The Carnival of the Damned

Chapters

Prologue
Meetings and a Gift
A Talk with the Necromancer
Cafe Visit
The Rose, The Witch, and The Pegasus
Change of Plans
Dimitri's Caravan
Welcome to the Carnival
The Chamber of Fayt
Something Amiss
Dungeon and Interrogation
The Flight of the Sugar Bat
Dice of Misfortune
Emporium of Creatures
Dungeon Visitor
Skulls and Roses
Dimitri's Interrogation and Mortis' Beast
Hellhound's Chase
The Return to Rosencroix
Poison
The Flower and the Weed
Visitors
Lich's Phylactery
Antidote
Rainy Night
An Army of Death
Fayt
Blood Against Bone and the True Antidote
Death in the Forest
Leaving Rosencroix
Nightmare Night Celebration
Upon the Sanguine Sea, an Ending

Prologue

The years passed quickly in the realm of night, and the seasons too brought their rapid changes across the land. Soon once more, the Autumnal Equinox had arrived, and with it, the roundness of the Harvest Moon. The land retained it's beauty, fall leaves twisting about on the icy winds of the approaching winter. It was in this time, the wheels of a rolling caravan came to a halt on a hill overlooking the Kingdom Rosencroix. A hooded figure stopped to survey the surroundings, a gleam in his eye as he turned to his fellow companions.

"Gents, ladies... the time is again at hoof for us. We set up camp here. Tis the season and the time is right. The Carnival of the Damned has come to Rosencroix!"

A cheer went up from the many wagons, the leader flicking a coin in the air to shine off the moon's pure rays.

"And I'll get the rumors from town. The land is different here, and I want to know why..."

Meetings and a Gift

The interior of the darkened castle was quiet, the halls having been left to themselves for years now. Since that last time, that last gala, all had been dead. The rooms were dark and covered with the dust of time, only the flickering candles of the throne room shedding feeble light in the gloom. A knock on the door as Apothecarium entered to find his lord seated upon the throne.

"M-My lord?" Silence answered him. The crimson unicorn glancing askace out a nearby window, thoughts far from this place, this gloom. The white stallion tried again. "Lord Blood, there is a gentleman at the door, requesting an audience with you." At this, the lord looked up in annoyance.

"What do they want? Can they not leave me be in my solitude?"

"Lord, she has been gone for years now. You have seen to it, and for her good. No harm has come into that land. She is well, and you should be glad. Why continue this sorrow? Surely your time can be put to better use?" He trotted to the window. "See? The land is restored, villages nearby flourish. All is as it should be."

Ancient Blood rose form his seat, joining the other to observe the area below.

"Indeed, yet why then do I feel that I had made a mistake? Why does my dead heart pain me so?" A knock at the door, and he sighed.

"See him in then."

"Yes, my lord." Apothecarium withdrew to show the guest in as Blood took his place once more upon the throne of his ancestors.

The physician returned a moment later, a jovial looking gentlecolt with a shabby appearance and cap following him. His coat was a tawny color, mane and tail bright orange in striking contrast to the green eyes that surveyed the throne room with a low whistle. He smiled however at seeing Blood, his grin sporting a solitary fang as he gave a dramatic bow.

"Top of evening to you, my friend." His accent was thick, laden with the gypsy tongue. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Dimitri Vladislov Dragomir Horatiu. Though friends call me Dimitri." He raised his head from the bowing posture as the lord raised an eyebrow in questioning.

"Why the formal introduction, Horatiu? You have been a familiar, if not unwelcome sight in my kingdom for years, I trust then if you have shown your face, your carnival must be close by."

"Ah! Forgive me. It has been too long. I did not recognize you with the gloomy face. Too used to anger and hatred in eyes. Why the change? In fact, I have noticed many changes here. Not such a wasteland, is it. Hmm...I wonder why..."

Dimitri's keen eyes observed Blood and Apothecarium closely before he continued.

"Yes, the carnival is once again here. My Carnival of the Damned. And I am here to offer you admittance. We have many things. Rides, games, prizes, even gifts. Charms and relics from across the dark country. Ancient artifacts for sale to you."

Blood sneered.

"Costing a leg each no doubt. What is it that you truly want, Dimitri? You have never been one for generosity, and you know full well I would never set foot in your circus. Speak now, or I shall show you out myself."

This display of annoyance only brought out a hearty laugh.

"Ah! See? This is good! You are beginning to show your old self! Cheers!" He stamped his hooves on the ground in delight. "Very well. I have come to pay my tribute, see a familiar face, perhaps a new one." He paused to look around the darkened room. "So? Where is she? Rumor in town is you had taken a young mare as guest in your castle. I want to greet her, myself. After all, a friend of the lord's is a friend of mine."

Ancient Blood's face showed surprise, his eyes widening before he calmed himself to an emotionless facade.

"You are mistaken. There is no one here. Not anymore."

Dimitri feigned shock. "Oh! That's right! How could I forget. They had mentioned that. Ah, shame. It would be nice to see less gloom and more cheer in this place. If only there was something I could-"

"There is nothing you can do, nothing anyone can do. It was my decision and all is well. Apothecarium, please show him out."

The white stallion moved close, laying a hoof on the visitor and beginning to guide him out. However, Dimitri protested.

"Ah! One moment please! I have brought you a gift!" He maneuvered out of Apothecarium's grasp, producing a small box that had been hidden under his cap.

"See here! It is for you!" He laid the box on the stone floor, grinning as he did so. "Please, see here. It is a music box. An old relic from my country. We had found it buried far away, across the Sanguine Sea." He nudged it closer, Ancient Blood rising from his seat for a better look. "I would play it for you, but it is gift for you, and you alone." He glanced back to Apothecarium, who looked at the Lord in hesitation. Blood nodded, and the white stallion gave a bow, leaving the room.

Dimitri grinned, hovering a hoof to open the strange object. "May I?" Blood remained silent, examining the object before him a few moments longer.

"Very well.."

The gypsy opened the box as immediately the throne room was flooded with a strange green light. A lilting tune began to play, soft, olden, and hypnotic. The green glow danced about with the music as Dimitri hummed.

"Is pretty, no? A strange item not seen in my land for many many moons. I had saved it special for you. Music yes, but more. Look inside, this box has a gift to it. It can show what you wish for. Whatever you want, it can grant. But only once. What is it that you would have, my friend? Wealth, you have this. Power, of course. But what are you missing here, hmm?"

The light of the box increased, a glowing sphere forming above as the music still played. A single rose was clearly visible within the glowing orb. Dimitri griining all the wider.

"Ah, I see! It was mistake then to send her away. You want her back? The box can do this."

Blood struggled to look away from this, the mysterious notes clouding his mind and making such an effort difficult.

"No.. my decision was for her good... I-I cannot risk her life. Her blood..."

The gypsy's ear twitched. "Blood? Oh! I see! So she.. the fabled one? I have read your history, your legends. Then all this, the land's life, it her doing? Interesting..."

The Lord growled. "She is gone. Leave her out of this, Dimitri." With an intensive effort, he slammed the box shut. Immediately the music stopped and the room was dark once again.

"Leave, and take your box with you." He turned away, back to his throne as Dimitri gave one more bow.

"Oh, but of course! You need not worry about me. Was good to see you yet again." He scooped the box under his cap once more, letting himself out from the throne room and leaving Blood to his solitude. He passed Apothecarium, assuring the physician that he was perfectly capable of letting himself out.

It was not until he was well past the castle's gates did he once more remove the strange box from under his hat.

"Ah, the season is good and the time is right. It is good to have returned here once more." Dimitri gave a self satisfied chuckle as he looked once more at the moon.

"This year's carnival will be quite an interesting one...."

A Talk with the Necromancer

The door to Dimitri's caravan shut behind him with a click as he flopped down onto the worn cot. A cloud of dust billowed upward, yet did not seem to affect his good mood as he chuckled with glee at his most recent findings. Dropping his cap to the floor below, the gypsy carefully and reverently placed the music box down on a nearby end table.

“Ah, good news shall bring much fortune to my pockets. Why, if Mortis were here, he would say-”

“He would say what, Dimitri?”

The tawny gypsy bolted up to a sitting position, scowling into the inky shadows of the small caravan. A figure was scarcely discernible, leaning casually in the far corner, watching the other with a curious gaze. Relaxing at recognition of the other, Dimitri sank back to his lounging with a relieved chuckle.

“Ah! Mortis! So it is you! Ha! You must stop your sneaking, my good friend. You are much too silent.” The other shifted his position as well, nodding a slight greeting to the former.

“As the grave, my friend. As the grave.” He did not stray from the shadowy corner, keeping his expression well hidden in it's gloom.

“Now then, it sounds to me as though you have quite the tale to tell. Well? Let us hear it.”

“Ah-ah! Not so fast. You are forgetting something, maybe?” Dimitri waved a hoof in a scolding motion, prompting Mortis to reach to his side and produce a gleaming coin from a satchel beneath his cloak. He tossed this next to the music box with a clatter.

“Let us hear it, 'please'.” He emphasized the last word as the gypsy bent to examine the currency, shaking his head as he did so.

“Oh, I would much like to, my friend. Yet this information I know, it is how you say...'worth a pretty penny...or two...” A jingling crash next to the music box as the full satchel was tossed onto the table, many similar coins scattering out of the opening.

“Ah! Better, much better!” His eyes widened with delight at the sum.

“This information had better be worth it, Dimitri, lest your head fall next.” Mortis frowned, the gleaming yellowed eyes punctuating his threat all the more.

“Of course! Of course, my friend. For you, anything.” Dimitri smiled, bowing his head and snatching up the coins to count them as he gestured to the nearby music box.

“See for yourself. It contains the answer of why this land once dead now lives again. A grand prospect for one such as yourself, sir. You, who deal so much in that which is lifeless.”

As Dimitri spoke, Mortis took hold of the box, opening it to reveal the images of Ancient Blood's thoughts. The music within began once more to play it's eerie tune, the green light playing over the stallion's features to distort them even more in the unnatural light. The mesmeric tune seeming to have no influence over him.

“So I see. Indeed this could be most useful. For what is necromancy without the dead, and the magics without the life for which to summon them? Ah, there is much power here. If a few drops of blood could do so much for a pathetic wasteland... I wonder....”

He snapped the box shut, plunging the room back into darkness and tossed it to the other, who immediately scrambled to keep the relic from hitting the wooden floorboards.

“Dimitri, I have another task for you.” Mortis emerged from the shadows, setting another satchel down near to the first, the opening revealing many types of gemstones in various settings. “Find this 'Rose', bring her here alive to this carnival. I wish to test for myself this 'power'. Blood is life, and we may have it in abundance. Enough for all the deceased in Aelor. An army of death with which to cleanse the land and usurp a most promising throne. It has been a realm of blood for far too long, my friend. It is time for a land of bone. A necromancer's paradise. Do this, and your rewards will be doubled.” Without another word, he stepped out of the small caravan to disappear into the lights and noise of the ongoing carnival, a shadow of death prowling among life.

“Doubled, he says?” The greed in Dimitri's eyes was unmistakable as he locked up his new found riches and whistled from the caravan's opening. A small filly peered down from the roof, grinning mischievously as she fought to keep her witch's hat in her upside-down position.

“You called?”

She hopped down, her striped socks and excitable nature marking her as one of the circus folk.

“Ah! Excellent! Hazel, dear, I have a favor to ask of you....”

Cafe Visit

A cold Autumn breeze swept through the door as Rose entered the small coffee shop in Ponyville. Shaking her windswept mane from her eyes, the mare looked about with a sigh of relief. The cafe was peaceful, only one or two other patrons lingering over a cup of fresh coffee as the scent of pastries wafted overhead.

“Rose! Rose!”

She blinked, looking to the small ghost waving frantically from her position behind the counter. She smiled at her old friend, quietly making her way to sit at one of the empty bars tools lined up to the counter.

“Hello, Okiku. A slow business day?” The small ghostly filly giggled, shaking her head as she did so.

“Oh! Not at all! Any day is a good day when coffee is involved.” She gave her signature double nod, beaming with joy. “But what brings you here? I haven't seen you wandering about town since last year's Hearth's Warming. Nothing is wrong, is it? Is there trouble in town? Wild, vicious creatures? Meep!” She dove behind the counter as the unicorn shook her head.

“No, Oki. Not at all. Fall is upon us and I fear I have run out of tea. I came by only to purchase more. Afterwards I shall be on my way once again.” The little pony looked up, clearly relieved at this news.

“Oh! That's all? Great! I'll bag some up right away. Any particular flavors you would like?”

“Just Chamomile, please. Perhaps some Earl Grey as well?”

The white apparition smiled.

“Coming up! Oh! Please try this as well. It's new. Harvest Spice Tea. Very popular with the customers so far.” She set a mug of tea in front of Rose, the steam rising as though fog over a lake.

“Ah, thank you. It smells delightful.” The filly beamed with pride, floating away to box up the ordered tea as Rose drank in the cafe's silence. Fall had always been a season for reminiscence and reflection; the past year having been fraught with disappointment and sleepless nights. She had remained an inhabitant of the Everfree Forest, still observing and documenting the strange species that had also made the land their home. Yet of recent it seemed that there were no more creatures to discover. The only ones easily found were those she had written numerous papers and tomes about already. Anything else, 'if' anything else was to be found, remained ever elusive. She sighed, looking down at her reflection in the tea, catching glimpse of the pendant still suspended about her throat.

“If only...” Years had passed since her harrowing ventures in the fabled land of eternal night. So much had been discovered about herself there. The curse, the blood... She cringed recalling with disdain the altar and the sickening scent of her own lifeblood flowing out. If not for the constant presence of the gleaming pendant, she would have long ago convinced herself that it had all been nothing more than a dream.

Yet there were so many species there. So much she yearned to know. 'Ah, if only I could go back. Just once more...' Ancient Blood's voice rang clear and deep in her thoughts.

'These entities are not like those of your realm. They will stop at nothing. They shall hunt until death...'

A strange twinge in her heart, yet she knew his decision was only for her safety. If her blood had been an antidote, the cure to that olden curse, she was better off here, near the company and safety of others. Her own kind.

She sipped her tea, glancing out the window at the sun lazily beginning it's nightly descent over the forest canopy. A blur of brightness in the trees, just a flicker, catching her eye instantly. Rapidly she ran through her mental recollection of the various species in the Everfree.

“Can it be? Something new?: Instinct and curiosity overtook her, as she bolted from the chair and out the door. If a new species had been spotted within the Everfree, she must find it.

“Rose? Rose! Meep!” Okiku flailed her small hooves as she watched her friend dash down the street. “You forgot your teas!” The spectral figure pouted, looking down at the package of assorted teas she had boxed up for her friend. “I even made a pretty bow...” Floating to the back room, she called into the kitchen.

“Mister Ryn-Ryn! I have a delivery for you to make!”

A gruff of annoyance as a dark blue pegasus peaked around the doorway.

“What is it, Oki?” He sauntered out to the counter, clearly resenting being sent out on such short notice for a small errand. The little ghost didn't seem to detect his reluctance, smiling happily at the other.

“Yay! You're here!” She held up the large box. “Miss Rose was here for more tea, but then she just ran out the door without it.”

The pegasus raised an eyebrow.

“Here? Rose actually coming into town is weird enough, but...she ran out?”

The filly nodded twice.

“Uh-huh! Uh-huh! See?” With a pout she pointed to the still steaming cup of tea on the cafe's counter. “She even left her drink!”

Ryn's eyes narrowed as he picked up the box and hurried out the door, Okiku waving from a window.

This behavior was highly irregular for Rose, he thought, not able to help the feeling that something was terribly amiss. With an increasing gait, he hurried out of the town toward the Everfree Forest.

The Rose, The Witch, and The Pegasus

The underbrush of the forest lashed out as Rose sped deep into it's secluded shadows at breakneck speed. Something had been out there, something...possibly a new creature. She ignored the twigs and branches as they scratched at her legs and scraped up her coat, focusing only on the location of the sighting. A clearing was nearby here, she knew this from many years or roaming the land.

It was with a sudden burst that the mare stumbled out of the line of trees into the wide clearing of tall grass. The last of the sun's rays still played across the swaying sea of the forest ground. A calming sight if not for the strange tip of purple close to her right. Cautiously she approached, hearing a faint moaning of pain.

“Owwie...”

To her surprise, she observed a small orange filly sitting with her hind hooves sprawled on the ground in what she could only consider was a crash landing. A n unkempt mane and tail of inky black contrasted the brightness of her coat quite well, and complimented a much too large witch's hat that sat askew on one of her ears. Taking the scene in further, Rose was surprised to see a very old looking wooden broom close by.

“That's right....the Nightmare Night festivities are next week...” Her quiet words startled the strangely costumed filly who leaped onto her stockinged hooves and spun around to face Rose. Her eyes were a bright jade, clear and seeming full of depth as she stared at the mare.

The eyes were first set into a defensive glare as she took in Rose's form for the first time, yet better examining the other, the eyes blinked, flickering to shock, confusion, elation, and ultimately sorrow in a seeming blink of an eye. Full tears brimmed on the small pony's eyelids, spilling over into large drops as they fell to earth.

“W-W-WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” This sudden cry confused Rose as the little witch sped over to cling to the mare's front hoof. “M-Miss! My mommy...my daddy... I-I...I'm lost!” The small filly sobbed as Rose tried her best to offer a consoling pat.

“L-Little one...You shouldn't wander into the Everfree alone. It is very dangerous, especially for someone so small as yourself. P-Please calm down. Tell me what happened. You spoke of your mother and father? Are they close by? Did you run off?”

“M-Mommy is sick! Daddy sent me for help.... Medicine.... please help!” The orange filly tugged at Rose, nudging at her.

“Medicine? Are they in Ponyville? Little one, why don't they go to a doctor? I can't think of anypony who would go into the Everfree when there is help so readily available in town...” She resisted the urgent tugging, a little confused by the odd story presented to her. The filly was not to be swayed, she looked up at Rose, a small spark of anger present.

“Daddy said to find the Rose Lady! Zecora knows the Rose lady. Zecora pointed from her home.. I looked... I got lost, please please please! You must come quick or mommy won't make it!” The tiny witch dashed off into the forest, Rose finding no choice but to follow.

“Ah! Wait, please! Do not run off into unknown land!” The shadows quickly consumed any light that had been afforded by the clearing. Dusk was well past, and night was rapidly drawing over the land, making the darkness even more threatening.

Both raced ahead, one following the other as the orange blur glanced back every now and again to ascertain the unicorn's presence before darting off at a quicker pace. A small grin of triumph as she turned to look once again, before she was brought to an instant halt my a dark immovable shadow. The filly rubbed her snout, glaring at the obstruction as Rose trotted up to a halt close by.

“Ah! Sir Kuromaru!” She huffed a little, catching her breath from the chase through the forest. H”ow odd to see you here. Is something the matter? Where is Okiku?”

Ryn glared down at the little orange pony who had dared to crash into him so carelessly before setting down the parcel that he had carried in his mouth.

“Delivery. You forgot something at the cafe.”

“Oh! I nearly forgot!” She levitated the box over to her.”Thank you for coming all this way.”

“Okiku said you rushed out suddenly...was something wrong?” He glared at the witch, who glowered back in defiance. “Who is this?”

“I was following this filly. She said she was lost. Her mother is sick in Ponyville, and her father had sent her to Zecora to search for me.”

The dark pegasus raised an eyebrow, looking down at the witch.

“Oh? That's funny. I just spoke to Zecora earlier at Nurse Redheart's clinic, asking if she had seen you. She said she has been in town all week, and was staying at the inn until the rash of current flu cases had subsided. As for heading to Ponyville, You are a long long way off from there. Now then... where are you really headed?” He lowered his head to be eye level with the orange witch, who bristled with fury as she stared daggers back.

“Tch... you....” She stamped angrily on the floor as a flash of green light and smoke filled the area. Ryn and Rose coughed as the fog cleared, yet the strange filly was nowhere to be seen. The mare looked in questioning to the other, who continued to wear a stoic expression. After a few minutes, he sighed.

“Come on, let's get you back to your home. I've had enough of this strangeness for one day, and it's dangerous enough out here when the sun is up. I'm not about to become a meal for an Ursa.” He trotted over to Rose and took the box of teas once more. The unicorn nodded to him, and they both set off through the forest once more.

….

Change of Plans

The door to the small one room cottage swung inward as Ryn gestured for Rose to enter ahead of him. The chamber was small yet cozy, scarcely furnished save for a single writing desk stocked with paper, quill and ink bottle; bookshelves of ancient books and yellowed tomes; a small table containing strange looking vials of colorful potions; and a singular cushion set in the back corner as a make shift bed. This last was situated near a small fireplace that had been built into this farthest wall.

“Apher yoo.” The box was still clenched tight in his teeth as he let the unicorn enter. She did this, bowing gratefully as he followed behind, careful to shut and latch the door against the dark of night.

“Thank you very kindly, Sir Kuromaru. I much appreciate the escort, especially after such a strange encounter.”

The pegasus found room upon the table, setting the package down so that he could give a more audible response.

“Don't mention it. Okiku worries about you more easily these days. Especially after your sudden disappearance a few years ago.” He watched as she wandered over to a fireplace, setting a few nearby pieces of wood inside to bring the smoldering remains of the previous fire roaring back to life. She remained silent as to his last statement, busying herself with using the fire to light a few candles and levitate them to different positions across the room. Soon enough, the cottage was well lit and she turned again to regard her guest.

“I do apologize. Please, make yourself at home. May I offer you a cup of tea?” The stallion shook his head, a keen eye wandering over the poorly outfitted home.

“No, I can't stay too long. I don't want to make Okiku even more panicked. Really, Rose, the Everfree Forest is not a place to choose as a home. Surely you can do better. It's just not safe here. Luna only knows what that little orange pony was up to earlier.”

Rose sighed, placing an old kettle over the fire and setting out a cup and saucer.

“Ryn, she was only a child. Yes, while it was peculiar, I truly doubt she could do much harm.”

“But are you certain of that? Just try to be more careful in the future, will you? Believe it or not, there are others that care about you.” He trotted over to the nearby windoe, peering out at the encroaching forest. The winds had picked up, the colorful leaves of Fall swirling in their seasonal dance.

“Besides, winter is approaching fast and you'll need to find a place to stay in town before too long. You know as well as I do that Okiku will insist you remain at the cafe. She has more than enough room. Or, you could even check in with the Apple family. They have acres of land. Plenty of room for one more, even if just for the winter. At least think about it, alright?”

The unicorn nodded, sighing lightly as she removed the now whistling kettle and poured the heated water into the cup.

“Very well. I will consider it. Thank you, Ryn.” He quirked a half smile in return, tossing her one of the tea bags. She caught it, glancing back up to him in questioning.

“It's the kind you didn't finish at the cafe. Oki wants you to tell her your thoughts.” He opened the cottage door, stepping outside and stretching his wings. “I'll come by again in a few days to check up on you. Until then, do me a favor and stay out of trouble, got it?” She smiled, nodding once again in acceptance.

“Understood.”

With a bow of departure, Ryn spread his wings to their full span, kicking off the ground in a cloud of dust before speeding off into the night sky. Rose watched until the darkness fully closed around him, returning to her home, shutting and latching the door behind her.

…

A loud thud at the top of the wooden caravan alerted Dimitri to Hazel's return. A wide grin spread over the gypsy's face as he remained as he had been, lounging lazily upon his cot, hooves to the back of his head in full relaxation. He listened as she got to her hooves, groaning in the pain of her crash. The sound paused suddenly, returning again as she had leaped from the roof to land on the grass outside the small structure. Only then did Dimitri stretch, getting up to open the door for his lackey.

“Ah! Such a swift return from the land of light. All was well, yes? Now then, let me meet this Lady of Roses.” He paused, looking around the immediate area before frowning down at the young filly. “Well? Where is she? She is here, yes?”

Hazel pouted, cringing as she shook her head.

“Ahhhh... this is no good...” Dimitri sighed in exasperation, the little filly sputtering.

“It wasn't my fault! Honest! I swear! I found her. I almost had her. There was a pegasus there too. It's his fault! He stopped me!” She flailed her hooves in the air, fuming at her failure. Dimitri huffed, mumbling a string of Roamanian curses under his breath as he put a hoof on the small pony's head. This caused her hat to drop down over her eyes, and she wriggled to get away.

“Mortis will not be happy. We must fix this minor setback, Hazel, but this time...this time I will go. You stay, watch the carnival, harvest souls, whatever it is you do. But be ready. I will return soon with this Rose. That much, I can swear to.”

...

Dimitri's Caravan

The next few days passed by uneventfully in the Everfree Forest, Rose enjoying the teas she had been given, and busying herself with studies of the local flora. She stayed away from the areas where Poison Joke and other harmful species were prevalent, trading them in favor for varieties of chamomile, lavender, and other helpful herbs.

It was during one of such sessions of studies, a clear and crisp Fall afternoon, that she strolled down one of the dirt paths of the forest looking for anything that may happen to catch her keen eyes, She did not have to look far.

It was a strange sight to behold, that much was certain; for on the side of the dirt path was a large, old gypsy wagon. A tawny stallion knelt by one of the wheels, speaking strange words with an unfamiliar accent and shaking his head in frustration. Rose approached carefully, Ryn's words of caution echoing in her mind. As she neared the wagon however, she could easily see past the other pony, the wheel nearby clearly broken completely from it's axle. Fear left her as concern and hope of assisting took it's place.

“E-excuse me, sir?”

The gypsy startled, turning to face the mare. “Ah! So there is civilization close by? You must forgive my tongue's outbursts of anger, dear lady. I thought I was very much alone. Such words should not be heard by as pretty a one as yourself.” The stallion knelt to a bowing posture. “I am Dimitri Vladislov Dragomir Horatiu, Traveling salespony from the far off land of Roamania, and you are...?”

It only being proper in introduction, Rose made a similar bow of greeting. “My name is Rose. I live in these forests. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. May I ask what brings you so far away from your homeland?”

“Ah, you see my dear Miss Rose, I come to offer rare and exotic gifts from lands shrouded in mystery and superstition. That is, I would, yet fortune is not with me. My wagon seems to have broken it's wheel. You see, I am not so strong an earth pony that I can easily move it to the next town, and I have no magics that are given to unicorn kind. And all the same, I have not horn with which to perform them, or pegasus wings to fly.” He shrugged his shoulders with a hearty chuckle. “Thus, I am stuck.” He moved away from the wheel, giving the broken axle a stern kick as he did so. “Ah, yet I complain too much in front of pretty mare. Please, do not mind me. I shall wait for fortune to bring a wagon down yonder road, or at the very least, an ox with which to help.”

Not willing to leave the stranded salespony, Rose lingered by the wheel, looking over the ridged edges where the pieces had separated. Frowning, she closed her eyes in intense concentration as her horn began to glow with crimson magics. The bits of splintered wood began to mend themselves, the wheel once again bonding with the wagon until the caravan stood whole once more.

Dimitri stood quietly behind Rose, watching this all take place as a sinister grin played across his features. He concealed this effortlessly however as he trotted to the mare's side with an exclamation of joy.

“Ah! My caravan! It is whole once more! Oh, dear, sweet, kind Miss Rose. You have done such a great service for me this day. Ah, how ever can I thank you for this kindness?”

Rose smiled, a little worn by the strain of the magic. “I am happy simply to have been able to help you. I'm afraid the Everfree Forest is no place to be stranded. You should be able to reach Ponyville quickly now.”

The gypsy frowned, looking back and forth between Rose and his mended wagon. “Yes, this is all well and good, but I cannot leave without some form of repayment. A gratitude, if you will.”

Rose opened her mouth to protest, yet the other was too quick. “Please, my dear Miss Rose. It is only how you say, 'proper'. Ah! I know! Please, come with me.” He trotted up to the front of the caravan, opening the door to reveal the small space inside lined with shelves and cabinets. These were filled with an assortment of strange objects; vials, bottles, dangling jewelry, woven clothes, books and statues, trinkets of all shapes and sizes. Still, the mare paused at the entrance as the stallion roamed to the back of the mobile store.

“You see, I am fully stocked with all kinds of exotic gifts of the strange and magical, most of which are strictly one of a kind. I would be most happy to give you one. A gift for the kindness you have shown me.” He gestured to the stands of various items. “Please, pick whichever one you like best, the one that catches your eye.” He smiled, moving as far back as the small space could afford to offer her more room,

Rose hesitated still, glancing back and forth between the dimly lit interior of the small shop and the empty dirt road through the forest.

“I-I'm afraid I truly must decline. Time is getting away from me, and others will worry.” She began to back away from the wagon, bowing apologetically to the other who gave a sorrowful sigh.

“Ah, that is a shame. I have so much here, and to let your kindness go un-repayed... Are you certain there is nothing here you would like?” He turned away, pretending to examine a shelf behind him as he grinned. “Maybe a book or two?”

Rose paused, blinking, “You have books?”

“Not many, I confess, Just a few volumes of old. Ancient writings of my home and the creatures there.”

“Creatures?”

“Ah, yes! How you should have seen them! All sorts of magnificent beasts, some of which have not been seen in centuries.”

Curiosity on the subject has a firm hold on the unicorn as she cautiously stepped into the caravan, looking around at the trinkets it held. Dimitri turned to her with a wide smile, nodding to a worn tome on the shelf beside him.

“Ah! You like books? Please, have a look. There is much here.” Rose levitated the book to her, flipping the pages in earnest.

“This...this is amazing!”

“And there is more! Here, I'll show you.” He trotted over to the other side of the small shop, the hoof steps echoing on the wooden floor of the caravan. “Here I have amulets. Charms and potions for healing and protective wards. And here, scarves and headdresses, hoof woven. Crystals and pendants too! Ah, but it seems you already wear one...good mare, may I ask where you found your pretty necklace? It teems familiar in a sense. I have seen that design before, I think.”

Rose, still fascinated by the book before her, glanced down at her pendant. “Oh, it was a gift from a friend. Years ago.”

“Ah, I see... Intriguing...” Confirmation achieved, he smirked to himself as he rummaged through another cabinet.

“Ah! Here is something you might like, my dear Miss Rose. Something with which you can keep so pretty a necklace in. Keep it safe when you wish to remove it.” He set a small box upon the table. A familiar box with green gems and intricate detailing.

“This is a music box from the deepest, darkest regions of Roamania. A fitting gift, is it not? Might I play it for you?”

Setting down the old tome, she approached the table where the gypsy stood to better examine the box.

“A music box?”

“Yes, quite the pretty one too. A pretty box for a pretty mare. I'll show you.”

Dimitri set his hoof on the lid, opening the device fully as the slow, captivating tune began to fill the caravan's interior, accompanied by the strange green glow of magics from long ago. “It is a fitting tune, is it not? A song older than the land itself. It calls for you to submit. Can you hear it?” He grinned, the mare not able to look away from the box as the haunting melody continued to consume her.

From the skies above the forest, Ryn soared above the clouds, a large paper bag clenched in his mouth as he scanned the forest below.

“Shdupid muphin phridayz...” He grumbled as best as he could about the impromptu delivery that Okiku had sent him on, the only positive being an excuse to check in on Rose as he had promised. The forest below was quiet and he could see no sign of her near her cottage, or smoke of a fire to signal her presence. Ryn angled his wings, circling back and gliding to search another path.

It did not take him long to spot the unusual caravan on the side of the road, and he ventured in close for a better look. There was a strange green light from the back door of the vehicle, making him uneasy as he neared.

It was only when he had approached within earshot did he see it. Rose lay unconscious on the floor of the small wagon, a tawny pony hovering close beside her.

“Rose? Rose!”

Ryn sped forward, but not quickly enough. The tawny stallion looked up in time to see the arrival of the other, a sneering grin lighting his mouth as he gripped a nearby potion from one of the tables. This smashed upon the ground in a cloud of smoke, Ryn soaring straight through this fog in his haste. The pegasus flapped his wings in powerful bursts of wind to clear the air, yet with no avail. Even as the forest became visible once more around him, Rose and the caravan has vanished.

“…Dammit!” Ryn stamped his hooves on the ground, glaring at the bag of muffins that had fallen from his muzzle. “I should have arrived sooner.”

...

Welcome to the Carnival

"Fillies and Gentlecolts! Foals of all ages! I am most pleased to welcome you all to the Carnival of the Damned! Please 'step lively' as they say. There is much to see and much to do!"

The blaring voice broke into Rose's mind as she struggled to rouse herself from the inky blackness of an unconscious state. With a bit of struggle, she finally succeeded in those efforts and opened her eyes to the night sky above. The scene that lay before her was unusual. Many different ponies gathering around a central raised pedestal where the familiar tawny gypsy salespony stood addressing the crowd. Behind him was a sea of eerie colors. Circus tents of green, orange and purple rose up to the sky as signs lit up the rows and wooden stands that littered the valley. The largest sign stood directly behind the raised platform, bearing a box, a skull, and leathery bat wings on each side. The lettering was large enough even to be seen from far off, proudly displaying the name 'Carnival of the Damned' in a bold text. A chill swept over her as she read the ominous name. Dimitri, however, seemed not to miss a beat as he continued his speech, further egged on by the rising enthusiasm of the crowd below.

" Looking to try your luck? Roll our 'Dice of Misfortune' for a chance to win big prizes! If rides are more your speed, we have a wonderful selection. Take a trip on the 'Carousel of the Dead'or maybe the 'Tunnel of Forgotten Memories'. For a better view, our 'Midnight Ferris Wheel offers a full glimpse of the land including yonder Castle Rosencroix." He swept a hoof in the air as a cloud of green magics rose up to form a foreboding silhouette of the castle painted against the backdrop of a full harvest moon. The sight and name left Rose pale. Was it only an illusion? She couldn't possibly have returned here. Her departure from this land was to have been one of permanence. How then had she come back to this realm. The stallion's voice continued from his stand. "You can also see some of the most rare and exotic creatures of far off lands at the 'Creature Emporium! Maybe you are more for shopping? Our caravans and shops are filled with antiques and strange relics I can guarantee you will find nowhere else. All this we bring to you and more!"

A sly grin as he looked about the crowd murmuring with excitement. "Only a small entrance fee, and you can experience all our carnival has to offer. Step right up!"

The multitude of onlookers broke out into happy shouts of anticipation as they moved in a group to push their way to the ticket booth. The mare winced, pulling herself up from the cold ground only to be caught in the tide of bodies headed into the strange fair.

"Ah! Please wait!" Her cries went unheeded, sounding strange even to herself as a sharp pain echoed through the back of her head. "Oww...what happened...?" She moved away from the crowd, glancing about to spot the strange gypsy still atop his pedestal. If any answers were to be found, then he would be the most likely to have them. Rose started forward with a grim look of determination, fully bent on questioning the salespony. Dimitri was quick however, catching sight of the mare and sending a knowing wink in her direction before clearing his throat to garner the excited crowd's attention.

"We thank you most humbly for your patronage and welcome you to our carnival. However I ask that you carry this bit of wisdom with you always: 'Not everything is ever as it seems'. " With a hearty laugh, the gypsy stamped a hoof down on the pedestal. Immediately a flash of light engulfed the stallion. A blink, and he was gone.

Rose stared in wonder before wheeling about every which way to search for the elusive gypsy in vain. He had escaped and she let out a sigh of frustration. There were so many questions on her mind, yet the only one who could rightly answer them at the moment had vanished without a trace. She had been stranded... lost in the eerie carnival.

...

The door to the cafe swung open forcefully as Ryn entered.

'No. Not again. This can't happen again. She's already vanished once, with nothing to show for it. Why again? Why now?'

"Meep! The little ghost lifted her head to peek over the tall counter top waving as Ryn passed by, headed straight for the staircase leading up to the living area of the shop. "Ryn-Ryn?"

And who was that pony? He saw me. I know he did. And that smile...Dammit!

The timid specter followed, curious as to his strange behavior. "How did the delivery go? Did Rose like the muffins?" Ryn didn't speak as he entered the room, grabbing a side satchel and filling it with an assortment of supplies. Okiku watched from the doorway, knowing from the silent fuming that Ryn wasn't in the best of moods. He was never that was without reason, and that worried her even more.

I'll have to go back. That's likely where he took her. Back to that land. That place. What was that music? That glow...

"Ryn? What happened? Is everything okay?" The pegasus mumbled distractedly as he continued to fill his bag.

"She's gone. Taken. There was a pony... a caravan... he took Rose..."

"Meep?!" Oki flailed her ghostly hooves in a panic as she began making circles about the room. "Rose is gone? Where? What happened? Where did she go? She didn't even say goodbye!" She sniffled while continuing to make a round circuit about Ryn, the later finally halting her with a hoof to ruffle her mane. She looked up to see the other swinging a bag over his shoulder before he pulled her into a tight hug.

"M-meep?"

"I'm going to go find her, Oki. I'll bring her back, promise." The ghost sniffled, looking up to the pegasus with big pleading eyes.

"B-But Nightmare Night is coming up... I want to go trick or treating..."

Ryn smiled, walking back down the stairs with the ghost trailing after him.

"I'll be back before then, Rose too. I promise."

"R-Really?" The specter's face lit up with happiness once again as she hopped up and down excitedly. "Good! I have lots of plans! I'll need to decorate, bake cookies, carve pumpkins and..Meep! This is so exciting!" Ryn couldn't help but give a small chuckle at the young filly's excitable nature.

Good. The last thing I need right now is to worry Oki. She wouldn't understand this, and the danger there is too much. He sighed. "You do that, Oki. Get everything ready for us." He gave one last hug to the little ghost before nudging the door back open as the fall wind swirled about through his black mane.

"I'll be back soon, promise."

Okiku waved as the door shut, Ryn not daring to let the grin slide from his face until he could no longer turn and see the shop. He would have to pay a visit to Zecora. If anypony knew a potion or spell of location in the Everfree, it would be her.

The Chamber of Fayt

The lights and sound from the crowded carnival assaulted Rose's senses from every direction. Eager guests wandered about, and Dimitri was nowhere to be found. The mare heaved a sigh as she peeked into another darkened tent in vain, looking about to determine her newest position. To her far left she could just spot the top of the Carousel of the Dead, the skeletal horses of which still caused a cold shiver to run through her. Far off to the right stood the many game booths, a moan of despair rising up as yet another customer failed to win a prize from the wooden shelves.

She stepped forward to begin a search of the area ahead when a trill laugh made her stop in her tracks. She paled as a familiar orange filly leaped into view from a nearby tent, chattering away with a petite cream colored mare. They seemed quite engrossed in their conversation as Rose slowly stepped backwards to conceal herself in the entrance of a shadowy tent while they passed.

"The witch from the Everfree..." The large hat had been a giveaway of the filly's identity and though Rose did not recognize the other, she was unwilling to take chances. Luck seemed to be with her, for they both passed without incident. The mare gave a sigh of relief, sinking against the tent's canvas to give her heart a moment of peace.

"Oh? Is someone there?" A deep voice echoed from the tent's shadows, startling Rose. She quickly returned to her hooves to face it's owner. The tent's interior was consumed with shadows, making it difficult for her to discern much of anything. She strained her eyes to search the space.

"F-Forgive me. I did not mean to intrude..."

"Nonsense," the voice answered soothingly. "Come in, my dear. All guests are welcome here. Please, come closer so that I may better see you."

She hesitantly stepped forward, her hooves feeling strangely heavy with the wight of unconscious fear as her eyes began to adjust to the unusual lighting of some glowing objects nearby. A pale stallion lounged upon a dark settee directly in front of her. He was robed in a tattered cloak, the hood of which was drawn over his inky mane. The mare drew close enough to discern a single worn bandage over the strange pony's eyes, perhaps an injury from long ago.

"Ah! Here you are. My, to whom do I owe the pleasure of such a lovely visitor? Greetings dear child, and welcome to the Chamber of Fayt. Card readings, fortunes, your future revealed. Might I interest you in a small telling? There are questions lingering about you. I can sense them in the air. Please don't be shy. Have a seat." He gestured to the small seat before him, yet Rose stepped backwards, bowing apologetically as her eyes continued scanning the strange room and it's furnishings. From this closer vantage point, she could see that the emeralds of the settee were the source of light here, as well as the large gem serving as a clasp on the stallion's cloak. Each radiated with an eerie green glow against the shadows of the tent. Beyond this, many red strings dangled from the ceiling and twisted into large webs beyond the lounging pony.

"I-I'm sorry sir, but I must decline. I was searching for somepony and-"

"All the more reason for you to stay. I wish to help you find that which you are seeking so desperately. I sense a strange aura from you, child. You are not from this land. Brought here by another...the scent of roses, and a music box..."

Rose stiffened, chilled by the words of the fortune teller. Her silence caused the other to grin.

"Then I am correct, Miss Rose?"

"H-How do you know my name?" She slowly lowered herself into the opposite seat as he continued.

"Oh, I know much more than that, my dear flower. Your failing health as a foal, the rose of another realm, a castle of blood and sacrifice. You have been through so much. Such pain, such heartache, and yet you still wear his crest close to your heart..."

She gasped, looking down to the pendant secured across her throat.

"Ah! I see! So you loved him..." A glimmer behind the bandaged eyes. "I have seen your past, spoken your present, yet the future must still come to pass. There is a greater sacrifice to be made. Blood for bones, and the rise of a new power. This is not the final chapter. There must be life eternal for the army of death."

Rose's eyes widened as her heart beat quickened with fear. She stumbled from the chair, scrambling to flee the dark tent. Fayt sat still, smirking at the terrified mare's hasty departure. Three cards lay face down on the table in front of him. He flipped the first one, his smile widening even more.

"The Hanged Mare...vulnerability and sacrifice...quite fitting, wouldn't you agree, Mortis?" Fayt didn't need to turn around as the shadows behind him shifted to reveal the unicorn close by.

"Use caution in your actions, Fayt, and do not frighten her so carelessly. I need her heart still beating for now." Without another word, the shadows engulfed him once more to leave the chamber in darkness...

...

Something Amiss

The scarlet eyes of Ancient Blood snapped open in a wide gaze of disbelief as he lounged within the seclusion of his darkened quarters.

"Rose..." The single word escaped from him in a breath of fear. He had felt something amiss, a vision perhaps or unconscious dread that had crept over him in the night only to reveal itself suddenly at the last in a full horrific countenance. The crimson unicorn rose from his position gracefully, pacing the stone floor as his mind formulated a decisive plan of action. The echo of the staccato steps served as a fitting accompaniment to the pounding of his thoughts, pausing only to dissolve into the gloomy silence as he came to a halt. "Luferius!"

In a single instant a shadow writhed from the nearby door to join his side, a dark unicorn with a fiery mane and tail stepping forward before the Lord.

"Lord Blood." He gave a swift salute, touching a hoof to the brim of his red beret as he stood to attention.

"Captain, something is not right in the land of Celestia's sun. What has happened, I cannot be positive...Rose, a pony of utmost importance to my kingdom... there is something wrong." His thoughts centered upon Immortal Rose. It had been a difficult task, if not one altogether impossible, to keep his mind from the mare since the eve of Dimitri's unexpected visitation. Since that time, and the chill of the gypsy's strange box, he had kept his senses carefully attuned to the Everfree while using the pendant's energies there as a way to better assess any lingering threats in the area as well as the mare's ongoing state of health. What he felt now however made his concern grow all the more. As far as he could sense, Rose had vanished from the immediate area of the Everfree as well as from the vicinity of the neighboring town of Ponyville. Faint traces of her aura remained scattered in the places she had frequented yet the source of it all, the mare herself, was gone. While there lacked a proper means of knowing what had occurred to cause this disappearance, or her current whereabouts, he could only fear the worst. The unicorn began pacing once more in an unconscious habit as the one known as Luferius raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"My Lord..."

The Lord shook himself from his thoughts to once again regard the other stallion in the room. Since Nicolae's death, Blood ha increased the security measures in the kingdom, employing extra guards to his keep. Among them was Luferius, a veteran of numerous wars across the darkened land and a strong, competent captain to his men. He had never questioned the authority of the Lord, nor a single order given. Even now he remained fully alert, his clear topaz eyes awaiting and prepared for any instruction.

"Tell your men to keep on full alert, extending their watch to the nearby villages and the main roads of the kingdom. If anything seems out of the ordinary, or if your men here anything dealing with a rose and blood,report it back to me immediately."

"It shall be done, my Lord." Luferius saluted once more and Ancient Blood dismissed the captain, his attention shifting to a slight movement outside the nearby glass doors that led to the outer balcony of his chambers. A small bat slumbered upside down in it's perch, occasionally shifting to regain a comfortable position of repose before settling down into silent dreams. The Lord opened the glass door that separated the two, crossing to be at eye level of the creature.

"Lazorus!" A high pitched squeak responded to the summons as the small creature jolted awake, losing it's grip upon the railing and falling headfirst to the floor below. The bat quickly righted itself, shifting to form a grey bat-like pegasus with strange markings below the left eye.

"Oww..." Lazorus rubbed his head, cringing at the impact from the fall as the Lord returned to his full height.

"I have another errand for you. I need you to return to the land of day to act as my eyes and ears."

The pegasus blinked, cringing as he shook his head and scrambled away from the Lord's gaze. "Oh! No no! Not again! Please, I beg you! The last time I was there, I was nearly trampled by a stampede of bunnies!" He shuddered at the remembrance and the strange orange pony who had caused it, but the Lord was not to be defied in his orders. A single glare caused Lazorus to whimper and cower before the other. "D-do I have to...?"

"This is of the utmost urgency. Attempt to locate Miss Rose. If you cannot, travel and inquire at the nearby town for any clues as to where she may have gone. Bring your findings to me as soon as possible. That is an order."

"R-Rose? She's missing?"

The sharpness of the answering glare upon the pony was more than enough to send the other scrambling. Lazorus hastily retreated with a yelp of fear, lifting into the moonlit night and shifting back into his batlike form before disappearing into the night. It was only when this was accomplished, and both orders carried out to his satisfaction, that Ancient Blood heaved a heavy although unneeded sigh as he ventured to the edge of the balcony to survey the land below. The horizon was teeming with villages and settlements, the gleaming lights from the nearby carnival reflecting upon the walls and roofs of surrounding buildings. The Lord sighed. So much had taken place within the last few years. With the return of life to the land, others had come to reside in the now fertile area. They did not fear the night, nor him or his ways. Indeed, most of the residents of the kingdom were of differing species of nocturnal beings, quite a few claiming to be blood drinkers as well. Still, a small twinge within his dead heart caused him sorrow. Many others may come and go, yet they were not her. Years had passed and yet his loneliness had only grown. It was apparent and obvious to all, even for Dimitri, who had not visited since before the kingdom's rebirth. He inwardly cursed the gypsy, glaring as he turned away from the balcony to once more enter his dark room in order to avoid the sight of the gypsy's carnival and all it stood for. It was only after the fair's arrival that these unusual circumstances had come to pass. Surely a connection must be found. His hoof involuntarily traveled to the place where the pendant once lay upon his throat.

"If only I had kept her here. If only I had let her stay..."Catching himself, he lowered his hoof and shook his head.

"No. As long as she remains safe...that is what matters. Even if I never am able to see her again..." The words scarcely left him when a loud crash and a shrill screaming echoed through the stone walls and resounding from the kitchen downstairs. Heaving a sigh of annoyance at the ill-timed interruption, the Lord made his way to seek out the cause of the commotion.

Dungeon and Interrogation

"Well, this is great...just great...dammit..." Ryn gave a huff of annoyance as he glanced to the iron shackles firmly securing his hooves to the stone wall behind him. In his mind's eye, he could clearly hear Zecora's berating voice as he had watched her brew a potion within the interior of the small hut in the Everfree.

...

"Heed my words, Kuromaru. Else this potion backfire on you. Try to focus in your mind, to see the one you wish to find. If for an instant your thoughts wander, I can guarantee your safety no longer."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Just hurry up already. This is important. I have to find her, and fast before anything else goes wrong." The zebra rolled her eyes at the other's tone, blowing a puff of air over the cauldron to shift the glow of it's contents from a deep blue to a bright, glaring red. She stirred this a few times before tossing a rose petal into the mixture. The petal caused ripples to dance across the surface before the concoction settled, clearing until Ryn could see a mirrored version of the hut reflected back at him.

"So that's it, huh? What do I do then? Drink it?" He wrinkled his snout with disgust at the thought, stepping back as Zecora shook her head.

"To drink this would be in bad taste, and all hard work would go to waste. You must enter headfirst here, if elsewhere you wish to appear." The pegasus frowned, a slight hesitation lingering with what he had hoped to accomplish. He had first reached the small hut on pure adrenaline alone, and Zecora had opened the door readily. The look plastered upon his features must have been enough to raise her concerns as well, for after a quick explanation, she instantly began work.

Ryn peered at his reflection in the cauldron once more before reaching to his shoulder bag and tossing a few bits onto a nearby table. "Here. I'll give you more later if this doesn't cover it." Zecora raised an eyebrow at the coins, shaking her head as she nudged them back to him.

"Miss Rose is also friend of mine, yet she isn't the same since that last time. The journey before you may be rough, but bring her back, that's payment enough." Ryn smirked, giving a final nod as he leaped for the cauldron. The liquid rose up to swirl about him in a barrage of color before all went black.

...

A deafening crash, and an ear splitting screech.

"KYAAA! Intruder!" Ryn shook the numbing darkness from his head, looking up to see a jumble of pots and pans. Clearly, a kitchen. Ahead of him was a pink mare, slight, with twin pigtails perched above her ears. She was cowering on the far side of the room, as far away from him as the small space could afford. Ryn tried standing, his hooves shaking in the effort. He failed, the scattered kitchen utensils tripping him further.

"Help! Somepony!" The sound of hooves echoed from the other side of the doors as uniformed guards entered, flanking him on either side and dragging him up to his hooves. Others entered the scene of the commotion as well. A white unicorn looked quite puzzled as he beheld the captured pegasus, pondering the means of his appearance. A ruddy pegasus followed him, cringing at the noise.

"For Luna's sake, Licorice! You'd think somepony was being slaughtered in here." The mare bolted behind the other two, peeking out at Ryn as he continued to struggle against the grasp of the guards.

"Get your hooves off of me!" He thrashed about as they scrambled to better restrain him.

"Ooh! He sure is a feisty one, isn't he?" The other pegasus in the room laughed as the unicorn shook his head.

"Antagonizing him isn't wise, Malphas." He sighed, turning to Ryn. "Sir, please calm yourself. You have trespassed onto the grounds of the Rosencroix Kingdom. Any further action taken by you in this vein will only cause more trouble. Now, if you would please tell us who you are, we can sort this out without other problems."

Ryn glared up at the others in the room. "If you don't let me go this instant, I'll rip out your damn throats!" Licorice let out a small squeak of fear, darting behind the others once more as the one known as Malphas winced, bringing a hoof up to reassure that his throat was still where it should be. The unicorn sighed, beginning to try again as the door opened to reveal Luferius and Ancient Blood. The latter assessed the situation calmly, his eyes widening at the sight of Ryn.

"You... I know you. You were there at that time. The gala, and Nicolae's return. Who are you? What are you doing in my home?"

The pegasus scoffed as the guards kept firm hold. "Don't ask me. I never wanted to be here in the first place. If anypony, blame Zecora. Wrong teleportation spell or something." The answer did not satisfy Ancient Blood, and he glared down at the other.

"Who are you? State your name."

"Ryn."

Blood frowned. "Ryn? Not much of a name. Very well then, 'Ryn'. Teleportation spell or not, you seem to have found yourself in my land. Normally, I would not hesitate to remove you from my home, however you have been here twice now in the wake of unfortunate circumstances. You will pardon that I find this unusual at best. Now, tell the truth. Why are you here? Why have you returned?" His eyes watched Ryn carefully for a response, as did the eyes of all the others in the room. The pegasus struggled a bit more with the guards, glaring up at the others silently.

"The Lord asked you a question. You will respond, you ungrateful whelp!" Luferius growled, stepping forward as Ryn sneered.

"Bite me."

The captain scowled. "Don't tempt me..."

"Luferius, that's enough. It's clear that the prisoner will not cooperate. Take him to the dungeon. Perhaps a few hours there will loosen his tongue." Blood gestured for the others to leave the room, stepping out as they did so. Only Luferius lingered behind with the other guards as Ryn struggled, stepping forward to leer in his face.

"If not, I will gladly remove it." He nodded to the guard on the left, a sharp pain burning through Ryn's skull as the scene blurred before his eyes.

....

Once again, he tested the shackles that secured him, inwardly cursing this delay. He could already feel a deep contempt for the captain of the guards, the shackles having been set so tight as to dig into the flesh at each movement. Ryn glared at the chains. "What will go wrong next?"

The latch to the main door clicked, Luferius opening it to allow Ancient Blood to enter before following him down into the darkened cell.

"I had to ask..."

...

The Flight of the Sugar Bat

Spinning into a diving descent high above the Everfree Forest, Lazorus was quick to dodge the sun's rays as the first light of dawn broke out over the horizon. The small bat frantically beat it's wings, scurrying over the tree tops and using the shadows left to better make his way to the just visible town of Ponyville.

"Hurry! Got to hurry!" His small wings continued fluttering at a fever pitch as he dived low onto the empty main street through town. "Rose! Rose lady! Where are you?!" He looked left and right, continuing the dizzying flight as he spiraled to weave in and out of shops as sleepy ponies were just opening their doors. His cries were mere squeaks to them as they shooed him away, the latter finally seeking refuge under a shop overhanging as the sun became too bright to venture further into. "Squeak! What do I do? What do I so?" The creature panicked as he perched upside-down to watch the early morning customers pass by. "Blood will kill me if I don't find her. Or worse! He'll take away my sugar!" The small creature sobbed, not seeing a small glowing pony hovering just behind him.

"Meep?"

"EEP!" The sounds startled him and he panicked, letting go of the overhanging and spinning in a swirling descent to the ground below.

"Oh! Sorry about that! I didn't mean to scare you!" The ghostly filly caught the surprised bat, carrying him into the cafe and setting him down upon the counter top with a smile. "Aww, what a cute little friend. I really am sorry if I scared you. Here, I'll make it up!" The furry bat watched wide-eyed as the apparition floated away, returning with a muffin. "Here you go! Friends?"

Within an instant the whole of the muffin had been consumed, only a few lingering crumbs remaining at the bat's feet. "Wow! You were hungry! Oh, my name is Okiku, by the way. What's yours?" She smiled down at the bat, who responded with a loud burp.

"Hee hee! That's a funny name. Well, it's good to meet you, Mister fuzzy bat." She floated away to prepare a cup of coffee and set another few muffins in front of the bat. "Here, have as much as you want. It's been lonely here since Mister Ryn-Ryn left. He's my friend, you know, and a very good delivery pegasus." The ghost nodded twice, hopping up to join the bat on the counter as she sipped her coffee. "Ah! Much better! Where was I? Oh, yes! Mister Ryn-Ryn went to find Rose. He said something had happened and she disappeared." The bat looked up with widened eyes, swallowing the bit of muffin he had been eating with an audible gulp. Taking this as a response, Okiku continued with a nod of her head.

"Yep! I don't think there's much to worry about, really. I mean, a few years ago she disappeared but she came back with a pretty new necklace. It's very shiny. She could have done the same again, right? I mean, not exactly to buy a necklace, but she could have gone on a shopping trip. I wish she would take me with her one day, that would be fun! After all, Ryn said something about a pony and a caravan, so it must have been a shopping trip. I can't think of any other reason, can you?" She looked to the bat who nodded slowly, it's face seeming a bit paler than it had been previously. "The only thing that puzzles me is that he said the pony in the caravan took Rose with him. I wonder where they went?" She giggled, finishing the coffee in the cup and floating to refill it. "Well, whoever that pony was needs to be a complete gentleman or else Ryn is sure to..." The ghost paused as she turned around, a small look of confusion forming on her face.

"M-Mister fuzzy bat?" The shop was empty once again, only a small pile of crumbs near the place where the bat had been moments earlier.

...

The swift blow aimed at Ryn's stomach struck true and he gave a sharp cry, doubling over in his restraints from the pain. Luferius followed this strike with a kick to the chin, stepping back as Ancient Blood held up a hoof to pause the captain.

"I'll ask you again. What is your true purpose here? Why have you come to my home?"

The pegasus coughed, looking up with a glare. "Didn't you hear me? ...Teleportation...spell... went wrong...are you deaf?" Blood let out a frustrated sigh, shaking his head at Ryn's stubbornness. He waved in ascent for Luferius to continue, the captain doing so with glee as the lord watched from the opposite wall.

"You do realize that you are only making things worse for yourself, do you not? This could all be resolved rather easily if you would only cooperate. After all, what have you to lose by telling the truth?"

"Wh-what's it to you?" Ryn managed to choke out between strikes. "I-I'm only trying to save a friend! How is that a crime?"

"A friend? Here? Who then? None come into my home without invitation, and I highly doubt those here would associate with one of your...commoner standing." He stepped forward once more, Luferius pausing as Lord Blood moved to stand in front of the prisoner. "Give me a name, and perhaps I shall see fit to let you go."

Ryn stared sullenly, a trickle of blood streaming from his lip and onto the floor as he gave a defiant sneer to his captors.

"Rose."

This word caused Ancient Blood's eyes to widen for a brief moment until a scathing glare took it's place. He leaned over Ryn, his tone low and threatening. "Where is she? Tell me or I shall kill you." The pegasus only returned the glare in response, both silently warring wills against the other before a shrill screech pierced the night.

Through one of the circular windows high above tumbled a small bat, hitting the rafters as it spiraled an uncontrolled descent to the stone floor below. Blood gave one more glare to Ryn before trotting over to it, the bat shifting it's form to become a grey pony.

"Lazorus, report."

The pegasus huffed, exhausted from his hurried flight. He slowly got to his hooves, trembling in the effort. "Rose...lady...gone..." He wheezed. "Pony...caravan..." This was enough to confirm Blood's fears, the lord paling as he gave a meaningful glance to Luferius. The captain nodded, swiftly following Ancient Blood as he started back up the dungeon's stairs. The bat-like Lazorus shakily trailing after them as Ryn watched.

"H-hey! What about me?! Take me too! I swore I would bring her home!" Ryn struggled with the chains, doing all he could to break free from their confinement as he called after the retreating ponies. None gave him a second glance, the heavy door slamming behind them to leave the pegasus in darkness.

...

"Good work, Lazorus. Your task is completed. We shall storm the carnival at once!" The captain's voice bellowed through the castle's halls, eager for bloodshed as they walked, Lazorus collapsing onto a nearby chair. The lord however, paused to face the captain of his guards.

"No, Luferius. We cannot risk it if Rose is among them. We shall go to the carnival and attempt reason."

The captain frowned in confusion, sighing with reluctance. "With all do respect, My Lord. Why all this to spare one mortal. I have heard the legends, yet if her work is done and the land is as it should be, her life would be meaningless, would it not?" Ancient Blood spun to face the captain, his voice a low venomous hiss. "Mortal or not, I want her alive. One such as you would not understand. Once she is safe, then and only then may you do as you wish." The crimson stallion continued on his path, leaving the puzzled captain in his wake.

Luferius grinned. "With pleasure, my Lord."

Dice of Misfortune

The chilling carnival music proved a fitting accompaniment to the backdrop of creaking mechanics from the rides and the chaotic din caused by excited crowds as they lined up in anticipation for them. The mare ventured far away from these, leaning down behind one of the many canvas tents in an attempt to catch her breath after the scare caused by the strange fortune teller. She shivered involuntarily, remembering his cryptic words and strange prophecies foretelling of an 'army of death'. The image alone of such a thing coming to pass was enough to send her heart into a frantic pace. She knew now more than ever that she had to find the gypsy called Dimitri if she wished to ever find a means of return home.

A familiar shrill laughter from somewhere nearby shook her out of her inward thoughts and arrested her attention as a pallor of recognition crept across her features.

"Well! There you are, Rose Lady! You finally made it to the carnival after all!" The peculiar orange filly waved a stocking hoof from a close by wooden game booth, her strange witch's hat perched on one of her ears. "I hope Dimitri wasn't too rough dragging you here. Well, rougher than usual anyway. Oh, a small word of advice about him. You should always watch your valuables very closely when he's around. I mean, you're lucky he hasn't snatched your necklace away already." She giggled, her hind hooves wiggling in her childish enthusiasm.

The mare stood up, looking down to make certain that the necklace was still secured as it should be, suspended from her throat to rest near her heart. Sure enough, the ornate cross still gleamed in the lights of the carnival; it's presence giving a semblance of courage to the otherwise frightened unicorn. "Why give me such words of advice? Why help me? Are you not his friend?"

"Oh, I am, I am!" The witch replied. "Still, there are many workers here, and we need to make money all the same. It isn't easy for us when he's wandering about picking pony pockets."

With a look of determination, Rose took bold steps over to the booth where the filly still sat. Fear had dictated her actions for far too long and it was high time for a new approach. "Where is Dimitri? It is urgent that I speak with him at once."

Hazel shook her head. "Nah, sorry. Can't tell you. That information is for carnival employees only." A mischievous glint played in the depths of her jade eyes as she continued. "However...you could always try your luck for it." She flashed a smile as she pointed to the sign suspended above the wooden stall. "This is the Dice of Misfortune. Here's the deal: You take a chance and roll this dice." She dropped an ivory cube onto the wooden counter. "Each number corresponds to a fortunate or unfortunate outcome. Roll the right number, and you win a prize! Roll a wrong number and you'll take a punishment." The brim of the hat cast an eerie shadow over the filly's countenance at these last words, punctuating the threat all the more.

Rose frowned, looking up at the sign and the bold red text. "What type of punishment?"

"Nothing too bad, depending on the number you roll. Here, I'll explain. One is what I like to call 'Silent as the Grave'. Basically if you roll it, you'll have to drink this." She held up a bottle of a glowing blue liquid, a number one written on a strip of parchment and affixed to the corked lid. "It's a potion of mine. I am a witch after all." She giggled. "This one in particular will take away your voice for exactly one hour. Most of the numbers correspond to potions just like this, ranging in severity. Nothing fatal though. Dimitri says I can't kill any customers." Hazel pouted for a brief moment before her smile returned and she nudged the dice closer. "You roll wrong, you'll be punished, but if you roll a three or a nine, you'll land on Fate's Reprieve! That means you win a prize, and I'll tell you where you can find Dimitri. What do you say? Do we have a deal?" Rose glanced down, looking between the dice and the small witch before she shook her head.

"The prize doesn't seem to fit the punishment. It's a bit too unfair to risk it."

Hazel's grin shrank, and she panicked. "Please play, Rose Lady! Please please please! It's no fun if you don't. Here, I'll change the rules a little bit for you to make it fair. You only want information, right? Hmm... How about this? Roll an even number, and I'll tell you where you can find Dimitri. Roll an odd number and...ummm... Oh! Roll an odd number and you'll have to give me your necklace! How is that? Fairer now?"

"Hardly." The unicorn creased her brow in thought, looking down at her necklace. To play could mean one of two outcomes. A chance at unanswered questions and a possible means of escape, or the loss of a precious gift. The witch waited and watched as Rose sighed in exasperation. "I suppose there is no profit without a gamble. Fine, you have a deal." The young pony stamped her hooves in delight, pushing the dice to Rose.

"Whenever you're ready!" The mare levitated the cube toward her, examining the ivory as she ceased her magic and let it fall to the table. Her breath caught, as did that of the filly, the dice hitting the wood and skittering across the top as the numbers flashed and spun.

"Even...even..." Rose's heart pounded furiously as the dice slowed it's dance, spinning a few more times and finally tumbling to an abrupt halt to teeter precariously on a corner between a six and a five. Both ponies leaned closer, not daring any unnecessary movement as the cube finally toppled to land, a six displayed clearly in the glaring lights.

"What?! No!" The orange filly huffed in annoyance as Rose breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank Celestia!" She murmured before turning to the witch. "We had a deal then. Where can I find Dimitri?" Hazel jutted her bottom lip in a pout, sighing before chancing a smile.

"Fine, you won fair and square." She leaned forward in her seat to point behind the mare. Rose turned to follow her line of sight. "See that really really tall pole with all those lights tied to it? It almost looks like a spider web with all those strands." She nodded, spotting the structure readily. "That's where the Emporium of Creatures is. Dimitri usually feeds them about this time. If you hurry, you might just catch him."

"Ah! Thank you!" Rose started off from the booth in the direction of the lights, Hazel waving from the booth and giggling.

"That was fun, Rose Lady! Come play with me again later!"

...

Emporium of Creatures

It proved no difficult task to find Dimitri in the Emporium of Creatures. His signature top hat was clearly visible as it bobbed among the rows of steel cages of various sizes and shapes, weaving in and out of enclosures as it's owner hummed a mysterious tune. Rose first crossed the threshold with trepidation, finding that the large pole with the spiderweb lights was in fact central to this area of the carnival. Each string of lights connected from the pole and attached to a large surrounding gate that kept the rare and exotic displays separate from the madness of the rides and noisy crowds. The lighting here was also much more subdued, only the glow of the strands providing a dim contrast to the looming shadows. Such a strange circular area. The rows of connecting creature habitats formed a spiraling corridor to lead to the very center right at the pole's base. It was at this farthest point that the hat of the gypsy now paused as the connecting head peeked over the tops of the cages to greet Rose with a wide grin.

"Ah! You have made good time after all! I would expect nothing less from one such as yourself. Come! Come! You like the rare creatures, yes? Here! I'll show you a few!" Not bothering to make his way out of the spiral by traditional means, the gypsy stallion hopped upon the top of a nearby cage, agilely leaping across the rows while ignoring the howls of anger from the captive residents. He paused atop the cage closest to the mare, lowering himself to lounge on it's surface. "Much better. I can see you easier now." He smirked down as she glared up at him, clearly not in the mood to play his games. All the same, she stepped back while remembering Hazel's warning of Dimitri's thieving ways.

"Mister Dimitri-" She began.

"Ah-ah! No no, I am no 'Mister'." He gave a hearty laugh, raising his hat slightly. "It is either 'Dimitri Vladislov Dragomir Horatiu' or only 'Dimitri'."

The mare tried again, steeling her voice and hoping that her glare was convincing enough. "Very well then, 'Dimitri'. Where is this place and why have you brought me here? I order that you return me to my home this instant." The gypsy examined her closely for a moment before chuckling and rising once more to stand high upon the cage's surface.

"You almost had me for a moment there, miss Rose. You need to work on your poker face a little more, I think. Where is this place, you have asked? If you had been paying closer attention to me earlier at the opening, you would have seen the signs." He held up his hooves in a grand gesture. "This! This is my Carnival of the Damned! Well... this area more so is the Creature Emporium. Here we have rare and exotic creatures from across the realms. Centaurs, phoenixes, goblins and so much more. A few of which possibly are the last of their species." His grin turned sinister in the shadow of his top hat. "Though for the right price, I may be willing to mount their heads on plaques for decoration."

She bristled, stepping back a few more spaces and nearly bumping into one of the cages. The beast inside gave a warning snarl as the gypsy leaped down from his perch to stand between it and the mare. "Ah! Careful! Careful! Some of the pets here do not give such warnings before they attack, and they are very sensitive when prey gets too close." Rose heeded the warning and stepped away from the cage, glancing behind to keep ample space between her and the opposite one as well.

"Th-then what are you doing here? Would it not be dangerous for you as well?"

"Me? Not so much. Besides, they must be fed somehow. They know me as the bringer of food, and they will not risk their only source for sustenance. However, you, Miss Rose, to them you are nothing more than a tasty meal." She paled as Dimitri grinned, bursting out into a jovial laugh. "Ah! You're face! Priceless! You need not be so serious, my dear. I have just finished their feeding. After all, you know much about similar, do you not? Take a look around. I have much here." He sauntered down the aisle, gesturing that she follow as he started listing the occupants off.

" Basilisk, harpy, manticore, centaur, griffin, cerberus, chimera, djinn, dragon, sphinx, fairies, gargoyle, mermaid, hydra, gorgon, oracle; on loan only, naga, phoenix, quetzacoatl, satyr, yeti, wyvern, succubus, incubus, seraphim, troll...just to name a few...." She peered inside a few of the cages, fascinated by the variety of species held within.

"H-How do you keep so many? Some of these...do they not escape?"

"We have had a few 'incidents' in the past." Rose could not help noticing his emphasis on the particular word. "Since that time however, we have upped our means of security. If you look closely enough, there are magical wards placed in strategic points." He gestured to one as they passed, a faint glow pulsing from it. "And these!" He gave a swift kick to a nearby cage, the creature inside hissing with annoyance as he did so. "These cages are made of good quality, and fortified with charms and magics predating the Princesses. I have made many precautions, as you can see." His chest swelled with pride as he beamed in satisfaction. Rose could not help but be impressed. Angry as she was at his abducting and thievery, he was a very smart pony. Ah! But he had avoided her questions so easily! She berated herself for allowing him to have distracted her from her purpose.

"But why have you brought me here? You have not answered me. I wish to go home. Immediately!" A commotion from somewhere nearby caused both of them to turn, Dimitri hopping upon a cage once more for a better look. In the distance he could see the crowds parting as a group of ponies made their way to the front gates of the carnival. The emblem of the Rosencroix kingdom was proudly displayed on a banner that one held in it's jaws.

"You will need to excuse me once more, Miss Rose." Dimitri hurriedly hopped down from the cage, beginning a swift pace out of the emporium. He flashed her one more grin as he turned to call out. "We will finish this talk a little later, yes?" Without waiting for her response, he vanished between two tents.

"W-wait! Dimitri!" She stepped forward, pausing with a huff of frustration. The cunning gypsy had escaped her once again, evading what questions she had and leaving her with only more to ponder. Her mind attempted sorting this most recent conversation, turning over and over in contemplation. So deep was she inside these thoughts that she did not find it odd as the creatures of the emporium suddenly quieted while a cold air seeped about the area, clinging to her hooves and sliding over her throat. The dim lighting began to flicker as a shadow appeared at her side, green eyes glinting from the inky blackness as they studied her.

"Hello, Rose..."

Dungeon Visitor

Thud...thud...thud...

The dull sound of Ryn's head hitting the stone wall echoed through the inner dungeon as the pegasus berated himself for his apparent failure. He was in the right place sure enough, but his calculations had been off just enough to leave him so close yet so far from the elusive gypsy and Rose with him.

His captors had left him in the dank prison some time ago, and he had continued his futile struggle with the chains until his legs had begun to bleed from the effort. Now all he could do was stand in the stony cell, only the repetitive sound of his head against the wall to break the monotonous silence.

Thud...thud...thud...WHACK!

He winced, having put too much effort into that last blow. Ryn didn't have time to contemplate the stupidity of this last action however, as the sound of the latch overhead alerted him to another's presence.

"Hey! Are you going to let me go now?! Hello?" A quiet squeak of fear answered him as the petite pink mare from the kitchen slowly descended the stairs carrying a small tray with a loaf of fresh bread and a cup of water. She trembled as she reached the ground level, careful not to spill as she set the tray down in front of the shackled pegasus.

"Ah...umm...th-that is...I-I thought you might be starting to get a little hungry, so I... H-Here!" She nudged the tray forward, turning tail in preparation to bolt out of the dungeon.

"W-Wait! How am I supposed to eat like this?" She turned at his response as he rattled the chains that bound him to the far wall.

"O-Oh! I'm sorry! I f-forgot." She cringed, prepared for a wrathful tirade from the other.

Ryn merely blinked in confusion of her actions. "Umm...I'm not going to hurt you. Why are you so scared?"

"Y-You were so angry earlier." The mare shivered, remembering his outbursts in the kitchen.

"Well how would you feel if you fell into some strange house only to have guards beat you senseless?" Ryn scoffed as she paled.

"I-I guess I didn't think about that..." They both stood in silence for a few minutes longer, Ryn's stomach finally breaking the awkward pause with an even more awkward grumble for food. He flushed in embarrassment, but the mare only giggled.

"Wh-what's so funny?"

"Nothing! I'm sorry!" His flustered acts helped to dissolve her lingering fears of the stranger, and she moved closer to offer the bread to him. "Say 'Ah!'."

"C-can't I just feed myself?" As embarrassed as he already was, Ryn would not stand for any more actions that would prove humiliating for him.

"I really am sorry, but I can't let you out." She looked at the shackles apologetically. "I mean, I believe your innocence, sir-"

"Ryn." He corrected. "My name is Ryn."

"O-Oh! I believe that you are innocent, Ryn, but if the Lord finds out that I took off the chains...e-even for you to eat, I..." She shivered, obviously not willing to risk going against orders. Ryn frowned, huffing as he reluctantly opened his mouth.

"Fine...Ah..." She broke off a small piece of bread as the pegasus ate it. "Hmmm... this isn't half bad. Did you make this?"

The pink pony beamed with pride. "Y-yes, I did! I'm Licorice, the cook here in the castle."

He swallowed the piece thoughtfully. "I thought everypony here was a blood drinker. Why would they need a cook? After all, you're mortal right? What are you doing in a place like this?"

Licorice pondered for a moment, giving the prisoner another piece of bread as she spoke. "N-not all of the ponies here are like that. Most of them are really very nice, and quite a few eat normal food too. Apothecarium eats regularly, so does Malphas on occasion. Lazorus too. Lazorus loves when I bake cookies, cakes and other sweets. In fact, he's the reason I'm allowed to stay here. Otherwise, well, I wouldn't have much of anything." She smiled almost wistfully in remembrance before shaking her head and offering Ryn another chunk of bread. "Oh, but that was a long time ago. I'm happy here. They treat me very nicely, and I'm allowed to wander about for the most part." Ryn watched the mare for any signs of insincerity on her part. He swallowed the last piece of bread with as much of a shrug as he could manage.

"Hmph...they all seem pretty stuck up to me. Especially the guards." His jaw still ached after the pummeling received from the captain, and he winced at the sharp pain of his ribs. "I'll be lucky if nothing is broken. Stupid captain."

"Yes, Luferius scares me. He's always so strict, and he yells quite a bit." She held up the cup of water to Ryn, hoping for a change of subject. "Umm... wh-why are you here anyway? That is, if it's okay to ask. I mean, we don't get many others here, and very few even dare to venture close."

The pegasus swallowed the water, his stomach quieting down after the small bit of sustenance. "My friend is here, somewhere. She was taken by a pony with a wooden caravan. I came here to find her and bring her home."

"Oh! You must mean the carnival! They have lots of wooden caravans over there!" She smiled excitedly. "Oh, I love the Carnival of the Damned! So many fun rides and games. They come here every year. Did you try looking there for your friend?"

Ryn's eyes widened as he struggled once more with the chains, fueled by the food and the prospect of finding Rose. "Well, I would have if it weren't for those bloody guards! Where is it? Is it near here?!" She nodded, stepping backwards at his abrupt outbursts.

"Y-yes... you can even see it from the balconies. It's very very close."

"Let me out! I need to get there now! I have to find Rose!" He continued pulling at the chains, the wounds of his legs opening up once more to splatter blood onto the metal links.

Licorice gasped in amazement. "R-Rose? Miss Immortal Rose is your friend? Oh my! Why didn't you just say so in the first place?" Without a second thought she hurriedly went to retrieve the keys from the nearby stand. Ryn stared in amazement as she swiftly turned the key in the lock, the shackles falling off to clang loudly as they hit the cell's floor.

"Y-you're going to let me go that easily?" His confusion at the reasoning was almost on par with his bafflement on how swiftly she had changed her mind regarding him.

"Well of course, silly! If Rose needs help, she shouldn't be kept waiting. Besides, she's a good friend of mine." She giggled. "You know, it would have saved you a lot of time if you had mentioned her right at the beginning."

If there had been enough time, Ryn would have slammed his head into the wall a few more times for good measure. However seeing that most time had been lost, he stretched his weary limbs and spread his wings as wide as he could in the enclosed space. Licorice ducked to avoid them as Ryn surveyed the chamber.

Stone walls surrounded them, leading up to a vaulted ceiling with rafters and high stained glass windows. These were situated to only allow a small glow from the moon to filter in to light the top of the structure while leaving it's base in nearly absolute blackness. Keeping his eyes trained on one of these windows, he began flapping the wings to create powerful downward gusts. His hooves began to lift off until he was hovering in the dungeon chamber, the dust on the floor billowing in his wake. Licorice braced herself, her pigtails pulled in the wind as she called out to the other.

"M-make sure to tell her that I said hi! Oh! And Lazzy too!" She smiled, Ryn giving a grateful nod in return.

"I will. Oh, and Licorice? Thank you."

He brought his wings down with a singular thrust as the propelled him upward at blinding speeds. He spiraled about as he ascended, shattering the window easily as he soared into the light of the moon.

Skulls and Roses

Sharp claws grating along an icy tombstone. Such was the feeling that coursed through Rose at the strange voice directly at her shoulder. The tone was sickeningly sweet, yet left an icy chill in it's wake to caress over the base of her neck and linger across the spine before sending a shudder to freeze her heart mid-beat. It was with growing reluctance that she turned to face the speaker. A unicorn with a sickly green coat, wisps of bone white mane and tail swaying lightly on an unnatural breeze. His eyes were faded, yet held within their depths an absinthe spark of cunning and something that she could not rightly place. An ivory skull hung from his throat, swinging slightly as he moved to give a nod of greeting. The mare attempted a glare, annoyed that most of the inhabitants of the carnival seemed to find pleasure in frightening her. She opened her mouth to reiterate this very notion, yet her throat had gone suddenly dry. She could only watch as a smile curled over his lips, revealing a single sharp fang. He stamped his hooves in approval, drawing closer as she backed away simultaneously.

"A wonderful response. The pallor of fear draining away the last bits of color from the once rosy cheeks, the eyes that widen in mute witness to terror's hold, and the all consuming silence of the long dead...perfect. I often forget that your kind is not used to such sudden appearances of others." He paused, frowning as he better appraised her. "I must say, your appearance comes as a bit of a surprise to me. I was expecting you to be a pony full of life, sturdy, a picture of health as it were. Yet what have I found here trembling before my eyes? A fragile mare, petite, weak, teetering on the very precipice of death's door. You have knocked upon it before, have you not? Once? Twice now? We tend to lose count as times progress, yet it seems that he has not made preparations for you just yet. Ah, but I ramble...."

He paused in his advancing, and she did so in her retreating, both the same distance apart as from the beginning. She struggled to gain control of her voice, finally finding it returning to her.

"Wh-who are-"

"My! Not only have I rambled, yet I seem to have forgotten my manners entirely." He set a hoof upon his forehead, a mocking gesture of berating. "You will need to forgive me, Miss Rose. A mare of your standing deserves a proper introduction, though I am anything but proper myself. My name is Mortis. Mortis Noctem Grimm. I am a resident of this land, and a regular guest in this very carnival. Oh, I have seen so many others pass among these tents. Attractions and spectacle coming and going with time. It is your first time here, is it not? Tell me, what are your thoughts?" He tilted his head, sweeping a hoof in gesture over the area of the emporium. "I would much enjoy hearing your revue of this area in particular. Dimitri had mentioned that you are very learned in the area of legendary beings."

"Dimitri? You know him?" She found a strange sense of relief at this revelation, a wave of courage aiding her voice in gathering more volume. Silently she hoped that she could learn of the gypsy's agenda from this unicorn, if not more.

Mortis leaned casually against a nearby cage, grinning down at the mare as a whimper faintly sounded from within the darkened container. "Yes, I know Dimitri. I suppose you could say that we are business partners of sorts. In fact, I had recently hired him for a certain task. A delivery of sorts..."

"D-delivery?" Something about the word and the way he spoke it made her nervous. Her ears drooped against her head and she made a conscious effort to hold her ground.

A dark tenor infiltrated the other's voice. "Why yes. You see, I have heard much about you recently. Such a long lasting curse being broken so suddenly by the appearance of a single mortal mare, and the purity of her spilled blood upon an altar of stone. These things do not often go unnoticed." Straightening up to slowly saunter about the nearby cages, he continued. "You see, pure and innocent blood is rare enough in this land. Even more so a blood that holds such power within it. That is why you are here, Miss Rose. That is why I had asked Dimitri to bring you to me. I want to see this power, witness it with my own eyes so I may determine if it is suitable enough for my purposes."

A feeling of dread increased upon the mare as she began to back away in the direction of the emporium's gated entrance. The trembling of her hooves made such progress difficult, and she stumbled more than once in the attempt. Mortis followed with a grin, using his magic to levitate the chain from around his throat. He held this aloft, a small dagger sliding from beneath the skull pendant as he chuckled. "I sense panic....good. Fear will season the blood and quicken it through the heart. Yet we must not waste it all just yet. This is only a small test after all."

Rose turned in preparation to dart out of the gate, yet the other was quicker. The dagger glinted as it sailed across her cheek to embed itself in the ground a few feet away. A few droplets of blood followed, scattering across the ground as a shallow cut appeared below the mare's eye. She did not waste time. Even as the first bits of vines and blossoms began to sprout from the ground, she rushed to pick up the dagger and turn it against the stallion. His eyes were still upon the ground, nearly as wide as the grin of delight upon his features. "So it is true..." Slowly his eyes turned to appraise the mare's position once more, a laugh bellowing at her defensive posturing. "Wonderful, simply marvelous! The fear is masked with anger and a false display of threat while the terror begins it's descent to seep into the soul. Now that I have seen this power, this potential with my own eyes, you know full well of your impending destiny. Do you recall the words of Fayt, when you spoke with him earlier?" He advanced, not concerned in the slightest at the dagger she held even though she swung it in warning.

"Stay back! Don't come any closer!"

Mortis continued, not heeding the interruption or her warning as he drew closer still, moving to tower over her as he leered down to peer into her frightened eyes. "Blood for bones...rise of new power...life eternal for the army of death!" Rose swung again and he caught hold of the dagger, tearing it from her grasp to hold it high.

"Past, present, future and prophecy. Your card is the Hanged Mare, Miss Rose. And I...I...!"

Without a single hesitation or warning, he pressed the dagger to the side of his throat. The sharpened blade cut through with ease, rending through the flesh with a horrible tearing sound as he drew it fully across to the opposite side. There was no blood, no crimson outpouring of scarlet from the gaping hole. Only the exposed trachea and ragged ends of torn muscles, arteries and veins as he tilted his head back to show the dark emptiness of the hollow shell that was his body. His grin did not move nor fade from it's fixed point as his eyes continued to burn with their sinister fire, yet a deep and hollow voice resounded from him all the same.

"I am the card of Death!"

Dimitri's Interrogation and Mortis' Beast

The crowds murmured with curiosity at the strange appearance of the Lord and the accompanying guards in the midst of the carnival. So peculiar was the sight that a fair sized group had gathered by the time Dimitri sought to push his way through to it's center.

"Ah, Excuse me. Pardon me!" He moved as quickly as he could, finally breaking through to see the Lord scowling down at Hazel. The little filly stood her ground well, fending off his inquiries with roundabout responses.

"I shall ask you one more time, child. Where is she?" The crimson unicorn's eyes glared down into the young witch's, yet she would not be intimidated.

"And I'll tell you one more time. You can't just barge in without paying. Admission costs five bits per pony, and that doesn't include rides or games."

Luferius stamped a hoof down, glowering angrily. "How dare you defy Lord Blood! You shall pay, insolent brat!"

"You pay first! Five bits each!" The top of her hat did not even come close to comparing with Luferius' height, yet her defiance readily made up for the difference. They all glared one at the other as Dimitri moved to stand between them, grinning nervously as he addressed the royalty.

"Ah! Lord Blood! So you have decided to join us after all. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me." At a single nod from their ruler, the guard's immediately flanked Dimitri on both sides, keeping a close eye as the gypsy attempted to back away. "N-No need for such pleasantries, my friend. After all, you are my guest here." He have a nervous chuckle as Blood moved to stand before him.

"Where is she, Dimitri?"

"She? Who? Hazel? She is right here!" He gestured to the orange filly close by, who gave a mocking wave in return.

"I am not in the mood for your games. Tell me, where is Rose? I know she is here."

"Oh! Miss Rose! Of course. I saw her not too long ago, actually. She was wandering near the game booths, I think. Your friend, she wanders a lot. You should warn her not to do that so much. It is a bad habit. First you wander, then before you know it-"

"Enough of your rambling, Dimitri!" Blood hissed. "Where. Is. She?" He loomed menacingly forward, the guards securing the gypsy still.

"I-I do not know. But what I do know is that she is most certainly, without a doubt, NOT in the Creature Emporium. "

The Lord glanced to Luferius. "Check there at once." The guard saluted and left with a few of his men trailing after him.

Dimitri sighed. "Why is it that never seems to work for me the way I want it to?" He shrugged, the guard's tightening their hold on him as a few others moved to disperse the surrounding crowds that had come to watch the spectacle. Ancient Blood watched for a few minutes as the crowds slowly dissolved into a few curious ponies before turning back to the gypsy.

"I swear to you, if you have harmed a single hair upon her head..."

"Ah! No,no. Believe you me, sir., I have done absolutely nothing. No harm at all! I swear to you on the grave of my mother!"

Ancient Blood continued to glare down at the other, searching his expression for any signs of lies or deceit. Dimitri remained calm under the piercing gaze, his grin widening even further.

"You have pretty eyes. I bet I could sell them in a jar for good profit. What say you?"

A low snarl from Blood in response as he raised a hoof to strike the stallion. Dimitri cringed in preparation for the blow, yet it never came. He slowly glanced back up at the Lord, whose gaze seemed far away. An expression of alarm and fear mingled in his eyes as his guards all turned to sniff the surrounding air.

"...her blood..." Without another word Ancient Blood dashed in the direction of the Creature Emporium, the remainder of the guards close behind. The bewildered gypsy watched them depart, a faint smile lingering on his bemused lips.

"...Oops..."

......

"H-How..." Rose fought to keep her voice calm, yet her wide eyes and trembling hooves betrayed her fear of the unnatural horror standing in front of her. Slowly the bits of torn flesh began it's mending process until not a single scratch could be perceived on Mortis' throat. He loomed over her, still grinning at the terrified mare.

"The darker magics of necromancy, resurrection of flesh and bone for the sole purpose of servitude to an unholy master. Though 'how' should be the last of your worries. As for 'why' you were brought here, I need your blood, plain and simple. Blood that can give life to lifeless land surely must also possess the strength to do the same for the dead. I wish to use it to bring about the rise of an army. Enough power to overthrow the current monarchy and allow me to usurp the throne. And to think, it will all be thanks to you." He raised the small dagger once more, grazing the cheek where her blood still trickled down from the first wound.

Paralyzed by fear as she was, this fresh pain had enough effect to cause her to move away and make a mad dash for the Emporium's exit.

"Ah-Ah! Not so fast!" His voice held a taunting warning within it's venomous tone, though he did not move from his spot. "You may wish to examine those cages a little more closely before rushing past them so carelessly." The nature of his threat caused her to look at the cage closest to her, where a single strand of bright red string was attached to the steel door's latch.

"String?" Hardly an item to pose any real danger. She turned away from this only to become aware of countless similar strings hanging down from the lofty heights of the Emporium and connecting to each and every cage in the enclosed space. "Wh-what is this?!" She gingerly stepped backwards, the strands nearly everywhere she turned.

Mortis grinned, the dagger he held inching closer to one of the threads. "Ah, you see them now? Do you recall a similar display inside of Fayt's chamber? These, my dear, are the aptly named 'Strings of Fate'. You'll find them strewn all about the carnival, attached to near anything and everything on the grounds. Still, they remain invisible to most, save those made aware of their presence. They seem so frail, don't they? So very inconsequential. Yet to break even one, to sever even a single strand, would be to end the very life of the one linked to it. You wear such a string as well, Miss Rose." He gestured to the area above her heart, and she lowered her gaze to look as well.

Just as Mortis had said, a single strand of thread protruded from the area leading up to disappear into the tangled web of other identical strands. She carefully moved her hoof to touch the strange thread, yet it passed through as though the string were not even there to begin with.

"You may have been made aware of your string, yet only a small few have the power to touch and have an effect on the mortal coil."

"Th-then you have one as well!"

The stallion laughed bitterly. "Ha! Hardly!" He pointed a hoof to the small frayed end of string protruding from his own chest. "We have already established that I am not among the living. My string was cut long ago."

She backed away, cringing at the remembrance of his display of death. "Th-then why do you do this? What is the purpose in continuing your existence? Why not just move on to your eternal rest? You say you need my blood, what is the purpose in that? You want life for an army of dead? What purpose is there in it? Will you kill all others only to add on until nothing is left?" She continued moving backwards despite the warning of the strings; sheer panic breaking into her voice. "I cannot let you do that. I...I will not let you have it!" Without another word she dashed from the Emporium, Mortis glared darkly after her.

"If I cannot have it, then I shall take it!" The hovering dagger caught the end of a string, pulling it carefully upward as a corresponding cage door fell open. From it's dark interior writhed a shadowy figure, a horrifying snarl ripping free from the jaws of the hideous beat inside. It tore away from the enclosure to reveal a hulking canine with bristling black fur. The whole appearance and attitude of the creature was that of a blackened wolf, monstrous in it's size. A hellhound. It's dagger-like teeth showed readily over the drawn back lips as the being glanced around the area. The necromancer simply watched as the hellhound sniffing the air at the scent of the mare's blood. The red eyes of the beast gleamed as it reared it's head back to unleash a soul chilling howl before bolting away in pursuit of it's prey.

Seeing his purpose completed for the moment, Mortis vanished into the night to await the result.

....

Hellhound's Chase

High above the grounds of the Carnival, Ryn soared through the shadows of the clouds to search the area below. The crowds inside the fairgrounds were thick with ponies of different sizes and colors. He circled the sky directly above them, returning time and time again to allow his eyes to comb over the faces and various attractions. Multitudes of lights and colors, sights and sounds, but still no sign of the unicorn. With a huff of frustration, the pegasus flapped his wings to gain more height. It was here that a wild howling arrested his attention and he turned his eyes to a nearby grouping of trees just beyond the back reaches of the carnival. An inky black shadow sped through the darkened landscape, clearly pursuing something just ahead of it.

"Wait a second..." A low hanging cloud obscured his view, and he circled once more to clear his field of vision. Sure enough, it was as he had feared. "R-Rose!" The large beast bore down, gaining ground quickly as it chased the frail mare into the thick line of trees. Wasting no time, Ryn shut his wings tight against his body to begin a full speed descent in the creature's direction. The ground came up quickly and he spread his wings to glide, barely grazing the tops of the trees as he continued to pursue.

"Hold on just a little longer, Rose... I'll be there soon."

....

At the sound of a wild cry from one of the beasts of the Emporium, Ancient Blood sped onward with his guards. The gates of the enclosure were open, darkness lurking just beyond the iron doors as Luferius stepped out from their shadows. He paused at the gate's opening, the prints upon the earth directing the Lord's gaze to the woods just beyond the attraction as the captain stepped forward in salute.

"No sign of anyone inside, my Lord. Only a few roses upon the earth, and an empty cage."

"Roses..." Blood addressed his guards, sniffing the air as he did so.

"Search the remainder of the grounds and place the circus troupe under arrest. If you meet with any interference, end them with all haste." His orders stated, a scarlet glow began to envelop the stallion's form. He melted into the darkness, dissipating to the shadows to travel more swiftly through the night. Luferius watched the other's departure, turning to the guards who still idled in uncertainty.

"You heard him!" He barked. "That was an order, now get to work!" Immediately the guards scurried to fulfill their duties, Luferius once more entering within the darkened emporium. He returned to the small flowers scattered and growing upon the ground, nudging a few with a hoof as his mind turned.

"Roses..." He echoed his Lord's words, remembering what had been confided to him when he had first been called to the Lord's chamber.

'"Captain, something is not right in the land of Celestia's sun. What has happened, I cannot be positive...Rose, a pony of utmost importance to my kingdom... there is something wrong." The unicorn frowned as he remembered Ryn's mentioning of the mare within the dungeon as well. The Lord's expression had changed rapidly at the mere mention of the name, a most unusual response in the eyes of the captain.

"Roses and blood, then. I wonder what sort of role this mortal mare plays here." He lowered his head to sniff the flowers, cringing at the strong scent of blood. After a few more moments of pondering, the captain shook his head and stepped out to begin a search for the gypsy ringleader.

...

The savage howling of an unknown creature only spurred Rose on as she hastily sped beyond the gates of the Creature Emporium. It was great fortune that the whole of the enclosure was situated at the far edge of the carnival grounds, a wide forest spreading just beyond it. The mare sped on, encouraged by the sight of the sheltering trees. She hoped beyond hope that this meant that the land might possibly be connected with that of the Everfree Forest, with home and safety that much closer. Rose broke through the treeline just as another fierce howl rang out close behind her. She didn't dare turn to see what had given chase, yet the overpowering scent of sulfur carried through the air to sting her nostrils and give her some indication of what may be the source. Very few creatures carried with them such a distinct and strong odor, and her mind raced as fast as her legs to run through a list of possibilities. 'Sulfur...fire and brimstone... The Underworld! The inhabitants of Hades...' Her train of thought was broken by a warm breath bearing down upon her throat. The unicorn sped up, veering quickly to the left as the unknown entity crashed down inches from her to let out a snarl of indignation. Her heart raced, legs buckling as she willed them even further, pushing her energies to their very brink. The cut on her cheek continued to sting, blood flowing down in a small trickle.

'Think, Rose...think! Preta, Ammit, dragons...no, dragons don't howl.... wolf...canine! Cerberus, Garm...'

The black silhouette bore down, landing in front of the mare with enough force to shake the earth below her hooves. She stumbled, scrambling to back away as a massive set of claws bore down, swiping at the air before her.

"H...Hellhound!"

The pitch black fur failed to gleam even in the light of the full moon as the beast loomed tall and menacing before her. The glowing red eyes centered on her as the lips upon the muzzle of the hound pulled back to reveal rows of teeth; daggers in their own right. The throat let loose a deep rumble as she vaguely remembered a past excerpt from an old book on the subject of such creatures. She froze in the gaze of the vicious predator, a cold chill sweeping across her as the words echoed in the depths of her mind.

'Three sightings of a hellhound by a single individual will lead to an abrupt and untimely demise.'

The beast roared triumphant in it's capture, lifting it's paws high up to plunge down in a final crushing blow. Rose cringed, unable to even watch. Her legs were frozen, all but collapsing in her fright. Her energy was well spent. She could barely catch her breath at this point as her heart continued to race in her chest, near bursting with the rapidness of it's beating. She closed her eyes in preparation.

'T-This is it then...the Hanged Mare...sacrifice...letting go...surrender...'

....

"ROSE!" Two voices from opposite sides of the mare rang out at once, the scene before her slowing down in it's final moments. To the right, Ryn Kuromaru raced forward. His wings spread wide as he held his hooves out, ready to scoop the mare up to the safety of the sky and far out of the hellhound's reach. To the left was Ancient Blood, leaping out from the shadows of the overhanging trees to angle himself between the hound and his prey. Wisps of darkness trailed behind him in a cover of security as he held a hoof out to the mare.

Both stallions raced, one against the other and both against the massive beast as the claws continued to travel down, all three angled in their simultaneous efforts as momentum progressed. Only one question remained: Who would prove the quickest?

....

A dark hoof set the quill to the side, allowing the ink to dry on this particular section of text. A smirk adorned the shadowed face as the pages shut, a solitary blank parchment coming to light as more text was written.

"Now to address the readers..."

'Salutations to you all. I trust you have been following along thus far in my little story. After all, you have come this far, have you not? Therefore, this shall be left to you. You may not recognize me, so first an introduction.

I am Fayt. The writer of destinies, he who pens the past, present and future of all. I do hope you are enjoying this tale in particular. It is one of my greatest masterpieces. Still, I believe a small change needs to be made. Fate must have a say so in all things, yet I grow weary of making all the decisions. Therefore, why not leave destiny up to you? The cards have been dealt, and two paths diverge from this encounter. Who will reach Rose first? I shall leave it to you. Will the pegasus Ryn prevail? Shall he pull the mare away from the jaws of death and the hooves of Ancient Blood? Or shall the Lord be victorious in his rescue, leaving Kuromaru to deal with the hellhound on his own? I warn you again that either choice will change the story drastically at this point, and decide the grounds for the final confrontation. Choose wisely, dear readers... choose wisely.

~ Fayt

The Return to Rosencroix

A fresh quill dips into the black ink, racing across the blank parchment as Fayt continues to pen the tale.

"Ah, so the dear readers have made their choice at last. Splendid. A fitting choice, I must say. I know precisely how to proceed from this point down the path that has been set before us. This tale has been all twist and turn to this moment. While this is bound to continue to a point, I believe we shall begin a spiraling descent to a timely conclusion.

The stage is set, my readers. Now, let us take our places before the curtains rise.

- Fayt

The writhing blackness from Blood's dark magic proved the quickest in the end, consuming Rose in it's shadowy embrace as soon as the Lord had reached her. The hellhound swung, and they were gone.

"NO!" Ryn landed mere moments after the two unicorns had disappeared, fury evident in his features. He bristled, stamping a hoof angrily to the ground as he wheeled about in search of Ancient Blood and Rose. There had to be a clue as to their current location. Something somewhere to give even the faintest of ideas. The massive hound did not give him much of a chance to search however, snarling in rage at his missed victim. The creature turned it's attack to the nearby pegasus, lunging for new prey to sate it's hunger.

A most foolish mistake.

Ryn turned, glaring at the hound as he grit his teeth in seething fury. A flap of his wings gave some distance as the beast slammed to the ground in it's attack. He would not give it a chance to rise. Ryn clasped his wings tight, diving straight to the beast's back to trample upon the backbone with all his might.

"Damn you!" He lifted back to the air as the creature howled in pain, swooping to give a hind kick to the top of the canine's muzzle, breaking a fang as he did so. The hellhound rose to it's back feet for a futile swipe at the furious stallion. Ryn ducked under this with ease, coming up under the front leg to kick the underbelly of the creature. With a yelp of surprise the massive entity stumbled, it's ears swiveled to flatten against the skull as it began to back away. Before any further action could be made against the dog, it tucked it's tail between it's legs and took off for the sheltering woods with a whimper.

"Get back here! I'm not finished yet!" Ryn started forward a few paces, leaping up to take flight after the retreating form. It did not take him long to catch up, diving at the skull with a well placed strike. One last howl echoed wearily through the woods as the eyes rolled back and the hellhound fell unconscious. Trees snapped in wake of the great canine's fall, dust rising up to cover the area before settling down once again to blanket the scene. Ryn alighted to shake off the dust, stopping and cursing in his angered state. Defeating the hellhound would not be enough, to dissipate his increasing fury. He thought of Blood, a few choice words coming to mind as he did so. The crimson unicorn had him beaten, chained in a dungeon, and now he had gotten away, Rose along with him. The pegasus dug his hooves into the ground, gritting his teeth even tighter and near trembling with the amount of hatred that threatened to overwhelm him. After a few minutes, Ryn allowed this to pass and made his way speedily in the direction of the carnival.

...

Apothecarium paced the great hall of the castle, mumbling to himself in a distraught tone. He had been busy at his studies when the shattering of glass had alerted him to some trouble. It was pure luck that had afforded him a glimpse outside just in time to see the silhouette of the imprisoned pegasus taking flight in the direction of the Carnival. No explanation could be gained from the stationed guards, each more baffled than the last as to how the prisoner had discovered a means of escape. All that was left to do was to await the Lord's return and face whatever fury may befall them for their misfortune. The white stallion cringed, not wishing to think upon the issue much longer. He turned to pace in the direction of the kitchen, hoping that a cup of tea may help him better prepare a plausible explanation for the Lord's return. This proved ill-timed as a booming voice rang from the castle's main foyer in a tone of utmost urgency.

"Apothecarium! Come here at once!" The physician races along the hall, not sparing a moment at the Lord's summons. The sight which greeted him in the main hall made him hurry all the more until he came to a halt directly before Lord Blood. In the hooves of the crimson stallion, the mare Rose trembled uncontrollably. Her eyes were still firmly shut in fear from the escaped hellhound, and the wound from her cheek continued to drip blood onto the carpets. Blood's gaze was centered firmly upon the frail unicorn in a look of concern, though the flickering of his eyes over the wound made it apparent that he was struggling to contain his thirst. No order was needed from his master, Apothecarium gently lifting Rose up to aid her in standing.

"M-Miss Rose. It's quite alright now. You are safe. Please, this way." At the soothing and familiar voice, she carefully opened her eyes to see the physician.

"A-Apothecarium?" He gave a smile in acknowledgement to her inquiry, leading her slowly down the hall.

"Yes. You need not worry. You are safe. Now, please follow me. We shall ready chambers for you at once. You need to rest." He glanced back at his Lord who remained quite still, gaze centered upon the blood of the carpet. The fabric had soaked up enough of the crimson liquid to deter any growth of roses, yet the scent was strong in the air and Blood visibly fought to hold himself back. Rose noticed the white unicorn's backward glance, turning to look in that direction as well. Her eyes alighted upon the crimson unicorn, widening as she spoke.

" L-Lord?" As the gentle voice reached his ears, Blood looked up, pained in his inaction. His eyes softened for a brief moment as he stepped forward and opened his mouth to speak. All that came however was a rumbling growl of warning. His eyes gleamed red and cold, looking from the wide scarlet eyes of the mare to the fresh wound upon the cheek. He clamped his sharp fangs, spinning to dash away into the shadows. "Lord Blood..." She moved to follow, yet Apothecarium kept a gentle yet firm hold on her shoulder.

"Let him go, Miss Rose. Please do understand, you are not among your own kind here. The Lord means well, but..." He motioned to her cheek and the carpet beneath her. The mare looked, understanding as she saw the still spreading stain. She nodded solemnly, and the physician led her forward once more. "Now, let's get that cut bandaged for you. Then you must rest. You have had quite the evening."

....

Poison

Ryn emerged from the line of trees, shoving his way through the last of the entangling underbrush with a curse. Yet the sight of the carnival grounds before him offered only disappointment. The tents remained in their place, yet all was dark and deserted. Not a soul to be seen in it's midst.

"Wh-what the? How did?!" He hurriedly ran to the closest tents, eyes wide in disbelief. "N-No! No, damn it! Not this too!" First, he had lost Rose to the grasp of another, and now his only chance for answers had vanished along with them. Dejectedly he wandered the grounds, making his way between the tents as he pondered his next move.

Blood had taken Rose somewhere. Far from here if the unicorn had any sense. It's likely that the guards from the castle were on the hunt for Ryn as well. His dungeon escape wouldn't have gone unnoticed for too long, and he expected to see the captain eagerly leading his men to find him. All this, and the gypsy who had brought Rose to this land in the first place had likely up and vanished with the rest of his troupe. The whole of their carnival was a wasteland. Only discarded litter rustled slighlty along the ground as he passed. The pegasus couldn't very well return home either, not after his promise to Zecora and Okiku. He could nearly see the small specter pleading with him. Ryn sighed. His only choice was to continue searching. Comb the whole of the darkened land if he must in order to find Blood and pry Rose from him.

The stallion uttered a few more strings of curses, pausing as a single light caught his eye from somewhere nearby. He squinted his eyes, wandering in the direction of the strange green glimmer before coming to stand outside of a small fortune teller's tent. The light seemed to be issuing from somewhere inside of the building, a single wooden sign marking the entrance. As Ryn read the words printed upon the wooden plaque, he froze.

'The Chamber of Fayt'.

"N-not possible!" Old memories filled his head of similar circumstances, far too familiar to be cast away as mere coincidence. He entered quickly. Sure enough, the whole of the room was aglow with emerald green hues, glinting from jewels set into an empty settee to cast the whole of the chamber into an unnatural shade. In front of this empty seat was a small table, three cards of the tarot deck positioned in the center. Ryn ventured closer, the sense of deja vu threatening to come over him. "Dear Luna...It can't be..."

The first two cards showed clearly in the strange light. The Hanged Mare, and the card Death. Yet the third remained face down, a dagger pinning it to the wooden surface.

No more explanation was needed for the stallion. He rushed from the tent and from the whole of the carnival, hellbent beyond reason to find Rose and get out of the darkened land as quickly as was possible. The first two cards upon the table flipped, floating to the ground in the breeze caused by the stallion's hasty retreat, the red strings in the background also rustling in his wake.

....

Cheery music reverberated through the tavern of a nearby town, Dimitri and Hazel dancing happily upon the wooden tables of the cozy establishment. Nearby, the other gypsies watched with glee, clapping in time as the two continued to cavort without care. The whole of the caravan was fortunate in their escape, fleeing and evading the Rosencroix guards successfully. Now miles away, they were able to kick up their hooves for a bit of relaxation. Even the small mare Roma, the charms salespony of the group, giggled at the antics of the ringleader as he gestured to the barkeep for another round.

Only two other stallions looked upon this scene with disgust and dismay from a darkened table in the corner. Mortis idly rolled a large fange back and forth over the table as Fayt watched with a bemused smirk.

"So, she has escaped then..."

The green unicorn glared up at the other in silent sulking, clearly angered by the hellhound's failure. He pressed the fang against the table before heaving a sigh. "As I have stated before, it was not my fault. Dimitri's pets do not live up to my expectations." He punctuated his sentence with the fang, tossing the object to embed it into an opposite wall. "Still, I believe my role was accomplished well enough, was it not?" He gestured to the skull pendant at his neck, the dagger firmly back in it's concealed position.

Fayt nodded, waiting to speak as a waiter set two glasses in front of them and departed. "Your role is accomplished, but to what purpose? She escaped you, and you have lost your source of blood. Besides, such a pure source would do nothing for your goals. Purity of magic can only go so far. Darkness is the foundations of necromancy after all." A deep chuckle from his dead companion prompted Fayt to raise a curious eyebrow behind his bandages.

"You doubt my methods? She is lost to me, but only for now." The unicorn leaned forward in his seat. "What if I were to tell you, my friend, that in time she will come seeking me? What would you say to that?"

The fortune teller scoffed. "I would wager money against that, yet such an action is Dimitri's forte. Do explain yourself."

A deep shadow played over the necromancer's features as he removed his pendant to set upon the table for the examination of the other. "This is much more than just a weapon, my friend. It is an ancient tool in my trade, dagger specially made for my purposes. You see, the blade itself is coated with a poison. Very rare, and known to cause wild hallucinations. Horrible nightmares, tortuous pain, and finally death if not taken care of properly. Only one antidote can be found, and I have it." Levitating the strange pendant, he twisted one of the wings on it's side to unlock a small cache in the base of the skull. A miniature vial was visible in the compartment's depths, clear in color. After his explanation had been given, he returned the decorative death's head to its normal appearance and replaced it around his throat. The unicorn leaned back in his seat, smirking with assurance of victory as Fayt continued.

"So she will come to seek the antidote. What then? Pure blood, remember?"

"Oh, I have planned for that as well." Mortis nodded. "For you see, I have added something else to my little antidote. Sure, it will cure the poison well enough, but with a slightly unfortunate side effect."

He gave a deep chuckle. "Corruption of a most pure heart, as well as the blood that runs through it!"

...

The halls of the Rosencroix Kingdom echoed shadow and moonlight, each alternating in turn with every pillar passed by the Lord. His steps remained firm, timed only with the thoughts in his head and the pounding of urgent matters in his mind's eye. Too much was at risk here. This was seen easily in his actions taken only an hour or so before. This, yet even more so elsewhere. He had done what he had considered to be the correct choice those years ago, however the differing variables continued to alternate unceasingly. He knew that the castle and outer lying grounds were secure for the time being, yet they would not be an eternal defense against an onslaught of power hungry enemies. How much more frail were the defenses of Ponyville in comparison. He could not chance it, not if it meant even the slightest in differences between life and a fate worse than his.

Ancient Blood sighed. Heavy and unnecessary as it was, there were no other means available to diffuse or even alleviate the ever increasing stress that he had felt. The unicorn paused in the shadow of a pillar, leaning against the cool marble in passive thought. All was spiraling beyond his control and he could do little more than watch at this point.

"All this, and all caused by my selfishness." The grim countenance of the Lord turned upward to stare at the ceiling, remembrances of years ago beginning to flood back with a vengeance. He snarled as Nicolae's grin filled his thoughts. "All from your curse, and my efforts to remove it. If the land had remained as it had been meant to, no one would have sought her out or her blood." He winced at the scene of sacrifice, the scent of her blood once more filling his nostrils.

Not wishing to linger further on the thoughts, Blood continued on his path through the darkened halls. The blackness of the night proved comforting to him in his tormented position, sheltering him from the prying eyes of the moon as he sought to make his way back to the seclusion of his chambers. He paused once more only to glance into a nearby room, the door of which was cracked enough to cause a small line of light to illuminate the outward gloom. Inside was a single candle left upon a nightstand, the gleam of which flickered over Rose's sleeping countenance to dance and mingle with the shadows of the chamber. She seemed at peace in her repose, mouth open slightly in testament to her weariness. The mare's chest rose and fell gently under the sheets. A profound and complete slumber. Still, Blood did not wish to chance any disturbance as he stole gently into the room. How he wished the circumstances of their reunion could have been different. Something kinder, a happier setting. Yet they were what they were, and he was grateful all the same.

Four years had passed since he had last laid eyes on the mare. Four years of remaining silent in his feelings for her. Now as he lingered at her side glancing down at the still form, it seemed that these closely kept and well hidden secrets may at long last burst forth unhindered.

Rose shifted slightly in her sleep. A dream perhaps, yet enough of a movement to bring her left cheek fully out of shadow into the candle's light. The bloodied bandage had become loosened during her rest, and in this last movement pulled away completely to leave the wound visible. The cut had become a deep scar, reddened and angry even in the dim flame's glow. The Lord moved closer, raising a hoof to test the mark. The mare whimpered in pain at the gentle touch, wincing and moving away in unconsciousness. The stallion's brow furrowed and he moved to dissolve into the nearby shadows, soundlessly exiting the room to search for Apothecarium.

...

The Flower and the Weed

In the grip of unseen nightmares and hellish dreams, Rose tossed and turned in agonized torture. Try as she might, it proved impossible to escape from sleep's iron fetters. The darkness in her mind only intensified in it's pitch, the cut of her cheek stinging to further aid in her invisible agonies. Something was terribly amiss, and in the corners of her unconscious state she could feel it. Her mind was unraveling, thoughts frozen in a steep descent that could only slip into the abyss that was madness.

It was here that the dream came. A dark vision creeping like a thick fog to wrap around the legs and cling to the earthen floor before rapidly consuming it's chosen victim.

The mare whirled about in that darkness, neither sleeping nor waking as she stared into the grim void of her mind. Slowly a hollow voice began to resound nearby as two orbs of green flame made their presence known. A familiar haunting melody of a music box began to play in time with the strange entity's approach, echoing in the fathomless distance.

"Well, well... It seems we meet again, Miss Rose. Fate must have seen fit to bind you to me without my knowledge. Or perhaps it is better said that we share a common path in our destinies. Either way, it is more than coincidence that brings me to you this night." The green eyes glimmered, the rest of the unicorn becoming visible as the span between them decreased. She easily recognized the chill tone, as well as the sneer that seemed to accompany it at the other's arrival. Mortis.

"You..." She glared, immediately on her guard before the necromancer as she fought to stay above the influence of the music box.

"Once again you lack the means to escape from me. Even in the arms of unconscious thought you try to evade me, though I shall continue to pursue. Are you prepared to surrender yet, or will we keep playing this pointless game to the ends of time?" He tilted his head in a mocking question.

The dagger's mark upon her cheek stung all the more, and she moved a hoof to cover it. A difficult task. It felt as though her hooves were weighed down, slow to respond to her wishes. "Wh-what have you done? A normal scratch would have healed by now, especially with Apothecarium's care."

The unicorn clucked his tongue in mild disapproval, shaking his head in the fashion of a teacher scolding a student. "Tsk, tsk. Normal is the key to that statement, flower. Remember, you are not in a land considered to be normal by any stretch of the word. Especially when compared to your precious Everfree."

"Then what is it?" She backed away as best as her legs would allow, fearing the worst from the necromancer. "Poison? Is that it?! If I die, you lose your fount of blood. Will you risk that?"

Mortis chuckled. "Not all poison results in instantaneous death, my dear. Yet I wonder...what is the more wicked? Is it better to let a victim perish into the merciful numbness of the grave's embrace, or to watch them suffer in pain for an eternity? My particular brand of poison is mostly the latter. It will not kill, at least not quickly or in the conventional terms." He put a thoughtful hoof to his chin. "How can I best explain this...? Ah, picture this if you will." The stallion moved forward to approach Rose, the latter still struggling to gain control over her leaden hooves. "A healthy flower, beautiful and full of life, is placed in the same planter as a common weed. The flower may continue to thrive for some time, but not without suffering for it. You see, as the flower grows so too shall the other. A weed by nature will entangle it's roots with that of the blossom, drawing all sustenance as it slowly wraps itself about the base." He paced in an ever narrowing circle around her in example, chuckling as he continued his train of thought. "An agonized rose, the last of it's life being suffocated by an outside force. She may continue to exist in such pain both in waking and in slumber, yet soon enough the madness and thoughts of the end will completely ensnare the mind. Will you suffer for eternity or end it by your own hoof. These are the only options." He paused to let this sink in, grinning as he loomed closer. "Or...If the flower is wise, she may attempt to bargain with the weed in exchange for life. What would you say is the correct choice in this scenario?"

Regaining a bit of energy from the adrenaline of anger, she stepped away from the close proximity of the other and shook her head. A glare of disgust leveled at the other's proposition.

"B-Bargain? With the likes of you? Never-AH!" A small cry escaped from her while the words were still fresh on her tongue. Rose grit her teeth as the pain of her cheek continued to burn, scorching past the abrasion to flow through her veins in torture.

Mortis shrugged nonchalantly, moving away from the mare to become a dim shade in the distant blackness of her mind.

"Suit yourself, if that is your decision. Though I cannot help but wonder how much pain you are able to take?" A peal of dark laughter. "All in all, I do hope to be around to see you pass it's boundaries. A descent into madness is always a treat to witness, even more so for the one who has caused it in the first place." He turned back to face her once more, grinning as he dipped into a low bow of departure. "Though, if you do decide that your life is worth living after all, keep my offer in mind. I'll keep close by just in case. Know this: there is but one antidote to the toxin, and I have it. Oh, and pleasant dreams to you, Miss Rose."

With a sinister cackle, the unicorn vanished into the darkness of Rose's mind as another wave of pain swept through her. All through this the mesmeric song of the music box's kept a firm hold, furthering a slip into the shadows.

...

Eyes snapping open, Rose bolted upright in her chamber's bed. Her chest ached for breath as the venomous wound continued to sting without remorse. She moved to rise, getting to her hooves and stepping to examine the pained marking in a nearby mirror. The bandage from Apothecarium's care had slipped sometime during her fitful repose and the cut had become larger, forming an angry red scar beneath the left eye. A small trickle of blood continued to stream from the incision, and she was certain that the bed sheets bore stains from it.

The mare felt a twinge of guilt, remembering how the Lord Blood had fled upon the sight of the open gash. She couldn't face him like this, nor could she stand to watch him run from her again.

It was with a heavy heart that she realized her only hope lie in acceptance to the necromancer's deal. One that she would be loathe to make under any other circumstances. The constant pain of the poison continued, prompting her further in decision as she could not think with such an agonizing infliction. There was only one path from this point and it led directly to Mortis. Rose took a sharp breath to steady her resolve, tossing a cloak from the nearby dresser about her shoulders to ward of the unnatural chill that swept through her.

"Blood...please forgive me..."

...

"I swear to you, Apothecarium. Something was not right. The wound, there was a scent to it. Some strange lingering stench beneath the fragrance of her blood. Are you certain you did not see anything out of the ordinary when you were bandaging the infliction?" Ancient Blood searched the eyes of the physician in earnest as they slowly progressed to the door of Rose's chambers. The white unicorn shook his head.

"Upon my word, Lord. I saw nothing unusual to the injured area save perhaps signs of possible infection." They paused outside the room, Blood turning to fully face the other.

"You are positive? You would be prepared to stake your life on it?"

Such an inquiry caused Apothecarium to lower his head, eyes to the floor as he searched for a fitting response. "I-I mean...it is possible that I have missed something...but I was sure to administer medicine to the area in question. If infection was present, it would have been removed in short order."

The crimson unicorn glowered, turning his gaze to the chamber's entrance in sullen contemplation. "Very well. Continue to assist the guards in their search for the escaped prisoner as well as for the fleeing circus troupe. Too many circumstances have gone awry of late, and I will not stand for further incompetence on behalf of my kingdom. Do I make myself clear?" He waved a hoof in dismissal, and the servant bowed.

"Y-yes, sir. At once."

Blood watched him leave, taking a moment to compose himself before giving a soft tap to the door of the mare's room. "Miss Rose?" His voice softened from the previous tones of harshness, guilt plaguing him from the actions in the great hall. "Pardon my interruption. I wish for a word with you." The ensuing silence only furthered his remorse, and he let his formality slip to the concerned tones of a close acquaintance. "Rose...please allow me to speak frankly. The events in the great hall, for such you have my utmost apologies. I had allowed the thirst for blood to become much too great to handle. Even one such as I cannot control it for all eternity, and your blood...your blood in particular holds a lingering sweetness to it. I was not myself, and could not take such a chance. If something had happened to you, if I had gone so far as to cause you harm...especially after..." he cringed, eloquence failing him as painful remembrance payed in his mind's eye. "...please forgive me for such improper action." Drawing himself fully upright, he moved forward to open the door, slowly entering the midst of the chambers.

"Rose, I have kept my silence for far too long. I must tell you that I..." The words died away as soon as he became better accustomed to the room's lighting.

The single still flickering candle gave enough light to bring the room into dim shadows. A window stood open at the far wall, but the chamber itself was empty.

...

Visitors

A low rumbling growl echoed Blood's mingling despair and anger as he shut the door and stole back out into the darkened hall. His disappointment at Rose's untimely disappearance stabbed at his dead heart, and he opened his mouth to heave a sigh before drawing in additional breath. He began to call to Apothecarium as a resounding crash of shattering glass greeted his summons. Shards rained down, remnants of a nearby window as an inky black figure lunged to slam the roughly against the far stone wall.

Ancient Blood winced at the suddenness of the attack, his head hitting the stone as result of being caught off guard. Soon enough however, the scent of the assailant caused his eyes to narrow in immediate recognition. He took the offensive at once, throwing the intruder from him as though discarding a worn coat. He followed this up, pinning the other to the opposite side of the hall with a hoof to the throat as he glowered down at the familiar pegasus.

"You! Returned once again, have you? For what?! Have you missed the chains that much? Perhaps you have decided upon a death wish for me to fulfill!" Rose's unexplained departure was enough in itself to spark the unicorn's fury, yet Ryn's return to the castle directly afterwards had kindled the flame to a raging fire of burning hatred.

Kuromaru did not respond to the inquiries, pushing away Blood's hoof to better take up a defensive posture as they both glared in turn. Finally, Ryn stamped a hoof. "You know why I'm here. I know you took her. Now tell me where she is, or I'll do the same to you as I did to that hellhound."

Blood laughed harshly. "Are 'you' threatening 'me'? You dare to even assume that you stand a chance against me in combat? Hah! You are more a fool than I had thought! I shall prove it with your death." The crimson Lord took up a warring stance in the narrow passage-way, horn leveled against the other as a blade would be held in combat. "Come then! Fight me and test your resolve!" He lunged, horn slashing at the exposed throat of the pegasus.

Ryn moved away to bring his hoof in a kick to the vampire's shoulder. This was narrowly avoided, each exchanging blow for blow as the struggle led further down the hall.

"You were fool enough to come here at the very beginning. Anypony else would have at least the smallest iota of intelligence enough to avoid this land at all costs, as well as all who inhabit it." Blood let out a snarl as the pegasus flew up to avoid a strike and land a blow to the Lord's side. The unicorn buckled, retaliating with a magical blast that propelled Ryn into the high ceiling before depositing him on the ground below. The stallion struggled to remain upright, the stone archway above crumbling with the arcane spell and nearly falling on top of him.

"I came to help a friend. How many times do I have to repeat myself?!" He rolled out of the way of another beam of magic as Blood continued his barrage.

"You should have watched her more closely in the first place! I have returned her to the Everfree for her own protection. Safety from this realm, land and creatures. If I had known that my efforts were to be proven pointless, then I-"

"You'd what?" Ryn mocked as he ducked under another ray. "You'd have kept her here? With you? Ha!" He scoffed. "That sounds like a far worse fate if you ask me!"

"I DIDN'T ask you!" Blood hissed as he lunged at Ryn, both crashing against a nearby stair railing before plummeting headlong to the landing below.

"A-Ah! Lord Blood!" The commotion had come to land in the Great Hall, Apothecarium rushing over to the scene in concern. Close behind him stood the figure of a petite mare, clothed in green rags and jingling bangles. She observed the three quietly, combatants returning to their feet while keeping a firm glare on the other.

Blood dusted himself off as he glared at Ryn. "Leave my home immediately, lest I summon the guards to forcibly remove you piece by piece." His anger had dissipated for the moment, and he was loathe to fight in the presence of visitors.

"Fine. I'll go, but I'm taking Rose with me." Ryn snorted, firmly planting his hooves on the marble floor in a show of his stubbornness.

"Do you not get it?!" The Lord turned on the pegasus, letting the lurid fire of his eyes blaze forth in open display. "She's gone! Your trip is in vain! You have only succeeded in wasting your time and mine!" He roared loudly, deep-rooted emotion spilling over like venom in his heart-broken words. He turned away to keep his expression from view as Ryn stared in disbelief.

"What?! Oh, this is great! Wonderful! You say I can't protect her, but you can't watch her for five minutes without screwing up! In your own home no less! She's in as much danger out there as she was in here apparently, and now there's no telling where she's gone off to!" A long string of curses punctuated his tirade as the pegasus paced back and forth over the floor of the front hall. Only Apothecarium noticed the quiet mare's mouth open as though she hoped to interject a sentence somewhere.

"U-Umm..."

"If you feel that way, then please remove yourself from my home at once! I shall summon the guards and search the land myself if I must. We will find her without fail."

Ryn laughed mirthlessly at Blood's statement. "Guards? She's not an escaped criminal, for cryin' out loud."

"Uh..I-if you'd excuse me..."

"Of course not!" Blood continued, not heeding the soft spoken guest. "She means more to me than the whole of this kingdom. I will give all to see that she is safe."

The pegasus' lip curled in disgust. "Ugh...don't tell me. You love her, am I right? Fat chance, parasite. I'll let hell freeze over before-"

"My Lord!" The two turned to Apothecarium, the pale unicorn's eyes wide as he stood next to the mare. "Th-this pony says that she knows where Miss Rose is!" He gave a gentle nudge to the mare, pushing her forward as Blood stepped closer to appraise the guest. She trembled under his gaze, cringing as he spoke.

"Who are you? What is your purpose in my land? You claim to know Rose's whereabouts, yet how can I trust this.?"

"S-Sir, I am Roma, a member of the carnival troupe. I-" She was cut off as Blood raised a hoof, guards immediately swarming around the mare.

Ryn lost no chance, leaping between the royal guards and the gypsy. "Hear her out, Blood! Will you really risk this chance to learn Rose's location?"

Blood glared silently for a few moments, finally dismissing the guards, who looked to each other in confusion before returning to their posts. The Lord waited until the last had exited the hall before stepping closer to glare at the two. "You had best start explaining yourself, Miss Roma. Why travel here? Why aid us when the whole of your troupe wishes to thwart our endeavors?"

She bowed respectfully, relieved at Ryn's protective action. "L-Lord Blood, please, I bear no ill will to you our your kingdom. I need your help sir. We all do. The whole of our carnival, and my brother as well."

"Brother?" Apothecarium repeated this last word, leading Roma to sit in a nearby chair. She did so, heaving a sigh as she sank against the cushion.

"Yes, sir. Dimitri. He is my brother, and we are all in terrible danger."

...

Stepping over a fallen branch, Rose cautiously made her way through the maze of dead trees. The darkened silhouette of the castle could just be distinguished far behind her, darkness looming out in front. Her strange meeting with Mortis had not given any clear direction as to where she was to meet him, or even how he could be found in the vast land that was night. The stinging of the poisoned wound did not help in the slightest, making careful thought near impossible in the shadows of the dead trees. The mare sighed, wavering in her resolve. How her heart yearned to return to the castle's chamber and the relative safety in could provide in comparison with the untamed and sinister landscape that now surrounded her.

She moved to take a step backward, yet the snapping of a twig a few feet to her left prompted a quick turn in that direction. Through the thick underbrush, the glow of a lantern accompanied a familiar top hat that was bobbing in her direction. The owner of these looked up at her, grinning ear to ear as he offered a bow.

"Oh! We meet again! How fortunate for me! Though, not so fortunate for you." The gypsy Dimitri chuckled heartily as she glowered in response.

"Dimitri...what are you doing here? Haven't you caused enough harm?" A stabbing pain seared through her cheek, causing the unicorn to wince as the keen eyes of the stallion looked on in interest.

"Actually, I have come looking for you, Miss Rose." He tipped his hat, bowing as he continued. "I am to serve as your escort, and take you to Sir Mortis. He is expecting you soon, and I doubt he would want you...how you say...'damaged' during the delivery. After all, these woods are full of so many horrible creatures. Werewolves...banshees...maybe a hellhound or two..."

Rose's cheeks flushed red with anger at the realization of where Dimitri's loyalties were connected. She stamped a hoof, not caring for the ever increasing pain caused by the scar. "You...you parasite! Siding with Mortis all this time!"

The stallion backed away with an expression of mock hurt. "Now, now... Don't get your petals all ruffled. Besides, is it not better to be a flea on the back of a healthy dog, than the benefactor of such a weak and wilting flower?" As though on cue, the mark on the mare's cheek stung even deeper than it had until that point. Such was the pain, that her legs buckled beneath her, and Rose had to use all of her effort just to remain upright. Dimitri paled slightly at this, hurrying forward to help support her weight and keep her balanced. "Now then, I suggest we hold off any more arguing, at least until a better time. Mortis is waiting, and I'm pretty certain that you want this pain ended as quickly as possible, yes?"

As loathe as she was to admit it, Rose knew Dimitri was right. She nodded solemnly, the pain ebbing for the moment and she stumbled away from his support and sighed.

"...Lead on, Dimitri."

He grinned, removing his hat to bow before picking up the lantern and gesturing to a small side path. Rose followed in silence, allowing him to lead her deeper into the ever darkening forest.

Lich's Phylactery

"Danger you say?" Ancient Blood questioned the gypsy's statement as the mare sipped a cup of warm tea that Apothecarium had been sent to fetch. She nodded into the cup, savoring the soothing taste as she looked back up at the others in the room. Blood kept his eyes on her, measuring each word carefully while also searching for any change in her expressions that could indicate a fabrication of the truth. Ryn paced close by, fuming as he occasionally turned to stare outside one of the drawing room's large windows. Apothecarium also watched Ryn's actions curiously before turning to meet Roma's gaze. He gave a soft smile, urging her to continue her story.

"Ye-yes, Lord. Not too long ago, we were traveling over the moors near the village of Graveskye. It was there that we met a strange traveler. He claimed to show interest in our group, and that he wished to fund the carnival. Of course, my brother jumped at this chance, not even caring about the strange pony's stipulations." She sighed, shaking her head as she thought back. "First, he wished for us to allow his friend into the carnival. I suppose they had traveled together before we came along. Then he wanted us to hold onto a small music box for him, and play it every evening. Strange box too. It has a green glow inside of it...and that music..." She shuddered despite the warmth of the beverage in her hooves as Blood and Ryn turned with wide eyes to meet her gaze.

"Music Box?!" They spoke together, glaring at one another as Roma leaped to her feet. "Y-yes! You know of it? Oh, what a horrible object. I fear that it has a different purpose to it. Something far more sinister than the song it hides."

The unicorn nodded in agreement. "Your brother brought it here when he visited last. Offered it up as a gift, though I sent it away with him after he saw fit to play it in my presence." He turned away with the memory, knowing that the incident could well have been the beginning cause of Rose's current situation.

"I saw him play it too!" Ryn spoke up as he trotted over to where the others had gathered. "Rose was in a caravan with him in the Everfree. He was playing it for her, I think. There was a green glow, but he vanished before I could get a closer look."

"She has seen it?" Roma frowned. "No good...All of the carnival troupe has been in the presence of that box. They have seen it played, and heard it's haunting melody. After that first night... after it was played for me once, I ran whenever it was in sight. It holds power over them all, and the strange patron is the one to blame. You must believe when I say we were innocent, for I have seen them change before my very eyes. With each playing of the melody, his power grows over them all, this 'Mortis' and his box. When it is not being played, he keeps it well hidden. He is the only one to touch it, him and my brother."

The white stallion retrieved the now empty tea cup, setting it on a nearby tray as he mused on the box and owner. "Miss Roma, this Mortis fellow, has he any special abilities? Any skill or profession to speak of?"

The gypsy nodded as she thought. "I remember him once telling my brother that he was a scholar. That he specialized in ancient texts and rites of death. Then again, he was speaking with his friend once before. Something about necromancy and..."

"Ah, that solves it then!" Apothecarium grinned, pacing to the room's small bookshelf to retrieve a thick volume. He levitated this in front of him and flipped to a worn section of faded text. "I believe that Sir Mortis' true nature is that of a lich. It seems the only plausible explanation. Please, see here." He set the book down for the others to see, pointing to one paragraph in particular.

A lich is a type of undead creature. Often such a creature is the result of a transformation, as a powerful magician uses spells or rituals to bind his intellect to his animated corpse and thereby achieve a form of immortality. Liches are depicted as being cadaverous, their bodies pale, shabby, desiccated or even completely skeletal in some cases. Liches are often depicted as holding power over hordes of lesser undead creatures, using them as soldiers and servants.

Unlike zombies, which are often depicted as mindless, a lich retains independent thought and is usually at least as intelligent as it was prior to its transformation. Liches can be distinguished from other undead by their phylactery. This is an item of the Lich's choosing into which they imbue their soul, giving them immortality until the phylactery is destroyed.

Shutting the book, Apothecarium set a hoof to his chin in thought. "Miss Roma, you said that he allows no other but himself and Dimitri to touch this box? That it contains a power most unusual and through it he seeks to exert power over the carnival members? This may be a stretch of my imagination, yet I do believe it is quite possible that Mortis is a lich. Also, that this 'phylactery' may be the music box. His soul is tainted with such a dreadful power and he uses it to infect others."

"Th-then my brother?" Roma paled as the physician's words began to connect the string of strange occurrences of the carnival.

"He and the others should be safe if we hurry." He set a comforting hoof on her shoulder, turning to Ryn and Blood as he continued. "I fear though, that he has an underlying plan. One that could prove far worse should we remain inactive. My Lord, do you remember Dimitri's inquiry when he first arrived here?"

The Lord paled. "He plans to use her blood..."

"Eternal life for lifelessness." Apothecarium nodded grimly.

"What? Wait, explain!" Ryn stood between them, turning his eyes to each in turn. "You mean Nicolae wasn't the end of this spilling blood nonsense?!"

Neither spoke.

"Damnit! We can't wait any more! Let's go!"

The sentiment was echoed by the other three as Blood turned to Apothecarium and Roma. "Both of you are to remain here. I will not risk any more lives. Kuromaru..." He glowered at the pegasus who nodded.

"Yeah, I know. We finish this after she's safe."

The gypsy bowed to the three, tearing up as she spoke. "The caravans are close by. There is an abandoned cathedral near the far end of the Dead Forest. They call it 'Sanctuary'. Please, destroy that box. B-bring my brother back to me. My real brother." Her words collapsed into sorrowful cries as the white unicorn consoled her. Nothing else needed to be said. Both of the stallions raced from the castle at breakneck speeds. Ryn flapped his wings as soon as he cleared to doorway, taking off into the night sky as Blood faded into the shadows.

Antidote

"Come now, it isn't much further. Sanctuary lies straight ahead!"

The last of the underbrush seemed the thickest as Rose and Dimitri finally broke free from the confines of the Dead Forest. What stood before them now was an old and forsaken cathedral, looming tall in it's advanced state of decay. What once must have been enchanting stained glass windows were now nothing more than multicolored shards of glass teetering precariously in their wrought iron frames. Rose took this all in at a glance, the pain of her cheek not allowing time for a closer examination. It urged her forward as Dimitri led the way around the dilapidated structure. He kept silent for the most part, only the hum of a cheery tune from his lips as the lantern's glow bobbed along the cobblestone path to cast long shadows on the cold ground.

The scenery that lay beyond the old cathedral chilled the mare to the bone as they passed a creaking gate. Her eyes scanned a darkened stretch of earth dotted with statues of a bygone era, tombstones and crumbling mausoleums. A graveyard long forgotten.

The worst however, was still to come. She knew this well as the light of the lantern illuminated a curving stone path. The winding passage lead to a steep flight of stairs, where a tall mausoleum was situated at the very top of these. It was perhaps the largest in the ancient burial ground, as far as she could tell. Seated at the base of these steps were several figures, bathing in the shadows of the lofty vault. They remained seated as the two travelers approached; all but the central figure who raised himself up with a smirk as he stepped forward to offer a mocking bow.

"At last. We meet again, my poisoned flower." Mortis' voice grated heavily on Rose's nerves as she offered a glare in response. This caused a laugh from the speaker, carrying through the others to form a cacophonic symphony fully terrifying due to the macabre surroundings. Rose shivered and moved to take a step backwards, however Dimitri followed behind to nudge her forward as he set down the lantern and grinned.

"As promised, Sir Mortis. I have brought her to you in one piece." He chuckled, puffing out his chest in pride. "No easy task, either. This one, she is...how you say... to be handled with care." He sauntered over to join the figures on the steps, now discernible as carnival members in the lantern's light. Mortis stepped forward a few more paces, examining the mare closely.

"You have done well in this, Dimitri, and not a moment too soon." He paused near to her left side, looking closely at the angry scar on her cheek. "The poison is quicker than I had thought."

Rose backed away from the close proximity, glaring indignantly at the necromancer. "You have what you wanted. I have come here willingly to bargain with you, even though I have nothing. If you seek power, you are foolish. Riches, ignorant. I hold none of these, and you waste your time."

The unicorn smirked at the mare's brave display, a slight hint of impress in the depths of his green eyes. "If you had nothing to bargain with, my dear, you wouldn't have come in the first place." She paled at his words, yet he continued to further drive the chill through her. "Riches mean nothing to the dead, and if you for one moment expect me to believe you are powerless, well...that would make you the foolish one, wouldn't it?" He chuckled, moving to levitate a familiar box from the top step leading to the vault of the deceased. He brought this to hover just before Rose, as she paled in recognition of the device. "Oh? Do you recognize my music box? How would you like me to let you in on a little secret? This is more than what it seems to be. Within this box lies the ability for me to view one's greatest wish. The innermost desire of their mortal and immortal heart. Impressive, is it not?" He moved closer still, grinning as a hoof slid along the lid of the container. "It has shown me much, Rose. Including a wish made by one you are familiar with. A great figure in this land if I am not mistaken." The necromancer chuckled at the confused expression that now adorned her countenance. "Your lifeblood holds power, that much is true, yet you hold another ability as well. One that hasn't yet been made known, even unto you. Look! See for yourself!"

Without further delay, Mortis flung back the lid of the box to fill the area with an absinthe glow. The mesmeric notes filled the air, hauntingly lingering on the ears of all who listened. Rose's body felt even heavier, yet try as she might, she could not remove her eyes from the box nor the contents hidden inside. A small sphere hovered there, reflective of an earlier scene within the throne room of Rosencroix. She saw Blood in a similar state, the music box lowered before him as the green glimmer cast elongated shadows over his calm visage.

"Even your great Lord has made a wish upon this music box. One for you, flower. For the Immortal Rose, and for her heart." His low chuckle became a raucous laughter as slowly the members of the carnival troupe rose from their places to approach the box. Each face was upturned, riveted on it's glow and called by the spellbinding melody. Even Dimitri lurched forward with the others to heed it's call as Mortis continued. "You see now, little Rose? I hold the greatest bargaining ticket of all. You!"

She saw Blood within the sphere, looking at a similar glowing orb as it hovered before him. Within, a single red rose was scarcely visible. "L-Lord Blood..." Clenching her eyes tightly shut, the mare fought with all her might against the music and the box's unnatural hold. She inwardly cursed her rash action and speedy flight from the safety of the castle into the arms of danger. "It was a trap...all along..." The poison mattered not now, even though it continued to sting deep. "No....No, I will not bargain! I will not make a deal with you!" She opened her eyes to fully glare at Mortis, stepping forward in her defiance of the necromancer and his music box. Even though the pain was all the more evident, the hold of the device was gone from her.

"Such a strong will you have..." The lich muttered in annoyance. "However, it matters not. You will not bargain to save your own life? Fine then..." He turned to gesture to Hazel, who approached to stand next to Mortis. Her gaze was still on the music box, far gone under it's influence as the stallion grinned. "Maybe instead, you will bargain to save another!"

Rose paled, glancing back and forth between the two. "Wh-what do you...?"

"Let me see...how can I make this perfectly clear to you?" He stood directly behind Hazel, levitating the hidden blade of his pendant to hover at her throat. "Do as I say, and not only will I give you the antidote to your poison, but I will also spare this pathetic carnival." He glowered darkly, punctuating the threat by moving the dagger's tip to dig into the flesh of the young pony's neck.

"Y-you wouldn't..."

"Mortis!" Dimitri spoke up behind the two, struggling with the spell of the still playing music. He wobbled forward, looking very nervous as he regarded the necromancer and the filly. "Wh-why are you doing this, my friend? Please... the joke has gone too long. Do not continue in this manner. We... we all are a troupe, yes? A family, right?"

No answer was given by word of mouth, only the sickening tear of the dagger slicing through flesh as Mortis slit the orange pony's throat. His eyes gleamed in madness as silence ensued, the little witch's body hitting the cold earth as blood seeped into the dirt. Rose stumbled backward, trembling at the horrifying sight.

"N...No....." She raised a hoof to her mouth, tears threatening to overflow from her eyes. Dimitri slowly moved forward in a daze, staring down in disbelief at the lifeless form.

"H-Hazel?" His voice was soft as he put out a gentle hoof to stroke the small foal's mane.

A move made in vain.

The necromancer thrust the dagger forward, striking Dimitri in the stomach. He sneered coldly as the stallion doubled over to hit the dirt.

"Pathetic. Weak. All of you. Such easy pawns in my game. All for what?" He stepped over the two, music box still playing on in requiem as his eyes focused once more on the terrified mare. "You realize now that I am quite serious. Well," he grinned. "Do we have a deal, or must I kill another?" He beckoned to a mint colored mare in the midst of the troupe, her jeweled eyes glazed over by the music box's power.

"W-Wait!" She shivered, not caring that the tears had overflowed to mingle with the bloodied ground. Her head hung in sorrow and surrender as a faint whisper left her lips. "...You win. I will make the deal..."

Mortis' grin widened to near horrific proportions as he moved forward. The dagger of the pendant returned to it's sheathed position as a bottle of clear liquid was removed from it's depths. "Good girl. You've made a wise choice." He levitated the small vial to the mare, uncorking it as he did so. "Drink then, and the deal will be made."

She sighed heavily, closing her eyes and opening her mouth to the offered potion.

"Rose! ROSE!"

She blinked, not certain if the voices she heard now were part of a dream, or even just wishful thinking on her part. Still, they became louder, and she turned toward the sound. Mortis did the same, hateful glare centering upon the source of the untimely interruption.

Ancient Blood and Ryn Kuromaru were quickly dashing toward the mausoleum steps, closing the distance in mere seconds.

Mortis turned to regard a figure hidden in the shadows of the vault. A single entity who had been merely observing til this point. Fayt. A single nod conveyed the command as the cloaked stallion rose from his spot to make a single gesture in the air. At his command, red strings intertwined, winding about every afforded surface to enclose the scene in a crimson web. Ryn hastily attempted to fly through this, tangling himself almost instantly. The crimson unicorn adopted a more cautious approach, yet the strands were everywhere. He snarled in anger, turning to Rose with a fearful gaze. "Rose..."

The mare turned to Ryn and Blood, eyes meeting theirs as her legs moved to begin a run toward the safety of their company. She would have chanced a smile even, save for the cold hoof that suddenly gripped her shoulder in a restraining motion.

“Have you changed your mind, flower? I’m afraid it is far too late now.”

She turned to glare at Mortis as he leered down with a smirk of satisfaction.

“The deal is made. An antidote to the poison in exchange for your unwavering cooperation. Or do you wish to die that badly?” Her chest ached, poison having traveled quickly through her system to begin an attack of her heart.

“R-Rose!” The cry of her friends seemed far off, fuzzy and muffled to her ears as she struggled to remain standing.

The grip on her tightened, Mortis forcefully lifting her up as he held the uncorked potion to her tightly sealed lips.

“Drink and live in servitude, or refuse my aid and die. Which is the better?” She remained silent, pulling away from the offered liquid. This did nothing to deter the other however, and he grinned darkly. A slow laugh built in his throat, becoming louder as the jewel of his forehead gleamed a venomous hue. “Hah! Foolish flower. As though you had a choice in the first place!”

With one swift movement, he emptied the container’s contents in his own mouth and shattered the now empty bottle against the cold ground. The mare's eyes widened as he gripped the base of her neck pulling her struggling form forward until his lips pressed firmly to her own in a transfer of the elixir.

A kiss of the damned.

....

Rainy Night

The telltale pitter-pattering of raindrops resounded upon the roof of the Okikoffee Cafe as the small ghostly owner watched from a nearby window. She let out a long sigh as the rain cascaded down the glass, placing her head between her hooves to watch the storm's progression. Ever now and again something on the street outside would catch her eye, and she'd quickly jump up for a better view. Still, the result of each was the same and she would let out a little whimper before returning to her spot.

It had seemed ages to her since Ryn had waved cheerfully before exiting the small coffee shop to journey to Miss Zecora's hut deep in the Everfree forest, and the festivities for Nightmare Night were scheduled to begin promptly at sundown the next day. Okiku's gaze turned slowly from the water stained window to glance over the cafe's interior. She had decorated excessively, paper jack-o-lanterns, streamers and glowing lights strung over nearly every surface. No expanse had been spared this treatment, as she excitedly busied herself to aid in time's passing. There had been no sign of her friend since that time, not even a letter or message from word of mouth and the young filly was beginning to worry.

A small bell above the door chimed to indicate the arrival of a patron and the little ghost looked up expectantly as she always did. Her blue eyes sparkled as she gazed onward, dulling back to sadness as a pale pink pegasus entered in the place of Ryn. Still, her sorrow was short lived as she smiled and floated over to the customer. The pony shook off the excess water, purple mane dripping.

"Oh! Selathiel! Welcome to the Okikoffee Cafe!" Okiku smiled and gave a small curtsey as she hovered near. "What brings you out here so late, and in this weather no less? Meep! You must be frozen solid!" She hurriedly brought over a small dish towel in an attempt to aid the other. The pony chuckled, smiling back at the young ghost.

"Aw, that's okay, Miss Okiku. I came to see if you are all set for Nightmare Night tomorrow. Though...," He paused, surveying the small shop and it's decor. "by the looks of it, I don't need much answer." The ghost giggled in turn, nodding her head twice.

"Meep! Yep yep! We are all set here! I've decorated the cafe, carved the jack-o-lanterns, got my costume all set, baked the goodies and stocked bags of candy for all the trick-or-treaters too!" She counted off her list on her hooves. "What about you? Are you ready?"

"You bet!" The pegasus beamed. "I'm going to be an accountant...of souls!" He laughed evilly as a bit of lightning flashed from the window. The small ghost bolted under a nearby table, peeking out in embarrassment for her action.

"Meep! Heh..that sounds scary!" She floated back out to settle behind the counter as the other continued.

"Ah, not really. I just wanted to make it interesting. I'll have to head back soon, but could I possibly get a cup of hot cocoa to go? It's getting chilly out there."

"Sure thing! One cocoa coming up!" She scurried to prepare the hot drink as Selathiel took another good look around the small cafe. All the tables and chairs were empty. "Huh, looks like a slow evening. I guess everypony is either getting finished preparing or not wanting to venture out in this downpour. What about Ryn? He's probably upstairs, huh?"

The ghost set the warm cocoa down on the table, carefully adding a few marshmallows with a sad sigh. "No, he went out to find Miss Rose. I guess she went on a trip or something without telling him. He said something about a caravan, but he was mumbling so much I couldn't tell. Ryn-Ryn promised though. He promised to be back with Rose in time for Nightmare Night." She nodded. "I-I just hope they get here soon. Trick or treating will be no fun alone."

Selathiel looked at the filly in concern before pulling her into a soft hug and smiling. "Well, I'm sure Ryn will keep his promise, but just in case, you can always go trick or treat with me, okay?" The ghost sniffled and looked up.

"R-Really?"

"Of course!" He chuckled, taking a sip of the cocoa. "What could be better than trick-or-treating with a real ghost pony? We'll get tons of candy for certain."

Okiku smiled, giggling at the thought. "Yay! Thank you so much, Sel!"

"Anytime. Now then," He set a few bits down onto the counter, picking up the cocoa as he did so. "I'll need to be heading out. It's getting late and I need to finish carving my jack-o-lantern too. Have a good night, Miss Okiku. Oh! Thank you for the cocoa too!" He waved, exiting the cafe and taking to the stormy skies as Okiku watched and waved.

It was only as the last traces of her friend disappeared beyond the clouds that she allowed the smile to slip from her features to be replaced by a lonely sadness once again. She turned her gaze to the floor in though, pondering for several moments before shaking away the thoughts of negativity.

"Nono, Oki! Ryn-Ryn will keep his promise, I'm sure of it. He'll be here before Nightmare Night, we just have to be patient." She gave a nod of determination, wiping down the counter tops. "It's about time to close up shop anyway. Nopony else will come in during this storm, and we need plenty of sleep for trick-or-treating tomorrow."

She turned away from the counter to close up the pastry display case as the chiming bell announced another arrival.

"I'm sorry, but we are closed now. Please come again tomor-MEEP!"

She turned around to see a handful of dark unicorns enter the cafe. They seemed far too preoccupied to notice her, each wandering the expanse of the small shop, looking under tables, and examining the floors and chair. One in the center seemed to direct the group, barking out orders from beneath a red beret.

"E-Excuse me, sir..." She spoke up timidly from her spot, not daring to venture any closer to the unfamiliar ponies. "W-We are closed right now, so you might want to come back..." The leading unicorn turned to the ghost, blinking at the small apparition as he spoke.

"Odd. We are clearly in the realm of normal ponies, yet you are not normal by any means. Tell me, specter, what is this place?"

"T-this is my shop... the Okikoffee Cafe, sir. M-May I help you..."

The unicorn approached the counter, standing tall as he looked down the bridge of his snout at the small ghost. "We are the Royal Guards of Rosencroix here on official business. My name is Luferius, Captain to the Lord Ancient Blood." A pony next to him unfurled a small scroll for her examination. The parchment was yellowed, but bore a crimson seal near the bottom. "Do you know what that means?" He glowered down at the ghost as she held up a small cookie as a shield.

"F-Free biscotti?"

Luferius sighed, continuing as Okiku nibbled nervously on the treat. "We have tracked the prints of a gypsy caravan to the forest outskirts of this town and are looking for information regarding their current location. They are members of a carnival troupe on the run from the land Aelor. Have you seen any ponies that could fit such a description?" She shook her head and he continued. "I thought not. Their scent is in the forest but nowhere in this area. However..." He leaned down to sniff at the ghost, who cringed and shut her eyes tight in response. The guard pulled back, raising an eyebrow. "We are also searching for a certain pegasus in this town, and his scent is all over this building. Are you familiar with one known as 'Ryn Kuromaru'?"

"Meep?! Mister Ryn-Ryn?! Where is he? Is he okay? He's not hurt is he?" She flailed her small hooves in a panic.

This reaction surprised the guard, who turned to converse with the others. "So, he is not here?"

"W-Well no. He went on a journey, though he also talked about a caravan. See, he said a gypsy took our friend Rose with him, and they went shopping, or something like that."

Luferius pondered this information, nodding now and again. "I see. They are still in Aelor then." With a single gesture, the guards saluted as the captain addressed them. "There is nothing here. We return to Rosencroix. Now!"

In single file, the unicorns returned to the downpour outside, Luferius trailing after as Okiku watched. At the entrance, he paused to turn back and address the small shopkeeper.

"A word of warning, little one. Kuromaru is a dangerous entity and wanted within our kingdom. It would be wise to remove yourself from his company." With a tip of his beret, he left.

A flash of lightning blinded the small ghost as she raced to the window but by the time it cleared, they were gone. Already she could feel her face growing even more pale as she scanned the skies with a small prayer.

"R...Ryn-Ryn...be safe..."

An Army of Death

A stray bolt of lightning crashed down to earth near the run down cemetery, filling the area with a blinding light and roaring thunder. Ryn and Blood's illuminated faces echoed similar expressions of grief, anger, heartache and fury as they struggled with the relentless strings of Fayt. The blind unicorn kept a firm hold over his magic, the crimson threads never slackening in the slightest as they tightened around the throats of the two. The necromancer Mortis removed Rose from his embrace, lips curling into a smirk of satisfaction as he took in her fearful expression. Without another thought he forcefully knocked her down. sweeping her legs from under her to ensure the potion's path as her body hit the ground. She swallowed the elixir with a grimace, effect nearly instantaneous as she doubled over with a new wave of agony. A green glow encompassed the scar on her cheek before slowly fading til not a trace of it remained visible upon the snowy flesh.

"Pathetic mortals, all of you! You make things all too easy for me. Hah! Even your so called 'immortals' can barely call themselves that much. Immortal in body perhaps, but still with an all too mortal heart. So easily ensnared with such emotions as love and concern." Mortis grinned as he stood over Rose, a manic cackling resonating with the dwindling thunder. The lightning gleamed fiercely over his eyes, giving the already crazed unicorn an even more bizzare appearance. He was far gone, drunk with the power that lay before him and the taste of victory so close to his grasp. A light drizzle of rain began to fall upon the scene, dirt becoming mud and blending with the still flowing blood as Dimitri struggled to right himself.

"M-Mortis...you...," he coughed, blood staining his lips in the process.

The dead unicorn paused in his laughter, turning his head at a sickening angle to better see his victim. "I, what?" He wheeled on the injured stallion, quickly moving forward to give a joyous kick to the fresh wound. Dimitri winced, crying out as the edges of flesh torn open even further. "I removed the weak from my way? I cleared my path to victory through the blood and flesh of others? You'll need to be more specific in your statements." The manner of his movement seemed almost dance-like as he cavorted in triumph, Fayt smirking at the other's actions.

The gypsy Dimitri's eyes rolled back into his head, body going limp from the profuse pain as the lich sneered. "Weak. Tell me, Dimitri? What good is your precious gold now? Will it buy you a coffin for royalty? A funeral fit for a king? Nono, you must die as you lived, and I will do you the honor of a shallow grave." He turned away to kick dirt upon the stallion, the rain picking up in intensity as droplets fell from his coat. In another fit of laughter, he glanced over at Ryn and Blood, finding humor in their wrathful expressions. "Oh? Will you speak as well, hmm? Do tell, do tell. I'd like to know your thoughts." He andvanced toward them, letting the dagger hover as his eyes trailed the blade to estimate the distance to the entangled pair. A sudden flicker of thought passed over him, eyes widening as the idea fully manifest.

"Hmm..no...nono...WAIT! I have a much better idea!" His eyes roamed over to the fallen mare, and he hurried to pull the dazed pony back to her hooves. Rose wobbled under the influence of the strange potion, her eyes seeming far away as Mortis set the dagger before her.

"What better way to reward your efforts, my dear gentlecolts? I shall let you die by the one who you have both tried so desperately to save!" He urged her forward, grinning as the struggle from the strings began anew. "Oh, no need to thank me. Consider it a mercy killing. Oh.. wait..." Mortis shook his head, mockingly putting a hoof to his chin as he looked over to the mesmerized audience of carnival members. He sighed, long and unnecessary. "I suppose a promise is a promise..." The lid to the music box slammed shut, the troupe blinking as they began to come to. The mint colored mare Taffy shook her head, blinking as she looked down to where Dimitri lay near her hooves. With a panicked scream she bolted, the cry being taken up by the others as they all scrambled to get as far from the cemetery as possible.

"Yes! Run! Run away!" The lich called after them between peals of thunder. "Leave or die!" The rain fell as they disappeared into the outer-lying forest, each fleeing for their lives while Fayt watched.

Only few were left standing. Dimitri and Hazel covered with rain and mud upon the earthen floor, unseeing witnesses to the madness of the necromancer. Fayt stayed concentrated on the strings as Blood and Ryn glowered down at Mortis.

"Tch, coward. Couldn't stand an audience? Some all powerful being, you are." Ryn mocked the other from his position. "Look at you. Using a helpless victim in your place. What's the matter? Is my blood to filthy for even you?!"

Blood leveled his glare to the pegasus at his side. "You choose this of all times to antagonize him? You do realize we are not in a position of bargaining."

"Listen to your friend," Mortis warned. "Maybe your death will be less painful."

Ryn continued as though the two had remained silent. "Oh, the all powerful necromancer. Too scared to do his own work. Kill a filly? Psh, easy. Stab a swindler? Child's play. Oh, but he doesn't dare dirty his own hands to get rid of the real adversary. What's the matter? Did you come back to life part chicken?" He strained against the tightened strings as Mortis clenched his teeth in a furious grin. Pulling Rose close to his side, he slid the dagger's blunt edge down her throat.

"I don't waste my time with pests. I'll leave that to my little flower here. But first..." He shifted his gaze to Blood, whom had lunged angrily against the strings at the sight of the dagger upon the mare. "Your 'Highness', I regret to inform you that I'll be removing you from your position. I'm the ruler of this land now. You've ruled in the blood of others for far too long."

"I will not allow it. The instant you pass the boundary into my domain, my guards will have you surrounded. Dead or not, you will be stopped." The lord held his head high, even in the middle of the restraints. "Life blood is everlasting, as are the blood crystals of old."

"Oh, but that's the thing about blood..." Mortis kept a close watch on the others as he flipped the dagger to press the sharp edge to Rose's coat. "There is only so much blood in one body. It drains away to leave behind the gleaming bones. And that is how my reign will begin!" The dagger made a shallow cut to the unicorn's throat as the blood underneath began to well up and drip to the earth below. Rose didn't seem to feel it however, her eyes glazed over in unquestioning obedience.

The ground received the blood immediately, petals from the magical energies littering the ground even as the soil began to rumble. "Blood for bones...blood for bones...blood for bones!" Mortis chanted as the rain-softened earth gave way to reveal skeletal remains of ages past. The bits of flesh and bone from the decaying bodies slowly merged, each becoming full figures of horrendously disfigured skeletons. "Blood for bones...my army of death and the life eternal which awaits!" The eye sockets glowed green with the lich's power as the lightning flickered high above. "Come, my army! Tonight we storm Rosencroix!" The roar of impending victory was taken up by the clattering of bones, an unholy orchestra in the endless night. Mortis stood at the front, turning to grin at his captive audience and the mare that stood close by. He tossed the dagger to her hooves with a grin.

"Finish off these pests, dear flower. If you do well enough, I may consider sparing you. After all, the prettiest of roses can grow on the darkest of graves. I may have more use for you yet." The necromancer chuckled at the responding curses from Ryn and Ancient Blood before he turned to beckon to the fortune teller close by. "Come, Fayt! Let us take what is rightfully ours! All of Aelor will be under our command and then, Equestria!"

Fayt

Fayt wore a bemused smirk as his bandaged visage followed the sound of the departing horde through the pouring rain. It was only as the clatter of bones was near imperceptible that he straightened up and moved from his position, strings slackening only slightly as he crossed the area to stand beside Rose.

"Peculiar, is it not?" he mused. "Mortal beings, living or dead often keep only a single goal in mind. In some cases, the will of the individual is so strong as to manifest even long after death has laid it's claim." He gave a silent chuckle. "Ah, I remember a similar instance...but that is a story for a different time." The unseeing gaze fell on Ryn, and his grin widened.

"Hello, Kuromaru. It seems we meet once again. Have you recognized me at all?" No response as Ryn seethed with an all too evident fury. "...I guess so." Fayt made a small gesture as the strings vanished and the two prisoners dropped to the damp earth below.

Ryn was on his hooves in an instant, scrambling to charge in attack at the blind fortune teller who simply watched as a wall of red strings wove itself in a barrier between the two.

"Ah-ah...a little hasty, aren't we? You seem to be focusing on the wrong opponent." He nodded his head to Rose, trembling as she tried to hold the borrowed blade steady. Ancient Blood was at her side, cautious concern etched on his brow as he attempted to reason with her.

"Rose...Miss Rose, can you hear me?" Her dull eyes showed no sign of recognition as Fayt responded in her place.

"No, she cannot hear you. In fact, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if were were nothing but blurred shapes to her eyes."

Blood glared darkly at the speaker while Ryn gave an angry snarl. "What have you done?"

"Me?! You would attempt to pin this on me?" The tone was of mock hurt and indignation as the red wall dissipated to leave a few remaining threads strung in the air. The raindrops gathered upon these as though they were morning dew glistening on a spider's web. Fayt walked through this unhindered, pausing by the remaining shards of the empty potion vial. "I did nothing. If you wish to lay blame on anypony at all, blame the necromancer. The potion was his and none of mine. A fairly harmless one, actually."

"You call this harmless?!" The crimson unicorn hissed as he stood protectively over the mare.

Fayt moved in a blur of red to pass behind Blood. He sauntered over to where Rose stood, continuing his words as though uninterrupted.

"A simple elixir to clear the mind of all thought and leave the affected in a highly obedient state of mind. I've seen similar used before. She will listen only to the suggestions of the one who administered the draught. As for you, well you might as well attempt to talk to the tombstones nearby. It may do you more good." He waved a hoof before the mare's eyes to better demonstrate his point. She did not blink nor startle as the pale unicorn pushed a few loose strands of mane from her eyes. Ryn however, leaped between the two, glaring daggers at him.

"Don't you DARE touch her, Fayt." He bristled, snarling at the fortune teller as Blood took up a similar stance opposite to better block in Mortis' companion.

"I must agree with Kuromaru in this. You hindered our progress, and are clearly not an ally here." Ancient Blood lowered his horn blade-like toward Fayt, however the bandaged face showed no sign of remorse. Only the same bemused smirk of earlier as he regarded the two.

"Oh? You would waste time with me in this? The Kingdom Rosencroix is being brought under attack and yet here you both are, threatening a blind bystander. Why is this?" He gave a thoughtful glance between the two, a single raised eyebrow the only indication of such. Soon enough he let his line of sight fall to Rose and he grinned.

"Ah...that's right. Of course." His sarcasm grew with his words. "How silly of me to have forgotten so soon. The two of you; a solemn Lord who turned his back on his garden for a split second, only to find his most beloved blossom missing." He gave a mock bow before turning from Ancient Blood to Ryn. "...And you, a would-be protector whose countless failures haunt him even to this day. So very different you both are, yet the strings of your heart share a common passage." He motioned to the remaining strands hanging in the air, twisting and weaving about as they circled the scene. "You see them, do you not? The heartstrings. You would both wish to intertwine your string with hers. To share a fate, correct?" He scoffed. "Love. An emotion I never will understand. Such a horrid thing to watch as the heart is pulled to and fro. Why would anyone wish for such a ghastly feeling. You both love, and for what purpose? One heart and you both want it. Ah, but this will not be. I will not allow for it."

Ryn's front hoof stamped hard on the ground. "Enough of your talk, Fayt!"

"Oh, yes. I agree. The time for talk is at an end, and I must not keep Mortis waiting. However, there is one more thing that I must do..." Raising his hoof high, the blind stallion pointed to Rose. He made a few passes in the air, gesturing as a slight glow encompassed the area. The mare cringed, her eyes echoing the gleam as a bright red string emerged from the area of her heart. It twisted in accordance to Fayt's motions before knotting tightly and returning to it's proper place.

Satisfied with his work, Fayt turned to face the horrified expressions of Ryn and Blood with a smug grin.

"Fate cannot change from it's destined path. Especially when it is I who chooses it. For now, I leave you both with a choice. I know full well what is to happen yet the path is no fun without a few twists and turns. Kill or be killed. End the flower's life, or perish by her thorns."

He turned to Ryn, tossing a single card to land at the ground before him. A flicker of lightning illuminated the object, identifying it as the card 'The Tower', torn in the center. Ryn's eyes widened as he gazed upon it, instantly remembering the card and the dagger at the carnival.

"The Tower," Fayt intoned. "A card about war, a war between the structures of lies and the lightning flash of truth. All you believe is about to come tumbling down around you, Kuromaru, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.Ah, when the time comes, I shall truly enjoy cutting your string. "

A roaring thunder shook the earth as the storm above strengthened in it's intensity. Fayt gave a final bow, raising up his head once more to replace the hood of his faded cloak over his head as a bolt of lightning crashed down behind him. Ryn and Blood cringed at the harsh light, both shielding their eyes before charging forward in simultaneous attack.

The act was in vain. Fayt had vanished from the spot entirely, Rose standing in his place. Gone was the dazed expression from her eyes; hatred and blood lust left in it's wake.

...

Blood Against Bone and the True Antidote

The expression that now adorned Rose's face caused the hearts of Ryn and Blood to sink. She stepped forward against the two, wildly swinging the necromancer's dagger as they dodged each to the opposite side.

"Rose! Damnit, Rose. Listen to me!" Ryn tried to reason with her as she swung at his side, yet neither the pounding of the rain nor her deafened ears would allow he words to sway them from their course. The pegasus flapped his wings once to lift up over the attack as a few curses lingered on his breath.

"It is in vain, Kuromaru." Ancient Blood shook his head, avoiding one of the dagger's wild thrusts as Rose changed targets. "She is clearly not in her right state of mind. I fear Fayt has planned this from the very beginning. He knows all too well that we will not harm her. Our only chance lies with releasing her from his control. That, or we shall die trying."

"Tch," Ryn glared as he sidestepped Rose. "Easy for you to say. You're already dead!"

Blood parried the dagger with his horn, gently nudging his attacker off course as he did so. "This is hardly the time for technicalities. We need to come up with a course of action immediately!"

"What the hell do you think I'm trying to do?!" Ryn moved backwards as Rose advanced, nearly tripping over Dimitri's body as he did so. The gypsy groaned in pain, wincing as he slowly blinked and looked up at the pegasus in confusion.

"Ah...s-so I am not dead yet...?" He made an attempt to pull himself upright, moaning as he sank back down to the soaked earth below. "J-just leave me in peace..."

Ryn ducked at the dagger's close proximity, nearly trampling Dimitri underhoof as he moved to better avoid Rose's relentless charge. "If you're going to die, go ahead and do it already! I have more important things to worry about right now."

"M-more important..." The wounded gypsy turned his gaze to the mare. Though blinded as she was by pointless anger and drenched with the constant rain from above; a few glimmering tears could just be glimpsed at the corners of her dulled eyes. She plunged the dagger down against Ryn, nicking his front hoof as he dodged clumsily. A flash of lightning illuminated her darkened visage to show an unexpected change. Dark fury still reigned on her features, yet it warred against the sorrow that now wrenched a broken sob from her chest.

Dimitri scrambled to move out of the mare's path, stumbling over to Ryn. "Quick! Th-there is hope! There is...AH!" The rash movement had torn the cut wider as the gypsy collapsed under his own weight.

Ryn shook away his own excess blood from the cut as the crimson unicorn close by wrinkled his nose in disgust at the scent.

He had not missed Dimitri's words, nor had Rose's emotion gone unnoticed by him.

"What are you talking about, Horatiu? If there is something that can be done, tell us!" Blood dodged the attack Rose now aimed at him, acting quickly to draw her away as Ryn lifted the gypsy up by the scarf on his neck.

"What do you know?"

"Ah.." The stallion coughed, grimacing through the smile that played on his blood-stained lips. "Information has cost..."

Ryn glared. "The cost will be your life if you don't hurry!"

Dimitri paled, knowing how very true those words might prove to be. With a trembling hoof, he pointed to his top hat. The headpiece was muddy, soaked with rain and blood as it had fallen by the wayside. Ryn followed the line of sight, raising his eyebrows in question.

"M-Mortis...his blade is quick...but not so much as myself." He laughed, instantly regretting the action. "The antidote...t-the real one...it is there. Under my..." The stallion's words trailed off as his green eyes rolled back into his head. The pegasus carefully returned the body to it's reclining position on the ground, closing the gypsy's eyes in grim quiet.

"Blood!" He turned to ascertain the unicorn's position, yet was surprised to see him already in a mad dash for the top hat.

"I know. I heard." Rose was right on his tail, gaining ground quickly through the muddy earth.

"Damn it all..." The slick mud may well prove to be their undoing at this rate, Ryn mused. Spreading his wings wide, he shook off the excess water before dashing to the sky.

It was a close race for the fallen hat and for the potion underneath. Rose and Blood raced against each other as Kuromaru rounded in the air to begin a straight dive to the object.

...

"Go, my army! You see your target before you. Now, the time is here. Rise up! Take the castle!" Mortis' voice bellowed across the rain drenched landscape as the skeletal horde descended upon Rosecroix. The bones bashed against the gates and stumbled forward, Luferius and his troops lined against the assault. The return home from the town called Ponyville was recent, yet they did not falter. Each member stood their ground, glaring at those who would dare intrude on their domain. Fanged snarls twisted, noses wrinkled to better show the sharpened teeth.

"Steady, men...steady..." The unicorn captain took up his stance before the others, eyes still focused on the figures at the gate. "Wait for it..."

The guards heeded the captain's command, each eye unblinking as the horrendous sound of bones against iron echoed in the stale air above. The hinges were already loosening from the relentless collision, each groaning of the bars putting the troops even more on edge. A few prepared to bolt forward, yet the steady hoof of the captain held the back with a warning.

"No! Not yet!" He glared at the over anxious guards before turning back to survey the scene.

One last crash against the weakened gate, and down it fell with an audible groan. A resounding thud of the metal reverberated as the two armies now stood face to face. The scene was still for that moment. Silence reigning as the last sounds of the gate's fall faded away. Unblinking eyes stared into empty sockets as Mortis made his way to stand in front of the soldiers of bone. He grinned in his madness, Luferius answering the expression with a seasoned glare as he moved to stand opposite the foe.

Silence, and then the cry of war.

The feral sound was taken up by both sides as they lunged one at the other. Immortals of blood against immortals of bone, all for the seat of power in the land of darkness.

The royal guards battled unwavering against their dead opponents, aiming only for the exposed bone in a flurry of fanged assault. Luferius however had only one target in mind. His first charge was against the one in power, the sole adversary. The necromancer. Both met the charge at once, unicorn against unicorn slashing with their horns, parrying once, and following up again in a near even danse macabre.

Luferius was firm, a trained veteran through decades of experience on the field. This showed clearly as he followed a set strategy, moving forward to execute each move in precision. He marched constantly forward as the lich snarled, moving backwards to defend.

"Just what I would expect...Nothing but the best of bloodsuckers." He smirked in his sarcasm, the other not daring respond as his mind focused on each action one after the other.

The sounds of the rattling bones encroached them on both sides as they moved through the warring factions in their battle. The captain slashed again, lunging for a follow up as Mortis grinned and paused in an unexpected move. He allowed the horn to pierce his stomach. intestines and organs already decayed with time as they spilled through the gash. Luferius glowered in disgust as he flung back his horn to rid it of the putrid flesh that clung there.

"Vile corpse!"

"Oh?" The lich would not be outwitted so easily. He felt no pain from what would have been a fatal blow in a different circumstance, using this to his advantage. Mortis quickly slashed at the upturned visage of the royal guard, Luferius moving to attempt a quick avoidance.

The timing was off. The captain seethed, glaring at the other as lightning revealed a bloody cut upon the muzzle.

"You will pay for that!"

They both charged again, thunder echoing the scene's massacre. Each side had their difficulties, and already the field showed signed of the casualties. Broken bone fragments and piles of ash littered the landscape as Castle Rosencroix stood tall in the shadow of the storm.

...

The three combatants closed in on the potion bottle, yet only one could reach it first.

Ryn turned his wings up as he neared the ground, barely avoiding a crash as he ascended centimeters away from the muddy earth. He soared past the two below, the potion bottle securely clenched between his teeth. Rose and Blood skidded to a halt below, shifting the path to follow the pegasus.

"Quick, Kuromaru! Open it!" Blood fended off another of Rose's attacks as the blue pegasus touched back down to the ground. Ryn would have cursed the unicorn's impatience, yet to do so vocally could cause a swift end to the only hope available. He settled for rolling his eyes, uncorking the bottle and dripping a little on his own wound to validate the concoction. The gypsy was correct, As soon as the small droplets hit the mark, they bubbled up in reaction to the venom on the hoof before fading away to leave not a scratch in it's place. Ryn inwardly sighed in relief, yet it was short lived. The question still remained as to how they could get Rose to willingly take the elixir.

Blood seemed to be struggling as well with this very thought, gently parrying Rose as he made his way closer to Ryn.

"Well? Thoughts? Solutions? Anything helpful would be nice."

Ryn was careful to keep the potion away as Rose wildly swung the blade at him. Weariness was clearly seen on her features, the mare panting with exhaustion as the immortal blood continued to slowly drip from the necromancer's cut. Ryn felt a twinge of guilt, remembering how very frail her state of health could be. The potion would need to be given soon, or she would continue fighting them until death.

"W-was this what Fayt meant?" His eyes widened as the thought occurred to him. 'Kill or be killed'. Were they inadvertently killing her in their attempts to simply keep from being killed? "Quick, Blood! We need to hold her still. Just long enough for this to work!"

Blood nodded, giving Ryn a cold glare as he already knew what the pegasus intended to do. "You better pray this works..." Rose lunged toward Ryn as Blood intercepted, the dagger driving deep into him as he pulled Rose to hold her close in his embrace. "Hurry! Do it quickly!" He coughed, wincing at the dagger embedded in him as Ryn moved forward.

Rose struggled in the Lord's hold, tears staining her eyes as her will faltered. She was crying, shoulders wracked with silent sobs as anger still flicked to regain it's hold.

Ryn wasted no time. He imitated Mortis' action, pouring the elixir into his mouth and sealing it against Rose's lips that she would have no choice but to swallow. Immediately the struggle stopped, her grip on the dagger slackening as her body slumped down into Blood's arms.

Ryn moved back to allow room as the crimson unicorn lowered her down and pulled to dagger from his chest. He tossed it away, shadows moving to close up the wicked cut.

"Y-You could have been quicker." He scowled at Ryn who simply smirked in response.

"And miss the chance to kiss her? Tch, not on your life! Or well, y-know...death...unlife...thing." He moved over to Rose's opposite side as the rain overhead began to die down. The mare lay still, pained expression gone from her sleeping features as her breathing softened to a steady rhythm. The cut from the lich had already began to close, lifeblood ceasing to flow from it as it now focused on healing the injured area.

Ancient Blood nodded, satisfied that she was herself once again. "Now, there is no time to lose." He carefully lifted her onto his back. "We must return to Rosencroix."

"H-hey! I can carry her!" Ryn glared in indignation, but the unicorn simply pointed to the gypsy nearby.

"He is still alive. I can hear his heartbeat from here. Pour the remainder of that antidote on his wounds and bring him along. I'm certain his sister will be grateful. Besides," He chuckled as he carefully adjusted Rose's position. "I allowed you to kiss her once. Do not think that I will give you the opportunity to do it again." Blood smirked, not waiting for a response as he dashed off with Rose.

Ryn threw a healthy dose of curses after him, reluctantly doing as told and dripping the potion onto Dimitri's wounds. The pegasus then roughly lifted the wounded gypsy onto his back, and took off after the others.

...

Death in the Forest

Even though the once raging storm overhead had long ago dissolved into a gentle drizzle, the two armies continued in a ferocious collision against each other. Luferius led his men in the battle of death and decay, neither side daring give in lest the castle and the prize of the throne be lost to them for an eternity.

The captain let out a snarl of fury at the necromancer as Mortis' horn had caught the back of the captain's shoulder blade, leaving a deep cut across the tearing muscle. He trembled, struggling to keep upright as his foe reared back with a victorious yell; eyes a glimmering poison in the chaotic madness of his revelry.

"It's nearly over now! Finally! Y-You fool! You've practically handed me all of the kingdom on a silver platter!" He traded another set of blows with the guard, all the while not letting go of the insane laughter that had consumed him whole. The bones of the dead army rattled with its own silent chuckle, a few brittle pieces snapping off as the guards looked on in confusion.

Something was amiss. Something was changing.

The opposing army still kept attacking, bones swinging wildly in every attempt to crush the guards that bore the royal crest. Still, it was clearly seen that a newer weakness had begun to spread through it's near countless ranks. The bones aged rapidly even in their various states of decay; detaching from joints as they swung before rolling to a harmless stop on the ground below.

The necromancer's soldiers were falling apart right before his widening eyes!

His expression changed rapidly, going from glee and smug triumph to confusion, realization, and strongest of all... fear.

Luferius took note of this, leveling a grin of his own at the weakened enemy.

"Where is your merriment now? Where is your power, Mortis?" He taunted, advancing slowly as the lich backed away in a panicked bewilderment.

"N-No! This isn't possible!" His eyes darted to and fro as he grasped for any plausible explanation for his army's imminent downfall. Already the last remaining skeletal minions were falling apart completely, one toppling over next to it's master. Mortis' eye caught sight of it then.

"The blood...."

A single red drop hit the ground before dissolving into a small rose petal. He seethed, teeth clenched tight as Luferius drew closer to continue his mockery.

"It seems to me that your 'silver platter' was nothing more than cheap pewter after all." The other guards had begun to circle, closing in on the lone enemy. "Surrender now or perish."

'Perish'...

This word struck a cord, causing a small flicker of hope to ignite as Mortis looked up to the captain.

"Perish? Me...one that has more immortality than any of you could hope to attain...perish?!" He cackled, even as the last skeleton became still within it's eternal death. "Oh, it's not over. Not yet. Not by a long shot." He glanced over the various faces of the royal guards, noting each as he judged the spaces between them. "If I am to die, by all means I will do so..." The cackling became manic, the mind of the lich beginning to unravel as he saw a wider area between the closer guards and their captain. "BUT I AM TAKING YOUR PRECIOUS FLOWER WITH ME!"

Without a single added thought, he lunged for the space. Though caught off guard, Luferius reacted quickly and slashed the side of the enemy as he barreled past; turning to the widened gazes of his fellow guards.

"Stop him! Do not allow him to escape!"

Mortis continued to run, the guards on his sides thrusting and swinging their horns forward to bar his path.

"Tch." The necromancer sneered at the pathetic attempts, thought a few of the well aimed attacks pierced his throat and tore at his shoulders. Still he continued to flee, knowing nothing of pain as he willed his legs past the natural limits of the living.

Luferius watched from a nearby hill, cursing as his men began to fall behind. "Fire! Do not hold back! That is an order!" He nodded to the unicorns before racing to cut off the foe from the other side. The captain's command still hung in the air as bolts of magic were leveled against the retreating figure, ground flying up under his hooves as his body became riddled with the result of the powerful spells.

The lich was looking ever more as his nature would suggest; much of the decayed flesh having been torn away as bone and organs lay exposed under the remnants of the cadaverous torso. All this yet he continued to press on, stumbling as a few magical beams fell close enough to seer the tattered skin and singe the mane. A loose bone from the dead army tripped it's once mighty commander, an eye falling from the jarring impact of the earth below as he struggled to continue.

The necromancer, the lich Mortis; now more skeletal and haggard than his minions had been, got back to his rattling hooves as he leveled a one-eyed glare at the troops far behind him. A low hiss echoed hauntingly from his torn throat before he vanished entirely into the thickness of the Dead Forest.

The guards started forward in an even more panicked pursuit, lest they lose sight in the winding trees.

"At ease, troops!" The stallions paused in unison, looking back and forth at each other before turning their confusion in a questioning glance to Luferius.

The captain's gaze was still fully trained on the last place where the necromancer stood, the forest's darkness impenetrable beyond that point.

"We need not continue past this point. He is a goner. Did you not see it? The magic is gone from him" He shook his head, closing his eyes as he remembered the glare of Mortis in all too vivid recollection. "Fear was in his eye. He'll be no more than dust soon enough...

...and he knows it."

...

The shadows of the Dead Forest encroached upon the fleeing necromancer as his brittle limbs began to snap from the loss of his power. Where his magic could once have easily mended the torn flesh and repaired even the worst of such injuries; all that remained now when solely toward the vital task of simply holding all that was left in one piece.

His foreleg snapped, and he tumbled to a decaying pile on the forest floor.

"...N-no...the blood....Rose..." Each word a curse in it's own right as the remaining eye echoed the venomous hatred. A far off tune sounded in the shadowy distance, arresting his attention as he looked for the source.

In the darkness of the overhanging trees, the figure of Fayt could just be seen. The glow from the playing music box bathed his features in it's light as the bandaged gaze turned in his direction.

"F-Fayt...it is you, my friend." The sound was guttural, a hollow shadow of a voice as he attempted to crawl closer to the fortune teller's seat. "S-Something...something has happened. We must return...the graveyard! The rose...the blood!"

Fayt casually stood, stretching as he leaped down from the overhanging tree branch to land before Mortis. He glanced down at the remnants of the stallion, the thing that once was known by the name of Mortis before shaking his head at the pathetic state. Fayt clucked his tongue in disapproval as the eerie music played on.

"Such a shame. What a pity and a waste." He slowly sauntered, circling the ground as the necromancer attempted a laugh. The sound was hideous, a whimpering plea from one already dead.

"C-come now...h-hurry. I can fix this...I can reign...p-power...I just need..." He reached a rotting hoof toward the music box in Fayt's grasp, yet the pale stallion just grinned.

"Mortis Noctem Grimm... such a greedy one. Even in your life, you wished only for power. I truly thought that your will would have been strong enough to serve my purpose. Ah, but no matter. Your work is done, and I have no more use for you." He stepped away from the pile of bones and began to fade as the necromancer watched in horror.

"N-No! I-I can finish...please...one more chance...Fayt! FAYT!"

The music box dropped from the vanished fortune teller's grasp, the weakened device shattering on impact like fragile glass. Instantly the green light dimmed, the music slowing in the broken phylactery until all was silent and only dust remained of Mortis.

...

Leaving Rosencroix

Rosencroix Kingdom loomed overhead as Blood and Ryn drew up underneath the wide stone arch that marked the front doorway. Rose had only just begun to stir, her eyelids flickering slightly as Blood nuzzled her snout in encouragement of the effort. Ryn stopped along side the two and rolled his eyes at the scene, Dimitri still slung haphazardly over his shoulders.

"Can we please just get a move on? You're going to make me sick."

Blood leveled a glare in Ryn's general direction, not once stopping in his affectionate gesture. "You've had your moment already, Kuromaru. Now remain quiet and allow me to have mine."

"Tch..." The blue pegasus scoffed, dropping the gypsy from his back to the front staircase below. His ears remained fully attuned to the surroundings of the shadowed kingdom, a frown marking his features as he looked about. "Do you hear that?"

"What?" The unicorn's tone displayed his annoyance clearly as he reluctantly turned to face the other.

"Silence. Not even so much as gravel under hoof steps. Question is, is that a good sign or a bad one?"

They both looked up at the still castle, as well as the path they had taken minutes ago. Neither had missed the all too evident signs of battle across the kingdom's front grounds. They were told all too plainly through the ashes and bone that littered the ground near the trampled gate. All that remained now was to see who had been victorious in the end. Was it friend or foe who now stood in the halls of the almighty Castle Rosencroix?

The silence soon broke, the large double doors creaking open as Apothecarium, Roma and Luferius came rushing out to greet their returning Lord. Automatically Roma dropped down near her wounded brother, a mixture of sorrowful and happy tears pouring out as she held him close. Dimitri winced as he came to, looking about in confusion before turning to his sister with a pained grin.

"A-ah...Roma...wh-why do you cry? Y-You worry too much, sister. I am fine." She nuzzled against his shoulder, weeping silently as Blood nodded to Apothecarium. The physician bowed in understanding of his Lord's wishes, moving over to begin immediate treatment on the gypsy's wounds.

"My Lord," Luferius saluted Ancient Blood. "The enemy is driven back and we have triumphed fully. Casualties are minimal and the enemy did not breach the doors. We are working to restore the broken gates even at this moment."

"And what of the Lich?" Blood's gaze shifted to the area of battle, scanning the grounds for any sign of the foe.

"Gone, sir. Destroyed. The guards were sent to patrol the forest after he fled. They found this during their watch." The captain nodded to a few guards nearby, one approaching to set down broken bits of the cursed music box at the Lord's hooves, as well as shards of the jewel that could only be recognized as the charm that once adorned Mortis' forehead.

"I see...Well done, captain. Your troops have proved themselves once again."

"And what of this one, My Lord? What would you have us do with him?" A squadron of the guards circled Ryn, keeping close watch as he glared and whirled his head to keep an eye on each ever shortening distance.

"D-Don't you dare, Blood! You owe me!"

The Lord frowned, glancing to the mare still on his back as well as to the other spectators with their upturned eyes waiting to hear his edict. Finally his gaze returned to the brash pegasus. He stepped forward silently, the guards moving back in unison as the crimson Lord looked down his nose at Kuromaru. The moment was tense, yet only for the first second. Ancient Blood gracefully lowered himself down, carefully setting Rose in front of Ryn's hooves. Kuromaru's glare changed to a look of wide eyed astonishment, holding an unspoken question to hover in the air.

"You once spoke that you had made a promise, correct? Then fulfill it. You are free to leave, however with one stipulation." His eyes lowered down to Rose in concern. "Should she wish to return, you shall bring her here immediately."

"M-My Lord!" Luferius rushed forward, tone conveying a mixed disbelief and annoyance. "Surely you are joking. Sh-she is the flower, isn't she? It only makes sense with what has occurred. She is the symbol, the very foundation of our kingdom. The rose belongs here, locked away from such commoners and...filth." He glared darkly at Ryn as he said this word, turning back to Blood with urgency. "I beseech you, Lord Blood. Give the command and I-" Blood's raised hoof silenced the captain as he addressed Ryn once more.

"Do I make myself clear?"

The pegasus stared at Blood, unsure what to make of this unexpected act. Slowly he nodded, lifting Rose gently from the ground to his back and giving a rare bow. Blood had earned his respect for the moment. Stretching his wings wide, Ryn pushed back the remaining guards that had been reluctant to back down. He flapped the appendages once, taking to the air and leaving behind the darkened kingdom and the realm of eternal night; trading them for the protective boughs of the Everfree and the safety of the town beyond.

Ancient Blood watched solemnly, keeping his crimson gaze on the two until the clouds overtook his vision entirely.

"L-Lord?" Apothecarium silently approached and gestured to the gypsy siblings.

"Ready a caravan and send them on their way. There is much work to be done here and I cannot afford to entertain visitors at this time." The physician nodded , leaving to see to the Lord's wishes.

With heavy steps, Blood walked up the darkened stairs to his home. The solitary castle looming black in it's loneliness.

"Irony..." A single begrudged smirk adorned his features as he slipped once more into the shadows.

...

Nightmare Night Celebration

The town of Ponyville sparkled with it's festive lights and cheery laughter as Ryn cleared the forest's shadows. Night had fallen across the land and multitudes of ponies now gathered to mingle about in excited revelry. Nightmare Night had come at last! The one night of the year where the veil between this world and the next is lifted; where supernatural beings of other realms cavorted freely with their mortal brethren. The air was thick with happiness and cheer, buildings festooned with decor and streamers that echoed the spirit of the evening. Still, one small shop seemed to stand out from all of this and Ryn could not help but grin as he landed outside of it. The Okikoffee Cafe.

"Heh, looks like Okiku's outdone herself yet again." He chuckled, shaking his head as he looked upon the display.

Bright and smiling jack-o-lanterns littered every given surface, streamers and lights were strung along the walls both inside and outside of the small coffee shop. No display case, window, or table was left untouched. Even the aroma of the freshly baked goodies inside seemed to echo the holiday atmoshpere.

"Rose... Hey, Rose! You can wake up now!" The pegasus nudged the mare, setting her down as her eyes slowly opened.

"H-huh...what..." She was cut off from her questions as a high pitched 'meep' resounded from the inside of the cafe, a little bluish blur rushing out of the closed door to tackle them both in an onslaught of hugs.

"Mister Ryn-Ryn! Rose! You made it, yay! I knew you would, I just knew it!" Okiku beamed as she floated about the two in excitement. "Happy Nightmare Night!" Ryn moved his hoof to ruffle the ghost's hair, sending the little spirit into a fit of giggles as Rose took the time to look about the surroundings. Confusion was still evident in her eyes and features as she turned to Ryn. The pegasus nodded, turning to the little specter with a smile.

"A Happy Nightmare Night to you too, Oki. But...what are you supposed to be? You've decorated the cafe, but I think you forgot to decorate yourself too." He booped her on the nose as she looked down at her ghostly hooves.

"Meep! That's right! I've got to get into my costume!" With many flailing and fluttering she quickly scrambled into the cafe, Ryn aiding Rose as they both followed behind.

"Just follow along," Ryn lowered his head to better whisper to the mare. "I'll tell you everything later. I promise." Rose nodded at Ryn's statement, taking a seat at the counter as he moved to do the same.

"Tada! What do you think?!" Okiku smiled widely as she zoomed out from the back room to float before the two. A small tattered cloak was wrapped about her shoulders, a similar fabric tied on her head as well. She carried a crystal ball, giggling as she moved to set in down on the counter. "I'm a fortune teller this year! Ooh! Let me read your fortunes, please? I can even offer palm readings and cards too!" The little filly was far too preoccupied with her fun to notice the suddenly pale faces of the other two, yet Ryn shook this off and cleared his throat.

"W-Well, should we go then? The night is passing quickly."

"Meep! Meep! Trick or treating time!" She squealed, hurrying to tie two multicolored scarves on their necks as she scrambled for her candy bag and the nearby door. "You two can be part of my caravan, okay? We'll be one big group and-" The spirit paused, eyes focused on a strange vehicle parked near the cafe. The familiar wooden caravan was decorated in accordance to the festive season, boasting bright orange and jet black streamers over the wheels and sides.

"Ryn-Ryn! Look! It's a real one! A real caravan!"

"Wh-what?!" Ryn burst out into the street, Rose following close behind. Dimitri and Roma sat inside waving to the small group, the former cowering behind his sister with a nervous grin.

"H-heh...Greetings to you yet again, my friends. N-no hard feelings, right?"

The pegasus glared, unsure whether to be angry or surprised. "It's not possible. How did you get here so fast?!"

"We are Romanians, my friend. Everyone knows us for our speed. H-how else do you think we could outrun the Royal Guard?"

Ryn opened his mouth to argue when a small hat in between the two caught his eye. Rose saw this as well, paling as she spoke up. "I-is that...she is..." The mare remembered the small filly known as Hazel, recalling the smiling face at the game booths.

'That was fun, Rose Lady! Come play with me again later!'

She winced, saddened by the young pony's fate.

Dimitri nodded sadly, lifting the hat up for better examination. "Yes. Sh-she is gone. We went back to the graveyard; we wanted to find her. S-She deserved a proper burial. A filly's remembrance, yes?" Ryn cringed, his gaze instinctively turning to Okiku as Dimitri continued. "I-I guess we were too late, the hat was all that was there. Only the hat, and a strange dark mare a little beyond it. Odd to see another in that place of sadness, but she did not disturb us. Only looked on with silver eyes." The gypsy shrugged. "Ah, but if she has been the one to give little Hazel a place of rest, I bless her for it."

Ryn nodded, lowering his head. "I'm sorry for your loss." Rose echoed the sentiment, Dimitri nodding as Roma nudged her brother. She hopped down from her seat, nervously approaching Kuromaru.

"S-Sir, I thank you for saving my brother. Hazel's passing...i-it is a terrible loss, but the pain would have been doubled if my idiot brother here had been lost also." Taking his hoof into her's, she set a small gold object there along with a folded parchment. "Consider this as a token, a gift from my brother and I. If you ever have need to return to Aelor, this will help you find your way." She smiled, bowing low before returning to her brother.

"Well, it is time for us to be on our way once again. We will remake the carnival, a living for us and honor to our troupe. It is like your saying, I think. How you say: 'The show must go on!' yes?" He chuckled, waving a hoof to them as Roma grinned. "Farewell, my friends. Oh! And a Happy Nightmare Night!"

Rose and Ryn waved at the departing gypsies, hurried along by the small ghost whose stomach rumbled loudly in the anticipation of sweet treats.

...

The night was filled with merriment, treats, and celebration; yet as is the way of all things, this too had to come to an end. Ryn silently crept downstairs after assuring that Okiku had been safely tucked in for the night. Rose had stepped outside, sitting at one of the small outer tables as she looked up to the round moon overhead. Her hoof absentmindedly fiddled with the Rosencroix pendant at her neck as she mulled over the jumbled thoughts in her head.

Ryn had kept his promise, telling all of the occurences in Aelor as they carried Okiku back to the cafe. The small ghost pony had passed out rather quickly from the intake of candy and fun, nuzzling into Ryn's mane as he recounted the tale. All this, yet she still found it difficult to believe. To think that she would willingly attack them, and Blood...

She cringed, recalling how Ryn had described the lengths taken to cure Mortis' wicked potion. The great Lord of the dark Rosencroix Kingdom, Ancient Blood willingly allowing himself to be run through with that dagger. All to embrace, to hold her steady so that Ryn could give the antidote...

The pegasus stepped outside in time to hear her wistful sigh.

"...You miss him, don't you?"

"Ryn..." She quickly got to her hooves, wiping away a few tears that had begun to accumulate on the corners of her eyes. "I-I can never thank you enough, any of you, for what you have done for me. It is thanks to you all th-that..." her voice faltered and he nodded.

"What did you expect? You didn't think we would just leave you to die, did you?" He smirked, hoping to at least gain a small smile from the mare. She turned away, and he lowered his head.

"I-I just... you know I wouldn't have done that truly, don't you? I-I caused both of you such pain, after all you had gone through. I'm sorry. I'm so..so very..." No other words would come, only the choking sobs as precursor to bitter tears. Ryn paled, hurrying to give a comforting hug as the cries continued. Only after many minutes of this had passed did Rose find a small sembleance of her voice returning. "A-All this, and I can never apologize to him. I can never thank..I-I can't..."

"You can."

She paused at Ryn's words, looking up in stunned silence. "Wh-what do you mean?" Ryn looked up to the moon's celestial glow, recalling silently the vow he had made, and the agreement to Blood.

'Should she wish to return, you shall bring her here immediately.'

"R-Rose...do you want to go back?" Ryn's eyes searched hers, and she slowly nodded.

"Yes..."

...

Upon the Sanguine Sea, an Ending

With the aid of the gypsy compass and map, the trip to castle Rosencroix proved to be much shorter than the original departure. Ryn soared over the kingdom's gate, still in the early stages of repair, before touching down once again outside of the massive double doors. Rose had kept a firm grip to Ryn's back yet as he leaned down she allowed her grasp to slacken, gaining a firm footing on the stone stairway below. Ryn stretched out his tired wings in preparation for the flight back, giving an uneasy glance to the mare.

"Are you sure you don't need me to stick around? You know, just in case?"

Rose gave the pegasus a grateful smile, shaking her head at his offer. "Thank you, Ryn, but this is something that I must face alone." She turned away to stand before the dark doors. "Besides, if I do not...I-I know well that I will regret it for the rest of my existence."

He sighed, turning a frown to the stones below his hooves. "I won't pretend I understand, but just know that Oki will miss you, and...and I- well...I will too." He grimaced, regret lacing his tone as he slowly glanced at Rose from the corners of his eyes, checking to evaluate her expression.

Her eyes found his, locking on them with a smile. "I promise to return one day. Soon."

"I'll hold you to it, Rose. Take care of yourself, okay?" His eyes broke their gaze, turning downward as his mane obscured them with shadows. "I can't always be there to fly to your rescue."

She nodded, turning to the doorway again. No knock was needed as the two doors opened of their own accord. Apothecarium stood to the side, bowing and gesturing for her to enter.

It was only as the doors shut fully behind the mare that Ryn began a full run away from the castle. His speed increased, fueled by his conflicting emotions as his wings spread wide and he took flight. He left Aelor far behind him, heading in the opposite direction of Ponyville.

...

"This way, Miss Rose." The physician Apothecarium led the way through the darkened halls of the castle, exiting to the courtyard situated at the back of the expansive building. Though Rose had not walked these halls in quite some time, she still remembered fully the intricate decor as well as the breathtaking view that was the garden of roses. She had fully expected her guide to lead the way to the garden's gazebo; the last place that she had fully spoken with the Lord in private; yet much to her surprise he passed this, pressing onward to a secluded precipice at the edge of the gardens. Jagged black cliffs ended in a sharp drop toward a crimson ocean far below. The bloody waves crashed against the obsidian stone, sending up a spray of scarlet mist to dampen her coat and cling to her mane. She blinked against this, gazing out across the vast waters. No end was in sight, nor a single obstruction from the view save for a single tall structure seeming to rise up out of the reddened body. A tower of black.

"The Sanguine Sea," Apothecarium announced. "The edge of Aelor itself. Legend states that where the pool of blood in the room of crystals is made up of the line of rulers, this is the blood of all others here. The victims of the past reigns as well as those considered 'unworthy' by the Rosencroix standards." He chuckled, noting her pallor. "Nothing to fear, miss. Only a legend, after all."

Oh but how very often such legend had proven true, and she could not help the shudder that ran through her as she gazed down at the crimson waters before returning her attention to the dark tower. "A-Apothecarium, what of that?" He paused, turning to follow her eyes to the building as his jaw set into a grim line.

"Oh, yes. The obelisk. Please, do not trouble yourself about such. It is nothing of importance, Miss Rose. Merely a forgotten relic of a bygone era."

A darkened shadow ahead caught her attention and she turned her eyes upward. Standing at a similar edge was Ancient Blood, eyes trained to the waters far out on the horizon as the moon silhouetted his profile and bathed his features with it's glow. Every now and again a spray of the sea would shoot up before him, yet this did nothing to startle the unicorn in the least. He merely closed his eyes to wait for the spray to subside before reopening them on the scene. Apothecarium cleared his throat, bowing as he backed away to return to the castle's main building.

"Please, take your time. Tea shall be prepared when you return." Rose nodded, watching him depart before taking the first of many trembling steps to stand at Blood's side. He did not turn his gaze at her approach, and she stood there for several moments before his deep tenor startled her.

"It may be prideful of me to say, yet I never doubted your return here." A small smile curved over his lips as he broke his gaze from the sea to stare into the crimson depths of her eyes. "Welcome home, Miss Immortal Rose."

Rose bowed humbly, heart still calming itself from her fear. "L-Lord Blood, I had not had the opportunity to offer you my gratitude. Without Kuromaru and your aid, I know that my life would have been forfeit. Truly, I can never repay your-"

"Stay with me."

She blinked, looking up at his strange sentence. "S-Sir?"

"You claim to be unable to repay, yet that is far from the case." He stepped forward a few paces, moving to better see her features as he raised a hoof to caress along her cheek and linger upon her throat. "Stay with me. Here at Rosencroix. It is your home as well as mine, and it is where you truly belong." Blood sighed, not exactly a happy sound as he seemed to struggle with his thoughts. "Rose... I should have said it the last time. When last we stood here in Rosencroix, the night of your final stay. I should have come right out and said it. Yet, fear for your safety and my pride had gotten in the way. I know now that all this could have been avoided if I had not held my tongue." He moved his hoof once more, reaching out to pull her to his side and hold her close to him. "Therefore, I shall no longer keep it silent. I shall allow this dead heart to speak the words it had so longed to reveal at the last." His eyes found hers, Fresh crimson gazing into darkened scarlet. "I love you. Surely you know that I would not simply act to assist another without such affection. Rose, my heart has long since beat it's last, yet yours is still strong and young. Your blood is one thing, wanted by many for it's immense power. Yet I, I want the heart, the core where it all resides as well as the most beautiful soul I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I want you, my dearest flower. I love you."

Rose pulled back to better see the unicorn before her, tears welling up in response to the loving gaze she saw within his deep eyes. Already she could feel her heart swelling with joy at such an adoring proclamation. "L-Lord Blood.. I wanted to come back here. I wanted to thank you, but yet I also wanted to see you. E-even after my return to the Everfree those many years ago, my thoughts had always remained here...with you. T-truth be told, I also l...lo-"

A dark voice resonated in the far corners of her heart, the word she yearned to speak being choked off, removed from her by force as the forgotten knot within her heartstring tightened further, twisting and wrenching in her heart.

'Love, an emotion I never will understand. Such a horrid thing to watch as the heart is pulled to and fro. Ah, but this will not be. I will not allow for it!'

Rose continued to struggle with the forbidden word, pain etched over her features as she looked to Blood. His expression echoed her confusion, saddening as he moved his hoof to place it gently to her lips.

"That is alright. You need not force such on my account. My feelings for you shall always remain the same. Perhaps...perhaps with time, you shall come to understand and share my love." He let his hoof slid, turning his pained gaze downward. "I can only hope for it." The lord stepped toward the castle a few paces before calling back. "Come now, let us return. The night air will do you no good and will only further hinder your recovery." He dared not wait for a response, moving ahead and away from the cliff's edge. Rose remained silent, following behind obediently as her tears flowed.

The Rosencroix Kingdom loomed high in the darkness, the moon casting it's glow across the darkened stone surface. Yet even the purity of the pale moon could not extinguish the lurking shadows in the deepest corners. A fitting reminder for such an unhappy pair, and perhaps a glimpse of what was to come.

End.

...

The pages of the heavy book slowly closed, tale inside written and at it's end. The author leaned back in the chair, smirk adorning his bandaged face as he slowly stood to place the volume back upon the shelf.

"So we close the book on this tale, all said and done. Such a troublesome set of heroes we have, wouldn't you agree? Ah, but in the end, what can we do? Our fates are handed to us, written ever so carefully by the one who would govern each path." A dark chuckle, the cloaked figure moving back to set once again at the desk of the darkened room.

"It would seem that there is but one more portion, one final story to add. Yet it calls for another, someone who will prove a more fitting villain than our pitiful Mortis was." A worn quill dipped into the ink at the desk top, guided by the will of the writer. The dying candles in the room flickered once again to full life, giving adequate lighting as Fayt grinned in their kindled glow. "I think it is high time that I made my full appearance. After all, who can overcome Fate?" The deep chuckle built in it's intensity, quill jotting rapidly across the blank parchment, dancing as it left bold, dark strokes on the page before him. One word, darkened and stark in it's contrast with the snow white paper.

Graveskye