Shadows Over Equestriaby ZeroraidChaptersThe OutlandersThe Beast of the Western ForestReaching PonyvileThe OutlandersIt appeared from the western edge of the Equestrian territories. Those lucky enough to see it would call it the Flying Dutchman. It was an airship, one made of steam and coal and enchanted by magics. The spells on it bent light, flickering it in and out of view. Many who spoke of the ship, breathed of its existence would be labeled a liar. The rest would label it a sign from the great beyond, something pulled from the abyss that had chosen to enrapture Equestria. It’s from this ship that they came, The two who hit the dirt and looked around. They were far from the nearest town or city, but the captain of the Flying Dutchman would carry them no further. They couldn’t risk being spotted, and the skies were growing unkind. The two would have to continue on foot from here. “It’s going to be a long walk from here.” The ship captain mutters as he looks down at the two. They just turn their gaze up to look at him, and then to the cursed, red ringed moon who has wept for several nights now. “Be careful.” As if on cue a blood-wrenching howl fills the night. The hairs on the back of the pairs necks rise and the shadows seem to grow longer. The ship takes flight disappearing over the horizon as they pull up their collars, grab their blades and head into the darkness of the Western Woods. It called to them, and so they answered. Shadows over Equestria They walk in silence, do not need to share words. Not now, not yet. One is a mare, the other a stallion.Before them floats their weapons, both of steam and metal. The blades the carry; her katana, and his twinblade glow red as the ringed moon looks down on them Unblinking, unchanging. Without the Mare on the Moon etched upon it, the moon appears more like an angry eye. Still they aren’t scared. No… no they are scared. They just didn’t it cloud their judgement. When fear took control it clouded one's judgement, made monsters out of empty shadows and swallowed one whole. When it was controlled though, it made one alert, kept them aware of the danger that was on the horizon. Because of that, they weren't taken back when it came before them. It began with a growl and the sound of twigs snapping. It evolved into a sea of eyes like the darkness was watching them. It ended with the horde. Equestria called this land the Undiscovered West, they called it that because none ever explored the territory, and as such expansion was postponed till it was documented. That was a lie. Equestria had attempted to expand into the west long ago, and all attempts ended in failure. Al who entered the west fell to “something” something the Monarch of Equestria either didn’t want brought to light or chose to leave to its own devices. Across the western forest, attempts at early settlements and on unpaved bones were the sleeping bones of those who had come.And they would sleep forever in unmade graves. But as of three nights ago, as the soil vomited forth necromantic miasma, the dead came together and began to wander. Looking into the hollowed eyes of the corpse-born, both Outlanders just watched. They reeked of necromantic might, and vapors of wrapped around them as a false skin. “Looks like they brought out the welcome wagon.” The mare mutters. “Looks like it.” Her counterpart mutters as he tightens an arcane grip on his weapon. “Problem is they look a bit hungry too.” “Yeah~ that’s not good.” The mare mutters as her katana starts sliding from its sheath. “We’d better feed them then.” “Hope they like steel, it’s all we really got that’s on the menu.” “It’ll have to do. The Horde of undead come; half-running half-gliding towards them. They outnumber them 10 to one, but their underequipped and outclassed. Steel flies, and in the moonlight they cast crimson angry streaks across the forest. The Outlanders fight, as they had for years now. Thy fight and break bones, sever heads and bisect bodies. Again the dead rise. They cut them down again, and again the dead rise. Again and again. Again and again, the dead rise. That which is dead, cannot die again. That is a truth and a lie. Normal steel cannot kill that which is already dead. Enchanted- esoteric- can given the right properties can. An arcane blade can repulse them if for a moment and seal them so long as steel remains strong. A holy blade can cleanse them and bring it peace. A demonic blade will burn them with corruption and they will fade in agony. A Cursed blade will eat them and grow in power. Of the four, the Outlanders have the simplest which repels for a moment, and seals for a time. That’s fine though, they push the soul back and destroy the body, makes certain it’s crushed into dust. The dead rise still, they gather, attach themselves to those able bones that remain. The Outlanders keep cutting them down. The dead keep moving, keep gathering. The Outlanders cut down, the dead gather. They repeat the pattern until there is but one vessel left for thee to inhabit. That’s when it happens; so many unfortunate souls crammed together and not enough space to share. They press against one another, they push and they pull at each other. They howl and scream. They become one. A bloated mass of ectoplasm, a singular abomination of shrieking fusing souls.Legion is born, and the vessel can struggles as it attempts to accommodate one born of many separate wills. It’s what they were waiting for. Together the outlanders turn their weapons on themselves, cut their hooves and draw blood. It dances as they direct it to their blades. The etch a symbol onto their weapons - an old word onto that grants them power. When finished they plunge their weapons forward, deep into the ghostly like a Spirit of Legion. In an instant, the screaming comes. The screaming of a thousand crying in an instant. There was no cleansing fire, or a corruptive embrace. There was only biting, gnawing, and hungering fangs. This was no curse though, this was the bit of a rabid hungry animal that sought only to destroy and feast. The Spirit of Legion tries to run, a thousand faces trying to break away, but they are one now, need to unite and follow a single path of escape. They scream, a ghostly wail filling the forest as they’re fed upon. They do not go quietly into the night, they go pleading and suffering. “I swear I hate it when that happens.” The stallion mutters, dismissing the symbol, watching it shatter like glass hit by stone. “Me too.” The mare admits and sheathes her sword. “Can’t be helped though. We have no holy blades nor demonic ones, and mom would kick our asses if we used curses.” The mare admits as she looks at her counterpart. It’s like gazing into a mirror, expected considering their twins. Her the oldest, him the younger. Their manes are raven, their coats like coca, and their eyes are ember - like that of a cat. She looks at her hoof watches the self-inflicted cut heal before her eyes before sighing. “Anyway let’s go, we wasted what thirty minutes just dealing with the undead? We got a lot of ground to cover.” “I hate that you’re right about that.” He brother admits as they start walking. The moon watches, as it has for many nights now. It watches, silently judging the two and the rest of the world. ~Three Nights Ago~ “It’s about time you two got here.” The twins hear he voice and exhaustion crosses their faces. They are not tired of the one before them, but for other personal reasons. The mare before them is old with silver in her main and insomnia caressing her eyes. “For a moment I wasn’t sure you’d make it.” “Sorry we got a little caught up Grandmaster.” The sister mutters in annoyance. She looks around, takes in her surroundings. “Where’s everyone else?” “They’re already on their assignments.” The Grandmaster admits. “You would have caught them if you’d been here an hour earlier.” The mare admits. She doesn’t speak in a scolding manner, rather it’s understanding. They are young after all, as young as she once was so long ago. “Anyway I have work for you two.” They straighten up, though they do sigh in a bit of annoyance and resignation. “Forgive the expression but someone’s opened up Pandora’s box.” That makes the resignation disappear. “What?” They say together. “Tartarus.” The Grandmaster explains. “For eons now it’s been the perfect prison, designed for the greatest of monsters and demons to ever cross exist in this world. It doesn’t matter if they were spawned by Grogar; the father of Monsters, or by The Queen of the Netherworld. Every last thing, every great horrible being is bound behind Tartarus, and ever vigilant is it’s guard Cerberus.” The mare falls silent. “At least it was.” Before they could ask, as a sense of foreboding washed over them, the Grandmaster continued. “For some reason two weeks ago, Cerberus has left his post, and the gates have cracked open and what was locked within it is spilling out, returning to our world.” “What exactly escaped?” The brother asks. Her answer made them pale. “Everything.” She admitted. “Every horrible beast and unholy thing that was locked away, every prisoner - every monster.” The Grandmaster closes her eyes. “How long do we have?” The sister feels shell regret that answer. “Before there's hell on earth? Maybe a month.” The mare sighs in relief, one the Grandmaster shuts down. “That’s only because this will be global. That which was sealed away will try reclaiming their territories, be they on our continent or others. Dismissing that claim, regrettably it’s already started.” The Grandmaster states. As she pulls herself from her seat and heads toward the window. With a hoof she pushes it open, and there, beyond it, rests the moon hanging in the night sky, it’s hue a bleeding red. “That’s their sign. It means their already moving. Ready to cross ocean and sky to reclaim what was once theirs.” “What do you want us to do?” The twins ask together. “What you were trained to do.” The Grandmaster states as she reaches into her drawer and pulls out an envelope. “You will go where Tartarus resides, a nation by the name of Equestria. Our fastest airship will get you there in three days time.” She tells them. “Go to a town by the name of Ponyville, one of our outfitters resides there, they can help you, supply you with extra weapons and armor.” She tells them as the sister takes the envelope. “Give them this, and recite the Hunter’s Oath.so they know your true.” “How will we know when we find them?” The sister asks. “She carries the eyes that watch the world of mortals and spirits.” The Grandmaster states. “Also, in Equestria lies a set of Anti-Monster Agents, though they aren’t part of our circle, we share a common cause. They should be able to help you.” “Right.” The twins said together before the Brother bites their lip. “What about you Grandmaster, what will you do?” The mares falls silent as she touches her chest. “I’m needed elsewhere.” She informs him. “Astray, Aeon, know this, in a months time the fate of the world will hang in the balance, but even now our enemy moves and strikes out, making land and gathering it’s forces.” She whispers at the end. “Take them down, and protect the lives of the tribes. Postpone the coming Dark Age as long as we can.” She orders. “Those are your orders, understood?” “Yes Grandmaster.” ~Present~ Opening his eyes Astray looks to his sister, watching her slumber quietly. They’d been walking for four hours now, and chose to take a rest. Two hours each and switch to keep guard. Aeon looked peaceful and he chose to move carefully as to not wake her. Behind a tree but still in sight he took a needed leak before returning to his post. Attention snaps to the side and he watches something small, but harmless move in the distance. It looks to him, and under the shade of the trees his eyes glow with a light that sends it scampering off into the red hued night. He sighs and looks to his twin blade staring at his reflection. He sees the exhaustion, and resignation. “Sometimes I hate this life.” He mutters to himself. He knew Aeon felt that way too. This life was not one that they wanted, nor was it one that they chose, but it was what they inherited. This life, this job… there was more that. In their blood was that of legendary slayers, and hunters of monsters who went back hundreds and thousands of years. By comparison their bloodline was older than Equestria, which was a thousand years young. For countless centuries they fought the beasts of light and shadow, and for a thousand more their descendants would continue that fight. That was one of the rules of their society. To push back the Dark Age, and if it came they would dive deep into the dark and stain their bodies, minds and hearts. To uphold that, they and many others had sacrificed much; lives, friends, normalcy. Astray couldn’t count how many nights he had abandoned his friends to uphold their vow. He couldn’t count how many allies he had lost in battles. “Normal ponies my age would just be worried about getting a date, or meeting your special special somepony parents, Not the end of an age.” He muttered to himself. He doesn’t think on the subject any further, just shakes his head and stares out into the distance. When it’s time to switch he does just that, and when he wakes they move again. They move and kill and “exorcise” the lingering dead. They keep going, diving into deeper and darker groves. It’s here they feel at home. The Beast of the Western ForestThe sun does not rise. No, it is as though the sanguine night has claimed the heavens for itself, and the red ringed moon shares it with no no one. The stars refuse to shine, as if repelled or perhaps repulsed by the red night. For the sanguine eye glares skyward, and it’s gaze is just venomous as it does the earth below. As it cast it’s unblinking eye over the land it searches. Searches for the many, many things that hide from it’s glare. It searches for the things locked behind doors and within cavernous caves and even below the darkest chasms of the sea. It searches where it’s vengeful gaze will not reach. The twins hide from the angry eye. The deepest, darkest groves shield them from moon’s gaze, deny access to even the most courageous rays of moonlight. They see well in darkness, almost as well as they do in the daylight hours. They see every fallen twig, every growing shrub, and uncivilized tree. They see the prints. The prints are like those of a wolf, but at the same time they are wrong and misshapen. Something that is both a wolf and not a wolf has been here. “Think this was left by Beast of the Western Forest?” Aeon asks as she and her brother look at the prints, watching them turn into the forest. “Probably.” He mutters. “Think we should deal with it?” “If it comes for us then yeah.” Aeon grunts. “Sad to say that’s most likely gonna happen. These woods are it’s territory after all. And I doubt it wants visitors.” “Just great, as if wandering skeletons aren’t enough to worry about.” Astray admits as his sister just pats his shoulder. “Anyway let’s get a look at this, see what we’ll be dealing with.” Astray doesn’t respond, just looking at the print as he runs a hoof over it. “The spacing of the paw prints put this thing at maybe 10ft wide.” “Take a look at the indent pressed into the ground.” Aeon mutters. “That’s almost a solid 6 inches.” “It’s heavy.” Astay states. “Too heavy for a regular beast.” “Look at the spacing.” Aeon notes as she steps between them. “There’s a 12-foot distance between it’s front and back legs.” “It’s big.” Her brother admits. It’s heavy… and it’s big… They put that into an image image in their mind. Astray floats something off the floorA dead and discarded tooth. “Teeth are serrated, good at tearing flesh…” He examines the old tooth, and compares the size of the fang to a bit coin. “About the same size…” ”It’s hollow.” Aeon mutters as she’s passed the tooth. “But sturdy… long too.” She turns the dead fang over. “This fangs meant to dig deep into the flesh, hold prey in place and lacerate.” “It’s definitely some kind of wolf-breed.” She burns the fang out of reality. “No, not a wolf…” “Warg.” Her brother finishes. As if to answer they hear it, that same blood-wrenching howl bellows, roaring out from the deeper woods and unmade roads. They listen and turn to face the beast that hides further down their path and though they but imagine it, they see the eyes glowing in the distant. Wargs; they were beasts of wolf-like stature, strong and swelling with beastial muscle and savage strength. Their strength was only matched by their reserves of stamina and speed, allowing them to close vast distances in an instant. Their intelligence, though fair, did not bless them with the luxury of the common tongue or civility, but they could be tamed by few like the Therianthropes or the Lords of Nosferatu. “We’re dealing with a Warg, a big one too.” “Wonderful… just what we need to fuck up our day.” Aeon muttered. “And we haven’t even gotten to the nearest town yet. That’s gotta be a new record.” “Nothing we can do about that.” Astray grumbles. “Less you want to turn tail and head home.” He jests. Aeon smiles. “I wish we could.” She mutters before getting back to her hooves. “I wish we could.” She starts to walk as her brother follows. “Well, let’s go, we’re bound to run into the lord of the Woods sooner or later,” “Hopefully sooner rather than later.” Astray mutters. They meet the beast later. In the meantime they face the walking dead. Their strategy stays the same. Break the bodies, force them together and fill the night with ghastly wails. Any close would whisper that on the seventh night of the Blood Moon the Western Woods were screaming. Beyond the dead they find lesser predators, who they cut and bite and maim. Those they kill only when needed, and re-kill when they rise again like vengeful dead. Those that run they leave to travel the woods and lick their wounds. Spared, they’ll remember the bite of their blades. The Warg, the Beast though, the beast does not fear them. When it comes it charges from the dark of the woods, and all the twins hear is the unrelenting sound of trampled stone and twig. It comes as they turn, a massive claw of black muscle and fur already coming down on the two. The twins reach more from instinct than reflexes.Their magic wrapping around them, encasing them in a dual-layered dome of esoteric ember. I hits with the strength of a cannon at point-blank and despite their united defense they’re thrown back, their protective sphere of ember smashing into trees and through them. They drop the shield and get ready. Again it’s already on them. It’s fast. Nothing that big should be so damn fast. This time they dodge, break apart from one another and go their separate ways; One takes the left, and one takes the right. The beast turns, but doesn’t press it’s attack nott this time. They gaze upon it as it roars, and for the third time the western woods is silenced by an angry howl. That one act though, tells the twins something. Something important. “Fuck.” It moves and they break, again going for it’s sidesas they use their blades each drawing a single line on the beast’s form. It goes for Aeon first, swinging it’s claws as she dodges. With a back kick it attacks Astray, forcing him to block. Aeon strikes at it’s claw leaves a shallow cut. It retaliates by raising the limb high and bringing it down to crush her. It turns to Astray and tries to bite him, rows upon rows of fangs trying to wrap around him. He dodges, steps to the side and stabs forward. It bites down on his blade and pulls, discarding the weapon and impaling it into a tree. Again it attacks and Astray dodges. He steps in, rises and two hooves slammed into the beasts chest. With more force than what should be impossible - is impossible - the beast is thrown back, smashing into rows upon rows of trees. “Ok that was a bad move.” Astray whispers as he drops, two hooves touching the earth then he lies spread out. Unmoving and cursing he looks to his sister as she runs forward, not to him but the beast. It rises, it attacks and he yells. “Don’t let it touch you! It’s developed nematocysts!” Nematocysts; oval-shaped stinging cells that coat the outer cells of the epidermis. They fire microscopic “darts” that penetrate deep into the living tissue of whatever they come into contact with. They dig deep into the skin, release a toxin into the bloodstream to takes immediate effect. It was a mutation the Beast had developed over its centuries of being alive; perhaps through selective breeding, arcane enchantment, or pure freak accident. It was one of two that the twins had discovered the beast had. The second was its jaw. There were too many teeth - six rows to be exact. Two on the top and four on the bottom.When it roars - truly roars it unhinges its jaw like a giant snake, and can swallow prey whole. Aeon curses as the beast attempts to ram into her. She dodges like her brother had, though as it passes she swings her blade, several arcs of crimson leaving the beast as it rushes by. It turns and it’s claws swing, wildly, hungrily as she moves, flowing through it attacks as though she were stepping through air. Each dodge is followed by a swing of her blade, and every blade is rewarded with a trail of blood. Her cuts are shallow and light but swift. There is no decisive blow but her attacks add up. Her attacks are like the retaliation of a bees nest, a thousand bees bursting from their hive each, and while one does not kill the full unrelenting might of the swarm can. Eventually the Beast grows tired of her stings though, it raises an arm and slams it down on her blade. It is lost to her as the second comes, she dodges, leaves her blade behind and backflips as she gains distance. Her blade lost the beast charges, and untouched the sting of her blade it attacks a claw raised as she adopts a stance. With the grace of a dancer, the power of a dragon and the skill of a martial artist, she throws the Beast over her form and slams it back first into the soil before gaining distance. To protect herself from its stinging coat she wrapped herself in a barrier. Not a protective dome of light but an aura that clings to her like a second skin. She splits her focus and brings her sword to her. With tiny ethereal fingers she holds it steady as the beast climbs to its feet. “Ok that’s better.” Astray whispers as he returns to his feet, a pool of foggy purple liquid pooling around him. He’s removed the neurotoxin coursing through his blood, and again he can move. Control of the blood, isolate the poison, and through the pores, expel it from the body, a simple technique of their bloodline. Astray brings his twinblade back to him and mimics his sister’s shield and stance, and rejoins her in the fighting. His first strike is not like his sisters; he makes the beast hurt. Drives one of his blades so deep into the hide of the Warg that the blade comes out the other end. The beast roars, pain coursing through it and in an instant three new - deep wounds burst from it’s chest as Aeon sheaths her sword. She draws her blade again and stabs it upward, impaling the beasts neck. Ste taps something on her blade, a switch that births a current of lightning into the beast as it screams. From its throat glows a blue light, it’s insides fried from within. It burns. It cooks, but it does not die. It thrashes about in pain and in anger at the two blades piercing it. Then however. The Twin blade is pulled back, a slick smooth trail of red coating it as Astray retrieves it. His weapon in hoof he breaks it, splits it into two matching, but separate sized blades and stabs them downward, deep into the throat beside his sisters. Then he twists. Two arcs or red fly as the grass is coated in a line of sanguine. The beast goes silent , it’s head severed and falling to the dirt with a heavy smoking thump. The fight ends with the beheading, and the lightning that caresses the Aeon’s katana ceases as she sheathes it. “That takes care of that.” She states and wipes her brow. “I’ll say, you ok?” Astray asks as Aeon dismisses her shield as her brother jumps off the body. “I’m fine, you?” Aeon asks. “A little poison never killed anyone.” “I can think of a few ponies that would disagree.” She mutters as she looks to the body of the Beast. “Still, a coat covered in neurotoxin. That’s rare for a warg to get that strain.” “Yeah I guess.” Astray makes a noise.”What you think, wanna take it with us?” He asks. “We get it to the Outfitter they might be able to make something from it.” “Against the right forces Poison’s helpful in a fight.” Aeon admits as she looks at the body and raises a hoof and focuses. “Besides, we leave this and the miasma will take. Meaning another undead will rise.” Like the fang she burns it out of existence, sealing it away in a place where only she and her brother can reach. “Alright let’s go. We still got a lot of ground to cover.” “I hate it that your right.” Astray admits as the pair move on. They walk and they run, galloping across the woods. They go for three days, until finally they leave the Western Forest. Finally. Finally they see Equestria, and their timing could not be better. For the moon sets and the sun again rises to show it’s radiance. All they see is dying light. Author's Note Aeon Weapon: Katana A weapon of elegance from offlands. Enchanted steel lets it easily channel mana through it. In addition it houses a small generator in the blade, allowing it to discharge an "mild" electric current into whatever it touches. Astray Weapon: Twinblade A simple twinblade born of enchanted steel, allowing mana to easily course through it. It's handle spits into two, allowing it to be used as matching blades Reaching PonyvileThe sun shines on them. It shines with an unparalleled, forced radiance. It shines as if it is in its death throes. Perhaps it is. Gazing upon the luminous sphere both brother and sister quickly turn their gaze to each other and head out. From a strained light they feel a sense of foreboding greater than the Blood Moon could ever give them. They head towards Ponyville, where their Outfitter resides. They make wonderful time in the morning light. The undead and what shadow-dweller that prowl Equestria retreat into their dark pits. To them the caress of light is like a poison, an acid that burns the skin and soul. So they hide and they wait like patient dogs tied to a leash. They wait for the night to return. The twins make it to Ponyville well before then, though the hour closes in on dusk. What greets them is a great sphere of sapphire wrapping around the city. A massive protection spell; something to keep the shadow-dwellers out. “That’s a surprisingly bad idea.” Aeon mutters as she raises a hoof and touches the shield. It ripples like water, but like stone it refuses to bend. “Should we break it?” “Pretty sure that would cause a panic.” Her brother remarks. “Better to just slip through without causing a commotion.” “That’s no fun.” Aeon complains but agrees regardless and steps forward. The barrier is meant to keep the foulblood out, Equestrians though are granted free passage. For now anyway. The twins bear witness to a town that has been attacked countless times by now. The walls and buildings are scarred and the carriages are broken. The denizens are boarding up their windows and wondering, whispering about why this is happening. They are scared. They have a right to be. Something like this has not happened in this lifetime, or previous ones. They don’t understand the meaning behind the continuous blood moon nor the beasts that now wander the night. The twins look about, seeing the city and it’s folks. The young have already been pulled off the streets, kept close and behind locked doors as the hours slowly crawls on. The adolescent and adults however, are still here, for now and turn their attention to the outsiders. Wondering, questioning who and what they are doing here. For a great many of them they shy away once the twins turn their gaze, their beast like eyes pushing them back. If that doesn’t do it, surely their weapons do the trick. One who does not shy away is an old mare, with grey hair and glasses. She stares them down. As they approach her gaze turns upward she stares at the twins. Their taller than her, that’s easy to notice. “Please tell me you two are from the Capital.” She all but begs the pair. “Sorry to disappoint you.” Aeon states as she adjusts her hood, shooting the mare’s hopes down. “But we are here to help.” She adds before looking around. “Gotta say we aren’t this popular back home.” She admits staring at the hundreds of others still watching them. “It’s oddly nice.” Seeing what the mare meant the older - if shorter one just apologized. “I’m sorry, we’ve been waiting for help from the Capital for a while now.” The mare stated as she looked off into the distance. Following her gaze the twins look to a mountain, and see what appears to be a city hanging from it’s side as they make a noise. “Regardless if you’re here to help, thank you. I am Mayor Mare, I’m the Mayor of this town.” ‘Who names their daughter Mayor?’ Astray wonders to himself. “Astray Rose.” “Aeon Rose.” The twins introduce themselves as they look back to the Mayor. “If we met under better circumstances I’d say it’s a pleasure to meet you but-” “We know.” Astray starts. “The blood moon is making a lot of ponies uneasy.” “Speaking of which…” Aeon begins as she turns around and looks about the sun. “There’s still some time before the moon rises again, think we can sit down and talk till then?“ “Of course.” The Mayor states as she looks at the pair and starts to turn. “Please follow me.” She instructs as she starts to walk, leading the two into the city. They head towards town hall, and once inside they settle down in her office. A crowd cautiously follows them, ten ponies slowly growing into twenty and then thirty. Astray and Aeon just take their seats, though one of them takes a moment to look out the window and sees them muttering amongst themselves. “Do you…” The mayor began. “Do you know what’s causing all this?” “Yes.” The twins say together. “Do you really want to know what's causing this though?” The mayor opened her mouth before falling silent. “No…” She admits after a minute. “But many, ponies are starting to blame Princess Luna for our situation and… I’m starting to believe them.” “Princess Luna?” Astray mutters. “Do you mean Nightmare Moon?” He looked at his sister. “Yes, she returned a few months ago, during the Summer Sun Celebration.” The Mayor admitted as she rubbed her temples. “Many thought she had been reformed.” The mare admits. “Others however thought she was just biding her time for something… else.” She muttered before sighing. “I’m afraid to say that that might be the case.” “It’s not.” Astray stated with a stretch. “Excuse me?” “It’s not Nightmare Moon.” The twins say together. “It’s something else.” Astray adds. “Thank Celestia…” The Mayor mutters as she looks at the two. “Then what is it, what’s causing this?” “Tartarus.” Aeon stated as she looked outside, her attention shifting from the townsponies to the sun. “Still plenty of time…”She muttered. “You’ve heard of it right, Tartarus? The Infernal Prison?” “Oh yes.” The mayor stated. “Everypony knows those stories. Tartarus as the prison for the greatest prisoners in Equestria.” “Understatement but yeah.”Astray states as he looks back at his twinblade. “Tartarus is guarded by Cerberus, the hound of Hades. Thing is…” “Cerberus left his post and wandered off for a bit.” Aeon finished as the mayor seemed to think. “Yes… yes that makes sense. We saw Cerberus here two weeks ago…” “Cerberus was here?” Aeon asked as she looked to her brother. ‘Of all the places Cerberus could go…’ ‘He came here?’ The twins narrowed their eyes for a moment before crossing their hooves. “Do you know what happened to Cerberus?” “Was he injured?” “Which way did he wander off too?” The Mayor looked between the two before answering. “Cerberus looked fine last I saw him, and no I don’t know exactly what happened to him… but Twilight said she led him back to Tartarus.” Aeon raised an eyebrow. “Who’s Twilight?” “Twilight is a young mare that moved into town during the Summer.” The mayor stated. “She was give permission by the Princess to stay after she helped purify Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon’s influence.” “That so?” Aeon filed that away for later. “How did she know where Tartarus was?” She asked and the Mayor didn’t answer for a moment. Tartarus’s location was a heavily guarded secret, it wasn’t even written in books. Only a select few know it’s location. “I’m, I’m not quite certain, perhaps Princess Celestia told her.” Astray looked at his sister. That would make sense but still… no one, not even the Princess of this land would just tell someone where Tartarus was. Not unless she had a reason to. They talked for a bit longer, ending when the Sun was just moments from setting as they stepped out. Looking at the two Mayor Mare just adjusted her glasses as they looked towards the barrier. “That barrier can protect us at night, so you two don’t have to worry.” She states as the twins look back to her. “You should get some rest while you can. There’s an inn you can stay at, if you’d like I can show it to you.” The mare stated. “Tomorrow I can show you around town “That’s kind of you.” Aeon states as she looks at the fading sun. “Even with our stamina reserves, I think we wasted most of it just getting here.” She looks at her brother. “I wouldn’t mind a rest, you?” Astray shrugs. “It doesn’t sound like a terrible idea.” He admits. “We’re going to need our strength for later.” “Ain’t that the truth.” Aeon stretched as he got to her feet. “By the way.” She turns to the Mayor.” “Who’s responsible for the barrier?” “That would be Twilight Sparkle.” The mayor admitted with a touch of pride. “She stays at the Golden Oak Library right now.” “Can you take us to her tomorrow?” Astray asks. “We have something important she needs to know.” A curious look crossed the mayor’s face, but she nodded nonetheless. It was a bit strange to her, one moment they didn’t seem to know who young Twilight was, now; now they had something to tell her. The change wasn’t something she’d just ignore. Still as it stood it wasn’t her place to say anything. At least, not yet anyway. The inn wasn’t much to look at. It wasn’t falling apart, but it had seen better days. The attacks from before the barrier was raised showed themselves and the mayor watched as Aeon glided her hoof over the scars before stepping in. She and her brother shared a look, what it meant though, that escaped the mayor. At the same time something told her she didn’t want to know the meaning behind it. There was something strange about these two, maybe it had to do with their eyes, or maybe their weapons, or perhaps it was something else all together. The mare just couldn’t put her hoof it. All she knew was, there was something strange concerning the two. Still, she lead them to Ponyvile's inn, and bid them goodnight, something they returned before she sprinted to her own place of residence. Back in the inn Aeon stares at the rising Blood Moon. annoyance on her face as she her brother set his weapon beside one of the two beds. He stared at his sister, raised an eyebrow before setting himself down. “What’s up?” “One month.” Aeon muttered as she stared at the moon. “We have one month to save to the world.” “No pressure right.” Her brother muttered, leaning back to stare at the ceiling. “Think we can pull it off?” “That’s what we’re here to do.” Her brother states. “Grandmaster wouldn't have picked us to come here of all places if she didn’t believe we could do it.” “She believes in us.” Aeon admits. “But what about you?” She asks. “Do you think we can do this?” “We have to.” Astray admits. “We were trained for this… we were born for this.” He grumbled as he stared at his hooves. “That's the price of being born into a family of Hunters. We have to do this, we have to save the world from those that crawl out the dark corners of the world.” “I guess you're right.” Aeon muttered. “Its one of the things I hate about our bloodline.” Aeon admits. “The fighting, the blood, the death we’re exposed to. The weight of having to protect the ponies and the world when the time comes.” She trailed off for a minute. “Sometimes I wish we were born into a regular family you know.” “I do know.” Astray stated looking at his sister. “We’re twins, our minds are linked and when our thoughts intersect, they resonate. You think as I do.” “And you feel as I do.” Aeon stated with a light smile. “We both want more than this life, we’re selfish that way.” “Mom and dad would say there’s nothing wrong with that.” Astray released a weak smile. “Everypony deserves to be a little selfish every now and then.” “Yeah.” Aeon returned her brothers smile. “But we got a job to do now. We can be selfish later.” Astray nodded his head. “Come on, lets get some rest.” Aeon didn't say anything just staring at the blood moon for a while longer before following her twins advice. She turned in. Both found themselves lost in a restless sleep.
The OutlandersIt appeared from the western edge of the Equestrian territories. Those lucky enough to see it would call it the Flying Dutchman. It was an airship, one made of steam and coal and enchanted by magics. The spells on it bent light, flickering it in and out of view. Many who spoke of the ship, breathed of its existence would be labeled a liar. The rest would label it a sign from the great beyond, something pulled from the abyss that had chosen to enrapture Equestria. It’s from this ship that they came, The two who hit the dirt and looked around. They were far from the nearest town or city, but the captain of the Flying Dutchman would carry them no further. They couldn’t risk being spotted, and the skies were growing unkind. The two would have to continue on foot from here. “It’s going to be a long walk from here.” The ship captain mutters as he looks down at the two. They just turn their gaze up to look at him, and then to the cursed, red ringed moon who has wept for several nights now. “Be careful.” As if on cue a blood-wrenching howl fills the night. The hairs on the back of the pairs necks rise and the shadows seem to grow longer. The ship takes flight disappearing over the horizon as they pull up their collars, grab their blades and head into the darkness of the Western Woods. It called to them, and so they answered. Shadows over Equestria They walk in silence, do not need to share words. Not now, not yet. One is a mare, the other a stallion.Before them floats their weapons, both of steam and metal. The blades the carry; her katana, and his twinblade glow red as the ringed moon looks down on them Unblinking, unchanging. Without the Mare on the Moon etched upon it, the moon appears more like an angry eye. Still they aren’t scared. No… no they are scared. They just didn’t it cloud their judgement. When fear took control it clouded one's judgement, made monsters out of empty shadows and swallowed one whole. When it was controlled though, it made one alert, kept them aware of the danger that was on the horizon. Because of that, they weren't taken back when it came before them. It began with a growl and the sound of twigs snapping. It evolved into a sea of eyes like the darkness was watching them. It ended with the horde. Equestria called this land the Undiscovered West, they called it that because none ever explored the territory, and as such expansion was postponed till it was documented. That was a lie. Equestria had attempted to expand into the west long ago, and all attempts ended in failure. Al who entered the west fell to “something” something the Monarch of Equestria either didn’t want brought to light or chose to leave to its own devices. Across the western forest, attempts at early settlements and on unpaved bones were the sleeping bones of those who had come.And they would sleep forever in unmade graves. But as of three nights ago, as the soil vomited forth necromantic miasma, the dead came together and began to wander. Looking into the hollowed eyes of the corpse-born, both Outlanders just watched. They reeked of necromantic might, and vapors of wrapped around them as a false skin. “Looks like they brought out the welcome wagon.” The mare mutters. “Looks like it.” Her counterpart mutters as he tightens an arcane grip on his weapon. “Problem is they look a bit hungry too.” “Yeah~ that’s not good.” The mare mutters as her katana starts sliding from its sheath. “We’d better feed them then.” “Hope they like steel, it’s all we really got that’s on the menu.” “It’ll have to do. The Horde of undead come; half-running half-gliding towards them. They outnumber them 10 to one, but their underequipped and outclassed. Steel flies, and in the moonlight they cast crimson angry streaks across the forest. The Outlanders fight, as they had for years now. Thy fight and break bones, sever heads and bisect bodies. Again the dead rise. They cut them down again, and again the dead rise. Again and again. Again and again, the dead rise. That which is dead, cannot die again. That is a truth and a lie. Normal steel cannot kill that which is already dead. Enchanted- esoteric- can given the right properties can. An arcane blade can repulse them if for a moment and seal them so long as steel remains strong. A holy blade can cleanse them and bring it peace. A demonic blade will burn them with corruption and they will fade in agony. A Cursed blade will eat them and grow in power. Of the four, the Outlanders have the simplest which repels for a moment, and seals for a time. That’s fine though, they push the soul back and destroy the body, makes certain it’s crushed into dust. The dead rise still, they gather, attach themselves to those able bones that remain. The Outlanders keep cutting them down. The dead keep moving, keep gathering. The Outlanders cut down, the dead gather. They repeat the pattern until there is but one vessel left for thee to inhabit. That’s when it happens; so many unfortunate souls crammed together and not enough space to share. They press against one another, they push and they pull at each other. They howl and scream. They become one. A bloated mass of ectoplasm, a singular abomination of shrieking fusing souls.Legion is born, and the vessel can struggles as it attempts to accommodate one born of many separate wills. It’s what they were waiting for. Together the outlanders turn their weapons on themselves, cut their hooves and draw blood. It dances as they direct it to their blades. The etch a symbol onto their weapons - an old word onto that grants them power. When finished they plunge their weapons forward, deep into the ghostly like a Spirit of Legion. In an instant, the screaming comes. The screaming of a thousand crying in an instant. There was no cleansing fire, or a corruptive embrace. There was only biting, gnawing, and hungering fangs. This was no curse though, this was the bit of a rabid hungry animal that sought only to destroy and feast. The Spirit of Legion tries to run, a thousand faces trying to break away, but they are one now, need to unite and follow a single path of escape. They scream, a ghostly wail filling the forest as they’re fed upon. They do not go quietly into the night, they go pleading and suffering. “I swear I hate it when that happens.” The stallion mutters, dismissing the symbol, watching it shatter like glass hit by stone. “Me too.” The mare admits and sheathes her sword. “Can’t be helped though. We have no holy blades nor demonic ones, and mom would kick our asses if we used curses.” The mare admits as she looks at her counterpart. It’s like gazing into a mirror, expected considering their twins. Her the oldest, him the younger. Their manes are raven, their coats like coca, and their eyes are ember - like that of a cat. She looks at her hoof watches the self-inflicted cut heal before her eyes before sighing. “Anyway let’s go, we wasted what thirty minutes just dealing with the undead? We got a lot of ground to cover.” “I hate that you’re right about that.” He brother admits as they start walking. The moon watches, as it has for many nights now. It watches, silently judging the two and the rest of the world. ~Three Nights Ago~ “It’s about time you two got here.” The twins hear he voice and exhaustion crosses their faces. They are not tired of the one before them, but for other personal reasons. The mare before them is old with silver in her main and insomnia caressing her eyes. “For a moment I wasn’t sure you’d make it.” “Sorry we got a little caught up Grandmaster.” The sister mutters in annoyance. She looks around, takes in her surroundings. “Where’s everyone else?” “They’re already on their assignments.” The Grandmaster admits. “You would have caught them if you’d been here an hour earlier.” The mare admits. She doesn’t speak in a scolding manner, rather it’s understanding. They are young after all, as young as she once was so long ago. “Anyway I have work for you two.” They straighten up, though they do sigh in a bit of annoyance and resignation. “Forgive the expression but someone’s opened up Pandora’s box.” That makes the resignation disappear. “What?” They say together. “Tartarus.” The Grandmaster explains. “For eons now it’s been the perfect prison, designed for the greatest of monsters and demons to ever cross exist in this world. It doesn’t matter if they were spawned by Grogar; the father of Monsters, or by The Queen of the Netherworld. Every last thing, every great horrible being is bound behind Tartarus, and ever vigilant is it’s guard Cerberus.” The mare falls silent. “At least it was.” Before they could ask, as a sense of foreboding washed over them, the Grandmaster continued. “For some reason two weeks ago, Cerberus has left his post, and the gates have cracked open and what was locked within it is spilling out, returning to our world.” “What exactly escaped?” The brother asks. Her answer made them pale. “Everything.” She admitted. “Every horrible beast and unholy thing that was locked away, every prisoner - every monster.” The Grandmaster closes her eyes. “How long do we have?” The sister feels shell regret that answer. “Before there's hell on earth? Maybe a month.” The mare sighs in relief, one the Grandmaster shuts down. “That’s only because this will be global. That which was sealed away will try reclaiming their territories, be they on our continent or others. Dismissing that claim, regrettably it’s already started.” The Grandmaster states. As she pulls herself from her seat and heads toward the window. With a hoof she pushes it open, and there, beyond it, rests the moon hanging in the night sky, it’s hue a bleeding red. “That’s their sign. It means their already moving. Ready to cross ocean and sky to reclaim what was once theirs.” “What do you want us to do?” The twins ask together. “What you were trained to do.” The Grandmaster states as she reaches into her drawer and pulls out an envelope. “You will go where Tartarus resides, a nation by the name of Equestria. Our fastest airship will get you there in three days time.” She tells them. “Go to a town by the name of Ponyville, one of our outfitters resides there, they can help you, supply you with extra weapons and armor.” She tells them as the sister takes the envelope. “Give them this, and recite the Hunter’s Oath.so they know your true.” “How will we know when we find them?” The sister asks. “She carries the eyes that watch the world of mortals and spirits.” The Grandmaster states. “Also, in Equestria lies a set of Anti-Monster Agents, though they aren’t part of our circle, we share a common cause. They should be able to help you.” “Right.” The twins said together before the Brother bites their lip. “What about you Grandmaster, what will you do?” The mares falls silent as she touches her chest. “I’m needed elsewhere.” She informs him. “Astray, Aeon, know this, in a months time the fate of the world will hang in the balance, but even now our enemy moves and strikes out, making land and gathering it’s forces.” She whispers at the end. “Take them down, and protect the lives of the tribes. Postpone the coming Dark Age as long as we can.” She orders. “Those are your orders, understood?” “Yes Grandmaster.” ~Present~ Opening his eyes Astray looks to his sister, watching her slumber quietly. They’d been walking for four hours now, and chose to take a rest. Two hours each and switch to keep guard. Aeon looked peaceful and he chose to move carefully as to not wake her. Behind a tree but still in sight he took a needed leak before returning to his post. Attention snaps to the side and he watches something small, but harmless move in the distance. It looks to him, and under the shade of the trees his eyes glow with a light that sends it scampering off into the red hued night. He sighs and looks to his twin blade staring at his reflection. He sees the exhaustion, and resignation. “Sometimes I hate this life.” He mutters to himself. He knew Aeon felt that way too. This life was not one that they wanted, nor was it one that they chose, but it was what they inherited. This life, this job… there was more that. In their blood was that of legendary slayers, and hunters of monsters who went back hundreds and thousands of years. By comparison their bloodline was older than Equestria, which was a thousand years young. For countless centuries they fought the beasts of light and shadow, and for a thousand more their descendants would continue that fight. That was one of the rules of their society. To push back the Dark Age, and if it came they would dive deep into the dark and stain their bodies, minds and hearts. To uphold that, they and many others had sacrificed much; lives, friends, normalcy. Astray couldn’t count how many nights he had abandoned his friends to uphold their vow. He couldn’t count how many allies he had lost in battles. “Normal ponies my age would just be worried about getting a date, or meeting your special special somepony parents, Not the end of an age.” He muttered to himself. He doesn’t think on the subject any further, just shakes his head and stares out into the distance. When it’s time to switch he does just that, and when he wakes they move again. They move and kill and “exorcise” the lingering dead. They keep going, diving into deeper and darker groves. It’s here they feel at home.
The Beast of the Western ForestThe sun does not rise. No, it is as though the sanguine night has claimed the heavens for itself, and the red ringed moon shares it with no no one. The stars refuse to shine, as if repelled or perhaps repulsed by the red night. For the sanguine eye glares skyward, and it’s gaze is just venomous as it does the earth below. As it cast it’s unblinking eye over the land it searches. Searches for the many, many things that hide from it’s glare. It searches for the things locked behind doors and within cavernous caves and even below the darkest chasms of the sea. It searches where it’s vengeful gaze will not reach. The twins hide from the angry eye. The deepest, darkest groves shield them from moon’s gaze, deny access to even the most courageous rays of moonlight. They see well in darkness, almost as well as they do in the daylight hours. They see every fallen twig, every growing shrub, and uncivilized tree. They see the prints. The prints are like those of a wolf, but at the same time they are wrong and misshapen. Something that is both a wolf and not a wolf has been here. “Think this was left by Beast of the Western Forest?” Aeon asks as she and her brother look at the prints, watching them turn into the forest. “Probably.” He mutters. “Think we should deal with it?” “If it comes for us then yeah.” Aeon grunts. “Sad to say that’s most likely gonna happen. These woods are it’s territory after all. And I doubt it wants visitors.” “Just great, as if wandering skeletons aren’t enough to worry about.” Astray admits as his sister just pats his shoulder. “Anyway let’s get a look at this, see what we’ll be dealing with.” Astray doesn’t respond, just looking at the print as he runs a hoof over it. “The spacing of the paw prints put this thing at maybe 10ft wide.” “Take a look at the indent pressed into the ground.” Aeon mutters. “That’s almost a solid 6 inches.” “It’s heavy.” Astay states. “Too heavy for a regular beast.” “Look at the spacing.” Aeon notes as she steps between them. “There’s a 12-foot distance between it’s front and back legs.” “It’s big.” Her brother admits. It’s heavy… and it’s big… They put that into an image image in their mind. Astray floats something off the floorA dead and discarded tooth. “Teeth are serrated, good at tearing flesh…” He examines the old tooth, and compares the size of the fang to a bit coin. “About the same size…” ”It’s hollow.” Aeon mutters as she’s passed the tooth. “But sturdy… long too.” She turns the dead fang over. “This fangs meant to dig deep into the flesh, hold prey in place and lacerate.” “It’s definitely some kind of wolf-breed.” She burns the fang out of reality. “No, not a wolf…” “Warg.” Her brother finishes. As if to answer they hear it, that same blood-wrenching howl bellows, roaring out from the deeper woods and unmade roads. They listen and turn to face the beast that hides further down their path and though they but imagine it, they see the eyes glowing in the distant. Wargs; they were beasts of wolf-like stature, strong and swelling with beastial muscle and savage strength. Their strength was only matched by their reserves of stamina and speed, allowing them to close vast distances in an instant. Their intelligence, though fair, did not bless them with the luxury of the common tongue or civility, but they could be tamed by few like the Therianthropes or the Lords of Nosferatu. “We’re dealing with a Warg, a big one too.” “Wonderful… just what we need to fuck up our day.” Aeon muttered. “And we haven’t even gotten to the nearest town yet. That’s gotta be a new record.” “Nothing we can do about that.” Astray grumbles. “Less you want to turn tail and head home.” He jests. Aeon smiles. “I wish we could.” She mutters before getting back to her hooves. “I wish we could.” She starts to walk as her brother follows. “Well, let’s go, we’re bound to run into the lord of the Woods sooner or later,” “Hopefully sooner rather than later.” Astray mutters. They meet the beast later. In the meantime they face the walking dead. Their strategy stays the same. Break the bodies, force them together and fill the night with ghastly wails. Any close would whisper that on the seventh night of the Blood Moon the Western Woods were screaming. Beyond the dead they find lesser predators, who they cut and bite and maim. Those they kill only when needed, and re-kill when they rise again like vengeful dead. Those that run they leave to travel the woods and lick their wounds. Spared, they’ll remember the bite of their blades. The Warg, the Beast though, the beast does not fear them. When it comes it charges from the dark of the woods, and all the twins hear is the unrelenting sound of trampled stone and twig. It comes as they turn, a massive claw of black muscle and fur already coming down on the two. The twins reach more from instinct than reflexes.Their magic wrapping around them, encasing them in a dual-layered dome of esoteric ember. I hits with the strength of a cannon at point-blank and despite their united defense they’re thrown back, their protective sphere of ember smashing into trees and through them. They drop the shield and get ready. Again it’s already on them. It’s fast. Nothing that big should be so damn fast. This time they dodge, break apart from one another and go their separate ways; One takes the left, and one takes the right. The beast turns, but doesn’t press it’s attack nott this time. They gaze upon it as it roars, and for the third time the western woods is silenced by an angry howl. That one act though, tells the twins something. Something important. “Fuck.” It moves and they break, again going for it’s sidesas they use their blades each drawing a single line on the beast’s form. It goes for Aeon first, swinging it’s claws as she dodges. With a back kick it attacks Astray, forcing him to block. Aeon strikes at it’s claw leaves a shallow cut. It retaliates by raising the limb high and bringing it down to crush her. It turns to Astray and tries to bite him, rows upon rows of fangs trying to wrap around him. He dodges, steps to the side and stabs forward. It bites down on his blade and pulls, discarding the weapon and impaling it into a tree. Again it attacks and Astray dodges. He steps in, rises and two hooves slammed into the beasts chest. With more force than what should be impossible - is impossible - the beast is thrown back, smashing into rows upon rows of trees. “Ok that was a bad move.” Astray whispers as he drops, two hooves touching the earth then he lies spread out. Unmoving and cursing he looks to his sister as she runs forward, not to him but the beast. It rises, it attacks and he yells. “Don’t let it touch you! It’s developed nematocysts!” Nematocysts; oval-shaped stinging cells that coat the outer cells of the epidermis. They fire microscopic “darts” that penetrate deep into the living tissue of whatever they come into contact with. They dig deep into the skin, release a toxin into the bloodstream to takes immediate effect. It was a mutation the Beast had developed over its centuries of being alive; perhaps through selective breeding, arcane enchantment, or pure freak accident. It was one of two that the twins had discovered the beast had. The second was its jaw. There were too many teeth - six rows to be exact. Two on the top and four on the bottom.When it roars - truly roars it unhinges its jaw like a giant snake, and can swallow prey whole. Aeon curses as the beast attempts to ram into her. She dodges like her brother had, though as it passes she swings her blade, several arcs of crimson leaving the beast as it rushes by. It turns and it’s claws swing, wildly, hungrily as she moves, flowing through it attacks as though she were stepping through air. Each dodge is followed by a swing of her blade, and every blade is rewarded with a trail of blood. Her cuts are shallow and light but swift. There is no decisive blow but her attacks add up. Her attacks are like the retaliation of a bees nest, a thousand bees bursting from their hive each, and while one does not kill the full unrelenting might of the swarm can. Eventually the Beast grows tired of her stings though, it raises an arm and slams it down on her blade. It is lost to her as the second comes, she dodges, leaves her blade behind and backflips as she gains distance. Her blade lost the beast charges, and untouched the sting of her blade it attacks a claw raised as she adopts a stance. With the grace of a dancer, the power of a dragon and the skill of a martial artist, she throws the Beast over her form and slams it back first into the soil before gaining distance. To protect herself from its stinging coat she wrapped herself in a barrier. Not a protective dome of light but an aura that clings to her like a second skin. She splits her focus and brings her sword to her. With tiny ethereal fingers she holds it steady as the beast climbs to its feet. “Ok that’s better.” Astray whispers as he returns to his feet, a pool of foggy purple liquid pooling around him. He’s removed the neurotoxin coursing through his blood, and again he can move. Control of the blood, isolate the poison, and through the pores, expel it from the body, a simple technique of their bloodline. Astray brings his twinblade back to him and mimics his sister’s shield and stance, and rejoins her in the fighting. His first strike is not like his sisters; he makes the beast hurt. Drives one of his blades so deep into the hide of the Warg that the blade comes out the other end. The beast roars, pain coursing through it and in an instant three new - deep wounds burst from it’s chest as Aeon sheaths her sword. She draws her blade again and stabs it upward, impaling the beasts neck. Ste taps something on her blade, a switch that births a current of lightning into the beast as it screams. From its throat glows a blue light, it’s insides fried from within. It burns. It cooks, but it does not die. It thrashes about in pain and in anger at the two blades piercing it. Then however. The Twin blade is pulled back, a slick smooth trail of red coating it as Astray retrieves it. His weapon in hoof he breaks it, splits it into two matching, but separate sized blades and stabs them downward, deep into the throat beside his sisters. Then he twists. Two arcs or red fly as the grass is coated in a line of sanguine. The beast goes silent , it’s head severed and falling to the dirt with a heavy smoking thump. The fight ends with the beheading, and the lightning that caresses the Aeon’s katana ceases as she sheathes it. “That takes care of that.” She states and wipes her brow. “I’ll say, you ok?” Astray asks as Aeon dismisses her shield as her brother jumps off the body. “I’m fine, you?” Aeon asks. “A little poison never killed anyone.” “I can think of a few ponies that would disagree.” She mutters as she looks to the body of the Beast. “Still, a coat covered in neurotoxin. That’s rare for a warg to get that strain.” “Yeah I guess.” Astray makes a noise.”What you think, wanna take it with us?” He asks. “We get it to the Outfitter they might be able to make something from it.” “Against the right forces Poison’s helpful in a fight.” Aeon admits as she looks at the body and raises a hoof and focuses. “Besides, we leave this and the miasma will take. Meaning another undead will rise.” Like the fang she burns it out of existence, sealing it away in a place where only she and her brother can reach. “Alright let’s go. We still got a lot of ground to cover.” “I hate it that your right.” Astray admits as the pair move on. They walk and they run, galloping across the woods. They go for three days, until finally they leave the Western Forest. Finally. Finally they see Equestria, and their timing could not be better. For the moon sets and the sun again rises to show it’s radiance. All they see is dying light. Author's Note Aeon Weapon: Katana A weapon of elegance from offlands. Enchanted steel lets it easily channel mana through it. In addition it houses a small generator in the blade, allowing it to discharge an "mild" electric current into whatever it touches. Astray Weapon: Twinblade A simple twinblade born of enchanted steel, allowing mana to easily course through it. It's handle spits into two, allowing it to be used as matching blades
Reaching PonyvileThe sun shines on them. It shines with an unparalleled, forced radiance. It shines as if it is in its death throes. Perhaps it is. Gazing upon the luminous sphere both brother and sister quickly turn their gaze to each other and head out. From a strained light they feel a sense of foreboding greater than the Blood Moon could ever give them. They head towards Ponyville, where their Outfitter resides. They make wonderful time in the morning light. The undead and what shadow-dweller that prowl Equestria retreat into their dark pits. To them the caress of light is like a poison, an acid that burns the skin and soul. So they hide and they wait like patient dogs tied to a leash. They wait for the night to return. The twins make it to Ponyville well before then, though the hour closes in on dusk. What greets them is a great sphere of sapphire wrapping around the city. A massive protection spell; something to keep the shadow-dwellers out. “That’s a surprisingly bad idea.” Aeon mutters as she raises a hoof and touches the shield. It ripples like water, but like stone it refuses to bend. “Should we break it?” “Pretty sure that would cause a panic.” Her brother remarks. “Better to just slip through without causing a commotion.” “That’s no fun.” Aeon complains but agrees regardless and steps forward. The barrier is meant to keep the foulblood out, Equestrians though are granted free passage. For now anyway. The twins bear witness to a town that has been attacked countless times by now. The walls and buildings are scarred and the carriages are broken. The denizens are boarding up their windows and wondering, whispering about why this is happening. They are scared. They have a right to be. Something like this has not happened in this lifetime, or previous ones. They don’t understand the meaning behind the continuous blood moon nor the beasts that now wander the night. The twins look about, seeing the city and it’s folks. The young have already been pulled off the streets, kept close and behind locked doors as the hours slowly crawls on. The adolescent and adults however, are still here, for now and turn their attention to the outsiders. Wondering, questioning who and what they are doing here. For a great many of them they shy away once the twins turn their gaze, their beast like eyes pushing them back. If that doesn’t do it, surely their weapons do the trick. One who does not shy away is an old mare, with grey hair and glasses. She stares them down. As they approach her gaze turns upward she stares at the twins. Their taller than her, that’s easy to notice. “Please tell me you two are from the Capital.” She all but begs the pair. “Sorry to disappoint you.” Aeon states as she adjusts her hood, shooting the mare’s hopes down. “But we are here to help.” She adds before looking around. “Gotta say we aren’t this popular back home.” She admits staring at the hundreds of others still watching them. “It’s oddly nice.” Seeing what the mare meant the older - if shorter one just apologized. “I’m sorry, we’ve been waiting for help from the Capital for a while now.” The mare stated as she looked off into the distance. Following her gaze the twins look to a mountain, and see what appears to be a city hanging from it’s side as they make a noise. “Regardless if you’re here to help, thank you. I am Mayor Mare, I’m the Mayor of this town.” ‘Who names their daughter Mayor?’ Astray wonders to himself. “Astray Rose.” “Aeon Rose.” The twins introduce themselves as they look back to the Mayor. “If we met under better circumstances I’d say it’s a pleasure to meet you but-” “We know.” Astray starts. “The blood moon is making a lot of ponies uneasy.” “Speaking of which…” Aeon begins as she turns around and looks about the sun. “There’s still some time before the moon rises again, think we can sit down and talk till then?“ “Of course.” The Mayor states as she looks at the pair and starts to turn. “Please follow me.” She instructs as she starts to walk, leading the two into the city. They head towards town hall, and once inside they settle down in her office. A crowd cautiously follows them, ten ponies slowly growing into twenty and then thirty. Astray and Aeon just take their seats, though one of them takes a moment to look out the window and sees them muttering amongst themselves. “Do you…” The mayor began. “Do you know what’s causing all this?” “Yes.” The twins say together. “Do you really want to know what's causing this though?” The mayor opened her mouth before falling silent. “No…” She admits after a minute. “But many, ponies are starting to blame Princess Luna for our situation and… I’m starting to believe them.” “Princess Luna?” Astray mutters. “Do you mean Nightmare Moon?” He looked at his sister. “Yes, she returned a few months ago, during the Summer Sun Celebration.” The Mayor admitted as she rubbed her temples. “Many thought she had been reformed.” The mare admits. “Others however thought she was just biding her time for something… else.” She muttered before sighing. “I’m afraid to say that that might be the case.” “It’s not.” Astray stated with a stretch. “Excuse me?” “It’s not Nightmare Moon.” The twins say together. “It’s something else.” Astray adds. “Thank Celestia…” The Mayor mutters as she looks at the two. “Then what is it, what’s causing this?” “Tartarus.” Aeon stated as she looked outside, her attention shifting from the townsponies to the sun. “Still plenty of time…”She muttered. “You’ve heard of it right, Tartarus? The Infernal Prison?” “Oh yes.” The mayor stated. “Everypony knows those stories. Tartarus as the prison for the greatest prisoners in Equestria.” “Understatement but yeah.”Astray states as he looks back at his twinblade. “Tartarus is guarded by Cerberus, the hound of Hades. Thing is…” “Cerberus left his post and wandered off for a bit.” Aeon finished as the mayor seemed to think. “Yes… yes that makes sense. We saw Cerberus here two weeks ago…” “Cerberus was here?” Aeon asked as she looked to her brother. ‘Of all the places Cerberus could go…’ ‘He came here?’ The twins narrowed their eyes for a moment before crossing their hooves. “Do you know what happened to Cerberus?” “Was he injured?” “Which way did he wander off too?” The Mayor looked between the two before answering. “Cerberus looked fine last I saw him, and no I don’t know exactly what happened to him… but Twilight said she led him back to Tartarus.” Aeon raised an eyebrow. “Who’s Twilight?” “Twilight is a young mare that moved into town during the Summer.” The mayor stated. “She was give permission by the Princess to stay after she helped purify Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon’s influence.” “That so?” Aeon filed that away for later. “How did she know where Tartarus was?” She asked and the Mayor didn’t answer for a moment. Tartarus’s location was a heavily guarded secret, it wasn’t even written in books. Only a select few know it’s location. “I’m, I’m not quite certain, perhaps Princess Celestia told her.” Astray looked at his sister. That would make sense but still… no one, not even the Princess of this land would just tell someone where Tartarus was. Not unless she had a reason to. They talked for a bit longer, ending when the Sun was just moments from setting as they stepped out. Looking at the two Mayor Mare just adjusted her glasses as they looked towards the barrier. “That barrier can protect us at night, so you two don’t have to worry.” She states as the twins look back to her. “You should get some rest while you can. There’s an inn you can stay at, if you’d like I can show it to you.” The mare stated. “Tomorrow I can show you around town “That’s kind of you.” Aeon states as she looks at the fading sun. “Even with our stamina reserves, I think we wasted most of it just getting here.” She looks at her brother. “I wouldn’t mind a rest, you?” Astray shrugs. “It doesn’t sound like a terrible idea.” He admits. “We’re going to need our strength for later.” “Ain’t that the truth.” Aeon stretched as he got to her feet. “By the way.” She turns to the Mayor.” “Who’s responsible for the barrier?” “That would be Twilight Sparkle.” The mayor admitted with a touch of pride. “She stays at the Golden Oak Library right now.” “Can you take us to her tomorrow?” Astray asks. “We have something important she needs to know.” A curious look crossed the mayor’s face, but she nodded nonetheless. It was a bit strange to her, one moment they didn’t seem to know who young Twilight was, now; now they had something to tell her. The change wasn’t something she’d just ignore. Still as it stood it wasn’t her place to say anything. At least, not yet anyway. The inn wasn’t much to look at. It wasn’t falling apart, but it had seen better days. The attacks from before the barrier was raised showed themselves and the mayor watched as Aeon glided her hoof over the scars before stepping in. She and her brother shared a look, what it meant though, that escaped the mayor. At the same time something told her she didn’t want to know the meaning behind it. There was something strange about these two, maybe it had to do with their eyes, or maybe their weapons, or perhaps it was something else all together. The mare just couldn’t put her hoof it. All she knew was, there was something strange concerning the two. Still, she lead them to Ponyvile's inn, and bid them goodnight, something they returned before she sprinted to her own place of residence. Back in the inn Aeon stares at the rising Blood Moon. annoyance on her face as she her brother set his weapon beside one of the two beds. He stared at his sister, raised an eyebrow before setting himself down. “What’s up?” “One month.” Aeon muttered as she stared at the moon. “We have one month to save to the world.” “No pressure right.” Her brother muttered, leaning back to stare at the ceiling. “Think we can pull it off?” “That’s what we’re here to do.” Her brother states. “Grandmaster wouldn't have picked us to come here of all places if she didn’t believe we could do it.” “She believes in us.” Aeon admits. “But what about you?” She asks. “Do you think we can do this?” “We have to.” Astray admits. “We were trained for this… we were born for this.” He grumbled as he stared at his hooves. “That's the price of being born into a family of Hunters. We have to do this, we have to save the world from those that crawl out the dark corners of the world.” “I guess you're right.” Aeon muttered. “Its one of the things I hate about our bloodline.” Aeon admits. “The fighting, the blood, the death we’re exposed to. The weight of having to protect the ponies and the world when the time comes.” She trailed off for a minute. “Sometimes I wish we were born into a regular family you know.” “I do know.” Astray stated looking at his sister. “We’re twins, our minds are linked and when our thoughts intersect, they resonate. You think as I do.” “And you feel as I do.” Aeon stated with a light smile. “We both want more than this life, we’re selfish that way.” “Mom and dad would say there’s nothing wrong with that.” Astray released a weak smile. “Everypony deserves to be a little selfish every now and then.” “Yeah.” Aeon returned her brothers smile. “But we got a job to do now. We can be selfish later.” Astray nodded his head. “Come on, lets get some rest.” Aeon didn't say anything just staring at the blood moon for a while longer before following her twins advice. She turned in. Both found themselves lost in a restless sleep.
