Corruption

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?"

"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."