“This is the meeting place of the Moonlight Field Alliance Cross?” Luna swept her gaze across the front of an old dilapidated tavern. Faint light barely visible through the cracked and grimy windows.
“Yes Princess,” Cross landed softly next to Luna beating his wings in the night air. “Elder is not one to lie about important matters such as this. She has been trying to get me to come to one of these meetings for centuries.”
Luna’s soft blue magic surrounded the rusted door handle as she pulled it open. “Certainly is not a place that would be suspected of such a meeting place.” A cold draft washed over the pair carrying dust and the scent of mold from within the tavern.
“A location that is near multiple supernatural factions does have some benefits. Especially for the Alliance.” Cross said, cautiously stepping through the doorway. His crimson red eyes scanning the darkness.
Luna swiftly followed through behind Cross surveying the dark interior. Their hoofsteps kicking up stagnant dust, visible through the dim light emitted by burning candles on the wooden bar counter. Tables and chairs haphazardly thrown into the corners of room, crowding the otherwise large interior.
Cross walks over to the bar and stamps his hoof twice onto the countertop and shouts into the room. “The moon now shines upon the field!” Luna raises an eyebrow at Cross, and he grins sheepishly in return. “Excuse me Princess, invitation instructions.”
Propelled by his words the bar wall shimmers and warps, revealing a silhouette standing behind the mirage. “Well well well, if it isn’t Rusted Cross the princess's bloodhound himself. Oh and of course Princess Luna.” The pegasus exaggerates a bow revealing herself in the firelight, her eyes flashing a bright crimson. “It truly is an honor.”
Cross passes a scroll over to the pegasus, and then turns to Luna. “Princess Luna, this is Vanish. She is one of the vampire queen’s personal guards.”
“The same Vanish as the one from the second Dusk war?” Luna asked.
“Miss princess has done her homework! But no, I merely have her title.” Vanish gestured to the secret corridor and began heading down the stairs. “Though this golden mane of mine proves my bloodline. T’was bitten by the invisible mistress herself.”
“I don’t believe I have heard of vampire bloodlines that grant such abilities as your title suggests.” Luna conjured a small orb of light, illuminating the jagged stone staircase. Darkness shrouding the end of the long slope. “Or is the ability unique to yourself.”
“I think that’s a rather long story for another time princess. I believe that a much more interesting tales will be much more of your concern.” Vanish begins to fade from sight, becoming a translucent phantom. “I hope you enjoy yourself.”
Luna and Cross watch as Vanish, Vanishes. In her place, Luna’s orb illuminates a doorway peeking out of the darkness. Continuing their pace, both ponies enter the room. The orb only illuminating the small patch of cobblestone which they stand on.
“Verifying identity.” A bright flash of black and gold energy burns in front of them, solidifying into an ornate piece of paper. Lines of runes begin to surround the paper in a sphere, snaking out tendrils of light which touch both Luna’s and Cross’s chest.
The voice from before, the smooth voice of a stallion speaks once again into their minds. “Princess Luna, the Night Mother, Nightmare, Selene. Identity verified.”
The small thread of magic detaches from Cross. “I believe this is where I wait outside princess.” Cross bows as he is enveloped in shadows and disappears.
“Luna. Before you is a contract, If you agree to the terms of said contract you will be placed under the defined conditions. First, you will be unable to divulge any information you hear inside of the field through any means. Second, you will be unable to divulge any of the identities you see inside of the field. Three, any agreements or trades made inside of the field will be carried out or condition 4 will come into effect. Four, if any of the previous conditions or contract conditions are broken the wrath of the Arbiter will fall upon you. Please read the outline of the Moonlight Field Alliance and sign the contract with magic if you agree to the terms. Once signed you will be allowed into the field.”
Luna walks forward and peers at the floating parchment. Taking around 15 minutes to cast several detection and identification spells; she eventually deems the document safe. In an intricate spiral, she scorches her name in dark blue magic next to the various names at the bottom of the page. The shadows along with the magical contract fade from vision into a warm candlelit room.
Worn wooden boards cover the floor and walls as light emanates from a small ball of fire hovering over the long dining table in front of her. A few ponies are scattered throughout the room. Some sitting on the couches lining the room, while others sit at the single long table. All their eyes focused on the Princess.
Before Luna can speak up a blur of movement catches her attention. She has to brace herself from recoiling as a young mare bounds up to her wreathed in dark shadowy energy. Purple mist flares off the edges of her green sclera as she stares up at Luna. No more than 10 or 11 years of age by Luna’s estimation.
“Hi! You're the Nightmare.” The unicorn exclaims with a joy filled curiosity. Not seeming to notice Luna’s displeasure at being so close to her unrestrained dark magic.
Luna nods curtly at the filly, adjusting to the potent black magic around her. “You may call me Luna young one. What is thy name?”
“Nega…” The shadows visibly roil around her as she begins to say her name. The filly shifts position enough for Luna to spot a large red leather book held onto her back by straps. “Elder?” The filly looks towards the table at a green coated pegasus who gestures with her hoof after catching her eye. “Negative Spark!”
“Spark,” the pegasus flips her mane out of her eyes and beckons Spark towards her. “What have I told you about running up to ponies without your limiter on.”
“I’m sorry Elder.” Spark says, hoofing at the floor in front of Elder.
“Where is your limiter?” Elder brushed Spark’s maroon mane above her forehead as if searching for something.
Spark shook Elder’s hoof away, before happily looking up at her. “It broke!”
“We’ll get the Arbiter to make you a new one.” Elder looks up from Spark straight at Luna. Immediately her green eyes shift to a bright crimson. “Princess Luna, please excuse Spar’s rudeness. Welcome to the Moonlight Field Alliance.”
Luna keeps her eyes locked with Elder. “Elder, queen of vampires. Your reputation truly lives up to your predecessor. May I ask what the purpose of this alliance is?”
Elder smiles. “We who have come together onto this field stand for peace with all. Since the last Dusk war, we have maintained relative peace in the darkness of Equestria for over 400 years. Ghouls, Vampires, Dark Mages, Werewolves, Changelings, and Black Market dealers. All of us meet together for the sake of peace with the nation under the sun.”
“Why do you hide if you’ve achieved this relative peace you talk about?” Luna asked.
“Because ponies, as friendly as they are do not accept us. No matter how we act we are almost always judged by the magic within us.” Elder reached out with her wing and protectively rubbed Spark’s back. “Celestia keeps a close eye on all natural dark mages, often with complete magical suppressors. Werewolf and Vampire hunters still exist, and the ones not killed by them are imprisoned. Undead have been mercilessly destroyed for as long as anyone can remember. Celestia has maintained one of the most peaceful longstanding nations in existence. A nation that happens to not include us.”
Luna averts her eyes for a moment down toward Spark. “So if Equestria wouldn’t accept you, you would create a home for yourselves correct.”
“Yes, though over time it is my hope that normal ponies will accept us.” Elder says retracting her wing. “Thanks to the Arbiter that might actually happen.”
“Who is this Arbiter you speak of?” Luna asked, searching the room for the said pony.
“He brought us all together and has the power to keep us together. The magical contract especially helps.” Elder turns away and watches as the ponies milling about the room begin to take seats at the table. “Allow me to introduce you to our attending members.”
Elder points at the changeling which took the seat opposite of her. “This is A-5, representative of Empathy’s hive. The silver pony next to them is Alpha leader of the Dire Pack.” Luna took a seat next to Elder as Spark moved to take her own seat. “The one sitting next to you is Jack of all trades, he runs one of the biggest black markets on this continent.”
Luna gives a polite nod to each one introduced. “Will the Arbiter be attending?”
“I make an effort to come to every single meeting Selene.” Luna quickly turned in her seat to look at the left head of the table. A pony in a black shifting cloak now sat where no one was before. “Everyone, I would like to introduce our guest for tonight Princess Luna. She will be attending tonight's spontaneous meeting so please treat her with the utmost respect. Jack, I believe you have the topic for why we met tonight.”
“Correct,” Jack of all trades coughed out. His long grey beard and mane covering his face as he talked. “Unfortunately, a recent ally has foolishly taken advantage of our trust. Beacon broke our ban on trafficking slaves. I have her current location in the South Luna Sea as we speak.”
Under the cloak the Arbiter nodded, speaking in the same clear voice from the magical contract. “Elder and I will observe Beacons punishment. I appreciate you bringing this to our attention.”
“Of course,” Jack replied.
“Now onto our next topic of conversation, I believe Alpha has an update from Misty.”
“Yes Arbiter,” Alpha stood up from his chair in an attentive posture. “The necromancer and his servants have finished preparations on the gate to Tartarus. A group has been prepared to escort the young one and is ready to leave tomorrow.”
“Tartarus!” Luna interrupts. “Who would even want to go to that damned pit!”
Alpha turns to Luna growling condescendingly. “The Demon Queen of course.”
“Yay, I can finally meet bookworm!” Spark exclaimed, bouncing in her seat.
Concern and fright jolts through Luna as she watches the young mare quickly settle down. “You surely don’t mean!”
“Yes, we do.” Bright silver and black magic spirals out of the Arbiter’s cloak attaching to Spark’s forehead as he speaks. “Negative Spark has been the reigning Queen of demons for 5 years now. It has taken much effort to protect her at such a young age, but we have all adjusted to the situation.” The magic fades from Spark’s forehead leaving a golden arcane sigil on its place, the heavy presence of dark magic lifting from the room. Collectively, everyone in the room takes a breath of relief.
Quickly, the Arbiter turns from Luna to the changeling before the Princess could respond. “Now, A-5. Please state your findings.”
Sitting to attention the changeling began speaking in a raspy monotonous tone. “Our scouts inside of Canterlot castle have some pertinent news to take note of in future endeavors. As we all are aware of, Discord returned last week and was sealed by the new Elements of Harmony. As Luna is aware, tests conducted on Discord’s prison show that the current Elements of Harmony are stronger than the Elements of Harmony 478 years ago.”
“You have spies in our chambers!” Luna exclaimed.
A-5 ignored the interruption and continued. “Considering the Tartarus event during the second Dusk war, if Celestia directed the current Elements in the same way she did back then. We can expect heavy resistance in anything involving large scale movement of our masses. This could also be a significant threat to the Demon Queen and her objective.”
“Do these Elements really pose a threat to us,” Alpha growled. “All we have seen them do is neutralize a world threatening entity, present company included.”
The Arbiter lifted a black coated hoof out of the cloak in a movement to silence Luna’s impending interruption. “The Elements of Harmony will target any threat that the bearers consider evil, or a threat to general welfare. As proof, the hidden valley of death near Neighagra falls. Back in the second Dusk war hundreds of thousands of vampires and werewolves were targeted and turned to dust by them.”
Alpha scratched his chin and took his seat. “Understood.”
Luna stamped her hoof onto the table. “Celestia would never raise an army against innocents of any race! Even if, the Elements only affect those of evil intent!”
“Celestia would do exactly that Luna.” Elder turned to Luna wearing a gaunt expression. “The Dusk war though originally between vampires and werewolves had collateral damage upon Equestria. As you are likely aware, Celestia began a crusade to end it all. The hidden valley of death was the greatest tragedy of the war, far worse than the thousands of innocent ponies killed beside the war.”
“Tis a lie,” Luna held strong and returned the intense stare. “Celestia told me herself that the thousands killed there were planning to attack Canterlot. How else would you explain the Element’s activating?”
“I was there Princess.” Elder bared her fangs slightly. “This was the first peace gathering between Vampires and Werewolves since the first war. Me and my close guards were late to the gathering and it had been held on hold. I watched from the skies as the Elements of Harmony killed the greatest chance for the war to end with prejudice. Though that event was most likely caused by incorrect information by my enemies, so I hold no ill will.”
Concern crossed Luna’s face as she shakes her head in disbelief. “That, that cannot be. The Elements of Harmony do not-.”
“The Elements,” Elder interrupted. “As the Arbiter specified target what the bearers believe to be evil.”
The Arbiter spoke up, “May we please continue? History comparisons can be done at another time.”
Elder lowers her head in acceptance. “Of course, excuse my interruption.”
“Princess, as a guest in this meeting I would please ask that you not interrupt unless you have pertinent information.” The Arbiter asked.
Luna gives a long stare into the shaded hood of the Arbiter before giving a respectful nod.
“Thank you, Princess. Now Jack, has there been any movement on the market for Simacrili?”
Jack of all trades shakes his bearded head. “If anyone is looking to buy or sell this Simacrili you speak of they are, *cough* expertly avoiding my sight. I sincerely doubt that any marketeer could hide such valuable materials while searching for a buyer. Or the intention to buy something so incredibly rare.”
“I see, keep watch if some ever crops up. I would very much like to meet the one who could procure such an unstable mineral.” The Arbiter visibly pressed their hooves together before speaking again. “Now, is there anything else we need to discuss in this emergency meeting?” The room stayed silent for several moments before the Arbiter speaks up again. “Then I will attend to other matters including Beacon’s punishment. Feel free to discuss further business.”
In one swift motion the Arbiter got up from his chair without revealing his form and walked over to Elder and Luna. “Princess would you mind coming with us, I would like to show you something.” The Arbiter stated.
“This Beacon you speak of?” Luna asked as she stood alongside Elder next to the Arbiter.
“Ah, that’s right. Here.” Jack of All Trades coughed, tossing a small paper into the Arbiter’s magical grasp. “That should at least give you the general location of her ship.”
“Thank you Jack,” The Arbiter slipped the sheet into his cloak and turned the hood towards Luna. “Yes Princess, as Jack so kindly supplied, she is in the South Luna sea. It should only take twenty minutes.”
Luna watches Elder straighten her posture and close her eyes. “Brace yourself.” Elder warns through clenched teeth.
Before Luna can do the same a mighty force pulls on her whole body. Long strings of intense magic from the Arbiter began pulling on every fiber of her being as the room melts away. Immediately Luna recognized the spell as the smell of old wood fades into salty sea air. What once was the dimly lit room was now the view of a shimmering sea. The full moon illuminating the shifting waves and level cliff the three now stood on.
“Gah!” Elder wobbled on her hooves nearly tumbling to the cold ground. “I don’t understand how you unicorns can stand to teleport everywhere.”
“More warning would hath been appreciated.” Luna said, reeling from the sudden and intense motion sickness set on by sudden unprepared long distance teleportation.
“My apologies, I would have prepared another method of transport if this matter was not so pressing.” The Arbiter apologized pulling out the parchment from Jack and setting it on the ground. “Beacon travels by ship so these coordinates will likely become moot quite quickly.”
Regaining her composure Luna turned her attention to the Arbiter, watching him lay on the ground. “Why have you brought us here for this Beacon’s punishment. If it is true that she is on such a fast ship, then this location seems a bit strange.” Looking at the parchment over the Arbiters shoulder she sees that it is a large grid over the South Luna Sea. A small red X and arrow is drawn near the upper right of the map. “In fact, why have me here at all? This meeting, these ponies.”
“First of which is because I cannot leave this continent at the moment, and I must fulfill my duty as the Arbiter.” He says pulling out a quill and beginning to write under the X. “Second is common courtesy.”
“Common courtesy?” Luna furrowed her brow in question.
The Arbiter nodded and continued his writing. “If I am not mistaken you were the one keeping the peace in the darkness a thousand years ago.”
Luna waited for the Arbiter to continue but Elder spoke up after several long silent moments. “I believe is that the Arbiter intended for you to be here for the same reason. The Moonlight Field Alliance has taken up the hole that you left in the darkness all that time ago. It would be much more of a benefit to reach out to you now than have another, less well intentioned group give false information. Also, I personally believe that through you we could eventually reach peace with the land of the sun.”
After listening to Elder she returned her attention to the Arbiter. “So, this was your alliance’s introduction then?”
“I suppose, but it is also if...” The Arbiter stood from his position and cast a spell. A silver mirror appeared in the air in front of him displaying white noise. “She must have put magical disruptors on her ship, tsk.” He mumbled before glancing at Luna. “If I have to do more drastic measures. Unfortunately since I have to stay in Equestria, I can’t be subtle about Beacon’s punishment. Having you here to explain to Celestia what happened is better than having you panic.”
Luna warrily watched as the Arbiter looked out over the water. “What are you plan-”
“Moon Pool.” The Arbiter spoke, his words radiating potent magic. “Sun Well.”
The area suddenly filled with blinding light, the silent unmistakable roar of raw magic deafening all other senses. Regaining her sight Luna saw a sight that sent chills down her spine. A column of both moonlight and sunlight surrounded on the Arbiter. The grass around his hooves burning with pure Arcane energy.
In silent fear and awe both Luna and Elder watched the raw magic twist around the Arbiter. Channeling the staggering amount of energy, he formed a massive circle above him. Lines and runes scribing themselves into the air forming a massive magic circle. A bright golden grid appeared over the sea, to which the large circle sped across. It’s light quickly vanishing in the distance.
“What is the meaning of this!” Luna shouted, tolerating the enormous magical pressure still around the Arbiter.
BOOM!
Golden light lit the horizon, momentarily overcoming the brightness of the moon. Seconds later, an ear shattering blast rang past Luna as the sea angrily crashed against the cliff. The Arbiter telekinetically lifted the mirror over to Luna once she recovered from the blast. “As I said, fulfilling my duties as the Arbiter. Since I couldn’t pinpoint her location or go to her I decided to resort to this. I wouldn’t worry, her crew and herself were known murderer’s and now slave traffickers.”
Luna, keeping her face devoid of her anger and fear turned to the Arbiter’s mirror. In its surface, where there was once static was now a clear image. A large whirlpool with chunks of burning wood swirled within the confines of the frame.
“Who are you.” Luna looked down directly into the Arbiter’s hood, shifting her posture into one that exuded strength. Her shifting celestial mane billowing in the still tense air.
The Arbiter stood undaunted. “I am the Arbiter, and I must apologize one last time. I asked Elder to invite you for one more reason.”
“And what would that be? A THREAT?” Luna coldly said, slipping into her royal canterlot voice.
The Arbiter’s black horn barely visible for a moment lit with silver magic, keeping his hood from blowing backwards. “No, a warning. I assure you Luna, we are not your enemy. Nor are we Equestria’s. In fact, I wish to be an ally. Now, I am aware that Celestia has a plan for the continued existence of the future. I must impress upon you the fact that she is woefully unprepared. The Perfection is coming. Many threats will befall this land before it arrives, though I suggest you prepare for it now.”
“If you are truly our ally would it not be better to work with us.”
The Arbiter dispelled the floating mirror, letting it fade into the air. “It may not make sense but rest assured. I have my reasons for not directly joining you and your sister. If it makes you feel any safer, I will be preparing alongside you. The continuation of the universe is one of my desires.”
Luna continued her locked gaze with the Arbiter. “Is that all.”
He nods, “Yes. I believe that covers what I wanted to discuss with you. I give you permission to speak with Celestia about what has happened outside of the conference room. Would you like us to escort you back to where your blood guard is waiting?”
“No,” Luna says shortly. “I believe I can make my way on my own.”
“As you wish.” The Arbiter gave a shallow bow.
“It was a pleasure meeting you Princess Luna, I hope to see you again under less formal conditions.” Elder gave a friendly smile which was met by Luna’s emotionless facade.
“Likewise Elder.” Luna responded, her light blue magic beginning to charge at the tip of her horn. “We appreciate the invitation to this meeting.”
In a bright light blue flash Luna teleported from the cliff leaving the Arbiter and Elder to themselves.
Elder turned toward the Arbiter after watching Luna take her exit. “May I ask something.”
“Of course, anything.”
“Why aren’t we working with them. Wouldn’t it make things much easier? For that matter, why introduce yourself in this manner.”
“Unfortunately, not. In fact, if I am correct. If we were to join forces with the Princess’s now, then the Perfection would happen sooner than if we worked aside each other. No, this is safer. It should buy us a few years.” The Arbiter sighed, as if letting a large weight off his shoulders. “As for this display of power, I needed to impress how important this matter is.”
Elder looked somberly at the moon. “I truly hope you know what you are doing Quantum.”
“I do too Elder. I don’t think this world, or I can handle another reset.”
Author's Note
Another short installment in root:Dawn. Like A Tinker's Last Breath, this one was mostly completed. I decided to freshen it up and post it along with other old projects into the future. I may post an epilogue in this story if I think extra clarification is needed down the line, but for now I believe this is all the information needed.
As always, if you see any errors or inconsistencies feel free to point them out and I'll fix them as soon as possible.
Hope you enjoyed the story!
