Corruption

Chapters

Once upon a fairytale dreary
Pandora's Symphony
Dancing in the masquerade
A declaration
Reaching out to the world
Shadows of the past
Of Rot and Ruin
The Game
The Game E4 E5

Once upon a fairytale dreary

Princess Celestia sat upon The Golden Throne.

The light of her waning sun shined softly through stained glass windows. As the hour grew late, she prepared the days end. Little time left before her sister ushered in the rise of the moon. Motes of dust drifting slowly between the pillars of the throne room, glowing like embers as they were caught in the warm hues of the sunset. Her mind flashing to days long past, to the battlegrounds of old, memories ancient but never forgotten. Too painful to fade. Lessons learned in blood and sorrow of equal measure. They reminded her of war. Embers rising into an angry red sky, the billowing smoke of rot and ruin as fires roared and screams echoed in the distance. She stood among cratered earth and rubble. Attempting to ignore the wails of loss and fear as well as the smell of burning that filled her senses. She couldn't help them, not yet.

She readied her battle axe and charged forward once more into the fray. Luna flew overhead, her silhouette tinged crimson by the flames that burned below. Searching, just as her sister did. The remaining number of those dark creatures unknown, but what once was hundreds now dwindled to a scarce few. The remains of the village and those that survived being what was left of the conflict between themselves and that thrice-damned necromancer. Groger was a name she would curse for the rest of her days. The name of an abomination that hated all life, and yet by choice unable to die. Unkillable as he might have been, their banishment of him as well as his heart of power freed the world from most of his corruption. Trapped forevermore with his city of the dead in the shadow realm.

They had to make sure these horrible things were destroyed to the very last. Anything killed by one of these monsters would soon after rise with the same blind hatred for all living things as their puppeteer. Wearing the faces of loved ones. Turning friend against friend, family against family. One becoming two, two becoming four, four to eight and so on, spreading like a plague that would consume the world. These creatures, a mockery of what they once were, filled her with a loathing she could not describe. Never growing fatigued from battle, they know not fear nor pain, or having to eat or sleep. Devoid of all conscience and consequence. Driven forever onward by their master's pure and unbridled desire for power and destruction. The necromancer may be gone but not dead, still possessing of the perverse version of life he held. His will being done even with his battle lost. She and her sister would make sure the last of his influence would end this day. As well as all those in future hence who stood in their righteous path in defiance. All those like him that at the cost of all would seek power for domination and power's sake. All those who would through iron fist and fear wish anything but death for themselves.

Her memory playing battle after battle, scene after scene of the sacrifices required to bring about this peaceful age. An age of joy and tranquillity built upon a foundation of bones and pain. This whirling tempest of thoughts and emotions brought to the forefront of her mind all because of, HIM. She could almost feel his presence the very instant he walked within her castle. A dark and malicious intent unlike any she had witnessed before. An aura of cold violence and calculated movements. That (man) who's only aspect of purity was the extent of his own corruption. The one that would slip, be it even for a blink of an eye and she would bring his fall. The one whom she was waiting for. That human.

Celestia's inner thoughts were ceased by a small cough, her focus snapped back to present and to a guard nervously shifting in place.

"A-Apologies Your Highness I..." Him immediately dropping into a low bow. Somewhat taken aback by her guards apprehension and apparent nervousness she shifted her gaze to the other guards in the room. Four in total, and each one were acting much the same as the first. Their eyes shifting to floor or window, to pillar or chandelier, to anything but her. Even Raven her assistant and secretary, the outspoken and somewhat opinionated mare stood in perfect silence, eyes wide and appeared to be sweating. (Silence in the court, that was new.) Came and errant thought. Then she had the realization as to why, she was scowling.

Silence was a rare commodity in the throne room. Normally the Nobles would be droning on, gossiping about the latest fashion or rumour. Some intrigue in the Noble houses or individuals of note. Raven scribbling down appointments or changes in the schedule as the Princess spoke with her subjects. Right now, the only thing that could be heard was the ticking and groans of heated metal.

The once thought to be ever-present smile on Princess Celestia's face faded away slowly. First taking the form of a thin line the corners of her lips then curve downward into a strained frown. Brow creasing, her eyes narrowed as the temperature of the room grew in intensity all the while. A hush spread among those within, the Nobles taking notice one by one and growing silent. Some having realized Raven had ceased all sound, mid-sentence. Watching on during the beginning of this transition was her secretary, having seen before any of the others. Holding in a breath, she looked at her Princess with concern and worry.

Celestia's flowing mane began to move faster as her gaze intensified and focused on the doors. It's normally sedate ethereal flow being taken over by what seemed to be the winds of a storm. (He was coming.) As her anger grew, so did her aura. The aura of the sun's harbinger. Its energy writhed and flared in her heart, slowly seeping to the outside world. The tips of her mane and tail becoming brighter and transitioning from their normal pastels to the oranges and yellows of flame. Some strands becoming the white of plasma. As the heat rose, Raven slowly began to back away. She couldn't believe her eyes. What she was witnessing now was unlike anything she had seen before. In the time she served in her position, she had seen many of Princess Celestia's moods. Though she kept a constant smile of peaceful calm when around the majority of her subjects, Raven had learned to watch her eyes. Whether her mood was joyous or sad, irritated or bored, her dutiful secretary could tell at least somewhat how she felt. She had never seen her princess angry, irritated beyond words yes, but well and truly smouldering, no. This was something else, anypony who wasn't blind could tell she was angry. But right now, looking into her eyes. Raven couldn't understand how they could contain so much,... Hatred.

The assistants look shifted from the clearly distraught Princess to the guard who stood at her side. Somehow vigilant and stoic he remained still, even as the sweat began to bead and trail down his neck. He didn't stay that way for long. His nose curling, his face a grimace from the scent of burning air and metal. His breath growing haggard and heavy.

Today was the day Raven witnessed, not the Princess Celestia she had come to see almost each and every day for the past decade. One of the two royal sisters and caretakers of Equestria. No. What was there before her was something entirely removed from the kind and serene figure the world had come to know in the current age. What she was looking at now was out of old tales and faded books of history's chronicle. Warrior, Conqueror, The ruler upon a throne of gold. The Immortal day bringer, Sol Invictus. Raven, seeing the guard turning to look at the source of the heat gasped in shock of what he was seeing. The dryness of his throat did not bode well for him.

Stalwart Heart felt his airway wanting to close and it made him let out a startled cough followed by immediate regret. One of the few Goddesses that still walked this world, was now staring directly at him, her narrowed and wrathful gaze making the poor stallion want to run. He knew that the Princess would not wish harm to one of her guards. But that did not stop an ingrained and instinctual feeling in the back of his mind screaming at him to flee. Eyes literally glowing with power and rage bored into his soul. Immediately kneeling, he stuttered out an apology. Though not knowing why, he did so out of a sense of self-preservation. Then just has the atmosphere of dread and suffocating heat felt as if it was reaching its peak...It vanished. Just as fast as it had come, it was gone.

Everypony present witnessed Princess Celestia's face quickly shift from focused wrath to that of shock. Briefly sharing the looks of all the others in the room. Then to a concerned version of her normally peaceful visage. The air immediately cooling as well as losing the shimmer of heat that rolled off herself and her regalia. Quieting, then ceasing the twisted creaking of hot metal. Rising from her seat with a look of regret and watching the unfortunate guard prostrate and sputter out apologies. She placed a hoof atop his shoulder, as she spoke. "No." Immediately stopping his babbling. She turned to address not only him but all those in the court. "No. It is I who should be apologizing, it was not my intent to direc.." The large doors to the throne room began to heave open. Garnering the attention of its occupants.

An echoed and steady paced clanking of steel upon marble followed. All eyes of the room focusing on a large and imposing figure surrounded by what appeared to be three very well-known mares. Hooves began shuffling to the side to free a path to the centre of the court. Raven having more insight than most had a look of dawning realization the moment she saw to whom the sound belonged. Some much-needed perspective being gained. Although she knew she lacked the information required to see the why, at least completely. The who, what, where, and when, were clear.

Raven had felt on quite a few occasions an underlying hostility between her Princess and the only known human. A subtle tension that always seemed to fill the room regardless of what was being discussed between them. Something akin to enmity, seething just beneath the surface. Although she couldn't tell why, the assistant decided to err on the side of caution when it came to interacting with him. Few and far between as it may have been, though he seemed perfectly polite and admittedly charming, she thought Princess Celestia would undoubtedly be more informed of the immortal inventor and philanthropist. And right now, given who was standing at the center of her rulers focus and her reaction just prior to his arrival. Raven didn't know all the contributing factors but the most obvious one being that he was with some of the Elements of Harmony.

Subtle Scryer, Having ducked behind her pedestal during Princess Celestia's um...hot flash? The court herald scrambled for her scrolls to announce the newly-arrived guests. A scroll being held in lavender magic right above her head, helped. Twilight smiling at her as she trotted past. Locating what she was looking for and gathering her bearings, she cleared her throat and began.

"It is my honour to announce the arrival of his lordship, Lord Shade the Black, of the Noble House of Black, as well as his accompanying guests."

"Lady Twilight Sparkle, of the Noble House of Sparkle. Element of Magic and student of Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia."

"Lady Pinkamena Diane Pie, of house Pie, Element of laughter, betrothed of Lord Shade and vassal of the Noble House of Black."

"Lady Fluttershy, of house Shy, Element of kindness and heiress to the Cloudsdale Pegasus Guild."

Princess Celestia's eyes as well as those of every other soul in the room grew wide as they registered the implications and importance of that announcement. Raven having noticed Subtle Scryer, Celestia bless her, didn't skip a beat when reading it aloud.

He swept into the room, his movements gliding over the polished marble floor, the reflection a mirror image of his exuberant and happy gate, wearing a cheshire smile all the while. The rhythmic sound of metallic steps ringing throughout the room. He stopped at its center and spoke. A voice with a deep resonating pitch, a commanding yet polite tone emphasized by a high canterlotian accent. There was a mixture of other notes as he gave his greetings. Where from, had never been told. "Greetings and salutations one and all." His voice rumbled smoothly. After spreading his arms, they were tucked inward for an exaggerated bow towards the stunned crowd. "I bid fair greetings to you as well, my most exalted liege." He said turning toward Her Highness. "All is well I trust?" The same smile never leaving his lips. Another flourishing bow. "It seems I've spent far too long sequestered away amongst the ancient dusty tomes and candlelit corners of my library." Straightening from his position he stood tall. "I've missed the brightness of your smile, old friend."

Her eyes never leaving the center of the room, never leaving the point where the human was standing. (What stands before me now is a monster of the old world. Of blood and thunder, fire and steel, hidden beneath a veil of pleasantries and a mask of smiling faces. His chosen tools of war a quick wit and silver tongue. Proving a sharp mind a far more dangerous weapon than any spell, blade or claw. Conflict and strife, the time and energy invested into building this Kingdom. Fighting against the evils of darkness at almost every turn. My sister and I as well as the heroes of the past standing ever-vigilant against such things. He is the antithesis of my work.) She felt a bubbling molten anger begin to roll and boil in her chest once more. But the laws and rules, the restrictions that she and those brave many had placed to keep the peace, order and harmony in the land, where the very same chains that now restrained her.

Shade knew this, but this was different from the past. He had never gone after something so important, nothing remotely approaching the Elements of Harmony and what they stood for. In the time she had known him, he had never taken a single mate let alone a herd. When questioned on this, he simply replied he did not wish to have a romantic relationship with beings so fragile and finite. This was clearly an exploitation, to whatever ends she did not know, it mattered little. It was self-evident she would never allow their innocence to be corrupted or for them to be used and cast aside when no longer necessary or useful to him.

These shackles prevented most of her movements against him, but not all. It did not in any varying degree mean that she wasn't capable, that she wasn't dangerous. The citizens whether Nobility or peasantry, old family lines or new settlers. all those that called Equestria home had become.... not weak but, naïve. Luna had made a similar observation time and again. Though she would never admit it aloud before her sister. Despite herself, she could still be a bit prideful but she was right. Proud of the fact that the lack of war and abundance of resources led to such an era of peace for her little ponies. She still worried about what was to come and how his plans would affect them all.

Besides the occasional crime or emergency originating from the Everfree and other more wild territories or borders. Equestria was peaceful. What was moment-to-moment more common in the old world, far removed from the cozy and predictable lives they now enjoy. Was the blood and pain of adversity, the survival of both clan and tribe being paramount. A natural mistrust harberd by those immersed in conflict, be it for territory and food or political influence or raw power. Riches and security of any kind were sought after relentlessly regardless of timeframe or societal standing. But this modern era of peace meant that the trials and tribulations of the past were forgotten as well as their lessons learned. It all meant in the end her little ponies were largely ill-equipped to recognize, let alone deal with a beast the likes of which stood before them now.

A monster that hides behind a peaceful smile and kind eyes. But beneath it all lay a heart as warm as a glacier and as endlessly black as the void. Viciously manipulative, he takes control of those around him with friendly gestures and honeyed words. Saccharin as they are, the sweet only hides the taste of poison. Thick like syrup, his corruption slowly seeps in and clings to bones like frost. As if standing in a deathly winter wind, the cutting hatred and mournful flurries howling like the wendigos of old. They're hearts tricked into not shielding themselves from his all consuming cold. Wrapping like tendrils in a death grip around their innocent souls. Realizing far too late that it was their own trust and compassion he uses to doom them.

(NO!) Was what Celestia's instincts told her to say. But without proof, speculation is nothing but useless conjecture and she needed facts and evidence to prove him the enemy very few knew him to be. All this time and with all his plans, she hardly ever found anything Ironclad to prove one way or the other, but nopony is perfect. He would slip and in that moment, that instant she would have his head. She had received a scroll earlier that morning and what was originally thought to be a message from Twilight or Spike was quickly cast aside with a pop of confetti and streamers. The pink ink as well as the hearts and smiley faces also gave it away. The message was short, it simply stated Lord Shade and the three Elements of Harmony's estimated arrival time as well as a request.

That if it were possible to gather any available Nobility for an announcement to be held in the throne room during their brief stay in Canterlot. The bottom of the scroll bearing Pinkie's name and a PostScript of be prepared for a "BIG SURPRISE". Her previous episode sparked by the feel of his presence and the thought of his machinations including those so close to her. It would seem once again reality belies expectation, never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined..... this. (How, when?) She had agents following the lord of House Black wherever he may tread. Only falling back when it absolutely necessary. How could they have had the time? Surely those she had ordered to follow would have informed her of a change between friendly passers-by to dating! Or perhaps a reference to such a thing in one of Twilights weekly letters...something!

The Princess just sat there staring at them for a few moments before thinking of a proper response. Letting out a sigh and straightening her back she looks to the mare of boundless youthful energy and laughter made manifest, Pinkie Pie. Wearing an excited smile and with a look of anticipation she sat and waited patiently, well as patient as a mare that looks as if she's about to vibrate through the floor. Shifting her gaze from the pink mare to the aspect of kindness herself, Celestia was surprised again. The normally timid and shy mare instead of acting as her namesake would suggest, was standing tall and was also donning a more reserved version of the smile Pinkie currently possessed. Fluttershy also seemed to have a light blush gracing her cheeks. (Why?) Skipping the towering monolith in black between them, she moved onto the element of magic. The look of joy on the lavender mare's face was of a rare kind for the somewhat introverted and focused academic. Usually reserved for family get-togethers and gifts of access to previously unexplored sections of the Royal Canterlot archives. Also bearing the same blush as Fluttershy...(That's concerning.) Now that she thought about it, it was quite possible that Pinkie shared the same condition as the other two but with her coat color it would likely be nigh on impossible to tell... But why would the others?... (All right, one step at a time.) "It was you Pinkie Pie, who requested this meeting. Out of my respect for you and your friendship as well as your deeds for the realm, the integral part you played in seeing my sister once again to my side after all this time. I have gathered as per your request those available. Myself as well as the others of the Court await your announcement."

Pinkie leaned into the human, taking hold of his leg as she sharply inhaled a large breath. His eyes darting from the pink mare to a shadowed corner of the room and back again. A calming hand finding its way atop her head as she began. "Hi everypony! And thank you Princess. As all of you already know, I'm getting married!" She exclaimed excitedly. "WHEE!" Bouncing in place but not relinquishing the leg she gripped tightly. Shade wearing an amused smile as he tried to hold balance while she jostles him. "But that's not the big news, well it is the big news. But there's more big news, not bigger than the first big news. I'm very happy about the first big news and it's not any less important than the first big news! It's just the big news gets even better!" Fluttershy whispering something into her ear, she takes a breath and seemingly focuses on what she wants to say. "Right right, fancy schmancy words and procedure and all that. I got it..." Her face becoming that of mock seriousness.

"I Lady Pinkamena Diane Pie, of House Pie do hereby" giggle snort "Proclaim myself and Lord Shade to be wed three months henceth, as well as formally announce the formation of Herd Black. A decision that has been carefully considered, to expand harmony, love and bunches of fun!" The gasps and the murmurs of the crowd began rising to a dull roar. Throwing her hooves in the air for emphasis and momentarily releasing her grip on his leg. "We of Herd Black officially accept the applicants Lady Fluttershy and Lady Twilight Sparkle into House and Herd Black!" Yelling, whether for good or ill began coming from certain members of the Court. "Oh and the ones in Herd Black can choose to keep their house affiliations, titles and all that jazz! So I decree!" Pinkie sliding from her place and scooping up Fluttershy and Twilight into a hug, capturing Shades waist in the middle. "What's better than getting married to your bestie? It's getting married to your besties! HERD SISTERS FOREVER!"

The gears in Princess Celestia's head were moving so quickly they wanted to melt. (It was anarchy, pure and unadulterated absurdity. What pinkie just announced was the merging of no less than, four ancient houses. Two of them being of noble blood and three of them elements of harmony. All of this into House Black itself, the wealthiest Noble House in Equestria and as of now, with the addition of the other three. One of, if not the most influential families in Canterlot. Oh and let us not forget Cloudsdale, Fluttershy heiress to the Pegasus Guild had influence and persuasion of the entirety of their military branch. House Sparkle, ancient and well-established in the Mages Guild, as well as their propensity to collect knowledge. House Black, unparalleled financial clout and ties to uncountable areas of Industry. House Pie, the possession of the only rock farm capable of reliably and consistently producing magitek grade mana gems as well as their production of precious and utilitarian metals. Numbers, resources, funds, knowledge, power... This was insane.

Celestia knew Shade to be a scholar to the core, any accumulation of power on his part was nothing more than a means to an end. Whether it be political or monetary he wielded it out of necessity. All for the sake of hoarding knowledge on one very specific subject...Magic. Throughout the years she had been secretly running reconnaissance in the House of Black. Her spies working behind the scenes to gather any and all information in regards to the unaging inventor and his business dealings. All in an attempt to see him in the deepest darkest pit in Tartarus she could find. Relics and artifacts, books, spells, tomes and scrolls from all over the world were being shipped to his library on a near monthly basis since the moment she began tracking it and no doubt, long before that. The vast majority of the population thinking him a paragon of innovation and charitable enough to rival the element of generosity herself. The blind and ignorant incapable of recognizing his methods and manipulations for what they truly are. Misdirection, unspoken falsehoods, Half-truths and subterfuge all in the name of gathering and refining the darkest magic's this world has ever known. If they only knew, if they could only see the monster she had come to know. (They have been praising a demon as a saint, no no NO!)

A wave of magic and sound flew from The Golden Throne, as it swept over all of those in the crowd their cries of protest and objections immediately cease. Their attention once again brought to their ruler. Princess Celestia the very picture of calm benevolence, besides the ominous subtle glow of her eyes contrasting the darker ambience of dusk. Her breath slow and methodical. Began speaking in a soft yet strange tone, sounding as if a bit strained.

"Pinkie Pie, it is with sincerest joy that I congratulate you on finding some...one with whom you can be happy and with the very same sediment I extend my congratulations on to you, Fluttershy and Twilight. Though I know Lord Shade travels from Canterlot to Ponyville rather regularly for his work with the flora and fauna of the everfree. Everypony knows him to be among other things an avid potioneer and apothecary. Your interactions with one another given the proximity of Ponyville and the route taken is to be expected. Your friendship reports confirming as such, Twilight. But it would seem I was unaware of the depth in which you have come to know each other. I feel as your friend some vital Information has been left out of my purview and I look forward to learning more."

The three Elements of Harmony having the decency to look sheepish. The humans face remained infuriatingly happy. Celestia's gaze shifted to the crowd for a moment, looking at the previous ponies that had made their opinions loudly known and conveying a not-so-subtle warning that interruptions will not be tolerated. (I need to separate them and speak to the girls before this can progress any farther than it already has.) "With these things in mind I invite you all to stay the night here in the castle. A feast is to be prepared and celebrations are in order. It is not only my wish for you to stay out of my own want for companionship and satiated curiosity but it is also to inform my sister of this great news. I believe it much more substantial to be delivered to her, yourselves."

Twilight, escaping Pinkie's grasp and straightening out her fur and mane ignored the chuckle from the man in black. Began speaking to her mentor with the same reverent tone she had since she was a filly. "Thank you very much Princess, we were already going to stay at least one night, because of plans made before our arrival. All of us having dinner with my family and some other obligations to take care of. Would it be possible the celebrations be scheduled for tomorrow? Instead of making room at my parents home for us all, we were going to be relying on the generosity of Shade and his guest rooms."

Princess Celestia was thinking of her next course of action as she came to learn the elements of their arrangements. (I don't want to go so far as to directly or indirectly force their compliance but the alternative is not an option at the moment.) As she tried thinking of a way to turn the conversation into a more favourable direction, Shade began navigating out of Pinkie's grip, leaving Fluttershy to her soft imprisonment. He started speaking in a hushed tone to garner the attention of her student. "If I may Twilight?" Pausing for confirmation and receiving a contemplative nod, he looks once more to The Golden Throne. "If it would please you, Your Highness. Our things are still packed and in holding at the train station. As you know my home is an hour east of Mount Canterhorn and we have as of yet to commit to anything in regards to sleeping arrangements. If it is your wish for some time with your friends and subjects then who am I to stop such a wondrous thing? We can stay at the castle for the 2 or so nights our trip will entail. Nothing will really change from the original schedule besides where we lay our heads to rest. These lovely mares as well as myself will attend the soiree with Twilight's parents tonight as scheduled. Returning to the castle for a good night's sleep after wrapping up the dinner and conversation, then as we awaken to a new day and it's infinite potential, we can then prepare for the coming celebrations."

A question sounding in a light and arid tone was quietly asked. "But what about the tour of the grounds? I-I would have liked to see the animals and the gardens... If you don't mind me asking that is..."

The shy mare acting a bit more as one would expect, using Pinkie Pie as a shield from the onlookers of the crowd. "That's quite alright my little one." Shade smiled kindly. So much so Celestia would almost think it genuine, almost. (What are you up to Shade?) This was something she didn't expect from the human. (He has to know what I'm trying to accomplish, isolating the girls from him and informing them of his history would no doubt disrupt whatever plans he had for them.) Unless it was a part of it all and in doing so she was fulfilling a action he had compensated for or deemed negligible. The simple fact he was helpful or supportive of her, giving cause for concern.

Shade bending at the knees and sitting on his heels, was a little over head height with Fluttershy. "We can move the tour a day forward and have the morning to explore, as opposed to later tonight. That is of course if these beautiful ladies would so be permitting?" Looking between the three. Pinkie jumping from the side of Fluttershy and landing on his back, replied. "Never needed a reason to party before!" "Oh I would like that very much, thank you." The Element of Kindness chirped. Fluttershy and Twilight slightly blushing from the compliment. Pinkie remaining positively pink. Both of them scooting closer to the side of the human. "Well I will have to rework the list I made for time allotted, but that shouldn't prove to be too difficult. I also believe that to be a resounding yes." Twilight stated as a parchment and quill appeared before her.

"Though I will admit a slight disappointment with not being able to show you girls the noctis bellflowers tonight. It's something that can wait for another opportunity. Perhaps tomorrow night if the drinks and festivities don't get to out of hand, or hoof rather. They only bloom in the light of the m...." Shades words began to fade as Princess Celestia's attention turned inward. (With every caress and loving gesture, each warm smile and kind word his web would weave and tighten around them. A compliment here, a gift there. Tucking a wayward strand of hair behind the mares ear or a comforting embrace and whispers of sweet nothings.) She could on very few occasions remember truly hating a living creature. This human, was most definitely one of them. Committing to expedite the process and deciding to think more on Shade being cooperative when not in the middle of a crowded court and pressed for time.

She prefaced her reluctant agreement with needing to speak with the elements on matters of the Kingdom and it's urgency. Coming to an understanding that a meeting would take place in her study after their dinner arrangements were complete in roughly three hours time. The human not bothering to offer assistance with the urgent matter only further proving his suspected foreknowledge of the coming stage. Driving her further into anger. Giving the order to formally close the court and making it known that if there were any further questions, then they would be addressed at a later date by those involved. And only when they deem it appropriate to do so. The Nobles begrudgingly letting the matter drop for the time being. The rumour mill of the Canterlot elite would explode later that night with speculation and fanciful claims. But she would deal with the aftermath as it came. Hopefully correcting the situation before it requires any lengthy amount of damage control.

The princess trode up the stairs toward the balcony to meet with her sister. The ritual of the Sun and Moon not a few moments away. The announcement with the elements and that damnable man having concluded a half hour prior. After they had taken their leave, she then elected to dismiss her guards and sit alone for a time in quiet contemplation. The previous events leaving her mentally charged and emotionally drained. As she made her way to Luna, her attention constantly went back to what had been the most prominent thought to echo through her mind since the many revelations that were made known not an hour ago. "Time" She said aloud. One of the thestrial guards ears perked and eyebrow raised as she realized Her Highness was muttering under her breath as she traversed the corridors and hallways of the castle. Deciding to respect her privacy the guard stared forward as if the ramblings of the Princess had gone unnoticed.

Celestia couldn't resolve the disparity between the time Shade would have had the opportunity and the time that had actually passed. Him only knowing Pinkie Pie for 6 months at most. She may be out of the loop when it came to the current methods of courtship but her agents had reported the interactions of the pink-haired baker and the manipulative Noble to be cursory at best. A friendly good morning during a purchase of muffins or other confections at Sugarcube Corner on his way to the Everfree being a common occurrence. She could not fathom the jump from exchanges of pleasantries and platitudes to a more intimate natured relationship, let alone a proposal of marriage and its subsequent acceptance. Not in this short of an amount of time. As loath as she was to contemplate the possibility of mind control whether direct or through emotional manipulation. She had prepared any and all dispel and detection spells she had at her disposal. Knowing the chances of such a thing having the ability to bypass the link shared by The Elements of Harmony and it's protection of its bearers being almost non-existent. She would however not take the chance and should her actions prove unnecessary then at least it would bring her peace of mind.

"Luna?" Celestia asked as she opened the door bearing the mark of the Moon. "Thou art late." Came an unexpectedly abrupt reply. "Doth what I've heard ring true? Tis not as if I am untrusting of the words of mine guards, but perchance Shadow Walker here twas mistaken in some way." The guard in question standing by the doors to the balcony. Luna herself sitting at a table holding aloft a steaming cup of coffee in her magical grasp as she looked over the railing to the streets below, and to the mountains and valley beneath that. The breeze bringing with it the scent of leaves and crisp mountain air. As Celestia trotted across the carpeted floors she felt a spike of magic radiate from her sister. Luna placing the cup down as the feeling grew, looked to the sky. Celestia could all but see a vast tendril charging the ambient air as it reached out to Luna's moon. A feeling she was all too familiar with.

Taking her place at her sister's side her horn became alight as she did the same. Reaching out and touching the Sun, feeling it's warm and welcoming embrace. An action she had performed innumerable times before but never tired of. The ebb and flow of their magics taking hold of the very sky's and willing it to shift and move to look as they pictured in their mind's eye. The last light of the day fading beyond the horizon and in its place came a masterwork painted upon a black canvas. Luna's Moon shining with its ghostly silver light washed over the valley and mountains. Reflecting off of the lakes and rivers as if they were themselves pools and streams of liquid moonlight. The twinkling diamond like stars taking form of constellations older than the stones upon which they stood. "I do not believe Shadow Walker's report to be wrong Luna. The human is targeting the Elements of Harmony" Both sisters leaning upon one another and taking comfort in their closeness. Each balancing the other, one relaxing from the fatigue of the day and the other the numbness of waking from a deep slumber. " Tell me, have you witnessed any changes in their dreams? Anything that would incline a shift in mentality or judgement?"

The presence of mind manipulation magic could be plainly seen within the confines of the dream realm. It's links and structure visible to all those that knew how to look. Present like hooks in the mind of the ensnared. The majority of magic capable are represented this way, not all but most. Celestia dreaded such techniques and methods to be used. To violate one's mind is to break the sanctity of the soul. The ability to think and self-identify makes ponies who they are and to manipulate, change or destroy that last bastion of safety is horrid beyond expression. A crime against sentients itself, tantamount to rape but exponentially worse. Leading to a cursed existence where every thought, feeling, aspiration and dream becomes untrustworthy. The victim never capable of telling if their own memories and words are lies or truth. Where the being they once were is changed so irrevocably they witness their own death and what they become is nothing more than a marionette with a heartbeat. A walking, thinking, feeling, thing. Each and every instance of this when encountered in the past was met with merciless extermination. The victims living out their lives to the best of their ability with the assistance of herself and her sister. All knowledge of its branch of magic either copied or destroyed. All replications being kept out of the need to develop countermeasures and protections as well as means of detection. Those found guilty of committing such atrocities being executed, their assets seized and lands salted. The laws and repercussions of the practice of mind control as well as that of necromancy and blood magic remaining almost entirely unchanged for the past 1500 years.

"I know thy thoughts sister. Mine mind is of the same but the answer is nay, at least not as yet. Tis not as if it mine wish to find such things. Just the rise of mine joy is tempered with realizing there art many things yet unknown to us." Celestia releasing a long drawn breath as her sister continued. "As those that fall in love art want to do, their dreams should be consumed with his image and yet art very much not. Of course I speak only of Twilight and the shy one. The once thought to be a passing curiosity upon the part of Pinkie Pie, seems almost prophetic. Lord Shade being a reoccurring influence within her dreams over the six or so months passing." Luna, humming as she recalls the previous events, her eyes shifting to the table. A pulse of magic lightly flashing as she regains her Sacred cup of coffee. "Tis so very queer these things. Aft mine return, laughter's dreams wrt normal, well as normal as one wouldst expect from her. Or at the time I thought. There was always a presence of desire whenever I wouldst enter her dreams.

Not the want for intimacy per se, just the wanting in and of itself. A need for something that wasn't there. Oft manifesting before mine eyes within her dreamscape. A party full of music and merrymaking wouldst have but a single empty chair. A solitary slice of cake untouched or an invitation unclaimed. At first I thought it the loss of a loved one, perhaps the passing of a family member or beloved friend. Somepony dearly missed, gone but not forgotten. I became more assured of this thought as her dreams grew more focused upon herself. A clearing, moonlit and calm about mine night. She sat alone upon a blanket amongst the silver trees and valley flowers, looking to the stars. Lady laughter sitting there until she wouldst awaken the coming morn only to fall asleep again the next night and appear within the very same clearing, upon the same blanket, and she wouldst just, wait. The same feeling of wanting being ever present."

"I had left her to her own devices for quite some time. Thinking it necessary for the mourning process. But as the days became weeks, I grew concerned for her well-being. Deciding to intervene and offer mine assistance I was quickly made aware it wasn't a feeling of loss she held within her heart, but of anticipation. As I asked what it was she was wanting, sitting alone within this Moonlit field. A smile came upon her, merely saying she was waiting for "it". Inquiring as to what "it" was, yielded an even more cryptic reply. "He, she, it, I don't know." Wanting for elaboration she went on to say her "Pinkie sense" told her so. Quote "Twitchy twitch, right eye wink, sprong, butterflies, tingles and a lot of thumps." End quote. Twas shortly thereafter I saw no further need to occupy her dreamscape. I didst wish her pleasant dreams and goodly night's rest. Twas then I thought, with some divine fluke I had happened upon the architect of Babel herself. Taking mine own leave much more confused than was previous, I continued on with mine duties. Twas only aft some months had passed and what I'm sure to be the first meeting of the pink party planner and Lord Shade didst Pinkie's dreams change to what we know them to be now. Dreams of walking within nature, attending parties and meals whether home or abroad. Yet in these dreams where her friends and family may come and go, the Master of House Black remains. A constant companion regardless of the dreams theme or focus. Always at her side or more oft than not, her finding purchase upon his back or within his arms wherever they may go."

"You told me of a passing fancy Luna, not that she dreamt of him every night. And what of him? Are you still unable to find him in the dream realm?" Celestia asked. Her words coming quickly in irritation as she leaned from and looked at her sister. Luna having to rebalance so she wouldn't topple over.

"As you say sister, Twas with the same information I wielded when looking within her dreams. Informants telling of nothing more than passing greetings and well-wishes. I freely admit I was mistaken, but he as the center of her dreams were far between. A companion, yes. Just as her friends. Though unlike most, his presence constant but the subject? Nay. Coming to know of her fancying him as more twas happenstance. Twas only aft pinkie had met the prophesied companion and thus giving him a face didst she dream of the more intimate kind. But even then in the width and breadth of her journeys and adventures amongst the land of dreams didst she partake in such things yet there number remained few. Mine own mind quickly venturing out when realizing her dream of him to be driven by the want for intimacy and more attractive activities. As far as mine ability to locate the humans mind amongst the sea of dreamers, mine answer remains the same. Tis as it has been, were it not for your assurance that he does indeed sleep I wouldst not have known. The means of which he is able to hide his dreamscape during rest evades me still."

"I just don't understand how this could happen so quickly and beyond the sight of our spies. My thoughts are continually visited with the memories of his past actions and the contrast with what they are now. Has this been the culmination of his plans all along? Is there some perspective I have yet to gain? Some knowledge I have yet to know? The only logical reason I can see is him having a wish to study the elements or something he plans to do being large enough, that when the elements would be called into action then perhaps they wouldn't be able to function properly. Their wielders on some level not wanting to use them on a friend or significant other." Celestia rubbing her temples as she once again leans on the side of her sister. As she looked to the sky her mind raced with what needed to be done. Feeling a wing wrapping around her back as Luna's voice came in a low and comforting tone.

"Peace sister, all will be well in time. Tis only a matter of speaking to thine student and the others. Once they have come to know the folly of their path and the darkness within the heart of their chosen. Such things will no longer weigh so heavily upon thine mind."

"Be that as it may Luna, if it is not the control of their minds he uses and it is truly their hearts that are taken with him. Then a choice had to have been made. A choice that went against the wishes of both friends and family alike. If it is as the evidence so far would indicate. It makes me feel as if I do not know my student and the others as well as I had hoped."

"What dost thou mean Tia?" It was Celestia's turn to rush in holding her balance as her sister withdrew to look back at her. "Aware twas I of thine disdain for the human but twould seem there to be others beyond mine considerations. Twas mine understanding the foremost reasoning for thine mistrust of him being how so easily he pulls a veil over the eyes of those under his voice's sway. Knowledge only gained with the passage of time and experience born of it. As mine interactions with him art small in number and length I infer such things from you."

"It was through Twilight's friendship reports. You remember what I told you about the first meeting between Cadence and Shade?"

"Ah yes, the Princess of Love thinking him a corpse." Luna recalled with a smile.

"Not a literal corpse but the feeling as if she was in the room with one. As the aspect of love, she's an especially powerful empath and I don't appreciate you finding humor in Cadence's discomfort."

"I shalt not apologize." Luna sounded resolutely.

Rolling her eyes Celestia continued on. "It was as if he wasn't a part of her reality. What she had come to know as something indistinguishable from the breathing or movements of a living creature, was feeling. Even animals are capable of such, as rudimentary as they are. Joy, love, sadness, even compassion. In her world of color and light where the gray of shadow rarely dwells he was the only shade of black. Forgive the pun. For the first time in her life she encountered a being she couldn't sense with her powers of empathy. To her mind he was a void of emotion. Something to be likened to that of a corpse. Empty of all feelings besides those he chooses to show and even then it is only by words and action. Unlike most I am distinctly aware of how deep his smile actually is. It would seem the element of honesty had a similar reaction to him. Twilight had stated in one of her letters that upon their first introduction it wasn't a few moments into the initial exchange Applejack had realized she couldn't tell if his words were false or otherwise. I can't even begin to imagine the traits shared between the method honesty uses to detect lies and Cadence's abilities to sense emotion."

"I shalt take joy in the end of this. Mine hope is to understand how he can accomplish such a thing as complete magical mental isolation."

"I think I may know a part of how he does it but I'll save that explanation for when Twilight and her friends arrive so I needn't do it twice. Suffice it to say you do not want to recreate it. Cadence, I'm sure has cautioned Twilight not to trust the human should she inevitably meet him regardless of his literary mind. Just as I have done in the past. A lesson I had thought instilled in her was clearly cast aside at some point... Why can't those three find a nice gentlestallion, one with a fun-loving intelligence and a hobby of baking treats for animals or something!"

Celestia, choosing to thoroughly ignore the snort of a poorly contained laugh at her side resumed her previous thought.

"House Pie is acting as a somewhat neutral ground in regards to the Noble counsel and their jurisdiction over line merging. Even if the family of rock farmers wasn't acting as such and the council wanted to put a stop to it. The few of them that aren't under House Black's employ know not to go against his movements."

"Truly, sister? An organization capable of telling those whom they are able to love and marry seems abhorrent. How is the House of Pie acting as sanctuary and surely it illegal for him to threaten those under his influence with repercussions should they disagree? What has happened in mine absence Tia? Long ago it only an order away to have him imprisoned or beheaded. There being no need of councils, house alignments so on and so forth."

"It is not in so much they're capable of telling anypony whom they are able to love, Luna. Should there be a dispute among the nobility of the heir of a family line marrying another against the wishes of one or more. Then the council can make a judgment as to the relinquishment of any relevant titles and or a release of heritage of one or more parties as well as the re-selection of a new heir if deemed necessary and only if all families involved measure their judgment to be fair. If a resolution cannot be found then its brought before one of us. They also play a part in the prevention of merging families to create monopolies and controlled markets as well as a plethora of others. As far as they're necessity, I think it apparent. Delegation of such things has been a blessing compared to the total governance of yesteryear. As you know the noble titles were given to those then and now that have proven themselves worthy. Yourself having done so. Well this is the natural evolution of those given that power. A system of self-governance in place that has developed its own functions and bearing on societal development itself. We as those they look to as the very definition of justice and goodness can not perform actions they would see as against the rules and laws of our kingdom, for we would be no better than the criminals we have so quickly condemned for the same. Accusation and punishment without evidence among them."

Though Luna saw her point, it still made her long for the more simple and direct methods of the past. A past that for her seemed far closer than it did for most. Celestia having slowly gotten up from her sitting position began to pace back and forth.

"It is because of this, houses that do not fall under Noble title aren't subject to their ruling. Should one Noble lineage merge with another then there may be disputes in regards to resource applications, name adoptions, house alignments and many other factors but the absorption of a non-noble line let alone a vassal falls out of their jurisdiction. This is not the first nor the last time something like this has occurred. An attempted work around as a form of neutral ground used so that the merging families can themselves define the parameters in which the council would otherwise have judgment over. All to prevent information of they're inner workings, family ties and other such things from getting out. Something usually permitted unless itself a violation of the law. From the perspective of a non or even lesser Noble House this kind of deal can be quite beneficial to all parties involved. The ability to spread their access and influence, the accumulation of wealth and elevation in social status as well as potentially branching off into areas of agriculture or industry and others of the like they previously didn't have access to. Using those newly gained resources and avenues to create infrastructure, driving investments and general advancement. Either being a full integration or the non or lesser house making an agreement in becoming a vassal, keeping their house name and being both a part of and separate from the larger house be it through marriage, adoption or business contract. House Pie acting as much the same in the merging of Houses Sparkle and Black. I will admit House Shy being a particularly unique case. The fact she is the heiress to the Pegasus Guild and at the same time not of a Noble house is in this instance extraordinarily rare. To be honest I am surprised Lord Shade didn't begin with wooing her first for the obvious benefits it would represent. Though he still has access to them in a roundabout way. There has to be a reasoning behind his chosen order."

Luna stared at the contents left in her coffee cup as she mentally chastised herself. Having inadvertently started one of her sisters "I am a teacher and there is ignorance to be corrected." tangents. The silver lining being the subject at least this time was mildly interesting.

"On that subject, the human specializes in information. Be it the context of a book or whispered words in darkened corners. The exchange of notes of one shadowed figure to another in forgotten places or the scrolls and lore of ancient ruins. Any Kingdom regardless of its size has those that will do anything for gold and power. Those that find no issue in legally dubious actions or in some cases outright ignoring the laws and rules of their fellow kind and even that of common decency itself. It is that mentality and the underbelly of society he exploits. From what I've been able to gather, he somehow collects the secrets of all those he may work with or against and uses that information to either convince them to his cause or remove them as an obstacle, the council being no exception. Making sure all of this goes on away from the eyes of the public so that the few without secrets he can use, he instead persuades.

Very few know how controlling and ruthless he is, but even criminals have their social circles and it is them that have an inkling as to how monstrous he can be. So we have arrived at the main dilemma. Why this? Why now? Never has he shown true greed for anything other than knowledge. Not for the want to rule nor for that of gold or power, despite possessing the latter two in worrying degrees. He's never taken a position on the council even though it has been offered repeatedly. Positions of high standing in the Mages and Merchants Guilds, the Engineers and Alchemy Guilds to name a few, all respectfully turned down with little to no explanation as to why. Then again why would he have need of extra titles and responsibilities when the control of those within those organizations would fulfil the same purpose. Always using the accumulated political and financial power to invest in industry of his own design and to ultimately expand his library."

As they continue their conversation it was made even more apparent they were in need of information. Luna ordering a refill of her beverage and Celestia receiving some tea as they moved to the table to sit and discuss the events of the day. Slowly making their way across the sky, the moon and stars glow and twinkle as the residents below rest soundly through the night. Few among them still wandering the streets at this enchanting hour. The inhabitants of the city having closed their shops and stands to await the arrival of a new day. Most of the restaurants and private parties doing the same. Not all the businesses closed at this time however. For some the night was young and the party had just begun. Luna taking solace in the fact the modern times had such a thing as night clubs.

(Tis quite the curiosity, the mind of the human. From what mine sister hast told, our first thoughts of him twas wrong twofold. A smile as wicked as they come and words rolling off his tongue like a dark fog. Sweet his nothings twisted those that can hear them. Obscuring and entrancing the blind did follow the whispering piper. Tis been but a single year since mine return and within these castle walls I have seen him little. Content with his tomes and inventions he remains away from the eyes of most. But I am led to believe that where corruption and evil dwells then he is never far. He may be the darkest creature to have ever walked this world but I have seen none of what would make me think him so. His ability to speak Old Equish twas nice, but trusting of mine sisters cautions I shall tread with care should we meet again. The fact that he cannot be found within the realm of dreams tells me there is more to the man than can be seen. Tis mine hope that witnessing the discussion between Tia and The Elements, bares fruit. Not nearly all the information is known to me and I feel as if this will bring to light a great many things.)

A knock came through the silence telling of that which was already known. (Tis time.) Shadow Walker making a move to intercept the message at the door, heard the permission of entrance as he reached for it's ornate handle. Opening it in a fluid motion as he stepped aside and revealed another of Luna's thestral guards. "Pardon the interruption your highnesses. Lady Pinkie Pie as well as the others have arrived and await an audience in the celestial study. Lord Shade has sent his regards and said he will be unpacking before readying for bed should you have need of him."

Celestia's eyes narrowed for a moment before asking a single question. "What was he like as he left the girls for his room?"

Not quite expecting the question, the guard paused. "Uh... He was smiling as he was speaking with them. Giving a kiss goodnight to each before wishing them well as he took his leave, Princess." Taking note of a twitch in Celestia's eye. (Twas a little amusing.) Luna smirked.

"Please come with me sister, I would very much like for this to be over and done with. The sooner we start the closer we are to finding out what's going on, as well as putting a stop to it."

Luna, receiving an earful via a spell known as privacy dome, as they made their way to the study. Her sister having noticed the slight smile she wore on the balcony. The attempted corruption or worse of Equestria's greatest tool in the defense against evil and the fact that Shade had constructed a persona that when observed from the outside was supposed to be thought as helpful or benign. With only experience and time could those as long-lived as they witness its construction and the vile deeds committed to maintain it. It didn't take long before they were at their destination. Having arrived quickly thanks to the fast pace set by Celestia.

The ambience of the room was set by the flickering colours of the fireplace. Tomes and scrolls neatly placed upon shelf and pedestal alike. The old polished wood of the bookcases rising from floor to ceiling a warm earthen tone in contrast with the white of the walls. The smell of candles and oak, of parchment, ink and the faint scent of Celestia's favourite lavender tea filled the air. In the centre of this spacious and extravagant room, committed to the betterment of the mind. Three mares sat atop a large silken cushion snuggling together and chatting about their dinner and the coming meeting. Twilight the ever studious, even in these familiar hallowed walls of knowledge shifted nervously as she spoke.

"I was expecting, I don't know. A more severe reaction, positive or negative... something!? Since I became Celestia's student we haven't interacted all that much. Mom and dad are busy ponies, they've always been career-minded. But from their perspective I had shown no interest in any individual or herd before. Let alone possible courtship or it's acceptance. Then I just show up with two herd sisters and a stallion that isn't even the same species! And they just... pause for a few seconds, then accept it! Like it's just another Saturday. I don't Eeeee! Pinkie! Watch where you're hooves are wondering..." The lavender mare having felt the pink appendage and with a glance ascertained as to whom it was caressing her flank and getting closer to her tail than not.

"I was." She happily replied. The biting of her bottom lip and half lidded gaze conveying a far less than innocent intent.

"Oh my." Squeaked a nearly inaudible Fluttershy.

"You were..." Twilight's face igniting into a vivid blush. " N-not now, this is a study and the Princess could be here any moment!"

"Come on Twi, you need to relax. You've been anxious since we left Ponyville and I thought you could use a distraction. That and I get to feel you up, it's a win-win! You do have a nice flank."

"Um...Thank you? No, focus! It's just that I'm experiencing a lot today. Oh, I meant what I said before that's really flattering thank you. It all has me worried, knowing Celestia's dislike for Shade and the reaction of my parents or lack thereof. I think it's a case of rumor and myth hiding the truth. His age being an intimidating factor itself. Them perceiving him as his titles more than anything else. Not getting to know the stallion behind the name and only seeing a competitor in business and the grand game of politicking. Like seeing a gladiator in the arena and only seeing him as that. Not a being with a family, friends and dreams. I mean yes, when he smiles his sharp teeth aren't very welcoming at first and only wearing black doesn't help and him being three times the height of an average Pony makes him a bit imposing and his laugh is deep and a little maniacal, but in a cute way!... Where was I going with this?

Oh! I just can't shake the feeling that when Celestia warned me about him, I missed something. "Regardless of your traits shared Twilight, caution is required when dealing with Lord Shade. Do not allow his silver tongue and charms to fool you, that human is dangerous." The student attempting an impersonation of her mentor. " I trust you Pinkie, more than I can say. As apprehensive as I was when you first invited Shy and I to the tea party with you and the "dangerous" human. I can now say it was the best thing to have happened to me since I became the personal student of the Princess or when I met the other elements and moving to Ponyville. Her warning itself made it obvious they weren't exactly on good terms. But to what extent I don't know and that's what worries me. Will she come in with a smile and a hop in her trot? Pat me on the head and say "Well done Twilight." Or will she send me back to magical kindergarten for failing unspoken directions, keeping me away from all of you and especially him because he'll be locked in a dungeon in whatever place she banishes him to!" The lavender mare's breath grew erratic as she sat and became more animated in her rant.

Seeing the situation devolve, Pinkie jumps up and gently holds her friend's head in her hooves as she stares into her eyes. "Whoa, hold on Twi! That's not going to happen. We wouldn't have made it past the announcement if she was going to do something like that. She wouldn't throw a party for somepony she was going to turn into a kindergartener or banish and throw into a dungeon." As Pinkie spoke, Twilight could feel the soft velvety touch of Fluttershy's wings wrap around her barrel and the warmth of her form pressed against her back. Pinkie Pie, deciding to release the sides of her face then embraced her from the front.

Fluttershy in an arid and comforting tone began to whisper. " It'll be okay Twilight, I think it was shock that made your parents act as reserved as they did. I'm sure Night Light and Velvet as well as the Princess will come around once we have explained how special we are to each other. We'll be there with you every step of the way." Twilight feeling her wings squeezing just that little bit more to punctuate her message.

Embracing the nervous mare each took comfort in the others presents and warmth. All trying to convey a constant feeling of companionship and support. Both Pinkie and Fluttershy giving more quiet reassurances as they sat atop the silk pillow. As the minutes passed a calm once again settled in the room. "I wish Shade was here." "Me too." "Mhmm." Unfortunate but expected as it was the cozy and peaceful ambience was disrupted by the sudden entrance of the Princess. The door swung open with no ceremony as Celestia's magic illuminated it's contents. It's light filling every nook and corner leaving no shadows in the room. Those within having little time to react to the sudden appearance of their ruler. Followed close behind by her sister and an unfamiliar guard. The three wearing a look of surprise as they were engulfed in shimmering gold.

Twilight's mind was positively alight with stimulation. She realized it to be spell after spell encompassing her and her friends. Her own magic sending a flood of information back to her. Quickly recognizing quite a few of them to be scanning matrices and diagnostics. After what couldn't have been much longer than a few blinks of an eye, she deduced their purpose. Somewhat offended in the fact the Princess was thinking a caster of her calibre and intellect would be under the effects of mind manipulation. However, her thoughts and attention were quickly redirected. There were some among the number of spell weaves she didn't know, which of course peaked her curiosity. Her mind attempting to memorize every aspect of them as they were being cast. The very hint of unknown archaic arcane causing her thought processes to hasten even more than they already were.

Pinkie could feel the skittering of magic over every inch of skin and hair follicle. The sensation of bubbles that reminded her of her favourite fizzy drink danced and played across the surface of her mind. "Oooh tingly!" She revelled in this new feeling as her arms held on to the other mares. Looking to Twilight, she seemed to be concentrating on something. Shy just sitting with wide eyes looked as if she couldn't decide what exactly it was she wanted to do, settled on holding tighter to her lavender friend.

Just short of a moment passed and it was over. The golden light fading away and with it so did its sensation. The attention of those that were under its effects now focusing on the Princess with a myriad of emotions. Fluttershy seemed hesitant but hopeful. Twilight was somehow looking nervous and irritated at the same time. Pinkie was as per her usual, smiling. "Do it again! Do it again!"

Letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, coming out as a sigh of relief. Celestia glanced back to the entryway to make sure the door was closed. The princess's magic manifesting once more and setting an especially powerful privacy barrier the clung to every surface. As she wove the spell into existence she could hear her sister begin speaking with the three.

"Tis always a pleasant thing to be in the company of mine saviours." Luna looked to each, her face remaining neutral as their attention moved from her sister onto herself. "The pleasure of thine company is mine to hold but tis mine wish to be for better things than these, unfortunate as they are." As her sister completed her task she sat at her side. Celestia had a mixture of bubbling emotions she was trying to sort through. Relief, hope, fear and anger being only a few among them. Luna turned slightly and addressed Pinkie. "As to the request of Lady Laughter, the spells thou felt wrt merely a question in need of an answer. Rest assured it will not be happening again."

"Aah" Pinkie bemoaned as she held a look of disappointment.

The princess, having sorted her thoughts to make sure she could express them in a calm and clear manner spoke to her student and the others. "First of all I would like to apologize for the lack of tact on my part. The casting of magic on those that haven't given their permission in this case while necessary was nevertheless quite rude, and for that I'm very sorry. Secondly, it has come to my attention there has been a lack of communication between myself and you, my cherished friends. Something I intend to rectify at this very moment."

The three girls sitting in line before the princesses. Pinkie Pie had by then bounced back from her disappointed mood and had an arm around Twilight. Feeling Fluttershy doing the same with her wing, the touch of feathers brushed against both.

"Tis a relief to know thine minds remain free and untouched. Aft mine concerns of thine mental state I have many a curiosity remaining. One of highest import being for mine sister's student. Pray thee Lady Twilight, tis been made known to me thou hast been spoken to by not only mine sister but that of young Cadence as well. To what reason dost thou have in not heeding the warnings of those that told thee of the treacherous path thine hooffalls tread? Thine Princess among them. Why must Lord Shade be the exception to such cautions?"

To the surprise of most and perhaps to even Fluttershy herself it was the yellow mare who interjected first. Her wing continuing to caress her herdmates as she began to speak. "Um... I would like to ask, if that would be okay. What was that spell Princess Celestia used and if we are going to be talking about him shouldn't he be here? I think it would be the right thing to do." This earning a look of the unexpected from Celestia as well as a raised eyebrow from her sister. Fluttershy began to fidget as she realized all eyes in the room were now focusing on her.

"That's all right Fluttershy, to answer your first question the spell's purpose was to make sure nopony could eavesdrop on our conversation, something designed purely for privacy. That is only if you are speaking of the latter, the former was quite a few more than a single spell but in rapid succession and they were to make sure that there was no presence of mind control." A small gasp escaping Fluttershy as she placed a hoof over her lips. "As for the human, you will have to trust me when I say all will become clear soon enough."

Looking decidedly worried the element of kindness asked in alarm." But why would you need to check for that?!" Her voice a thunderous whisper.

"Though the speed in which the relationship progressed between the human and Pinkie Pie is concerning. It was ultimately the two of you, Twilight and Fluttershy that made us think him capable of such methods. I cannot express how happy I am to be wrong."

"Y-you thought he was.. I... I can't...he would never..." This time it was Fluttershy who felt herself in a comforting embrace, both her friends trying to calm the pegasus. "It's okay Shy, I'm sure this is just a misunderstanding and once we've worked it out there will be no reason to worry." Twilight stated as her own mind quickly churned. After a few seconds Pinkie shifted her body just enough so she could place her herdsisters together and remove herself from the hug.

As the Royal alicorns sat side-by-side, each of them having internal observations as they watched on. Pinkie made her way to a very short distance in front of them. Her mane and tail less voluminous and more dull. Her head kept low and unblinking eyes never leaving their own. No smile to be found on laughter's face as she stood a few hoof lengths before them. Both Princesses finding her demeanour to be unnerving. Having never seen this side of the normally happy and carefree mare. The ambience within the room became thick with tension and a feeling none could place. As if something malicious lay just beyond the edge of sight. Pinkie took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she inhaled slowly, raising her head as she took in the air and pausing just before it's release. As she breathed out her eyes opened to reveal a glacial blue that was in every way fitting of the cold stare that was now levelled at them. The warmth and light of the candles and fireplace almost seemed as if they were muted and a shade darker as they looked into her eyes.

"The human" as you like to call him, would never hurt any of us." Pinkie's words coming in a flat and frigid tone. Twilight and Fluttershy had noticed this change but remained silent, allowing their pink friend to speak. Pausing for a moment before getting up and standing at her sides. "Myself and "the human" have been together for 6 months and I was waiting for twice as long. A year ago on a sunny afternoon I was planning a party for Ditzy and when I was putting up the decorations and banners my pinkie sense started freaking out. I never felt anything like it before, my heart thumped so fast I lost count. Butterflies in my tummy, tail twitches and a bunch of other stuff. I knew I was supposed to meet somepony, somepony super duper ultra special. So I waited and waited and waited, I even told Princess Luna about it. Or it was a dream dream and not a Luna dream, it's hard to tell. I could feel that meeting them was important, like more important than even the important important stuff. I felt with every part of me that's pink and that's a lot needed to meet this pony. So when I had waited a reeeally long time and I felt like I was gonna go crazy..... crazier, it finally happened!"

Pinkie's movements and look changed as she continued on with her story. As she explained her memory of that day, her fur, mane and tail became more lustrous, eyes more vibrant. With every word she became more... happy.

"I was coming out of the kitchen at Sugarcube Corner with a pink baker's dozen, that's 30, to put in a display case. The bell on the door rang and my Pinkie sense started doing the same thing, I almost dropped the cupcakes. I looked through the glass of the display and bam! There he was! The pony I was waiting for was totally not a pony and he was right there. I was so excited I didn't know what to do. Then he smiled.... He smiled and asked for my name."

The simper she had developed as time moved onward while reserved was substantial in its own right. It was a small and contented thing. Her eyes had taken on a look of nostalgia and joyful reminiscence as she recalled the event of their first meeting.

{Flashback}

Ducking under the frame of the door, hands clasped behind his back. The sounds of commerce and conversation bleeding in from the busy street outside. The tinkling of the entry bell ringing out once more as the door swung closed. The few residing within the shop had grown quieter as they noticed the arrival of a looming and rarely seen form. There was an ushered confidence to his steps. His presence and motion of body conveyed an almost detached feeling from the surroundings. Something distinctly separate from the fact his species was unique among the denizens of Equestria. His cloak an abyssal black shifted like waves of smoke as he moved through the small bakery. Coming to the counter he happened upon a mare seemingly frozen in time, carrying a pan filled to it's brim with pastries. Not a blink or breath nor muscle moved as her eyes were locked onto the figure that stood in front of her. "Well aren't you a lovely one, what might be your name?"

"I'm Pinkie Pie." Came a subdued reply. Her mind and senses choosing then to catch up in that moment.

"Pie, Pie..." He said as if almost tasting the word, before his eyes widened in recognition. "The Pinkie Pie? Well I must say I've heard quite a bit about you. The fabled Lady Laughter and one of those to overcome the eternal nightmare. I'm sure you've been told this many times before but, thank you. You truly have my gratitude my dear. I may have a certain disdain for the day but night everlasting is excessive even for me."

"Oh, I couldn't have done it without my friends!" She stated, hopping from behind the counter. "And thank you... I mean you're welcome, I mean... I..."

"It's quite alright little one, I understand." He said with a deep chuckle as he kneeled to the ground taking her hoof in hand. "May I ask, how much for one of those wonderful looking cupcakes?" He questioned with a warm smile and a glance to the pan still expertly balanced upon the mares back. Her eyes widening as they touched.

"First one's on the house." As she looked from him down to the hand that held her hoof the answer came in a quick as if automatic tone.

"Of laughter and generosity. It would seem you have my thanks once again, Lady Pie." The other occupants in the chairs and booths having been listening to their exchange witnessed a rustling of something beneath his cloak. Then seeing the uncoiling of what look to be a...tail, extending out from its darkened confines to take hold of a single cupcake and lazily return from whence it came. The occurrence seemingly going unnoticed by the pink baker. Her attention still transfixed on what it was previously.

"It's just Pinkie Pie." She said in a mumbled voice.

"Pardon?"

Looking up into his eyes and with a kind of relaxed smile very few had ever seen. "It's Pinkie Pie, it's what my friends call me. So you can just call me Pinkie Pie."

With a nod of acknowledgement of what she meant with that statement and a smile mirroring her own. Raising her hoof ever so slightly higher he placed a light kiss upon it's top as he released it and stood. "Well Pinkie Pie, I am Shade the Black but for you Shade will more than suffice. I have to say you are quite the interesting individual and if it not too presumptuous of me, I would very much like to see you again. I must unfortunately bid you adieu... for now at least. No rest for the wicked and all that."

"W-we'll see each other again, that's a Pinkie promise!" She hurriedly responded in a flustered tone, looking to her hoof and back again.

Turning heel and proceeding towards the door with a meandering pace, a single intricately decorated confection appearing in hand. He turned once again to the mare as he opened the entry with the ring of a familiar bell. "Be safe and well my lovely little baker and thank you again for the cupcake." With the door closed and the tinkling faded Sugarcube Corner was now quiet.

As she sat in front of the counter for a moment her mind sorting through what seemed to be an endless stream of thoughts, one explosively shot in front of all the others...

"PARTY! I forgot his new pony but not a pony in Ponyville party." Throwing a party only to find out that some days prior the guest of honour had left for a different continent wouldn't do at all. As she raced out to find him in the street, she quickly realized that what should have been an easy find was indeed, not. The tall, dark and human was nowhere to be seen amongst the stalls, houses and ponies. But she was Pinkie Pie and if needed to she could find anypony. Closing her eyes, she could feel how different he was and that difference would lead her to him. She felt a jolt and instantly looked to the Everfree. Her Pinkie sense gave her a feel for general locations, she might not know his exact place but beyond any doubt, he was in that Forest.

{End Flashback}

As the Princess listened Celestia's mind snapped onto one thing the mare had said like a vice. (The forest.) In the beginning her agents had attempted to follow Shade into the Everfree but either they would lose his trail until he would later appear in Ponyville or Canterlot or they would go into the forest never to come out again. That twisted place had been purchased 150 some years ago by a Noble the name of which she couldn't recall at the moment and that very deed found its way into the hands of the human.

"I found him a little while after work. He had turned the inside of a cave into a laboratory and filled it with all the stuff you would find in a home too. When he would come in to buy something I would know where he was going. So each time after that I would ask if I could come by and visit. He would never say no, always making time just so we could talk. Every time we were together I would feel a little bit happier. Worries about plans for parties or getting orders done on time and many other stresses would melt away with the world when he would smile and hug me or hold my hoof. It didn't matter if we would joke and laugh or walk through the forest not talking at all, I would just feel calm and warm and happy. It wasn't very long when I figured out why my Pinkie sense had told me meeting him would be a doozy. We were talking one night and I accidentally said out loud "I wonder what my parents will think when I marry a human." "when" not "if" But then when I froze and was afraid of what he would say next and it felt like my heart was crushing itself. He smiled the biggest smile I had ever seen him have and said, "I couldn't think of a better thing, I hope we get along." Then he scooped me up and kissed me! He kissed me and I felt like what he said after. "All is right with the world." It just felt right back then and it's only gotten better since. It happened a little more than five months ago and after talking it over we decided to invite my friends so they could get to know him too. I think the first time we invited Twilight and Fluttershy for tea was about 3 months ago."

By this time the pink mare was back to her usual youthful energy and smile, but as she finished her tale and embraced her friends she still looked to the Royal sisters with a measured gaze containing an icy and guarded feeling within her eyes.

Under normal circumstances the behaviour that Pinkie Pie was displaying would be a good thing to the alicorns. A mare with a protective nature of family, friend and herd, regardless of whom it's against even the Princesses themselves was to be commended. It was understandable that she being the first to court would take the position of a lead mare in their herd but the rush to defend the human was against what they were trying to accomplish. Both princesses recognizing the situation for what it was could only hold out hope that their plan would work as intended.

"Do not misunderstand Pinkie Pie, it is not our intent to offend neither is it to separate your family. It is merely the wish of my sister and I that you as well as the others come to know the gravity of the situation. The past of Lord Shade is riddled with dark actions. He has proven himself a conductor of manipulations on a scale both grand and small. Blackmail, subterfuge and associations with the criminal underworld, even the... If you please Pinkie, tell me of what he has told you. Has he said anything in regards as to how he became a Noble?"

"It was a super long time ago, he was adopted into the House of Star, I think its name was. Right?" As Pinkie sat and rubbed her chin in thought the other mares still closely sat to her sides, they nervously shifted as their eyes glanced back to each other and the mare between them.

It was as Princess Celestia had feared, their hearts may be worse for wear after the coming events but what had transpired had led her into this situation and she was left little choice. (I can at least take solace in Laughter having the others of her herd and friends when the inevitable happens. I will see your cold black heart on silver platter for breaking theirs, human. This I so do swear.) Her horn came alive with magic, as it shimmered a large pillow floated from across the room and was placed beside another just like it at the head of the central table in the study.

"As things rarely are it is not quite that simple. I would like you all to sit with my sister and I at the table. The information conveyed with this spell is at the speed of thought and those observing taking in the information just as quickly, but the sheer amount to be experienced will take time. There is a spell called shared mind space, it creates as its name suggests a place where the mind can share it's thoughts and feelings and more importantly, memories. I will warn you now that feeling the raw emotions of others can at times be extremely intense but there is no other way I know of to give you the information needed. Emotion is the language of the soul and it is because of this that the information presented within a shared mind space cannot be by its nature falsified. I will not ask you Pinkie Pie or any of the others to share their memories, this is only for all gathered here to experience mine. Your thoughts and feelings will remain just that, your own."

As they all moved to the table, Luna thanking her sister for the extra pillow. Pinkie looked to Twilight asking a silent question, Twilight paused with thoughts of the implied lie but nodded in confirmation regardless as they took their seats.

Celestia's horn became a beacon in the middle of the room, her magic flared and writhed as the walls seemingly started to seethe. The smell of parchment and ink as well as the flickering light of the fireplace slowly faded away and was replaced with the warm brightness of the daybreak sun and the scent of damp earth strewn with the leaves of autumn. The books and shelves became like ash and were whisked away on an unfelt wind.

All those present heard or rather felt Celestia's thoughts and will.

("This is where it all began.")

{366 YEARS PRIOR}

Author's Note

One part Moriarty, two parts Machiavelli and a pinch of the forbidden for taste. Mix well
then place in the large equestrian pot and bring to a roaring boil.

I have no editor's so I will get around to it eventually. Thoughts and opinions on my literary vomit is much appreciated and I'm also thankful for the time with which is used to comment. Your lives are no doubt as busy if not more so than my own and I want you to know that I am grateful.

Pandora's Symphony

As the light crested over the distant mountain peaks, ushering with it the warmth and opportunity of a new day. The shadows of the mountains grew smaller as the sun's rays cascaded throughout the valley, cutting through the autumn mists. Revealing a sleepy little village amongst forest trees and rolling hills. The lanterns and torches still flickering with their soft glow in the dim early hours. Buildings of brick and mortar, thatched roofs and wood, bearing the marks of chisel and axe. The streets a well-worn cobblestone and the byways heavily-travelled trails. As the last vestiges of the night began to fade giving way to a bright and colourful morning. Dew lay atop blade of grass and leaf alike, making the evergreen of the forest twinkle and shimmer in the break of dawn. The sound of it's residence stirring and the beginning of their morning rituals echoed through the stillness. The creaking of opening shutters, trotting of hooves and the clacking of wagon wheels being drawn over the stones of the streets. Neighbours giving well wishes, good mornings and farewells of passers-by. The ringing of bells to sound the opening of shops and stalls and the ambient noise of the street market and vendors becoming a triumphant roar of bustle as the day began in earnest.

On the outskirts of this serene and peaceful hamlet, as the residents went about their morning activities. A stallion walked with the steady pace of purpose. Passing the occasional traveller and shipment of merchants goods. He made his way to the corner of each road and stopped, only staying for a moment before moving on to the next. Flint Steele was charged with putting out, lighting and maintaining the various torches and lamps scattered throughout the village of Gramm. Following the same route he had hundreds of times before, he trotted down the last road for that morning. The flickering light of a single lamp at the bottom of the north hill being the focus of his attention. As he came to it's end and he reached to his leather harness for a pole he used to extinguish it's flame. He placed a hoof on its wooden base to further his reach and give stability. The stallion paused as something caught his eye, noticing an imprint of a hoof in the same place. The surface having been worn from repetition. As he was filled with an odd sense of accomplishment at the sight, a massive shadow rolled over the hill and the trees before him. He would have simply wrote it off as a passing cloud were it not for the fact it's darkness had far too much depth and as it overcame him the temperature dropped to a bitter cold. Letting out a jittery breath he watched on as it formed a fog in the air. Feeling as if he stood in the dead of winter and moonless night, he gazed upwards.

He couldn't understand what he was witnessing. A void, bottomless and unknowable stretched across the valley. Devouring the clouds and the very blue of the sky. A hole spanning mountain to mountain filled with a blackness never before seen lay before him. Around its edges a halo of light, mixtures of colours blue, yellow and white. Easily seen from within the shadow beneath. He stood there staring for a moment trying to process what reality was showing him. As panicked cries began to sound through Gramm, Flint was struck with a sharp pain. Pulling back and clutching his hoof he looked down as it throbbed to see its tip covered with small crystals of ice reflecting the light of the flame above him. His eyes shifted to the lamp and saw a creeping frost make the way down it's wooden length. As he felt a gripping fear take hold of his heart and his thoughts filled with his family and friends he felt an impact to his side. Widening his stance in an attempt to stay standing, he instantly was made aware of a sobbing filly that desperately clung to his waist. Golden Amber If he remembered right. So focused on his fear he didn't hear her coming steps as she ran to him, but now he realized he could hear the hurried hooffalls of many others. Looking across the cobblestones of the road he could see a dozen residents make their way towards him and the last remaining lantern. Trying to find safety in the light, in this his last vigil.

Suppressing the rising anxiety of his own mind and as calmly as he could muster, he tried comforting the terrified filly that shivered as she held tightly to him. Her parents calls for her must have been drowned out by the cacophony of bedlam that had seized the village. "It's all right, I'll protect you." His words of assurance coming slow but steady, as if punctuated with a steely resolve. Sounding much more sure than he was feeling at the moment, he placed himself in front of her. The others that gathered around them had huddled together out of a strength in numbers and herd mentality. Now it was out of a need to conserve warmth as well. As he squeezed his wayward charge in reassurance and stared into the depths of oblivion, there was a movement of something at its center. It twisted and pulst as a writhing mass was seen by him and some of the others. An object was thrown from the portal and streaked across the sky like a falling star. Leaving a trail of shadow like smoke in its wake. The instant it was released the abyss itself seemed to ripple and shutter. Whatever it was that ejected out came their way. Before any of them had time to react it slammed into the hillside behind them. Impacting with enough force to cause a plume of dust and rock. Heaving great mounds of earth and trees as it pushed aside anything in its path. The splintering of wood sounding like dozens of simultaneous whip cracks and the shockwave a gale force wind.

As the ground rumbled beneath their hooves and they all looked to the sky expecting more anarchy to rain down. There was... nothing. Not only was there no more debris, but the looming shadow of the unknown had vanished. The door to the in between gone in the blink of an eye. The day was clear and sunny. The clouds were still missing but the blue was as beautiful as it had always been. He was never so grateful for a bright and calm morning. The object of their fear might have been gone but there was still many things left with its passing. So many thoughts and questions and of course whatever was released from within.

Frantic calls of Amber's name were heard in the distance. Her mother's by the sound of it. As the sound of searching became louder he began trying to coax her to move. "Come on Amber, your parents are looking for you. We need to get you home." Silence was her response. Keeping her face buried in his side. "Look the thing in the sky is gone. There's nothing to be scared of anymore." Before he could get any further a few ponies turned the corner of the street in a mad dash. "Goldie! Golden Amber! Where are you?! Please answer sweetie!" It was as if the girl had teleported. As fast as her legs would carry her, she ran straight for them. Unexpected but welcomed was the sight of her mother all but tackle the filly, followed closely by her other heard mother adding to the pile. Watching the heartwarming scene for a few seconds before turning his attention to those that were still near the lamp and advising them to seek shelter in their homes. If the darkness where to come again then having lit candles and fireplaces to have light and warmth would be a good idea.

After somewhat lessening their paranoia and seeing them on their way he then trode tord Amber's parents to assure them their daughter while frightened and a bit cold, was no worse for wear. "Are you hurt?" Golden's mother asked as she held the girl in place and anxiously looked her over. "I'm okay Mom." Shaking her head as she replied. (They must have been searching for her this whole time.) Flint began noticing frost had collected on the tips of their ears and around their lips and noses. A faint shimmer of ice reflecting the light of the sun on portions of their coats, manes and tails. Running through the blind dark and unknown surrounded by the sounds of fear and disorder. He stopped in awe of the unwavering love of family and its boundless courage. Feeling a wave of warmth and pride push away the chill of his own uncertainty and the remaining cold that had clung to him.

"Where's Dad and Vine?" Asked the Amber filly.

"Your sister is with him at the house."

"Oh! Mr. Steele." Having noticed the stallion standing a few hoof lengths away, she started wiping her eyes attempting to clear the matted fur. The Other Mare still fussing over the girl.

"Please just call me Flint." He replied with a smile.

"Mr. Flint protected me!" She said with enthusiasm as she awkwardly tried to turn towards him, still held in the other mares embrace. (She didn't take long to bounce ba...) His thoughts were cut short as he was hugged by her mother.

"Thank you." The white mare said as she gripped him tightly.

"Well, I was just there to comfort and watch over her. It's not like I fought off a hydra."

"That's more than enough, thank you. Thank you so much."

"I don't think we ever introduced ourselves." she said as she released him from the hug. "I'm Sugar Pleasant and this is my herd sister Spice. You have already met our daughter Golden Amber. Then there is our husband Omni and Goldie's sister Vine. Hopefully you can meet them soon."

Spice began looking around to the houses and street before she pointed out. "Where are the guards? I know there aren't many of them but shouldn't at least one be around here?" Flint realized he hadn't seen one for almost a half an hour. The guards post being near the main road on the other side of the village.

"I'm sure they're somewhere around. They probably have a lot to deal with considering all that's happened."

The whispering of something old. Something quiet and raspy from disuse. Spoke out from the depths of Flint's mind. In a flash he flipped around, his eyes snapping to the forest behind him. An animalistic Instinct that had been present since time immemorial was speaking to him. His heartbeat increasing as his gaze switched from the shadows of the trees to that of the bushes and back. Attempting to see what it was that caused the fur on the back of his neck to stand on end. A feeling in his bones told of something watching him. Rather than fear taking hold of his mind it was instead overcome with the need to protect.

"Are you all right, what's wrong?" Sugar asked in concern. Her own mind sensing something strange and not just the behavior of the stallion in front of her.

"Take your daughter home and while on the way, see if you can't find the guards. They might not have seen whatever it was that landed in the forest."

"You say that like you're going to stay." Spice said in observation and slight protest. Amber finally wriggling out of her grasp and standing by Sugar.

"There are paths used by a lot of ponies for walks or deliveries on the north hill. I have traveled them myself from time to time. I have to make sure nopony was injured."

"Why don't you just wait for the guards, or better yet just send the guards and you don't have to be anywhere near whatever it was that fell in there."

"That's just it, we don't know what's in that forest. If anypony needs help they probably need it now. I have a weird feeling that's hard to explain. It's like if there is somepony that needs help, the fact there's something unknown in there makes me want to help them more."

"There's a fine line between brave and foolhardy, is what I would be saying if you didn't help Goldie. If there is sompony in need then all I can say is be safe and careful. I'll try to find the guards as soon as possible." It seemed as if Sugar wanted to say more but before she could he turned and began a fast trot towards the forest line.

As he came to the trees he could see the tops of them had snapped. Anything in the black stars way either pushed aside or now laid broken. The rustling of the flora and snapping of twigs was a constant sound as Flint made his way through the underbrush. The spirit of autumn coloring the leaves and the scent in the air. As he moved around the trees and bushes he noticed the shadows were darker than they should be. He kept looking to the canopy for the signs of the mysterious object and the aftermath of its descent. The brakes in the trees following the angle it fell through gave him an idea how far away it was. (It shouldn't be more than a moment away.) Keeping his eyes between the broken branches and his surroundings. He hadn't forgotten about that feeling of being watched. With his wits about him and his ears twitching back and forth in constant awareness of the ambient sounds he trudged forward. The closer he came to the site the colder it became. Faint but present was the sound of crackling ahead of him. (That isn't coming from me. I didn't see any signs of smoke or the light of a fire.)

Just ahead of him was a berm, a bit of raised earth and what looked to be a clearing just beyond. As he came closer his hooves digging in to the surprisingly hard freshly turned earth as he made his way up it's somewhat steep angle he noticed a faint mist crawl over its edge. Slowly, in little streams making paths that swept around the rocks and chunks of trees filling the furrows and dips as it made its way down. The feeling of cold becoming worse and the crackling sound growing ever louder as he crested its top. Flint's mind was sorting through quite a lot as he stood and looked at the scene before him. The temperature in this place made it feel as if his coat wasn't there. He could see his breath as his body shivered and twitched. The prickling sensation on his skin was too intense to be natural. It was so cold it was hard to breathe. On his way here the shadows had become darker as he came closer and now that he stood at the center of it all he could see flames that looked to be made of the void itself swaying to and fro.

The crackling sound in this crater not coming from these strange fires but instead as he looked around he could see the rocks, plants and trees were fragmented. Not the natural splitting and splintering of wood and stone that he was expecting but instead it looked as if they were frozen and had been shattered, falling like pieces of glass to the forest floor. The shards flaking apart as they warmed in the light of the sun and producing a creaking and crackling noise. The flames themselves were eerily silent as the dozen of them that were scattered all over swayed and flickered in the frigid breeze. Circles of frost slowly crept out along the ground wherever the not-flames were burning. The crater itself was full of a thick white mist that swirled and rolled in the drifting air. Coming to realize the reason that what should have been the soft soil beneath his hooves was hard because it too was frozen. What he was looking at was wrong in every sense of the word. What once was a lush, beautiful and thriving forest was now a horrible twisted landscape, a frozen wasteland of broken earth and ice. The sound of ticking and groans of the larger fragments or a branch shearing off from its weight as it fell to the ground and shattered.

(I'm so glad I didn't see anypony around here. Nothing could survive this.) As he was about to turn to head back to Gramm his entire body went rigid. Something from under the surface of the white mist reached through and now held his right hoof with an immovable grip. The surface just after the five pointed claw became a mound as what was beneath began to rise from its depths. Something far larger than him broke the surface as the fog rolled off of its form. The same black flames slowly dancing on parts of it. He wanted to scream but his breathing was stilled and there came no sound. His arm felt as if it was burning, he look down to realize that where this monster was holding him was covered in ice. His fur and skin slowly becoming like that of crystal as it made its way up his arm. It felt like it was reaching his bones. (How could something this cold be living!?) He was then overcome with an overwhelming sensation of nausea and lightheadedness, his vision narrowed and the corners of his sight closed into darkness. Becoming faint out of the fear and pain as the shadow it cast overcame him. A heartbeat before he lost consciousness he heard an extremely deep voice.

"Hello, little one."

Author's Note

I would like to profusely thank each and everyone of you for not only your opinions and comments but time. Also I would like to apologize, I have been unavailable to answer your comments because of obligations coinciding with the current holidays. Also being a combination of other factors involving my chosen avocation.

Dancing in the masquerade

The magically drawn carriage rocked and creaked as it moved at a steady pace down the cobblestone road. Its destination, the House of Star. A three-story mansion coming into view just beyond the cleanly cut hedges and trees. The light of the moon shining from behind the large manor. Tonight was the official celebration of the adoption of a new member of their house. Celestia leaned to the side and rested her head upon her hoof as she looked through the window and thought of the events leading to this point. It has been a little over ten years since the day she had first met the human known as Grimstone Shade. The borderline recluse and brilliant scholar. Since the moment the opportunity was given, Shade had closed himself in the archives with a mountain of parchment and quills. Reading and working to the point of exhaustion before passing out and resuming once again after waking. His inventions were incredible. Beautiful constructs of magic and machine. Mechanisms of almost incomprehensible complexity.

Arguably even more amazing was the fact that this was accomplished when he himself was incapable of casting magic. Utilizing runes in massive arrays combining sigils and glyphs and even incorporating a language of his own design all meticulously etched into every surface and facet of his increasingly elaborate automations and automatons. All powered with crystals, he named mana gems. Fire rubies, wind stones and water sapphires as well as others of the like were transformed from rare and sparkling objects of wealth and opulence to a commodity representative of innovation and progress. She had been invited to an Investor's display a few months ago for an unveiling of a project Shade had been working on for quite some time. At first she thought it a joke when he uncovered a floating sphere. She was utterly underwhelmed until it was explained to those in the small crowd that the machine in front of them was self-sustaining. Some may not have seen the implications but once she knew what was before them wasn't some kind of trick from a stealthy unicorn or a pegasus with a particular finesse with wind magic. Then her mind was taken over with imagining all the possible applications such a thing would enable. Her current means of travel being one of them. As the carriage came to a stop, the driver hopped off and walked to the side opening her door.

"We have arrived Your Majesty, I will pull the carriage around and await your departure."

"Thank you Sail. Hopefully you won't be waiting long."

The architecture of the home before her was a mixture of Romesus and Victicornian gothic. In front of the entrance at the top of the stairs was the matron of the Noble House of Star herself. The aged mare's mane was the same color of pitch as it had always been and her coat a pale white. The mare turned from greeting the couple to her side and smiled .

"Good evening Princess Celestia, it's wonderful you could join us." She said as she curtsied.

"Good evening to you as well Lady Star. I'm glad I have the time to attend."

"Please, just Morning Star. Let's not stand on ceremony and head inside. There's space to relax and our drinks await."

"Thank you, Morning Star and Celestia will be fine. Your family has earned that much at the least. Lead the way if you please."

"Of course. "

The fourier as well as the grand hall was an interesting combination of dark woods and marble. Vaulted ceilings and intricately carved fixtures. Wall sconces and chandeliers as well as the candles and skylights lit the space well. Illuminating the inside with a warm gold and the silver of moonlight. She walked with Morning Star at her side as she was greeted by the other guests and giving hers in kind. The sound of music quietly echoed as laughter and conversation filled her ears. Making their way to the ballroom and giving yet more greetings. A raised platform with a few larger tables surrounded by marble railing was directly across another where the Orchestra played. The matrons magic flashed as they sat.

"Our drinks will be here shortly. Tell me Celestia, how have you been? Not as the Princess but personally speaking. I know you don't want to speak of trade agreements and political climates. "

"I would say I'm doing well. Actually I may be for discussing politics if it pertains to your new addition."

"Haha, of course. He is a peculiar one isn't he? I don't believe I've ever met a mind quite like his before. "

"If I may ask, we both know he has received similar propositions in the past. Though usually requests of courtship and marriage. Yet they have all been respectfully rebuked time and time again, but here we sit in celebration for just such an occasion. I will admit my curiosity. Why would the reclusive inventor be so inclined to change his mind? "

"Our family has had dealings with him for...Hmm, I would say three and a half years now. It was him, believe it or not who approached us first. Initially it was about potential contracts for raw material purchases and exchange but as time progressed our relationship became more personal with each time we had contacted one another. "

As they chatted a stallion with a similar white coat trode up the few steps of the platform. Champagne and tea levitating at his side.

"Your drinks have arrived Mother. "

"I don't believe you've met my son, this is Fallen. Fallen, Celestia. "

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you face to face. I have of course seen your public addresses but I must say I didn't think you would be attending this get-together. I'm happy you could come Princess. "

"The House of Star is old even among the oldest of the Noble lines. I remember North Star and her contributions to ship navigation and cardiography. She was a kind mare with an iron focus and insatiable Wanderlust. It is not only my previous experiences with your family that have called me here. Though I'm happy to attend and maintain our relationship, schedule permitting. The human has been an individual of interest for us all since his arrival."

"And where would be our honored guest at this time? " Fallen asked in slight irritation.

"I sent your sister to pry him from his books sometime ago. Barring any unforeseen complications, they should be here shortly."

As the night continued the tinkling of glasses came together for toasts in congratulations and discussions. Crystal chandeliers sparkled as soft music played and the light of the moon slowly made its way across the black and white checkered marble floor.

Celestia's attention was brought from a Baron blithering on about changes in the trade routes of his mines and subsequent alteration in tax to the sound of applause. Looking to the doors, she could see a petite mare standing by Shade with a look of contempt marring her otherwise beautiful face. With a firm push, the human walked forward into the ballroom proper.

"Oh darling! Over here dear!" The matron exclaimed as she waved at the newly-arrived guests."Diamond, Shade, don't make us wait any longer."

The size difference wasn't made any better as they came closer. (Diamond) as it turned out, was barely larger than a filly and the human towered over even the tallest of those in the room, herself being second. Steadily they gave their greetings and moved through the crowd towards the raised platform.

"Princess Celestia, it's been too long. It was the presentation a few months back since last we spoke if I recall." The man and mare giving a bow and curtsy respectively.

She hadn't noticed anything different until he made his way up the steps and his gaze turned to her. Something was wrong, whatever it was she didn't know but it caused a chill to settle in her chest. The calm and welcoming smile never left Celestia's lips but for those that knew what to look for, they would have seen her eyes narrow almost imperceptibly as her ears moved slightly forward to focus on the human.

"Indeed it has, how is the project coming along by the way? "

"Slowly but surely progressing, there are a dozen other such endeavors vying for my attention these days. But you know all about that, don't you Princess?"

(Did he know he was being followed, or that the grand archivist of his library worked for her.)

"Whatever do you mean Shade? "

"Simply not having enough hours in the day. Too many things in your focus can make for thin attention. Can it not? Then again having too much time can lead to idle thoughts and it's never good to dwell on the mistakes of the past. Not too much at least, as the mind is want to do. "

Shade's expression was easy to read as his until then natural peaceful smile turned into an infuriating grin. Him wearing a smug expression as if he had somehow won something nopony else could see.

"Diamond my dear, I see you've persuaded our guest to finally join us. I hope it wasn't to terribly difficult. "

"No Mother, though I did have to dig a path to his desk to collect him. The only difficulty was not getting crushed beneath the piles of parchment or being lost in the labyrinth of bookshelves. "

The small mares words and demeanor betrayed her look. She may have been young compared to her siblings but her manners and elegant tone spoke of her upbringing and social status.

"You need to get out more. Staying in that musty old library of yours, reading and doing whatever else it is you do can't be good for you." Diamond stated as she looked up to the human.

Upon his arrival he set out to making as many connections as possible. Taking to the art of negotiations as a fish to water, he proved himself a shrewd dealmaker and contract writer. At first The Guilds and Nobles attempted to ignore his claims. Thinking them nothing more then the overactive imagination of a strange (albeit well spoken and polite) creature. It was then when he began explaining the simpler mechanics of a few of his ideas that they took notice. Convincing a few of the more open-minded and entrepreneurial of them to venture Investments. The guilds attempted to stifle his progress so the resources and sanctioning could be used to make more gold on their part. A couple of years of accepting these heavily sided arrangements with much more patience and poise then thought possible, he then made his move. He had not accepted any contracts that were not written and more importantly worded himself. He had by then saved enough in combination with the connections forged with outside parties for resources. All the while creating lesser guilds under a false name using proxies and bribery to garner proper sanctioning and relevant licenses.

A tactic made illegal shortly thereafter. But by then it was too late. A scant few months after the initial construction of the first factories was complete it was made obvious that the vast majority of Shades works were kept secret from all but a very select few. Business exploded and with it so did his influence. Quickly backpedaling the former organizations and parties tried to make nice and assist the clearly industrial juggernaut in the making. It was then his actions hinted at what laid beneath his mask of polite patients.

An extreme and vindictive disdain for those who had tried to control him, accepting their gifts and excuses with a benevolent smile he used the newly-acquired influence to sink his tendrils into their businesses and livelihoods. Lying dormant for years before he toppled entire branches of businesses and factories. Tearing them apart from the inside out then cannibalizing the remains, replacing them with his own at the first opportunity. Noble houses that had private contracts with outside parties and supply lines that had been active for generations suddenly stopped and switch to the side of the human. Leaving their former allies to languish and rot with seemingly no word as to why.

Of course the entire process of this and other exploits went unnoticed by most of the populace. They were few that knew and fewer still that could see his manipulations from the outside. It was suspected that the instant there was more gold than could be invested into building infrastructure for his factories, it was then turned to gathering knowledge. Through almost every deal that he had ever made since he became self-sustaining was prefaced with the requirement for information. In whatever capacity their assets and access permitted, the number one priority was any and all books and scrolls pertaining to the subjects of Industry, magic, technology, language and law as well as many more were to be made accessible to be copied and cataloged by the otherwise introverted scholar.

The stipulation of security in place to prevent the human from sharing the information gained as well as who it came from. Something he had shown little care for but accepted nonetheless. Until then a building that was thought to be the largest factory to ever have been built in the city of Canterlot turned out to be not a factory but instead the biggest private library in history. 6 stories and each level, tens of thousands of square hooves, he was thought to have lost his mind upon its announcement. It would take entire lifetimes to fill a place that size. (I wasn't yet aware that he did indeed have the time to do just that and more.)

As the party continued, the conversation lulled. A waiter appeared carrying a platter of drinks. "Might I offer some refreshments? We have an excellent vintage 599 A.B, winter harvest Vidal Blanc as well as selections of ciders and champagne."

As the others accepted their drinks Celestia felt something very wrong fill the air. In her periphery a flicker of something black called her attention. One of the fluted glasses levitated from the silver platter and landed in the hand of the human. She had a natural affinity for fire magic and the aura moved as if it was made of flames. But in no part did they feel like her favoured element. Just looking at them made her feel sickened. They were dark and cold. The fire moved lethargically as if they were dead but still being willed to move. (Dead, that was an apt phrase. The light and life of the magic in those flames were gone. Slow and jerking movements that clung to the glass. It felt hollow and dead. It reminds me of Grogers magic.)

Her eyes snapped to Shade's face. What she saw caused a crawling sensation to skitter down her spine. The very same mist that surrounded the eyes of dark mages of the past was coming from his own. Though the purple that was expected was instead replaced with the same black encompassing the glass. His blue eyes shone with an inner glow that seethed at their centre surrounded by an endless void.

As his magic faded away Celestia bolted up and her horn glowed so brilliantly its color was almost a pure white. The interior of House Star became like day as the music and laughter came to a sudden end. The startled gasps and yells of alarm rang out as the light faded with the sound of a shattering glass. What all those present then witnessed was the resident human and guest of honour being held within a bubble of shimmering golden light. Chains made from the same magic anchored cuffs and shackles to the floor. The Princess was standing with her gaze locked Into a scowl at the human. Every muscle hardened and her stance poised for movement.

"What is the meaning of this!? Why? What have you done Princess?" The matriarch urgently asked, as she looked back and forth between the two. Diamond sought refuge behind Morning Star as the waiter scurried away from the scene. The attention of its dozens of guests looking to the origin of the commotion.

Where all the others in the room wore expressions of startled attention and worry. The human had an air of disappointment as he looked to the floor."That was a really good year."

"He's using dark magic! Did you not see the change in his scalora and pupil, the mist of black escaping the corners of his eyes. "

"If you would so be permitting Princess. Could I perhaps speak towards my defense? I can assure you this is merely an unfortunate misunderstanding." The human questioned in a curious tone.

"There is nothing to be said. I know the feeling and sight of dark magic." Celestia commented resolutely as she gave a narrowed look at the human before her.

"If I am not mistaken Princess, the trademark of the use of dark magic is a purple mist present with green and red. Not the black and blue we had seen." As Morning Star spoke to Celestia she stepped closer to Shade to convey a sense of unity for their newly claimed family member.

"I also believe the more elemental the wielders magic the more it likely to visually manifest from the eyes." Diamond stated as she kept her place behind her mother.

"And you would be correct in that information but what has yet to be addressed is the fact that a being that once did not possess a magical core at all and consequently unable to use magic to any extent now has and uses one. Mana cores are only developed and contained within living creatures. The claiming of another's core involves some of the most twisted and vile techniques ever devised. I know this because of a conflict from a time long ago."

"We of course had many questions when it was revealed to us that he has magic but there is an expl..."

"Silence! This will be investigated fully and while it is being conducted, Shade will be held for questioning."

Those within the House of Star continued to try reasoning with the Princess as they left the party-goers in a state of shock. The matron going so far as to begin yelling veiled threats as the carriage was loaded and prepared for its departure.

"It's all right Morning Star. Once the situation has been explained and no dubious methods or intent on my part and more importantly your own are proven then I will be expecting an apology." Shade said with a small smile.

"An apology? Apology!?" Morning Star exclaimed through gritted teeth." If it were Diamond, Fallen or myself that were suspect then an investigation would indeed be in order. It is the detainment that's uncalled for and I will not stand for it! This is unnecessary and will reflect ill on yourself as well as our name. If there is to be an apology then it will be public and I will be seeking recompense!"

The rantings of the matron were ignored as the human was ushered into the carriage. As it pulled away a scream of frustration rang out as a few birds in the nearby trees fluttered into the night sky.

{ 3 days later}

Princess Celestia had finished the day's court and now awaited the word of the Archmage in front of her. The mare seemed reluctant to speak as she shuffled in place.

"What is it you wish to say Arcfire? I received word this morning that the investigation of the human has come to an end. What are your findings?"

"From what you told us of Tirek and his methods, the Mages Guild in collaboration with Royal Investigations have exercised the utmost caution and focus we are capable. It is our findings that the charges and subsequent trial against Shade of House Star will be... unnecessary."

"What?" The Princess's expression changed from grim anticipation to genuine shock as Arcfire's response was given.

"Though the magic's resonance on the light and dark spectrum is suspect to say the least. The means of which he has accomplished the ability to utilize magic while morally questionable is not in and of itself illegal, Your Highness."

"Elaborate."

"As far as where his magic falls, the majority of its signature has roots in cryomancy with umbramancy throughout. It's just that it's much more elemental than what would normally be possible because of how it's wielded. With a being's life magic present at the center of their magical core or Mana well, then it changes the magic's signature in a small but measurable degree as they use it. Whether it be through a spell or manifesting physically, that presence is what we would then define as normal. It is the lack of that infusion of life magic that for the more magically sensitive would make it feel unnatural. The "wrongness" you had reported is suspected to stem from this. It is also that there is another aspect of his magic we, to be quite honest, have never seen. All attempts to isolate and measure it has been met with failure."

Celestia adopted a contemplative look that more closely resembled a scowl.

"You don't simply create a mana well out of thin air, how?"

"Runes Your Majesty. Using runes and a new type of mana gem he has been able to engineer an artificial magical core. Dozens of runes, sigils and glyphs arranged in patterns using enchanting Ink that's been placed beneath layers of skin."

"Skin?" Celestia questioned with slightly wider eyes.

"He calls them tattoos, Princess. Further research on the subject has yielded that the zebrecon tribes of the past have used something similar, though only for aesthetic purposes."

"What of the focus? I don't believe I have seen him sprout a horn from his head at any point and that's ignoring how obscure the runic languages are."

Arcfire's movements were more energetic at the prospect of answering the Princess. A visible excitement in her eyes clearly seen.

"That's just it Princess, he hasn't been using archaic references in forgotten tomes or rubbings of relics as a method of decoding their function. He's created an entirely new branch of mathematics that converts the magical energy signature inherent to runes into a numerical representation of its attributes and order of operation. First its energy signature into its mathematical representation, that is then converted into a three or two dimensional shape representative of that algorithm. Runes to energy, energy to runes. He can use this method to decipher the function of any foreign runes found or create entirely new ones with one hundred percent predictable results... It's ingenious!"

"Wait..." Twilight hesitantly spoke. Her voice ringing out in the minds of those present."He invented arithmancy!?" The ticking of a clock in the room was silenced as motes of dust that slowly floated through beams of sunlight coming through the windows stopped in place. The world quickly slowing to a crawl before stopping completely. Those within the room frozen in time.

"Correct, as you probably know, prior to this point using runes was primarily trial-and-error. The established body of knowledge of those that were in common use and their various combinations were thought of as mundane. But those outside of the well-established were many but largely left unexploited because of the inherent danger of the unknown. Cataloguing the results using this method while slow, progress was made. At least by those that survived. It was common knowledge at the time that while not against the law was frowned upon because of this."

There was a world shift that jolted the elements. Compelled to look around in their disoriented state, everyone quickly came to the realization that instead of disembodied perspectives they could see themselves and the others of their group.

"Whoa, seeing two Princess Celestia's is um... strange." Her student said with an uncertain voice.

"Hehe, what's strange is seeing Shade like this. He looks the same but this is like 400 years ago. A century before he met Granny Pie's parents! I knew he was Immortal but it feels more real now, neat." Pinkie stated with an excited smile.

"I wish Rarity could have seen this. I just know she would love to see the old fashion clothing they used to wear." Fluttershy quietly commented.

"Twas a simpler time." Luna nodded.

"Okay, now we know about the runes but what about the focus?" Twilight couldn't help but ask."He very rarely uses magic when others are around. Shade had said it was because it was off-putting to some. Now I know why."

Celestia was about to answer but Pinkie Pie hopped over to her student and began speaking.

"It's his eyes Twi! That's his focus."

"How do you know that? I've never heard of anything like it before." The lavender mare asked looking deep in thought, her concentration could almost be felt by those around her.

"I asked silly! And I have no idea how it works but I think we're going to find out." Finishing her statement she looked to Celestia expectantly.

The princess looked to herself as the world once again spun into motion. Those looking on noticing no perspective change as Arcfire began anew.

"The complexity of his work is difficult to decipher given time constraints as well as the fact there is a great deal of information not available to us because it's held within his mind. Questioning has yielded very little extra information. Shades answers have proven highly calculated and to the point. If not absolutely vital then our questions go unanswered. He has made a statement that the needed criteria has been met. The nature of his magic and the questions of its artificial mana well brought to conclusion"

Pinkie wore a look of worry as Arcfire finished. "Woops, was I not supposed to say that? I hope Shady won't be mad at me!"

"Don't fret, that and much more will be revealed soon enough."

"Yay, I'm glad I don't have to explain that one."

"Come Archmage, I have questions of my own and I will have them answered. Where exactly is he being held?"

"The bottom of level two princess. The unknowns of his magic and capabilities warranted magical containment."

As Celestia, the Archmage and a few accompanying guards made their way to the lower levels of the castle, the journey was quiet. The look the Princess held was thoughtful and impatient as she focused on the path her thoughts traveling back.(The first time I met the human was shortly after his arrival in this world. A mare by the name of Sugar Pleasant if she remembered correctly directed her guards to a scene that could only be described as pandemonium. On the outskirts of Gramm it was reported that they found a resident and a large creature unconscious in a crater within the nearby forest. The stallion was in varying states of frostbite and hypothermia. Mr.Steele was in the worst condition out of the two by a fair margin. Though the human possessed numerous contusions, lacerations and a few suspected broken bones. Thereafter they were quickly taken to a small clinic within the village itself. Both would go on to make a full recovery, scars notwithstanding. The human oddly enough had recovered within a matter of hours yet remain unconscious for far longer. Proving him to possess a ludicrous level of natural regeneration or unprecedented sensitivity to healing magic. The stallion waking within half a day, the human taking three.

(Arcfire may still hold a grudge against him.) The first time the head of the Mages Guild met the human wasn't a good first impression. Shade had decided to remain silent for the initial few days after he had awoken. Later saying "It is within my experience that when thrust into an unknown situation and environment that staying quiet and taking in as much information on the variables as possible to be the best course of action, generally speaking." A sound line of logic but the time, paperwork and testing that would later prove unnecessary because of him having the ability to speak would make Arcfire tear out her mane in frustration.

"Princess Celestia?" Her attention was brought back by the Archmage. "Just here, Your Highness." Turning the corner into the dungeon corridor there were cells to each side of the hall. The destination directly ahead. Torches burned, coloring the inside a warm hue that was still somehow lost within this dreary space. The sole occupant in this place wasn't hard to miss standing behind an orange barrier. Tall enough tha...

"You're taller." Celestia stated with a raised eyebrow as she stopped before the shimmering wall.

"Pardon?" Shade asked in apparent confusion.

"The first time you were here was after having been transferred unconscious from the village of Gramm. This is the room you were held in. I remember thinking the first time seeing you stand that your head almost touched the ceiling. Yet now you have to crouch."

"Ah yes, these four dull gray walls do seem familiar now. Oh! How terribly rude of me." He quipped taking a bow. "A pleasure as always Princess."

"Drop the formalities Shade."

"Oh come now, Princess. There is always time for pleasantries and yes you are correct. A side effect of the experimentation process."

"Self experiments? That's an extremely dangerous path you walk. I want to see these runes for myself. I've been told of these skin markings but I see no sign of them."

The human stood there for a moment looking to each mare before turning his head to the walls of the cell.

"Well given the plethora of choices I have to choose from. I believe I will acquiesce to your "request.""

With a strange smile Shade began removing every article of clothing he had. A small pile having formed at his side as he finished. Attempting to ignore his state of undress and focusing priorities, Celestia began making observations. He wasn't wearing anything when he was initially found. When she had first seen the human, his midsection had been covered. He did not elect to be so modest this time. The skin was a very pale pink, more so than when they first met. His muscles had been well defined but now they were much larger and more pronounced. The... first thing that garnered her attention was a black diamond shaped gem in the center of his chest. Placing a finger on the gem embedded there, a wave of smoke swirled around his body and vanished as quickly as it came.

Celestia felt the same unnatural feeling but ignored it for what she was seeing before her. There were dozens of runes, sigils, glyphs and even more she had never seen before. That wasn't the only change by far. He now stood on two hooves. Black fur in contrast with the white of his complexion from unshorn fetlocks to hips. Two horns began from his widow's peak and swept back into a slight upturned angle at their tips that ended just passed the back of his head. The change in his eyes were back as they gazed forward with glowing pools of blue. Small scales formed around the joints and spine. Nails had become claws that quickly retracted into fingers. His normally sharp teeth had now become fangs framed by his smile. As well as a tail that looked to be slightly longer than he was tall and as thick as the bars of his cell, was currently wrapped around his waist like a belt.

The until then silent guard released a choked cough. Celestia turned to the others expecting various reactions but not the ones she received. Fluttershy was both trying to hide behind her mane and fight for control over her wings. Twilight stared forward unblinkingly as a searing blush reached her ears. Pinkie Pie was looking at the single guard that had accompanied them into the study.(Seeing Pinkie with that kind of grin was... strange.) Shadow Walker seemed to be trying his very best not to look at either Shade or Pinkie at the moment. Her sister however was entirely unaffected, looking stoic and regal she stood unfazed by h... (tap tap tap...) Sigh (tap tap tap.) Celestia felt her sister trying to establish a mental connection. Something while possible in a shared mind space was only for emergencies. Relenting she allowed the thought through.

("Tia, why doth he possess two pen("Luna! We will discuss your questions later. I haven't the time nor the mental energy to entertain your entirely unnecessary curiosities...")

Her state of surprise the first time she witnessed this transformation had prevented her from noticing... All of its aspects. Committing to progression she willed the world forward.

"How, wha-why?" Arcfire inquired in mental disarray.

"To address your questions in order, as to the "how" is simple enough. Transformation magic by its nature changes not only the body but the magical signature of the changed portions as well. The "what" is straightforward without going too deeply into philosophy and the nature of self. What I am is human regardless of the iteration or permutation. It is in our blood to adapt and to evolve. To become more than we are. And of course the "why". Magical circuits and pathways, artificial mana cores channeling raw arcane into sigils, glyphs and runes alike. Time, energy and will indomitable. Modifications of flesh and bone!" He threw his arms up in a fervent display." All of it would be useless without control. There must be a bridge between mind and magic. A uniting factor of the soul and magical core." Shade walked a few steps to the bed and sat on its edge by the barrier. Taking on a thoughtful expression he looked back to the mares as he continued."The soul is a strange thing. Swirling colors of emotion and intent. Patterns distinct and unique to the individual. Black represents maliciousness and ill-will, blue in somber tones of sorrow, varying shades of red denote hatred and anger. White is purity of intent and innocence. As well as innumerable others and mixtures in between. The changes of my form and the magical resonance those changes enable are what give my will its influence over magic."

"And your horns the focus." Arcfire ventured as she sat with rapt attention. Celestia observed the striking similarity between the Archmage and Twilight. Both of them sharing the same look of academics attending a lecture. Hanging on every word with genuine interest and intent to learn.

"Though your guess is sound it is in actuality my eyes that magic are channeled through. As the saying goes, "The eyes are the windows to the soul." The saying far more accurate than previously thought, I will admit. It's why when magic permeates the body that it leaks from the eyes. Manifesting like a focus but that focus hasn't been given direction like a unicorn's horn would. That interaction is more in the vein of elemental resonance and doesn't possess the same efficiency as alicorn. Changes were required in the material's molecular interaction and composition in order to utilize this method. Using sigils in combination with modifications of material densities and their resonant signatures."

"But why not use the same method to utilize your horns instead?"

Twilight quickly looked to her side realizing Arcfire had asked the same question. Having chosen to take a seat beside the Archmage of memory past.

"Even transformation magic has its limitations. It doesn't possess the same ability to replicate alicorn or I would have made every bone in my body of the magically super-conductive material. Besides the efficiency of using the eyes has become a negligible difference at this point. As to why that particular kind of magic can't produce the alicorn of a unicorn's horn while curious has been pushed back until I have the time for additional experimentation and research."

"Then why di.." Arcfire stopped as she realized the Princess was looking at her with a narrowed gaze. Twilight was fidgeting and looking down at her hooves like a scolded filly. Celestia realized her student was acting as she did because she was going to ask a question of her own if not the same one as the Archmage.

After having ceased Arcfire's questioning the Princess looked from her to the human. The intensity only increasing.

"Auramancy and the manipulation of the soul is both morally abhorrent and illegal."

"I am aware of its consequence Your Highness. Only information was gathered as to the nature of the soul and the interaction between the corporeal and the spiritual. Garnering knowledge on their relationship itself is not against the laws of this land. The legal system as well as its customs and general etiquette had been high on my mandatory reading lists. Morally reprehensible, debatable. A societal taboo, perhaps. But not itself illegal. The study and subsequent modification of the physical and its interaction with the soul leaves the soul itself unchanged."

Placing his hand over the gem again and with a wave of shadow like smoke bursting forth and consuming him. He stood there once more looking just as when she met him, then he began to dress himself.

"If it's not too much to ask, may I take my leave of this place? Not that the accommodations haven't been absolutely wonderful but I've been here for... three days. Sorry, having no windows makes it a tad difficult to keep track." Shade inquired as he finished.

As the temperature of the dungeons rose Arcfire as well as the guards slowly navigated away from the Princess as she began to speak.

Celestia's eyes glowed with the inner light of dancing flames. There in the bowels of Canterlot castle, far away from the wind and weather, was filled with the beginnings of a breeze that swept through the cool stagnant air and over the damp stones. The sounds of creaking metal echoed in the halls as the flowing air increased in speed. The flickering light of torches whipping to and fro casting shadows that twitched and shuttered with increasing intensity. A shimmering heat rolled off her form visibly warping the air as it rose to the ceiling in waves.

"I will only tell you this once human. There have been many that have traveled down the path you now walk. Many that have sought forbidden knowledge and played with powers beyond their understanding. Greater minds than your own have become monsters that history only remembers because of what horrible things they turned into. If you, as they did, cast aside your own morality as you have done your humanity. If you become a monster. I will kill you."

With the now constant subtle glow behind the blue of his eyes and a reserved smile, he gave an elegant and flourishing bow.

As the flow of her mane slowed and the heat dissipated she turned away and began trotting down the hall. She heard his voice become even lower as he replied.

"Keeping your cautionary words in mind, Princess. I shall endeavor to do my very best."

A declaration

Celestia sat at the head of the table in the dining hall. Arcfire sat at her side silently as a grandfather clock's bell tolled and echoed through the spacious room. "Four gray walls." The Archmage said as she stared at the plate in front of her, wearing a thoughtful expression.

The Princess turned to the fury red mare with a questioning look.

"He was looking right at us, not to the sound of us speaking."

Trying to decipher the cryptic mumblings of her companion and drawing a blank, Celestia asked. "What are your thoughts Arcfire?"

"The dungeons aren't often used but I should have thought of it sooner. The cells that have magical containment wards inside of them looks as if there is a wall over the entrance just like its other three. At least from the inside. He said, "These four gray walls do seem familiar now." "I think he could see us through the illusion somehow." Celestia's eyes snapped wide as the Archmage looked on. The Princess wore an expression she didn't recognize.

"No Arcfire, he could see... our souls."

Everything clicked, falling together like puzzle pieces. (The feeling of unease the first time he looked at me at the celebration. Him smiling as if seeing something nopony else could. He might not have seen our physical bodies through the barrier but our souls made it possible for him to know exactly who and where we were. "Swirling colours of emotion and intent." The white of Innocence, blue of sorrow, red of hatred and anger. He was explaining what was in front of him at the time. Describing us. That's why it reminded me of Groger...)

"But Princess, Soul-Sight is..." Arcfire whispered with a panicked look.

"A necromancer's trait." Celestia finished grimly.

{6 months later}

A stallion and mare stood before the throne as rain and wind beat against the stained-glass windows. A darkened backdrop for a time both sombre and hopeful.

"We thank you so much Princess. If not for your help we wouldn't know what to do."

"It's alright, my little ponies. We have shown nature our tenacity and will to survive before. That not fire, flood or earthquake will prevent us from going forward, from thriving. Your farm will be rebuilt and yo..." WOOCRACK!

Celestia looked to the entrance of the room with a snap of attention. Standing there was the human with a kind of neutral look that said nothing of the fact that he just embedded the door into the brickwork. One of the guards that stood in front of a pillar nearby looked on with wide eyes as bits of marble fell to the floor.

"Innumerable pardons for the interruption Your Highness, but I felt as if the situation warranted such an action."

The human walked within the throne room only to be stopped by the guards.

"Halt! What business do you have with the Princess?"

He stopped before the crossed spears and glanced to the one who had asked the question. Then looked back to the throne and continued.

"Might I inquire as to why, upon my return from a familial obligation, I happened to find a regiment of Royal Guards raiding... my... Library? "

"Mr. and Miss Tiller, I believe we have cleared up the matter of your request. It seems I have another issue to address, I hope you understand. "

"Of course Your Highness."

As the couple bowed and exited Celestia's smile fell away. "Guards, I would like to speak to my guest in private. You are dismissed."

Waiting for a moment for all those to leave the room she then began. "By asking the question, I gather you didn't stop to see the reason as to why."

"Given my current levels of annoyance, I thought it best to not leave it to chance that I might lose what little remains of my patients. But you have as of yet to answer my question, why? "

"During the past decade there has been a significant increase in Imports. Because of this there has been a proportionate need for increased security along the borders for checks of trade goods. A report of a suspicious trader and his caravan was catalogued and his comings and goings watched. A routine check and orders to instead scan for what's not supposed to be there, they were to search for what was. Everything was in order except for one thing, a shipment of grain was missing. By itself it wasn't out of the ordinary. What was however, is the weight of that shipment was the same as it would be if it's still had the grain. Further inspection revealed books beneath false floorboards. Books of hemomancy, necromancy and other forbidden tomes and even a few relics.

When questioned on this and offered leniency if information was given on the buyer and any other relevant shipment logs, he agreed. Of course the names given led to dead ends and parties that didn't exist. But imagine my surprise when a few shipments ago that same trader on quite a few occasions had mana gems in their cargo. Researching that line of evidence brought with it the realization that one of the largest investors in the company that owns that caravan is none other than our own resident reclusive scholar, you... Now don't feel singled out, every possible investor and trader of Blackgate Industries is under the same scrutiny. You just so happen to have a library here. Nothing personal you understand. "

The only visible change in the humans look and demeaner was a noticeable light in his eyes. His voice however had dropped an entire octave as he spoke.

"Venturing a guess, the case file for this investigation will not be available to the public I suspect? "

"Oh, it will as soon as it's complete. I will personally see to that."

Celestia had needed to see Shade since Arcfire and herself came to the conclusion of his ability to see souls. It hadn't occurred to her until then that she lacked any context as to how powerful an artificial mana well was. Having no need to measure the magic of a creature that didn't possess the ability to wield it until a short time ago. As her magic manifested and she began weaving the Magi-Sight spell, the human's eyes grew wider as if realizing it's nature.

Time stopped, the instant before the spell was cast it seemed as a light flashed and everything became frozen in place. A look of concentration on Celestia's face as she looked down to the human from the throne as everything became still.

"You had said you wished to know how he could accomplish complete mental isolation, Luna." Celestia looked from herself sitting on the throne to her sister at her side. "I had said it wasn't something you would want to replicate and you no doubt wanted to know why, both of your answers... are there." She said as she pointed towards the human as the scene skipped forward a single second. Luna looked from her sister to where her hoof was pointing and what followed was a breath that escaped her lips and eyes widening in disbelief.

What they all looked at now was something difficult to describe. What stood in the centre of the throne room was a nexus of cold void. It still seemed as time had ceased to flow but through Celestia's memory she let the aura of the human continue to move as she remembered it. A black miasma that rippled and shuttered, it rolled and twisted in place as if trying to escape. Tendrils stretched from the shadow along the floor where he stood to the darkest corners and behind the pillars where the torches light couldn't touch. At the centre of it all through seething abyss laid runes In patterns of complexity never seen. Not those on his skin but what laid beneath, what was within, they were etched and carved, into his bones.

What looked to be every one of them was marked in intricate detail from the smallest to largest. And without a doubt the most complex of all was his skull. Hundreds if not thousands of spell lines, runic gates, sigils, glyphs, magical circuits and pathways glowed in unison creating both a magical and physical barrier around his mind. The portion of the gem in his chest that could be seen was only a small part of the whole. It looked to travel through bone and connect to a much larger version on the other side of his breastplate and every marking both inside and out led to it. What they were looking at now, this world had never seen before.

"H-how?" Luna muttered.

"The better part of four centuries and I do not know, Sister. He has never told a single soul about his abilities and how they are accomplished. To know, is to have power over him and if I have learned anything since I met the human is that he would rather die then..."

"I know!" Pinkie Pie happily announced as she bounced in place.

The attention of everypony was now centred on the pink haired baker. Celestia surprise was easy to see by all and her expression was shared by most.

"You know... What?"

"All the things! Shade always answers any questions I have."

"Tis as I suspect to be a fruitless endeavour but regret would be mine should it not be asked. Care to enlighten us Lady Pie?"

"I do care, but I still can't say." Her nodding resolutely.

"Did you make a pinkie promise?" Fluttershy asked in a quiet tone.

"Nope." A small smile formed as she replied. "I'm just happy he trusts me."

(I don't understand how they could be taking things so calmly. It's almost as if they have a resistance or perhaps an immunity to the feeling that his magic generates in others.) Celestia adopted a contemplative expression as she looks to the pink mare. "If you would be willing Pinkie, may I ask as you look to the rolling shadows within Shade. How does it make you feel?"

Pinkie Pie turned once more to the human in the centre of the room. Placing her hoof below her chin she looked on in thought. As her mind went over the question there was a ripple in the air above her, colours began to manifest and take form of shapes that moved and flashed.

"It makes me feel warm and calm. It reminds me of the times he's hugged or... kissed me. The feeling of being in his arms and smelling his scent..."

"I'm sorry to interrupt your thoughts, Pinkie Pie." Celestia said as she gestured above the mare. "Concentrating on recalling memories in a shared mind space will result in them trying to manifest."

"That's okay, I don't mind if everypony sees this one." As she went back to concentrating the shifting images grew more steady and the flat shapes were given depth. Forming a bubble it rushed outward, encompassing those present and replacing the throne room.

The moonlight flowed through the open window. The drapes swayed in the summer breeze, bringing with it the scent of forest trees and the coming rains. At the centre of the room in the flickering lights of candles and sparkling chandelier was a four-poster bed of dark wood and willowing curtains that moved wistfully to and fro. Laying amongst the black silken sheets and lavish tasselled pillows, Pinkie rested atop the human. An arm holding her close as the other wandered. With her breathing slow and paced she hummed contentedly as he rubbed the muscles of her back. The softness of her fur giving way beneath his fingertips. With each breath her form would rise and fall as she snuggled into his chest, trying to get ever closer. Her senses were filled with warmth and the smell of clove and deep earthen notes. She felt a finger slip under her chin before he slowly raised her head. As their eyes met, she could feel his other hand move to her hair. Letting the strands cascade through his fingers like a pink waterfall. As he looked from her eyes to her lips, his voice came in a soft and quiet tone.

"Come here, my dear. "

Guiding her along into lips loving caress, her top lip was captured for a moment before it was released. Moving in succession from top to bottom to top again he kissed her thrice.

With half-lidded gaze and a whisper of a giggle she asked. "Why always three?"

"Hmm?"

"You always kiss me three times, why is that?"

A chuckle rumbled from his throat as he cupped her cheek.

"Well, the first one is for me. The second is for you and the third?" He paused. "The third is for me as well. I'm very greedy." He said with a smile.

She released a laugh that sounded as the tinkling of bells. "That's okay, maybe I should be greedy too." She stated as she leaned forward and kissed him once more.

As the scene played before the others they could feel an almost overwhelming sensation of contented warmth and joy. A feeling of unwavering safety, of being accepted, valued, cherished... loved.

"T-thats enough." Celestia almost exclaimed as the world shifted to the throne room. "Thank you Pinkie Pie, that will be more than sufficient."

"You're welcome Princess." She replied happily.

Trying to gather her bearings, Celestia looked to the others. She witnessed everypony blushing and smiling in varying degrees, even her sis...

("Luna, we will most definitely be speaking later.")

As the memory before them began anew, the Princess looked to the human with a neutral expression. (He is a great deal more powerful than a normal unicorn. Arcfire possesses a prodigious amount of magic and I would say Shade is at or slightly above the Archmagi's own mana reserves. I have to say I was expecting more, but I would never underestimate the current level he's at. A sharp mind with any power can prove to be very difficult and... dangerous. If only his mind could be used for good and not his seemingly insatiable need for control. Inquisitiveness and the accumulation of knowledge is all well and good but there is a limit. I will never allow the creation of another Sombra if I can help it. I will have to direct his grand archivist to copy any of his developments in the runic languages and other areas of Interest.)

Refocusing, he adopted his neutral smile as he began speaking. "A constant vigilance and protectiveness of your subjects, I commend you Your Highness. Smuggler's can be quite the troublesome bunch, ever-changing and evolving new methods. I hope in my heart of hearts that your investigation reveals those responsible. And if I can offer my assistance please don't hesitate to ask."

He now wore a grin as his gaze narrowed. "Of course an upstanding and law-abiding citizen would have nothing to hide. I can assure you, you won't find a single scrap of such things within my library. Again I apologize for the interruption, I will leave you to it. It would seem I have a great deal of things vying for my attention. I look forward to our next meeting Princess."

Giving a bow, he clasped his hands behind his back and made way towards the exit. "Oh, I will be paying for the damages. The wall behind the door has seen better days. I'll need to modify my level of strength when next I have an opportune moment."

Reaching out to the world

{6 years later}

The silver arches and gilded golden towers of Canterlot sparkled in the light of the morning sun. The kingdom bathed in the soft oranges and yellows of the sunrise. To the northeast of the highest balcony of the castle, Celestia could see the workers finishing the final stages of a tower that was recessed into the mountain itself. The newest venture of the famed inventor of House Star. She couldn't have imagined that this was the end result of the inventors investors gathering seven years ago. As it turned out, the sphere floating on that pedestal had further reaching implications than anypony besides Shade himself could have seen. Dirigibles, ships that split the clouds instead of waves, drifting amongst blue skies and twinkling stars. Equestria now sat at the precipice of a great change. A revolution in trade and commerce to rival the invention of the wheel itself. The greatest empires in all of history were defined by their capability of trade and moving their number from place to place. And now her ponys were at the heart of one such historical event. All thanks to the... Human

A few hours pass.

"No! How could you suggest selling weapons to potential enemies! "

"Please councillor, we have agreed that the market for ships will be made available to those Equestria has a peace treaty or non-aggression pact with."

Morning Star sat to the left of the stallion who just bellowed. They and the others of the Noble Council were gathered around a massive oak table in the centre of the room. 30 members representing all walks of life. From the Mages to Merchants Guilds were present even the Nobles of the fishing trade to the Captain of the Solar Knights. The Cathedral of Light had hosted the gatherings of Nobles since its construction 400 years ago. Serving as neutral ground and a peaceful environment for discussion and the betterment of all. Princess Celestia presided at the head of the table.

The captain chimed in.

"Griffonia's King changes every couple of decades. What's to say the next King keeps to the treaty's or even the current one! Giving those barbarians airships that can be armed and armoured will only make the inevitable conflicts worse. Not to mention doing the same for a bunch of monkeys in the Storm Kingdom."

"What can and will happen are entirely two different things. Besides the compensation for Shades false imprisonment was granting him a Guild's license for free market trade. As long as the selling of goods is to allies then you don't have a say in the matter! " Morning Star Retorted.

Celestia stood and began to speak.

"Enough! The reason we are here is to discuss the military applications of the Hydra class and above, not some cargo ships being sold to the other countries. The selling of military ships doesn't fall under the exchange of normal goods and as such will not be included."

The human cleared his throat to gather the attention of those present. "I believe what needs to be addressed first and foremost is the definition of a military class vessel. I proposed three categories. For those that are of the more cautionary sort, there will need to be an armoured version of standard cargo ships as well as their luxury variant. Civilian, hybrid and Military. The military will of course possess both offensive and defensive capabilities. Though mercenary groups and other private forces will require a more broad definition. Perhaps a case-by-case basis."

The Noble on the far side of Celestia spoke. "There isn't a space large enough for the production of some of these size ships. The projected expansion rate and market demand will quickly outpace factory capabilities. Unless you plan on using some of your library space then where is it going to be built? "

With a raised eyebrow the human replied. "I recently bought out a company by the name of Blackgate Industries, based in the settlement of Manehattan. I will be moving all factory functions to its industrial quarter over the next few years. As of now the transition will be based off of demand-driven expansion rates. "

"All factory functions?!" Another Noble shot up and seethed. "Don't think for a second we've forgotten where you got those factories and businesses human! You come in and cause those that trusted you nothing but grief and financial ruin! Then you announce that the very things they built, their businesses and livelihoods you all but stole are to be cast aside!"

Morning Star gave a scathing glare as her hooves hit the table. "How dare you! I'll have you kno..."

"Hahaha!" Shade's laugh echoed through the grand halls and bell towers. A deep and cold thing, more than a little foreboding. "I think you're forgetting some crucial details Mr. Forge." His voice traveling across the room with a much lower tone than usual. "It was those Guilds and Nobles that stifled my work for nothing more than their own greed. Lining their coffers at the expense of progress. Raised efficiencies in material refinement, metallurgy and more were kept quiet because it threatens their already-established infrastructure. Healing potions driven to prices only the rich could afford because the ingredients necessary was in a cornered market. Gold over the health and well-being of their fellow kind. The prototype magically drawn carriage I gifted to the Princess would have taken 50 more years to produce if they and their ilk have their way. Not to mention what that implies."

The humans eyes pulsated with an inner glow for all to see. Celestia noticed that unlike before, he now had the pupils of a snake. The glistening white of fangs was seen in the light of day. The form of his smile never leaving even as his voice grew more aggressive. The few shadows in the room became deeper and quaked as he stood and continued.

"It was only after I had shown I was every bit as greedy and heartless as them could my plans continue. They invited me to their parties and social gatherings. I waited patiently through Inane drivel, proposals of courtship, marriage and partnerships. I waited for the opportune moment and finally I was "gifted" the opportunity to invest in their own markets. But what they didn't realize, however, is just how greedy and heartless I can be. So you are correct Mr. Forge, I all but stole from them. I took from them what had been taken from others. I took what had been given to them by those of the past that actually earned their Noble titles. I took all of it and more... All perfectly legal mind you. I used the very system they created, I exploited their rules and loopholes against them... "

Shade placed his hands on the table and leaned forward. The indentation of invisible claws pressing grooves into its surface. What came next was a tone so low it rumbled like distant thunder and the very foundations of the cathedral subtly shook as he spoke. "They became corrupt and I showed them what corruption really looks like."

With the flash of a spell far faster than the blink of an eye, Celestia looked to Shade again. (His mana well is threefold what it had been the first time it was measured.)

As he took his seat the room was silent. The shadows were normal and the glow had vanished. All that remained was his peaceful smile and the slight rocking of the chandeliers. Morning Star was looking to the human with a shocked expression. Celestia gathered this was the first time anypony had ever seen him anything more than irritated.

"I wasn't aware there was a potions market, nothing past the internal trading and purchases of the Alchemists Guild." Celestia stated as she looked to the Captain.

"Nor was I, Your Majesty. "

"It's been taken care of Princess. The difficulty of growing the reagents made it impossible to grow in regions non-native. Those that owned those areas dictated their prices. Soon my own lands will be cultivated and ready to produce. The market will be flooded and either the prices will find equilibrium or I will all but own the majority market share. They will no longer have a choice."

"Why haven't you brought this to my attention before now? Had I known then something would have been done to correct the situation."

"A situation enabled by the system they made, the opportunity given and left unchecked. It is as I have done, all within the rules and laws."

A stallion with a blue coat stood and spoke to the human with a livid scowl. "The Noctis Bellflower is one of the main components in a healing elixir. A flower that only grows in the Everfree or in the marshes of my lands. I know for a fact you would never be able to buy a part of that forest. Lady Evergreen wouldn't allow it and neither would I allow a part of my lands to be sold."

"You signed a contract finalized two weeks ago with a small family of farmers. The Vines, are an acquaintance of mine. What was entailed in that deal is and I quote. "The collected seeds and crops can be used and sold as long as 30% of its price is given to the Noble family of Bloomberg."

"That was for produce!"

"The word "produce" wasn't used once in that contract, only crops and seeds. Only the resources gathered could be sold and the percentage of gold you would make, and they did indeed sell them. All of them. I purchased the entire shipment of seeds... for a single gold coin."

"I... I... You!"

"You are sent a letter that asks if a family can gather seeds for their farm. Seeing another source of income you agreed. If it occurred to you that the broad words used could potentially include the bellflower seeds, one crop among the others of your land, they only grow in two places. It wouldn't matter if they tried to grow them. I knew that you, Mr. Bloomberg and your family would never sell them to me. Even knowing they couldn't be grown elsewhere. I also knew you would be perfectly fine exploiting a small family of farmers."

"I WILL SEE THAT YOU PAY FOR THIS!"

"You will try, but will find it far to costly."

Shadows of the past

A steaming cup of tea sat atop the old oak desk. It's wisps of warmth and sweet aroma were ignored despite the brisk feeling in the air. A crystal beside the intricately-designed porcelain cup gave off a blue Inner light as it radiated the sound of a violin playing, a joyful and arid tune with its accompanying instruments. Something delivered a few days previous courtesy of House Star. The fireplace giving the occasional pop and crackle as it filled the room with its cosy light and the scent of charred wood. Frost collected around the edges of the window panes. Just beyond, the flakes of a gentle snow fell over the landscape. The trees and bushes of the parks and gardens veiled in a blanket of white. Residents scurrying back and forth through the streets from carriage to market stalls and shop to shop. The bustling pulse of life never slowing even as the playful spirit of winter followed and danced around those outside. Clouds covered the sky as far as the eye could see. Rays of the sun would peek sparsely through separations as the day went on.

Celestia stared at the crystal as its volume rose to a crescendo filling the room with a symphony of sound she had never heard before. Reaching its zenith before it's light dimmed and it grew silent. As she contemplated the trinket in front of her there was a commotion outside the door of her study. Her mind reluctantly switching focus to the cause of the noise. A stallion whom was immediately recognized walked into the room.

"We-we need to speak as soon as possible, Princess."

"Unless Shade sent you here specifically for an errand, you know you're not supposed to be so blatant in seeking me out Dusty Tomes. "

The one that now stood before her was a rather large stallion with a tan coat and muddy brown mane. Dusty Tomes had been the curator of the humans library for the past 8 years. The archivist looked nervous as he shuffled from side to side.

"I know Your Majesty, but... I don't think that will be an issue any longer. As of this morning I was relieved of my position and replaced. He knows. "

"I... see..." Celestia took a moment to digest that bit of information. "Do you happen to know how he came to that conclusion?"

"I do not, he walked into the library earlier this morning with a mare I had seen in passing. A Miss Page if memory serves. I was told that my services were no longer required and whenever I was to report to you then I was tasked with relaying a message. "Tell her I give her my best regards." The stallion said despondently. "I'm sorry I have failed you, Princess."

"...Don't worry Dusty Tomes. This will only need a restructuring and all will be well. You may rest for the day and your position will be moved to the Canterlot archives."

"Thank you so very much Your Highness, I will do my utmost. "

As the stallion turned to leave he paused. "...One more thing, Princess. "

"Yes?"

"In the past I have reported of a book he has been seen reading in the sublevels of the library. A book that has been kept in the Star vault, something of his own design. Four days ago I witnessed him doing the same but this time the feeling I had as he opened it was... wrong. Cold and twisted and... Somethings happened, Your Highness. I don't know what, but... Please be safe and take care my Princess. "

"Alright Dusty, I will." Her response was given with a concerned look as the archivist left her study. He was close to out of sight when he was almost knocked over by Arcfire as she rushed past.

"Princess Celestia!" The poor mare looked ragged. She must have ran a good distance.

"Calm Arcfire, take a breath."

"I teleported as far as I could and ran the rest of the way. You need to see what was just found in the Mages Tower."

"What is it?"

"It's a massive crate, but that's not important... Well it is but... The crate was transported past the anti teleportation ward of the Mages Tower. The caster somehow overwhelmed the barrier and was able to teleport it into the middle of the lobby!"

"All right, come and stand at my side."

Arcfire made her way over and Celestia charged a spell. The room flashed and they then found themselves standing in snow. As they walked up the steps of the Mages Guild, the area was filled with ponies scrambling about. It reminded her of an angry ant hill. Entering the lobby hadn't made it any better.

"Crystal!" Arcfire called out, her voice ringing throughout the large area. A small and somewhat twitchy mare flittering with her magic aglow in front of a box in the centre of the room whipped around to face them.

"Y-yes Archmage!?"

"What have you found?"

"Nothing yet, so far the only magic we can detect is the residual from the teleportation itself. Oh! It's good to see you Your Highness." Crystal hastily bowed.

Inclining her head, Celestia asked. "If I may?" Gesturing to the crate.

"Of course, Princess."

As her magic scanned the box she noted its size was quite large as far as crates go. Finishing the diagnostics she turned to the Archmage.

"I believe it safe as far as I can determine. "

The glow of her horn's magic never wavered as a bubble appeared around the object. Celestia began pulling at its walls and what followed was... paper. A flood of parchment rolled out the instant the walls were freed. Books and what looked to be Journals as well as letters and ledgers. Scrolls that numbered in the hundreds scattered everywhere. Her attention however was focused on the inner walls of the crate. Printed on the inside in bold elegant lettering were the words "Dirty laundry." The barrier dropped and the half-dozen that stood around were ordered to begin sorting. Half an hour past and everypony just looked at one another not sure what to say.

"It goes back three generations. What looks to be every back alley deal and illegal sale ever documented is here. Letters of correspondence with known criminals. Violations of equine rights, illegal magical contracts and the Bloomberg family seal is on almost every one of them..." The Archmage commented in bewilderment.

(Not Just the Bloomberg's, the Thatcher's, Reeds and... It's every house currently aligned with the Bloomberg's as well.) Celestia reflected.

"Arcfire, I want this evidence transferred to investigations. I have some...one to talk to." (I don't know how or why but I definitely suspect who is responsible.)

"As you wish princess." The Archmage stated as Celestia walked with a brisk pace towards the doors.

Celestia had launched into the sky the moment she was out of the Mages Guild. Her path straight for a six-story building a few blocks away. The architecture plainly seen, even in the falling snow. A structure of iron, basalt and glass that dwarfed the buildings around it. The massive panes of glass only possible because of a new tempering formula developed for this buil... Among the chimneys across Canterlot a large plume of smoke erupted on the other side of the City. Her response was immediate. Veering towards the pillar of smoke and faint flickering light of flames, she cast a spell that took the form of a golden ring in front of her. As the Princess flew through the spell the world became a blur. The kinetic spell shot her forward with enough acceleration it would have broken the bones of a normal pegasus. In what seemed to be the blink-of-an-eye she arrived, followed by a shock wave of wind and snow. A few others had gathered in the area, pegasi using their magic to convert the nearby snow clouds into rain. Unicorns turning any snow they could see into water and funnelled it onto the... green flames.

"STAY AWAY! DON'T LET THE FLAMES NEAR YOU!" Amplifying her voice so loudly almost everypony in Canterlot could hear.

Celestia cast a bubble shield large enough to encompass the entire home. (Balefire, I don't know who originally created that horrid spell but I hope they burn in it until every black and insane part of their soul that made them invent it, is nothing but ash.) That spell had no counter or dispel. Flames made of a magic that was twisted by hatred, rage and hunger. Consuming wood and stone as well as flesh and metal. Only extinguishing after the mana woven into the spell was expended. The Inferno burned with a heat even she could feel. Crawling along any surface it touched and leaving nothing but molten slag and ash in its wake. Celestia didn't hesitate to fly straight through the first story window. Casting a barrier over its inside to allow anything but air through to prevent a backdraft. Expanding her senses she could feel one living thing within the large home. Landing in a Hall she darted forward. (It's close but below me.) Focusing was followed by a flash, she appeared one level under. (Still lower.) Another blink an... she stood in the same place. (Anti teleportation wards, strong ones. Why?)

As the walls literally melted and the sickeningly green flames swirled and roared, the hallways and rooms became like blast furnaces. (I don't have time to search for stairs!) Beams and tiles fell from the ceiling and walls as they lost hold of their anchors. (This place is already lost, it won't matter.) Magic flaring, beneath her the marble floor began to quickly smoke and pop. In a few seconds a circle of liquid rock started pooling in the centre of her hooves. A few more and she fell through into a puddle of lava. (Another damnable hallway.) Before her was a plain hall and at it's end lay a vault door. (That's why.) Walking forward her horn blazed to life. There wasn't even a pause before the door's security measures were overrun and it was torn from its hinges. The room's only light was what areas of the ceiling were heated to the point of glowing. Drops of liquid rock fell and pooled on the floor, casting a dim red light. The dull roar of the muffled Inferno above a constant sound in the background. Then she noticed the sounds of Whispers just loud enough to be heard over the droning of the fires. Directly ahead in the room in front of her was what looked to be a stallion with a blue coat laying in its centre.

"No! Are yo.." As she rushed into the room, there was a dark figure in the corner of her sight. Attention snapping to the side, the creature levitated half her height off of the floor. Black, ratty and torn robes. Bony and emaciated form with no lower half. (Why in all that is holy.. What is a shadow wraith doing in this plane?) Flaring her wings and shooting forward she placed herself between the creature and the stallion that laid unmoving. "What are you doing here crea!.." The wraith loosed a hollow wail and spun around. In the instant its back was turned the flash of something silver made Celestia's instincts scream in alarm. A massive scythe pulled from the dark itself swept through the air with the heavy thrumm of a guillotine. It would have very well been one if she hadn't crouched. Head snapping back and legs giving out below, her knees brought to her barrel and wings pushed the air upward and herself down. Gravity was to slow. Hitting the floor she cast a spell that flowed like water onto the ground. It started flowing up the walls as she turned and dove over the prone stallion.

Grabbing him and digging her hooves into the marble, the sound of pieces of rock hitting the back wall clattered. Chunks of the floor flying back as the two ponies launched towards the door, leaving behind a few dozen strands of cleaved hair slowly wafting to the ground. They slid out of the door as a blinding light filled the room and hall. An unholy screech immediately followed. Celestia quickly stood over the body and looked to the vault. (With no darkness present then it won't be able to escape back to the shadow realm. The balefire will take care of the rest.) In less than a heartbeat the scenery changed from the molten hall to the streets of Canterlot. The dome was thankfully still intact. Looking to the stallion she held, she realized who it was she rescued. (Bloomberg.) His eyes were wide and unblinking. His lips moved subtly in a pattern as he muttered a breathy whisper over and over again. "Are you all right?" Celestia looked on in concern as no response was given. Leaning her head down to listen, she can hear the barely audible whispering of the stallion in front of her. "It can see me, It can see me, It can see..." Somehow she didn't think his shivering had anything to do with the snow. A spell to reinforce the barrier and a teleportation later she stood in the Redheart Hospital and watched the catatonic Noble being rushed away for care.

After relaying the information needed she then sat alone in thought. (A shadow wraith can only mean one thing and if I'm right...) "Shade..." With a scowl followed by a flash the Princess was gone.

She blinked to what she knew now to be the Noble House of Bloomberg or what was left of it, rather. The dome contained nothing but a crater of ash and molten glass. With the balefire gone she dropped the shield and cooled the area. Another incident to be investigated. Electing to skip the scenic route this time, the front door of the humans library was a teleport away. The huge iron entry opened the moment somepony set hoof in front of them. Entering a large room with a polished black basalt floor and shelves from floor to ceiling. Directly ahead a hexagon that rose like a pillar through an opening in the center of the building. It continue to the 6th floor as well as kept going through the floors below the first. A glass floor surrounded the central pillar from first and below, filling where the open space and walkways would have been. Platforms led to the pillar above. On this side of the hexagon the face had been turned into an open window and behind was a desk. A massive plaque above could be read by all those that entered.

[Knowledge Is Power]

[And]

[Power Corrupts]

[So]

[Read On My Wicked Friends Read On]

Celestia was not amused. The mare that sat behind the counter, what Celestia assumed was Dusty Tomes replacement, looked at the Princess with a raised eyebrow. The mare in question had a mane and coat of varying shades of grey. Her eyes however were a vibrant red.(That's quite a lot of scars for a librarian.)

"May I help you, Your Highness?" (A Manehattan accent.)

"I require an audience with Shade... Miss?" Celestia asked with impatient curiosity.

"Crimson Rampage, or Page if you prefer. Master Shade is currently in his study, I can guide you if you like?"

"I believe I can manage, where would his study be Miss... Page?"

"Top floor, central pillar. "

"Thank you." The Princess's wings flared as she leapt into the air. Flying straight to the 6th floor, only one platform extended to the pillar. Landing before the entry she opened it with a forceful swing.

"Shade!" She immediately saw him in a large armchair with a book in hand sitting in front of a lit fireplace.

"Whaaa!" Thump...

(That didn't come from him.) A couch on the side of the human moved with the sound. It's back facing the door.

"You foul cantankerous harpy! I will mur...Princess!?"

Shade looked on with an unreserved smile as... Diamond's head popped up from behind the couch.

"I apologize for calling you a cantankerous harpy Your Highness, I thought you were Page."

The humans smile grew a little bit more. Placing his book on the table at his side he cheerfully began."Princess it's been forever since you stopped by. How may I be of assistance?"

Giving a deadpan expression, she replied. "This is the first time I've ever been here."

"I know and that's unfortunate, I did say forever. You really should stop by more often." He said in a tone as if waiting for her response.

"... I would like to speak to you alone."

"Hmm alright, Diamond you stay here and go back to sleep if you can, if not pick up a book... perhaps you may learn something."

Shade stood then bowed as he gestured to a door between shelves. "This way if you would." He said ignoring the glare from the petite mare.

As they walked down an extravagant and intricately decorated hallway Celestia realized the human was walking with a subtle limp. "Why are you limping?"

"Worry not Princess, it seems mana gems that have been imprinted with absorption runes with no limiters can prove to be quite dangerous. I shall be right as rain in a day or so, but thank you for asking. Your concern is heartwarming."

"..."

They made their way to an open room with a clear glass ceiling. It seemed to be a very large greenhouse, the trees, vines, flowers and other such flora made for very beautiful scenery. At the center of the immaculate garden was a small table surrounded by a ring of flowers, the sound of birds happily chirping in the trees filled her ears.

As they took their seats Celestia was about to speak but was interrupted by Shade touching a crystal sphere that sat in the middle of the glass table. "Miss Page, the Princess and I are in the aviary. Would you be so kind as to bring us some coffee and tea as well as its usual accoutrements? Oh and do be careful, Diamond may be resting in the study."

The sphere flashed from Clear to what looked to be a miniature of the mare she had seen at the desk. "Of course, sir. The water is already on, I will be up shortly."

"I know it's your first day but you needn't be nervous. As I've said just call me Shade."

"Yes sir, Shade..." With another tap the crystal was clear again.

Interlacing his fingers and leaning back the human asked. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Your Highness."

Focusing her thoughts Celestia looked to him with a grim expression. "I know it was you, but what I want to know is why and more importantly how? "

"Whatever do you mean Princess?" His tone lowered as the peaceful smile faded.

"Now is not the time for games human, you have no idea the kind of powers that are in motion here." She didn't like his response, as they stared at one another Celestia's eyes began to glow. The flow of her mane increased and a rise in temperature was visible as well as felt. The heat radiated in waves as the glass of the table at her side began to droop, still solid but only barely.

The white of the humans eyes were replaced with void and slitted pupils looked back with luminous blue. As the alicorns coat became brighter his form grew darker. Small tendrils of black wisped upward and the glass in front of him was overcome with a creeping frost.

"This is indeed no game equine, you couldn't have come here with no evidence and expected an actual answer." As the moments passed the ring of flowers around the table on one side began to wilt, curl and smoke. On the other they began to ice, crack and fall. The temperature differential of the two opposing forces causing whipping air and fog to form. The birds flying to the outskirts of the aviary seeking safety from the swirling storm of howling winds at its heart.

As the tension built to a seemingly imminent breaking point..."Ooh buck." The sound of a platter and it's drinks skittering across the floor caused the attention of both the human and the alicorn to snap to its origin. A wide-eyed Crimson Rampage was seen diving behind a planter. "Boss, I want to help but me going head-to-head with an alicorn is... Na I'm sure you got this, go boss!"

As the winds died down and the fog settled, Shade turned back and replied. "The Princess and I were simply having a bit of a disagreement, nothing more Miss Page. Our... heated debate is now done and there will be no more of it. Interesting as always Your Highness, you can see yourself out."

looking to the human with a scowl, her form back to it's normal state. "Don't think this will be the last time we speak on this subject."

"There is a fine line between hope and delusion Princess."

Trotting to the exit Celestia ignored the sight of Miss Page hugging the back of a potted plant and continued her path. As she took to the air after exiting the building her wings flapped to slow her ascent before coming to a complete stop and hovering in the sky. The gentle snow still falling on the landscape. The only thought echoing through her mind was the pure and unbridled desire to know. Her horn then shown with a brilliant light and her body became wreathed in shimmering magic. She initiated a teleportation spell of such magnitude and speed her departure was followed by a thunderclap heard by all those in the city.

She stood on dry cracked earth, the landscape grey and lifeless. The dead plants and cracked soil littered with trees black and gnarled, twisted and broken by what horrid place existed here before. Magic began dancing across the flutes of her horn as she wove a spell that hadn't seen use in a long, long time. "I have to know" In the heart of the Badlands a small portal opened to the void. Shadows seethed and rippled, they shuttered and writhed. Just beyond the depths of the portal before her were memories she wanted to forget. Death and decay, the scent of burning flesh and the sounds of screaming. Loss, fear and pain. Walking through she was greeted with the smell of rot and the sight of a valley. "I have to know."

She looked onto the City of Tambelon.

Of Rot and Ruin

The shadow realm was a terrible place. Titanic crystals the size of mountain ranges floated through an endless black expanse. Celestia stood on the island that Tambelon had become. The ruins bathed in the blue light of a dead star. Sounds that reminded the Princess of the deep shifting groans and cracking of glacial ice echoed through the valley and sky. A sky that held nothing but the ember of a sun, no stars or moon. Just a shattered world and the echoes of what once was. Jagged fragments thrust out from beneath the surface. Monoliths that varied in angle, height and size. Her nose was filled with the scent of decay with every breath and an acrid sour taste filled the air. A dark mist clung to everything that remained still for more than a moment, coalescing in floating blots that numbered in the thousands scattered across the sky. She walked down the path to the main gate of this wretched place. The unkept stone and metal looked ancient, the wood that should have been nothing but dust was somehow preserved, not well but still intact. The gates themselves were open... No not open, they were gone. Turned into piles of wood fibers and rust. The metal of the pikes and girding of the fortress walls were still present. (Curious.)

Making her way, slowly, cautiously beneath the arches through the remains of the door, she witnessed the city proper. The towers and parapets were nothing but vague shapes seen through the mists from the outside. (I hate this so much but I haven't a choice. I wish Luna was with me.) Her steps were quiet and methodical. The shambling dead responded to sight and movement as well as sound to a lesser extent. Weaker undead she could handle easily enough but wraiths, wrights and corpse goliaths were another story entirely. Grogar would have had the time to resurrect and raise tens of thousands of them by now, and that's if he hadn't gotten more creative in the interim. There was no need for invisibility spells when the only creatures she truly needed to worry about had some version of soul-sight. Looking from the main road to...(They're gone.) When this place was first cast into the shadow realm there was an army of the undead that poured from It's portal. Grogar opened a doorway to Tambelon when he first laid siege to Equestria.

The Necromancer and his city were always partially contained within the realm of shadows. Only after Grogar was cast back to this damnable place and its anchor to Equestria destroyed, could the plane be sealed from the outside. Nothing of the teeming undead that once resided here was left besides piles of bones littering the streets. Seeing the broken and rotting homes, lightless torches and lamp posts. The silence of civilization devoid of life and all of it framed with the scent of decay. The surroundings putting her on edge more than what was expected would have.(It feels like a trap, but I can't feel the presence of any undead at all.) As she walked through the disheveled streets her mind was continually assaulted with memories of a bygone age. Flashes of the battlegrounds, sacrifice, war and strife. The blood of her ponies staining the streets and their haunting cries echoing in her mindscape. As a tear rolled from her cheek and fell to the ashen dust, she couldn't hold them back any longer. Not the tears or the memories.

{Flashback}

"Sister! The fallen are rising once more!"

"What do you mean Luna?" Celestia asked quickly. She wore a face of sorrow as she cut down a mare that was striking at her with a blacksmith's hammer. Her eyes devoid of the light of life, white, dull and hollow. Her sister was doing the same with a stallion wielding a hoe.

"The ones that fell before. The bodies of the villagers that died by these abominations. It seems if they're killed by these things then... They get back up!"

The expression she now wore was of horrified realization. Jumping to Luna's side, she held her shoulder as her magic manifested in a blazing gold. "What ar..." They appeared outside of a school house on the outskirts of the village. The doors and windows had been hastily barricaded from the inside with anything that could be found. Celestia had noticed the building as she and her sister flew overhead during their arrival not an hour ago. Rushing forward the two teleported just to the inside of the hall behind the blocked door. The oranges and yellows of the fires roaring outside flickered through the uncovered portions of the windows and cracks between the furniture used for the barricades. Lighting the interior with just enough of its faint glow to reveal the atrocities within.

"No, no, no, no." Celestia whispered as she looked across the bloody hallway. Luna remained silent, only giving the sound of a wretch as her stomach tried to escape her throat.

The body of a teacher that seemed to be guarding her class laid before a broken door in front of them. The mare began to twitch with a shuttering death-rattle. A small form shuffled with an unsteady sway from behind the door frame. Looking forward with cold dead eyes, the soft sound of a high voice rang out with a quiet wail, the cry of a child. Raising her axe, Celestia froze for an instant as she looked downward with a dull stare, much like the shambling corpses around her. With a shallow shuddering breath through quivering lips and tears flowing freely... Her blade came down.

{End Flashback}

The constant silence rolled through her mind like thunder as she continued onward. Still keeping her senses open for any possible threats or an ambush. She tried to keep her thoughts focused on the task at hoof. Tambelon wasn't monumental in scope but it still was very much a city. She would have been content in flying over it all and going straight for the castle at its heart but the unknown of what was contained in that black mist filled sky made her prefer walking. Wraiths tended to fly and she would rather stay away from them if it all possible. Her journey for answers would be cut short if she encountered another of the shadow realm sky dwellers... Fighting a void dragon wasn't an option.

If one appeared then her priority would be escape. Void dragons themselves were not only more powerful than a normal one but that in and of itself wouldn't pose too much of a threat. No, The reason they couldn't be defeated was just that. In the shadow realm they couldn't die. Even she grew hungry and fatigued over time, they didn't. Celestia continued on, constantly aware of her surroundings and an eye on the sky. Turning the corner past a building that looked to be the barracks, she stopped as the sound of clattering called her attention. The skull of a trog rolled down a pile of bones and came to rest in front of her hooves.(It's been a long time since I've seen a living trog, not since...)

{Flashback}

The mountaintop village was consumed with fire and decay. The clouds rolled and boiled as smoke filled the air. Lightning skittered across an angry red sky as thunder boomed over rocky peaks. A haze of death and the scent of charred flesh and fur couldn't be ignored. The fires burned with strange colors as magic concentrated and infused them as well as the surrounding area. That abomination stood surrounded by the living and dead alike. Troggs, equines and griffin's as well as other unfortunate souls he was able to trick or control.

"Grogar you vile bastard! Your end will neither be painless nor quick!"

Celestia was filled with a hatred so great and rage so deep it burned like the heart of the sun. It's power flared and writhed in her breast. Her eyes shone like two stars and all the color of her coat and hair was replaced with the glowing white of plasma. Her regalia burned away, turning into liquid metal that dripped from her form like rivulets of mercury. Stepping forward the ground beneath her hooves was left as nothing but boiling rock.

"Sol Invictus, the "Invincible Sun." Because of the elements of nature you and your sister embody, you are hailed as Goddesses! Which means that anyone with enough power can ascend to the pantheon. But even Gods die Celestia! I have become death itself and once I have shown everyone that the Invincible can bleed, can die, then all will bow before me!"

"For your crimes against equinety, you Grogar will know endless pain!" Luna exclaimed as she landed at her sister's side.

"I am death! I cannot die!" The battlefield erupted. Bone golems, corpse goliaths, wraiths, ghouls and more seethed forward as the war began.

{End Flashback}

The skull looked blankly forward with a hollow stare as Celestia stepped over it and continued on. As she came closer to the castle the temperature seemed to plummet. She had noticed the gradual increase in the feeling of cold but she had thought it was normal for this horrid place. Some of the crystals she passed by gave off a silver or gray Mist that mixed with the black surrounding them. Stepping closer, she realized some of the crystal monoliths were infused with ice magic, massive amounts of it. Moving closer still, the ground turned to permafrost and the nearby homes sparkled with a thin film of ice. She could now see her breath and this place felt colder than she had ever felt before. As the black mist gave way and the shadow of the castle cleared to reveal its form, Celestia stopped.

Creatures littered the grounds, wraiths and wrights were frozen to the stones of the walls and steps. Some of them had shattered along with a few of the blackened dead trees and stones. Falling like shards of glass to the ground. Frozen in place they glistened in the light of the ember above. Flecks of light sparkled and shimmered off of their still forms as she walked past these twisted statues.(The crystals that are filled with ice magic must be preventing it all from melting.) This place looked like it had been sieged in a conflict on a scale of a full-blown war. Entire sections of the castle had been shattered. Bodies of the undead laid contained in ice.(What happened here? We never made it this far past the army before he was banished. Did the higher undead like the wrights somehow revolt or the wraiths? Grogar somehow controlled the wraiths and he had never used cryomancy. Void dragons used something else entirely. I've never seen them turn on each other, I didn't think it was possible.)

Her senses didn't pick up on anything unliving or otherwise. A legion of the dead that numbered twenty thousand strong and all that was left was fragments of corpses, ice and dust. Slowly she walked up the steps, she looked down a large hallway that ended in stairs. The doors laid on the floor as a pile of rust and wood fiber just like the main gates. (If Shade forged a contract with a shadow wraith then that meant Grogar allowed it. The Necromancer wouldn't seek anything besides his freedom. Whether it be through the human opening a portal or Grogar controlling him to do it. If he has found a way out then the world is going to need to be prepared.) The stone floor and walls as well as the ceiling was covered in a thick layer of ice. Huge icicles hung from the rafters and arches. Trying not to slip and make a sound, she ventured inside. As she kept herself aware and listened to the surroundings she eventually made it past all of the side doors and to the stairs. Keeping a steady step and head low, she was in front of the...Throne... Room... Celestia's legs locked in place. The windows of the room let in what little light there was and what was seen made her body go rigid.

There, sitting on a Throne in the light of a dead star, the blue glow shining through the windows reflected off of the white of bone that made up his seat. Grogar The Necromancer sat, his head leaned to the side and unblinking eyes stared into the infinite distance. His fur was gone and the leathery skin barely clung to his bones. Rips and tears that let the light through, he had no organs, rotted away with the passage of time. Celestia walked to the center of the room shocked at what was before her. The scourge of all living things, Grogar the undying. And the old goat was... Very dead. The Throne Room itself was untouched which didn't make any sense. (How could this be possible?)

{Flashback}

The very air was tainted, wandering clouds of blight would strip the flesh from any creature unfortunate enough to find themselves in its path. The ground was infused with unholy magic. Desecrated lands with boney grasping claws that would entrap, slow and tear at anything that tread upon the cursed earth. The scent of boiled marrow and blood mixed with burnt fur and decay filled what could only be described as a war zone. 30 hours, 30 hours had passed since the conflict began. No matter how many of the enemy was felled, they just kept coming. Pouring from the portal in endless number came a menagerie of undead and denizens of the shadow realm. That horrid necromancer had somehow convinced or controlled those that dwelled within to fight for him. Shadow wraiths were some of the most powerful among them. Malevolent tangible spirits that sought the souls of anything that possessed one. The same power source as the only thing more dangerous, the void Dragon. Ghouls, geist's, banshees, skeletons and more would fight on even as only half of their bodies remained. The once living troggs and others would be killed in battle only to rise again as undead. For every one of their allies number, the guard or ponys that would fall, his army would grow stronger.

"Every time we were able to get close enough to strike we are nearly overrun. I have dismembered, disemboweled and cut him in half! Yet he still stands! That black blood of his stretches and contorts to reclaim and reattach any lost pieces of him. Perhaps he is truly incapable of dying. What are we to do sister?" Luna asked as she stood to the side of Celestia. Their position atop one of the few buildings still standing. Kept just beyond the reach of most of the Mindless horde.

Vaporizing a wraith that flew to close Celestia answered. " I'm going to need you to cast Starfall Luna"

Her sister's eyes widened in surprise."Tia!? That would destroy a good portion of this mountain and that's if it's focused... Why? What about the living still in the area?"

Giving a nod in agreement with her sisters observation." I know, but we are fighting in the dark here. In order to understand what exactly that monster has become we need to change tactics. I will teleport what remains of our number further down the mountain as you cast Starfall. The Horde tends to concentrate around him as the more powerful of his army fall. As temporary as it may be I think he becomes weaker in that moment. If I can get close enough and bypass whatever he is using to block our magi-sight then we can at least have better information to work with."

"So be it. Ready yourself sister, its center will be on him. Be careful, I do not wish to harm you and he may yet have tricks we do not know of."

As Luna's magic flared and Celestia kept any distractions at bay, the sky began to darken and pinpricks of light flashed into existence from above. It began as a faint whistling sound increasing over a few seconds and becoming an almost deafening scream. Celestia's magic manifested and what remained of their allies vanished mid-battle, leaving their opponents confused. Dozens of silver streaks of light rained from above in the blink of an eye. Grogar barely had the time to look surprised before the mountainside was consumed in shimmering silver. The ground shook as a cloud of dust, fire and rock filled the air. Celestia teleported behind the goat and overrode the safety measures that prevented blinking into objects, appearing with most of her horn embedded within the back of the goat.

"Rawww!" He exclaimed with a harsh and broken sounding breath. The wheeze of a large piece of bone impaling a lung. As quickly as possible she cast every scanning spell she thought viable from the inside of the weakened necromancer. One among their number was a variation on a life force spell. With a wide-eyed expression Celestia pulled her horn from him and teleported back to her sister's side.

"His soul isn't held within his body, only tethered to it! The liquid shadow that's flowing through his veins is repairing the body as if it's an object and not a corpse. It's like his soul is controlling a doll and it's stored in that Bell!"

"Hahaha! Well done! I can't say I expected that but it doesn't matter. My pendant is no ordinary bauble or trinket! It's a relic from the outer realms. Deaths Bell!" Grogar reached up to his pendant and held it tightly. The dead that laid within the craters, broken and torn to pieces began to twitch. The goats wounds closed as the oozing tar stitched them together from the inside. Broken bones snapped together and fur was regrown anew. Flesh remolded back into shape and reattached itself to bone.

"The Bell is indestructible, it's Eternal and as long as it exists then so will I!"

(He's unkillable...)

As his eyes glowed a deep crimson he struck the pendant. It rang with a sound that seemed to resonate with the earth. The ground shook as its ringing echoed over the mountains. The shadows started to seep into the bodies strewn across the battlegrounds as they heaved and shuttered into motion. No fear, no pain, no fatigue or remorse. Driven forever onward by their masters desire to consume and conquer.

"Ask not for whom the bell tolls as it rings for thee!"

{End Flashback}

Celestia stood with her gaze locked onto the one sitting in the throne.(H-how...When..) The Bell was gone. They had tried anything and everything to remove it, to destroy it. They had fought for days on end. But nothing they had tried worked. Yet here was the desiccated corpse of The unkillable Necromancer. The heart of his power gone. His City in ruin and his army of unrelenting killing machines turned to ice and dust. Hanging her head in thought she breathed out as the mists of her breath spread along the floor.(I am glad this place will serve as his tomb rather than a prison but I need to...) She could see a pattern that disrupted the dust that coated the floor... Hooves, two hooves. Their step by two instead of four, like a minotaur. The left side dragged with each step as it moved forwar... They were new.

The sound of a window shattering rang out as a white streak flew from the castle and through the city of Tambelon.

The Game

The scent of caramel and Darjeeling, orchids and rose petals. A picturesque garden in full bloom in a bursting rainbow of the early summer. Emerald trees and grass-covered mountains fill the landscape, as well as fields of golden amber wheat that swayed in the ebb and flow of the cool northern breeze. Babbling waters of the nearby river runs below fed into a lake of deep sapphire glittering with flecks of gold across its surface. Reflecting the bright brilliance of the morning sun suspended in a cloudless azure sky. The faintest shifts in wind would bring the fleeting aroma of the nearby tea table that sat in the terrace garden of Equestria's iconic capital, overlooking the picturesque valley below. Its surface topped in a myriad of dishes and confections appropriate for a small but lavish tea party.

A collection of eclectic scents, from fresh bread and sweet butter to cucumber sandwiches and cinnamon buns. The sound of chirping birds warming in the early morning light accompanied the serene and peaceful palace garden. Fluttering to and fro from fountain bath to vine lattice that span between the pillars of white marble. A cozy alcove housing a pristine set of porcelain and inlaid silver filigree dishes sat as its centrepiece. The faint sound of waterfall and conversation drifting through the air. Pegasi flittering along the undefined sky paths. Their number among the other various visitors that was a constant dribble to this renowned and tranquil place. All of them seeking the quiet and colourful greenery for their own reasons. Celestia hoped those whom would seek sanctuary here would find some measure of peace. All but one, the one who now drew her inner focus.

Despite the words of her assistant brushing against the edges of her mind, whatever message that was attempting to be made could not find purchase and quickly slipped away. Their ethereal wisps of sound were lost amongst the ambience, merging with the background as they were swept with the breeze into the neglected and forgotten.

{ flashback }

Celestia flew through the bazaar of Tambelon, her mind filled with a cascade of possibilities, and none of them boded well for the future. (Why was the human here in the first place? Groger couldn't have contacted him. He didn't have the means of doing so, which would mean Shade came to the shadow realm on his own initiative. There are very few in the world that know of the time before and if the human had sourced such information from any of them then that itself would pose a whole host of problems. If not, then how did he find out? If there was some obscure reference in an archaic and ancient scroll or tome... He would definitely be the one to find it.)

She and Luna had chosen not to reveal any information pertaining to certain events in the past. Some things were best left to languish and rot in the annals of time. Words were powerful things and names more so. There were entities and old magics that grew stronger when spoken of and even some when thought of...

A memory of a time long ago, a bloom of recognition and a rising sense of dread slithered from her stomach and curled around her heart. Twisted vestiges colouring hate and hunger in the in-between. "NO!" She wrenched her mind from the twisted and malignant creatures that called The Veil home, prioritizing her focus. Lest she garner the attention of the mute-pigmented horrors in the beyond.

The old goat was a vile and abominable creature that would have been stricken from memory if not for a lesson instilled in her time and time again. ("Those that do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it." I need an order of operations, Priority 1. Is to collect death's Bell and see to it that it's lost forever. Priority 2. Is finding out how he came to know of this place if not the Bell itself. If I can get it away from him in a way that won't kill him. If Discord has something to do with this then I'll throw his statue into that dead star. The best-case scenario would be that, by some miracle, the Bell hasn't ensnared him. Or better yet, that Relic had vanished back to where it came from the moment of the necromancer's death. But that brings me back to the question of why was the human here to begin with? If not for the Bell then what would... Of course.)

Immediately stopping, Celestia turned from the thoroughfare and risked a teleportation. In the blink of an eye, she appeared once again in the throne room facing the corpse of one of her most hated enemies. While unnecessary, given the events of history she could be forgiven for a bit of paranoia. The dead of the past had proven decidedly lively on occasion. Making her way through the various corridors and hallways she searched for a very specific room or section of the castle. Turning a corner she faced a shortened hallway with a singular door. A door that was already open, that showed a... Library within. A circular room of one of the towers, a thousand feet in every direction. Staircases gave passage to the upper floors and the entire space was filled to the brim with bookshelves of wood and carved into the stonework covered every available space from floor to rafters.

Desks and stands, tables, pedestals, and nooks became more visible as the light of her horn cast eerie shadows as she passed. Making her way through the tower she took in the expansive area and reaffirmed her original conclusion. Bookshelves and desks, on and under tables, behind hidden corridors and secret passages. Enough to field a small army of scribes and archivists. Not a single spellbook, tome or scroll was left. Not a scrap of parchment, Papyrus or vellum remained. Even the small compartments inside of the desks that contained auxiliary inkwells and quills were devoid of their contents. No artefacts, statues or relics to be seen.

"He didn't even leave the preservation runes..." The arrays in the stonework and shelving had clearly defined lines cutting out the surroundings of each sectioned area. Beyond any doubt, if she checked the entirety of the city it would be exactly as this. Not a single written word was left in the whole of Tambelon.

(Groger may have been a prodigy when it came to his particular brand of magic but he wouldn't need nearly all that was contained within this place. At least it appears even less likely that the human's been possessed. Then again this itself could be a ruse... I need a plan.)

"...cess, Princess! Are you listening?"

{ End flashback }

"Yes, Pristine it's fine." Celestia responded in a deliberately enunciated fashion to prevent any irritation from bleeding through to her assistant.

"Really!? I hope he's taking apprentices, little Winterbloom would be so excited!" Exclaimed the sky blue mare.

"I'm sorry, what?" The Princess asked with a bewildered expression.

"Harrumph..." She huffed with a raised sceptical eyebrow, "You said you were listening."

"My mind must have wandered, could you please repeat whatever was before that?"

"Winterbloom recently received her cutie-mark and our herd couldn't be prouder! She's always had a mind for maths and figuring out how things work but none of the others in our family are very good at that sort of thing." Pristine said morosely as she looked to her hooves, a subtle sadness spreading along her features. Before perking up immediately after and developing a determined countenance. "I'll do anything to help my little girl, and I had heard that the daughter of House Star might be his first Apprentice. I don't know if that's true but it couldn't hurt to ask and two shouldn't be that much harder than one, I would think."

"Isn't Winterbloom Flower attending the school for gifted unicorns?" Celestia asked in a perfectly pleasant tone.

"Hmm?" The assistant inquired somewhat distractedly. "Oh, of course Princess, if anything that should help with her studies." Replying as she looked off to the winding paths of the garden. Her focus tangential as she wore a contemplative expression.

"Don't you think her attention will be spread somewhat thin if she were to try doing both? And if I may ask, why the want to go to him specifically?"

"Well, if he said yes then I'm sure we could figure something out with the scheduling. And why?" Pristine donned a warm smile as she recalled a joyous memory. "She got her cutie mark while she was in the school library a few weeks ago. They didn't have any texts on aeronautics and she was throwing a tantrum about it." The blue mare let out a giggle as she recalled that particular memory. "One of the librarians tried to take a book on Pegasus Magic from her because she couldn't check out that many books at once... She bit the librarian for trying."

Even the Princess found it difficult not to smile given the ebullient way the mare devolved into a peal of almost maniacal laughter.

"She's still grounded for that one, by the way." It was said as an afterthought as Pristine loosed another giggle. "She got her cutie mark trying to figure out how Skyships work and there isn't any...one? better than the human that made them himself. Even if Mr. Shade declines, then perhaps he could refer us to the next best thing."

Before the Princess could think to respond, she felt the familiar sensation of wrongness crawling along her skin. Turning her head to the main entrance from the castle, it was only a few seconds before she picked up the sound of weighted steel on stone. A faint ringing metronome that preceded the man wherever he went. (I think he does it to test others' awareness. There are few among those he interacts with and even fewer that he doesn't, that realize his boots shouldn't make that sound.) She had never asked him why he wore a guise but she was more than capable of venturing a guess. The illusion he wore to conceal what he had become while technically a lie through omittance was at least somewhat understandable. The alternative would prove to be an impedance under normal circumstances and insurmountable among the more skittish. Glowing eyes and pointy protrusions. Negotiations with anypony can be difficult at times regardless of other factors. More so if those he would be speaking to aren't sure if they could be making a deal with an alien creature or a literal devil. While not possessing the overly large build of the minotaur's he did not have a lithe body either. His height and proportion put him among the largest creatures she had encountered in memory, besides particularly old dragons. A strangely muscular creature considering his preferred lifestyle only entails carrying the occasional thick sheaf of parchment or a few overly large tomes.

Her assistant had noticed her distracted gaze and followed her line of sight. The sky blue mare then straightened herself and waited for his arrival with a patient smile.

The human stopped midway as something caught his attention. Not a few steps from the path he walked was the statue of a creature that was seemingly impossible in its configuration. Celestia had a vague sensation of concern as she realized what it was he was looking at but it was quickly cast aside. The amount of magic required to interact with that particular garden fixture in any detrimental way was beyond his means. Getting up, she began a steady trot towards his unmoving position. Standing rigidly, hands behind his back, he stared with an almost unnerving focus into the eyes of the chaotic depiction in stone. As she came closer he spoke.

"I feel compelled to quote the passage, "There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness about its proportions." Yet there is a cognitive dissonance created with such an observation and that of my own instinctual want for symmetry... for order. That," He said with a gesture to the statue. "Is the very antithesis of what I stand for..."

"And what, pray tell, do you stand for?" Celestia asked with genuine curiosity from her position behind him.

The human paused for a few seconds as his head tilted to the side, seemingly giving the question legitimate thought. "Logic, rationality, and deductive reasoning. I have and always will be a disciple of Science and its methodology." There was a certain pointed conviction that laced the deep pitch of his response.

"What of morality?" She asked with the same pointed intensity. The human chose then to turn to her, his focused gaze meeting her own.

"Morality? I assign the word the same gravitas as "normality". It bares many of the same connotations after all. What is normal for one culture is an entirely different matter for another. Let alone world to world. What is moral and just for society is all well and good but what those who comprise it seem to so easily forget is that in the past the standard that they hold so close now would be thought of as prudish, illogical, or ignorant. And much the same in the reverse. You, yourself being witness to the alternative. Holding onto memory and what was thought as "moral" only to be pushed to let go because of the ever-changing nature of societal development. So you ask of morality? The majority vote dictates what is moral, what is normal, and that itself is subject to constant change. Normalcy is to be non exceptional, it's unremarkable. Useful but... boring. To be ordinary, by its very nature, is to exclude the extraordinary. Am I normal? No, and I would take it as a grievous insult of the highest order were I to be referred to as such. Am I moral? By whatever arbitrary definition that happens to fall under, I have neither the time nor the inclination to care."

"You do realize that some would label you as amoral at best and evil at worst for that opinion."

"Haha, I suppose so. But then again there are some in the world that think of you as such, Your Highness. Not me of course, I think you're an absolute delight." He said with an amused smile. (I feel insulted... somehow.) His gaze then moved from her own to something at her side. "And may I inquire as to who this lovely little mare might be?" As attention was called to the newly arrived third member, Shade asked with a gesturing bow.

(I should have considered Pristine's perspective in all this. It's not as if she bears a distinct lack of patience... But her perception of him does not match with my own.)

"I-I'm Princess Celestia's assistant, Pristine Flower. I have to say I'm really happy to meet you, Mr. Shade." The blue mare giving a somewhat anxious introduction.

Taking a few broad strides he knelt in front of her assistant. "Pristine Flower, an elegant name." Smiling warmly and pausing for a single second he looked into her lavender eyes "...fitting." He stated genuinely.

The mare's anxiety slowly faded into bashful joyousness as she formed her reply. "T-Thank you..."

"You needn't thank me for making an observation, but you're welcome regardless. Let it not be said that I didn't return the gratitude of a lady." Holding out his hand in a gesture for her own, there was little pause before her hoof found its way into his palm. "If you would be amicable Miss Flower, perhaps I can make a request?"

"Oh, sure."

"Please just call me Shade, I've never been one for honorifics and titles. Let alone the pomp of noble etiquette. Sometimes it's a requirement sure, but I would like to think that perhaps we could get to know each other beyond the hollow pleasantries and platitudes and hopefully become friends?"

"Of course! But you have to call me Pristine, okay?" She replied in a wonder-filled tone.

"I don't believe that will be difficult at all Pristine, thank you."

"...Do you think I could make one more request?" The assistant asked with hesitation.

"I'm more than happy to lend assistance when I can. What is it I can help you with, Pristine?"

"..Um, is it true that Diamond Star might become your apprentice?"

"Well, there are a few things that need to fall into place but the short answer would be, yes. Why do you ask little one?" The human adjusted his legs into place for a more comfortable position. Focusing an attentive smile, he waited for her to continue.

"My daughter Winterbloom has always been a smart cookie, and she recently got her cutie mark trying to figure out how your Skyships work. She's been sort of obsessed with them since their announcement... I was wondering if maybe you could take another apprentice or tell us about somepony else that had the means and time to teach her?" Pristine's words came in a slight rush as she tried to convey her questions.

Adopting a thoughtful air he expressed his thoughts verbally. "Hmm, I don't believe it too difficult to have her tested when I next have the opportunity. Should she pass the examination then this could be the case of two being better than one I should think. And if not then perhaps I could make my own written works on the subject aval... Wait a moment, yes, I think that would do quite nicely."

As his eyes widened in a realization, he reached into an internal pocket of his cloak. "There will be a concert tomorrow evening in the Canterlot theatre following an announcement." Removing his hand, Celestia could see what was revealed to be clasped between his fingers. A bundle of familiar golden tickets for the Royal Canterlot Orchestra. "The announcement pertains to... well, I won't spoil the surprise but, serendipitous to be sure." He expressed pleasantly and with audible amusement in his rumble. "I cordially invite you, and as many guests as you would like to attend, to the soiree with myself and the others of House Star tomorrow evening at the theatre. You simply must come, Pristine. How many of your family and friends do you think could be coming along?"

Though a bit off-balance, she soon rallied her excited reply after a moment's thought. "Oh! um.. 5, If that wouldn't be too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all, darling. Here is, six" He paused as their number was counted. "... Just in case. I very much look forward to seeing you and Winterbloom there."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just knew talking to you would be for the best! You have no idea how happy this will make her, and me too."

"As the saying goes, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." And it would truly be terrible of me to waste the potential of a budding engineer. If I may further burden you with a favour given and a favour returned?" The potential question implied in his inflection.

"Yes?" She asked while prying her attention from the golden tickets she held as they shimmered in the sun.

"I would like to speak to the Princess in private, if you would so be willing? There are a few things of import I would like her opinion on."

After a brief exchange of words between the three, Pristine wished them both good morning and made her way to the castle in a positively giddy mood. As her mind was filled with potentials for the future, the two she left behind made their way to the private section of the garden terrace.

"You undoubtedly know why you're here and before we go any further, I have questions." Celestia stated as she once again took her place at the table. "The books I can at least somewhat understand but why take the Bell?"

"You know what is said about those who presume, Princess. Perhaps you could elucidate me as to what you are referring to?" Shade asked as he sat. His peaceful smile not wavering as he looked over the plethora of various dishes before them. In a slow and methodical manner, he reached and grasped the tea kettle while he prepared his cup.

"You kno..!" Celestia paused as she took a calming breath. Finding her centre she spoke two words through thinned lips. "Death's Bell."

"Hmm..."Mors in campanis" or more colloquially known as "Death's Bells." The human spoke contemplatively, his brow furrowed in recollection. "Written to be a trio that adorns the belt of The Reaper Grim itself. Each Bell when rung before their matching gate would open the way to Elysium, Purgatory and Tartarus. Originally cited in..."

"I am familiar..." The Princess interjected abruptly.

The humans' movements paused for an instant before resuming. A small burst of air huffed through his nose offendedly as he spoke under his breath"...Rude."

Celestia was going to continue before she noticed what his hands had been doing while he spoke. (Did he just... He's stirring a spoonful of marmalade into his tea, like... some... some... some kind of heathen!) Staring blankly for a few seconds she rallied her remaining resolve, shaking her head to try to clear the traumatic memory, she continued.

"Groger was using the Bell to house his soul. A phylactery! That abomination was one of the vilest and most horrible creatures to have ever sullied this world with its existence. His atrocities are uncountable, his crimes innumerable! Should he ever rise again then his bottomless cruelty will consume this world like a plague until there is nothing left. I will see that damnable Relic destroyed or placed somewhere that no creature alive or dead will ever see it again!" Her tea boiled over the rim of the cup as her next words came in a quiet and deadly tone. Her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "And nothing will stop me."

Placing his cup down, Shade adjusted his sleeves as he sat straighter. Interlacing his fingers and placing his hands in his lap. He looked into Celestia's seething eyes with a razor focus, then calmly began to speak, keeping his peaceful smile all the while. Though his words were precise and polite, they came as honey poured over the thunder of his pitch. "I can assure you... Celestia. That should I have in the past, and in no varying degree am I saying that I have, or in the future ever happen across such an abominable and abhorrent thing. Then it "was", He stated while enunciating that singular word "is, or will be, dealt with quickly. Dealt with in such a way, that there would be only one individual in the world that would know where it's "destroyed" Again he enunciated. "remains to lay."

"How can I trust you?" She asked in an almost pleading tone. Using her wings she brushed away the tears that obscured her vision. First, one eye and then the other so she could keep him within her sight.

"You never have, and I very much doubt you'll start now..." The human took a deep breath, filling all his lungs could hold, and released it slowly. "I sit before you, a king's peace undefended. The board is open and your path clear. It's your move."

Celestia stood up from her seat, her horn a blazing gold. Arcs of plasma danced along its flutes as the rays of the sunlit sky became brighter. The tips of her mane and tail transitioned into a pale white. Even as she levelled her horn at him, he didn't move. He was still looking into her eyes, he was still smiling.

She fired, and a bolt of light struck him at his centre.

Celestia's magic began inundating her with a veritable landslide of information, and absolutely none of it made sense! The magic flowing from his magical core came in three parts, two she was already aware of but the third was...Eldritch. It was like a liquid void, a literal void. A tangible substance of something that didn't exist. What she expected to encounter was the taint of that necromancer's phylactery and not only did she not find it but even the ambient absorption of death magic encountered by those that experience the death of beings around them, wasn't there. It was like he was a new-born.

"You didn't try to move?" She said in observation.

"Do you remember when we first met? Not the first time in the dungeons, when you thought me nothing more than an animal. When we met the first time as sentient equals. Do you remember it?"

The Princess, somewhat off-guard from the seeming non sequitur. "Yes, I do."

"Then you, of course, remember what transpired during that meeting, correct? You remember testing me to see how I would react, when afraid. What I would do when driven by anger, by hate. You remember right?"

"Y-yes."

"My reaction, what was it? The answer, can you recall my words?"

"I will face my death with spite in my heart and hate in my eyes." Celestia recalled slowly

"My answer hasn't changed." He said as he rose from his seating position. Taking the few steps needed, he stood before the Princess. "Till next we meet, Your Highness. I mean that both literal and figuratively. Whether it be in the halls of Tartarus or the halls of the cathedral." Shifting to the side, he walked past her.

Celestia stood there frozen for a moment, her mind a flood of thoughts. Without evidence, she had no ground to stand on. To herself or others. (Tangential association, speculation, and hearsay. He is untouched by death magic which is itself impossible. But that makes it worse. His shadow magic, the hoof prints, the barren Library. Bloomberg's involvement....)

"Wait." She said as she quickly turned to the side, looking to the man's back as he walked away. "Wait!"

The human's leg swung out to take another step and stopped. His head turning so he could at least look her in the eyes. He had given his ultimatum, so he stood there, waiting.

"Bloomberg, why go after Bloomberg? What part does he play in all this?"

"Terribly sorry Princess, but I'm afraid I don't know what you speak of."

"Tell me! Why try to have him killed when you have nothing to gain!? You already took his crops!"

"Try?" He asked softly as he turned on his heel to face her.

Celestia, looking to his turning face, realized his eyes were narrowed. Glowing blue slits and black sclera. (Oh, no...) She only just realized what it was she said.

"Again I must apologize Princess." He spoke in a slow and very deliberate manner. "But I haven't the faintest idea as to what you are referring." The pitch of his voice was approaching unnaturally low. "Now if you will excuse me, I must go and give my condolences to the Vine family. It seems they recently experienced a house fire, with them in it. A dog was lost, her name Autumn, one of their family pets, and a cow named...Betty."

Author's Note

If any of you lovely people caught my nod to one of my favorite HP FanFictions then congratulations, you get a fresh out of the oven Darkside confection known as a cookie! Oh! And it's good to be back. Thank you for your patience everypony.

The Game E4 E5

Celestia stood, her form still as her mind whirled with implication. She remained looking at the silhouette of the human growing ever smaller. Then, after a moment, the figure vanished entirely through the pillared entrance of the castle.

"Princess, why didn't you give the signal?" The Archmage asked as she removed her cloak. Her and a dozen others.

"Gumshoe? I want you to take as many of your subordinates as necessary to sift through the crate of information that was received in the Mages Tower. It's now your highest priority. I need to know if any of the Bloombergs contracted the services of a pyromancer at any time in the past decade. Or if any of them specialize in that particular branch of magic."

"As you will, Your Highness." The head stallion of Royal investigations replied sharply.

" ... I also want you to inform the captain that the security detail that is currently watching over Bloomberg is to be doubled. It's not his potential escape I am concerned with. I will see Justice done for his crimes but he needs to be alive for his trial. Arkfire Arcanum?" Celestia asked as she turned to the Archmage. Her expression was thoughtful and focused as her mind went to task.

"Yes, Princess?"

"You had said, Crystal was your most trusted. So I require you both to scan the graveyard and catacombs of Canterlot for any dark relics, or fragments of one in this case."

"Do you think it could be there? That he doesn't have it?" The Archmage asked worriedly.

"Regardless if it is or isn't, the search itself needs to happen."Where its remains lay." It's not a lot but it's a start. I will be doing much the same in the Shadow Realm. It's either been destroyed or he's figured out a way to prevent it from influencing him. If it's the latter ... I think it's time a group was created to specifically watch him."

"He didn't react as if we were here. Do you think the cloaks worked Princess? That we're invisible to Soul-sight?"

"He didn't stop smiling, even when he should have thought we were alone. I think it appropriate to operate under the assumption that it's still an unknown. If there are any plans for overt movement involving the cloaks, then I think it's wise they are modified to reflect these new criteria until further notice."

"I helped spearhead their development, I don't see how he could possibly have known." Arcfire stated somewhat indignantly.

"I would prefer that be the case but it's always better to err on the side of caution. Tell me, do you think there is a way we could find out everything those runes of his do? Without him immediately knowing what we're trying to learn."

"Well," The Archmage's eyes slightly glazed as her expression transformed into a far-off look, her mind focusing on the query. "The main issue is that we don't have a starting point. We wouldn't know if the means of measurement used would already be within his perceivable range... Maybe I can put together a think tank..." The Archmage rubbed her temples as she pontificated. "I'll have to continue this line of thought later after we've searched for the remains."

Celestia gave an acceding nod in understanding. Arcfire kept her focused expression as she and Crystal stepped a few paces away. Their departure was a soft flash followed by an audible pop.

{ One day later }

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvNQLJ1_HQ0&ab_channel=VoicesofMusic

Though none remembered it, the Canterlot theatre was one of the oldest buildings in the city. As the great Mages, stonemasons, and various artisans constructed the new capital, their temporary homes and areas of commerce came into existence first. The infrastructure to build was the priority. Enabling the framework and on-site planning to gain a hoof hold before even a single stone of the foundations were laid. Knowing where they wanted it, and building are entirely different animals. And so tents, wagons, and roads along with taverns and areas of entertainment sprang up as the castle itself was being built. The Canterlot theatre was one of the first of these buildings, and its age showed. It hadn't deteriorated, no, not with the magic woven into the materials, but for those that had an eye for detail, they could see the subtle differences. It had originally started as one large room, but as time progressed, it grew incrementally.

As the demand required it, another section was added on. First another room, then a hallway, a corridor for the actors behind the stage. Removing portions and replacing them with balconies, raising the ceiling. Over time, subtle differences in design changes manifested into a myriad of subtle variations built upon layer, upon layer for the past 650 years. The upper floors of the balcony seats donned an elegant decor; red carpets and velveteen ropes lined the paths to each private section. Stained glass windows depicted the poets and thespians of days long past. Actors and actresses play their parts in legendary tails of triumph and tragedy, comedy and romance. Large paintings and vast murals of wordsmiths and Scholars telling of stories, both historical and fiction. Of epics and epitaphs. Ultimate forms of flattery in Magna opera, the chronicles of life, death, and bodies of their work.

The evening air was thick with the scent of spice & wine. The burning of wood filled braziers and lightly scented candles. Potpourri and the collection of delicacy topped silver platters carried by maître d'hôtels culminated into an atmosphere of decadence and refinement. Skylights framed the view of clouds, long and wisped languidly moving through the moonlit starscape above. Obsidian pillars inlaid with golden floral imagery, marble sculptures, and extravagant fountains, along with the rest, wove a feeling of elegance and a wealthy history into the ambience. The sound of music, conversation, and the tittering of laughter rose and fell like the tide. Conveying an underlying excitement that seemed to well within the crowd, who waited with anticipation. Whispers of fanciful potentials and other gossip made their rounds.

The infamous recluse and famous inventor of House Star was rumoured to be here this evening. For what reason, there was plenty of speculation, but only a very quiet few knew what for. The vast majority of the public would only see him once or twice a decade, and that was only if they were in the right place at the right time. Few had seen him with any regularity, but everypony knew of him. Although the man was of the kind and soft-spoken sort, what they were waiting for was what he brought with him. On the very rare occasions he was in the public eye; it was always for a purpose. New branches of mathematics and areas of science. More powerful enchantments and refinements in spell design. Golem assembly lines and new metals were collected from the fill that mines were throwing away or pulled from pools of lava, to name a few. And of course, the most famous among them, his announcement of the Mana Reactor and its involvement in a new kind of vessel, the Skyship. Some didn't want anything to do with it, but there were yet more that wished to see the world as the pegasi do. The thought of sailing through the sunny skies and moonlit starscapes was an intriguing prospect to many and for various reasons.

Celestia sat down in her private section, sparing a moment to give a wave to an excited Pristine Flower and her family, as well as those of House Star she sat with. The Star balcony was the very next one to her right. The odd parallels of House Star's original ascension into nobility and the circumstances surrounding the advent of the Skyship were not lost on the Princess.

"That has to be, singularly the most horrible thing I have ever encountered..." The Archmage whispered with a somewhat haunted look. "Crystal and I could feel that thing before we even opened the catacombs and that was just a single piece... I couldn't imagine what it was like when it was whole."

"Whatever you're thinking, it was worse. So... so much worse. I cannot express the feelings that I have now that I know it's gone, but that leaves us with other problems." Celestia said as her horn formed a ring of magic. A barely visible sphere encircling her and the Archmage. Arcfire's horn lit soon after, erecting a secondary barrier within the first. "Gumshoe has reported that a team is together that will be able to watch him when the time comes. As of now, they're investigating potential points for integration."

"I may dislike playing the demon's advocate but, what if the books were destroyed like the Bell? Now don't misunderstand, I think the investigations and all that entails are a necessity but let's say for the sake of argument that his intent was to destroy them and not use them?"

"Have you ever visited the human's collection?"

"His Library? No, I haven't."

"In my experiences, I have encountered very few with such a voracity towards the acquisition of knowledge as him. Let's say he doesn't strike me as one capable of destroying ancient sources of information (Knowledge is power and power corrupts...) regardless of its origin."

"What about the Thatchers or Reeds? I don't know if I'm allowed to ask but, do we know where they went? With the amount of evidence against them, I can understand why they ran and went into hiding, but where have they gone?"

"You are, and I have as of yet to know that myself."

Celestia hadn't told a soul about the shadow-inclined visitor. It was simply for the fact that in the improbable chance it was Bloomberg who had summoned the shadow Wraith and merely lost control of it, or perhaps an inability to pay. Doing so would not only bring unwanted attention to those vile creatures but would ultimately lead to a dead-end. Whatever evidence for or against either the human or the stallion was turned into a crater of ash and molten glass with the loss of the Bloomberg's family home. (I don't think Shade knows I found the shadow wraith, I don't know if it was him controlling it but keeping it to myself seems to be the wiser option. And with the Bell gone... I don't know if he still has the ability to control them, if he ever had it. The same method used to cover the evidence benefits him either way... Irritating. Questioning the stallion as soon as he is lucid and able is the priority.)

"Have you given any thought as to what we discussed yesterday? Is there a way to learn of what his markings do?"

"Ah! Yes...Well, a start, at least. This morning I realized that the ward of the Mages Guild, the castle as well as the cathedral and others have a record of his magical signature. Not only that, they could potentially be used to give us an idea as to what he can perceive. It will take time but I've gathered a few of my colleagues to work on the problem too. We have a few ideas scrolled down on parchment and we have a good direction..."

Tak! Tak! Tak! Came a sharp sound as the conductor began rapping her baton on the podium.

"May I have your attention, please!" The sound of its strike, as well as her voice, being magically amplified to reach the farthest corners of the theatre. The older and wizened mare certainly had a strong voice. "It is my honor to announce on this fine summer evening that the Royal Canterlot Orchestra will be performing for her Royal Highness Princess Celestia!"

The sound of applause rang out through the spacious room as the conductor announced her presence with a gesturing bow.

"Not only has the Princess decided to grace us with her radiance, but as some of you may already know, the grand inventor himself will be making an announcement as well, followed by a special performance! So without further delay it is my pleasure to introduce to you all, Shade of House Star!"

The human came from in between a pair of curtains to the side of the stage. Walking past the front of the orchestra, he proceeded down the stairs a few steps and to the podium. Once again, the din of applause sounded through the Great Hall. Shade giving a flourishing gesture of gratitude to both the conductor and the audience before stepping to her side and speaking.

"It truly is wonderful to be here before you all, erelong we transition into the announcement and a surprise I've prepared for the gallery this night. First, I would like to say thank you to each of those wonderful and generous individuals who have seen me along my path. Whom have walked alongside me and helped in more ways than I know I am aware of. You now and forevermore have my sincerest gratitude."

He placed the other over his heart with a pointed open palm to the Star balcony and dipped his head in thanks. Morning Star placed a hoof on her cheek and graced him with a soft smile, then waved at him to continue. Fallen gave a respectful nod, and Diamond twinkled. His posture and direction shifted to include the Princess in this as well. (...what?)

"Now, it is with the same sentiment in assisting those in need. In making available opportunities and resources to those that seek the knowledge to better themselves and their understanding of the world. That I hereby announce the opening of the Verstehen Ist Göttlichkeit, my personal Library, to the public. As well as announce the creation of a Curriculum of Higher Learning. Experts in their subjects and their written works will be made available to all those who require them. The fields of Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Arithmancy, Golemancy, and every currently known Runic language and many more are at one's disposal... free of charge. For all those seeking to better their understanding in their respective fields or broaden their knowledge base. Or even the simply curious," Shade looked once more to the Star balcony with a broadened smile. "I invite you all." Then he turned to the Princess. "Thank you."

The quiet followed a few seconds after the human gave a formal bow, then erupted into cheers and applause.

The perception of Celestia's presents, though she would disagree, was taken by the others in attendance as support of Shade's endeavours. This, in combination with his tangential association with the current investigations, would lead those that hear of it to surmise that the likelihood of the human's innocence was unquestionable. (That bastard! Did he plan this...) The fact there was to be academic competition with her own school was given little thought at the time. She could hear the squeal of what was undoubtedly Winterbloom Flower and her Mother to the right of the balcony.

"And now the special performance! I have commissioned a composer to write a recreation of a musical piece from my original lands. So before these amazing and talented mares and stallions begin your regular scheduled auditory art, we will first lead with this. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a."

Stepping to the other side of the podium to face the collection of musicians, the human was given a baton. As his right hand tapped the podium with the musical implement, the left was used to retrieve a small crystal sphere from his pocket to be placed on the top of the stand in front of him. Again, Celestia could feel a subtle twisting lethargy come to... unlife. The sense of black shearing ice and hollow dead the human's magic carried with it. Deliberately controlled and suppressed, she very much doubted anypony but her was aware of it. It reached out like tentacles and cradled the crystal globe, holding it almost protectively. From all other perspectives, the sphere's colour phased from crystal to an obsidian sheen. Raising both hands, baton at the ready. The music began with a sweeping flick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cNQFB0TDfY&ab_channel=pianushko

Celestia remembered that particular item from the aviary back in the human's Library. However, knowing what it was didn't soothe the sense of welling dread that curled in her stomach.

{Elsewhere}

The quiet of the usually vacant hallways and candlelit corridors of the hospital would occasionally be disrupted by the sounds of clinking metal and board idle chatter. The previous evening, orders from the Princess had come down to increase the number of royal guards. The move from three to six attendance to watch over a single stallion, much less a catatonic one, at any given time was excessive in the opinions of the modest number of hospital staff. The perspective of the guards, much like the guards themselves, remained unspoken. Thought to be excessive.

Until the screaming started.

Their response was swift; attempting to slam the door open, they were met with an absurd amount of resistance. Despite the focus of three rather powerful unicorns, it was only through a collaborative effort of two additional Earth ponies that heaved their natural strength against the door that the seemingly immovable barrier gave way. And move it did. The door peeled from its hinges and tumbled end-over-end into the room. The mare and stallion pressed up against the door then tumbled directly there after onto the floor of their charges room. A ground that was covered in writhing tendrils and viscous shadow. Darting up to stand and take stock of the situation.

They froze as the others rushed into the room and stopped at their sides. The walls and windows were blanketed with it. The only light in the room was coming from the hospital bed. Bloomberg's thrashing form lay on its top covered in... sickly green flames. The sight before them was horrific, but what stilled their action wasn't the knowledge that there was nothing they could do to extinguish the fire. Or even the cold that seemed to ignore the searing flames and gripped their bones. It was the meaning of his past murmurs and now screams. It was that it now made sense. It was the eyes.

"It can see me! It can see me! It can see meee!"

Dozens, hundreds of eyes peered from the dark, all varying in colour and size. As the guards looked onto the hideous scene before them, it felt like there should be sound. A deep thrumming or a piercing screech, a howling echo... Something. But it was silent. The collapse of the door, them rushing in. The scream of a nurse and the wails of Bloomberg. Every one of its eyes were solely focused on the hospital bed, unblinking, unmoving. It ignored everything else as the screaming faded into the quiet. It watched on as even the bones were turned to ash. Then, and only then,

It vanished.