again, no. You will not take her anywhere, I don't want to risk"

"Let it be that way"

"Celestia, you're done here. You will leave my castle today"

"Asriel, why are you so..." - Saskia didn't finish

"I said, she has to leave today" - Asriel said, departing

"I'm sorry Celestia, he's already like that" - Saskia said

"Nothing has happened" - I said, directing my steps to the exit

"Where are you going?" - Saskia asked

I stopped.

"I'm going to see how Ashley shoots from a bow, and then I go back to Equestria. If Asriel wants me to leave, well..."

"You don't have to leave, I have nothing against you"

"You know, but your husband, yes. Besides... I have to deal with my kingdom too"

"I understand, I will escort you to the exit"

"Thank you"

I and Saskia moved towards the exit. When I left the castle, I headed to the right, where there were barracks and a place to train. Ashley threw in my eyes, aiming from bow to the shield, in which a few arrows were stuck, all very close to the center. Opinikus was standing beside her, telling what and how.

"Calmly, take feet hard, stand straight, breathe" - Opinikus said

Then Ashley took a deep breath.

"And now exhale, and shot"

At that moment, Ashley shot out from a bow, hit the center of the shield, I was really impressed.

"Yes! I did it!" - Ashley said enthusiastically

"Very good, but you still need to work out, and you'll be the best someday" - Opinikus said

"So you think I'm not the best?" - Ashley asked - "Look at now" - Then she took out the next arrow from the quiver and pointed it at the target again

"What are you doing?" - Opinikus asked

Ashley fired a bow again and did something that amazed me, she managed to hit the mid again, and this time, she halved the arrow that was stuck in the shield.

"What?... But how did you..."

"Hah! You still think I'm not the best?" - Ashley asked, and Opinikus looked at her questioningly - "Do you wanna know how I did it?"

"Yes..."

"Exhale, and shot" - Ashley said

"Well, you study quickly" - Opinikus said, who then looked at me

Ashley also turned to me.

"Celestia, have you seen this?" - Ashley asked

"Yes, I'm impressed" - I said, surprised

Ashley had enormous talent, she managed to master archery so fast and at almost master level, it was amazing.

"Hello, Opinikus" - I said smiling

"Hello, good to see you"

"I see that you train Ashley and it's very effective"

"Hah, she's so good that I can not keep up with her... You little devil" - said Opinikus, rub Ashley's hair, who giggled

"I'm glad, but it looks like it's time for me" - I said, Ashley wanted to ask a question, but I knew exactly what she meant - "I'm sorry, Ashley, but Asriel didn't agree, to take you"

"Oh... It's a pity. Stay here for a while, please"

"I can't. I have to deal with my kingdom too"

"Okay..." - Ashley said, sighing - "Greet Colin from me"

"Be polite, all right?" - I said, spreading my wings

"I will. I promise"

"I hold you by the word" - I said, rising into the air

I started to rise, I turned my head towards Ashley, who was waving goodbye to me, I wave to her too and then headed for Equestria. After quite a long time, I got to Canterlot, the residents dealt with their daily affairs.

I sat on the throne room at the table and dealt with documents, Luna was not at the castle at the moment, I didn't know why. I was looking through each document in turn, when suddenly the door opened and Luna came in.

"Hello, sister. How are you?" - I asked

Luna just looked at me, she looked very depressed.

"Hey, what happened?" - I asked

"Colin... he... he..."

"Calmly... breathe"

Luna was very restless, I was curious about what actually happened. After a moment Luna calmed down, so I could hear what she had to say.

"Colin is in a hospital in Ponyville, he... he's in a coma" - Luna said, and tears fell from her eyes

"What? But... How did it happen?" - I asked

"Demon poisoned him..." - Luna said, again shedding tears - "His veins are black, you can see them through the skin and... and..."

"Shh... It's okay... Everything will be fine" - I said, hugging my sister

"Doctors are constantly wondering, what condition he is in, I'm worried about him, I don't want him to die"

"Everything will be fine, he will get recover" - I said, all the while trying to comfort Luna

"Celestia, there's something else... She... She's back..." - Luna stammered

"Who?" - I asked. Luna said nothing - "Please, tell me"

"N... N-Nightmare Moon..."

"What?!" - I asked in disbelief - "Nightmare Moon is alive?! But how?"

"I don't know, I have no idea"

"Looks like I need to take a deal with it. I'll write a letter to Twilight, something must be done with it" - I said, wanting to leave the throne room

"No, wait!" - Luna said, stopping me - "She saved him"

"Wait for a second, Nightmare Moon? Saved?" - I asked with even more disbelief

"Yes... The demon moved Colin to the Everfree Forest. Nightmare Moon told me that, he visited the ruins of the castle where he met her. That was where the demon caught him later"

"But... something does not suit me here, why did Nightmare Moon help him?"

"Colin talked to her... and she said that... Colin understands her" - Luna said

"Understands? In what sense?" - I asked

"Nightmare Moon told me that Colin was the first to treat her in a friendly way, and... he was not afraid of her, that's why she helped him"

"I don't understand something. Since Nightmare Moon has come back, why she didn't bring eternal night?"

"She has changed, she is no longer evil, she is... How to say it?... Neutral. She understood her mistake, she understood that if she brought an eternal night, everything that lives and everything that exists would be dead"

I couldn't believe what I just heard.

"Where is Nightmare Moon now?"

"I don't know. She probably came back to the ruins of the castle. What to do with it?"

"If Nightmare Moon doesn't want to bring eternal night, let's leave her alone"

"What about Colin?" - Luna asked, then tears came to her eyes again

"Don't worry, Lulu. everything will be fine with him. The important thing is that, that he's alive"

"I'm terribly worried about him, what if he doesn't survive?"

"Don't think about it. I think you should lay down, you look really bad" - I said

"But... The moon"

"Don't worry, I'll deal with it, and you go and rest"

"Thank you"

"You're welcome, oh! And something else, don't worry so much, will be fine"

"Well... I can go now" - Luna said, leaving the throne room

I sat down on the throne again and began to fill in the documents again, however... I felt anxious about Nightmare Moon, maybe I should talk to her? When I finished filling in the documents, I decided to go to Ponyville, I wanted to see what about Colin.

I opened the door of the hospital, went to the reception to find out which room Colin was in.

"Oh... Princess Celestia, what brings you here?" - The receptionist asked

"Hello, I would like to know in which room Colin lies"

"Who?"

"Uhmmm... A human"

"All right, Redheart!"

"What is going on?" - Asked the nurse, approaching the reception

"Lead Princess Celestia to this... human, you know..."

"Ooooh... Okay, please follow me" - She said sadly

"Thank you" - I said

I followed the nurse through the hospital corridors. I felt very uncomfortable here, I had the impression that someone or... something follows me all the time, I could swear that when we managed to reach the corridors branching, something went through the middle, I wanted to come to Colin's room as soon as possible, and leave from here.

"It's here" - Redheart said, pointing to the door

"Thank you, by the way... You could go to the doctor who examined him? I want to know what his condition is"

"Alright" - The nurse, departing

I slowly opened the door to the room, I immediately spotted Colin lying in bed, he was unconscious. I slowly approached his bed. That what I saw, made my heart beat faster and my breath accelerated.

"Oh my..." - I stammered

Colin's skin was completely white, but this time I could see black veins, they were literally all over her body.

"Eh... Hey, how are you?" - I asked, stroking his hair, which now had a more faded color - "Poorly child... Luna is worried. She really cares about you, everything will be fine, you'll see"

"Excuse me, do I interrupt?"

I turned my head to the door where the doctor was standing.

"Oh... how long have you been standing there?" - I asked

"Well, it doesn't matter, I'm sure you wanted to know something about his condition"

"Yes, what's with him?" - I asked

"Look at this" - The doctor said, showing me the vial with some strange black liquid

"What is this?"

"It's a sample of his blood, this... Human has a large dose of some... strange venom in his blood. Very strong venom. I see something like that, for the first time in my life, and believe me, I saw a lot" - The doctor said, putting down the vial, then he went to Colin's bed

The doctor put the hoof on Colin's forehead and held it for a moment.

"It's as cold as ice, but... it's still alive" - said the doctor

"Will he live?" - I asked

"I don't know... we used the strongest sera, but... nothing worked, the rest of the doctors spread their hooves. I'm afraid he's gonna die. We finished our research, and it looks like it, he has only nine days left"

"No... no, no, no, why?" - I asked, then a few tears came out of my eyes

"I'm sorry... We did everything in our power" - The doctor said sadly

"It cannot end like this, he didn't deserve such a fate. It's just an innocent child..."

"We can apply anesthesia to him, he will die a very gentle death"

"I don't ... I don't agree with that. I'm sure something can be done"

"I wouldn't make hope. His condition is critical"

I bent down and then kissed Colin on the forehead, which was very cold.

"Sleep well, little one. Everything will be fine..." - I said with a cry

"Let's go out of here, let's let him rest"

"Okay... I'm going" - I said, leaving the room

The last time I looked back, then started to go forward. I wondered what to say to Luna, I was afraid of her reaction if she found out that this poor child would die, but I was sure that something could be done. Sleep well, my child, everything will be fine.

End of Chapter 13...