Arcane

A low, soft growl rumbled beneath the surface of Frigus. The shadows veiled the form of its origin, and a mysterious form it was. Its stomach rose again, and again it fell, and then...It moved...

Dark energy surged through Celestia's horn, shocking her from slumber.

"It can't be...! Not that, that...Thing!"

There was no mistaking it. The monster...It was back...

"I must warn Luna!"

Morning came. Twilight groaned and climbed out of her bed. She soaked in the warm rays of the sun that shined through her chamber window. The Alicorn yawned.

"I slept like a foal. Hmhm!"

Twilight exited the room. She crossed the halls of the castle to Spike's place of rest. She knocked on his door.

"Spike, are you awake?"

"Five more minutes..." he groaned.

Twilight rolled her eyes, but the smile never left her face.

"He'll come out when breakfast's ready."

The princess of friendship strolled through the main hall of her home. She opened the front doors to let the fresh air in.

"Princess Celestia?"

Luna emerged from the nearby trees.

"Hello, Twilight. It's good to see you again."

"Is something wrong?"

"I'm afraid so."

"We have much to discuss." Luna stated.

"Perhaps we could speak over a cup of tea?" her sister suggested.

Twilight nodded. She led them to the kitchen.

"So...What's going on, exactly?"

Celestia sipped her beverage.

"Tell me, how much do you know about planetology?"

"The study of other planets, right? I have them all memorized."

"It would be accurate to presume you know Frigus then?"

"Of course. It's the ninth planet of the solar system and the furthest from the sun."

"Yes. It was named after the goddess of winter many eons ago when ponykind was still in our infancy."

"It's strange to be talking about something so much older than you."

"There is a reason," Luna interjected, "When the universe was still young, a monster of terrible power ruled among the stars, destroying everything in its wake."

"A monster?"

Celestia nodded.

"Yes. It was known by our ancestors as Praedo, the destroyer of worlds."

"How was it stopped?"

"With the combined powers of the equine race. Using all their might, they forced him from Equestria and sealed him in Frigus's core."

"Judging by your tone, it's made a recent appearance."

"Nothing is permanent. Even the strongest seals weaken with time."

"Do you have any idea what it looks like?"

"We only know what we've heard from stories. By our ancestors' accounts, its form resembled a skeleton hundreds of feet tall. Its muscular system was inverted, barely shielded by the bone."

"That explains the containment method."

"I'm sure you've guessed by now why we're here."

"You need us to neutralize it."

"If only it were as simple as you make it sound."

"What do you mean?"

"In order to defeat it the first time, many sacrificed their souls for power. Only a force of great darkness can match such an evil entity."

"My soul...?"

"To combat this threat, you must steep yourself in hatred and pain. Only by giving up everything you hold dear will you obtain the strength necessary for victory."

"I don't understand. Why?"

"Praedo is a ruthless killer incapable of mercy or remorse. Its sole purpose is to end life as we know it. Without killing intent, we'll all be done for. I believe you possess the power to destroy it once and for all."

"I see..."

"I know what we're asking is a great burden to bear. We won't fault you should you choose to decline."

"I need time to think. I know it's selfish, but..."

"We understand. Should you choose to accept this great task, please come to the castle this evening. I will teach you about the arcane arts of the ancient equestrian civilization."