Equestria, the Infinite, and the Divineby ZalaShadowkinChapters[Ponyville, Twilight’s Castle, Equestria; later][Canterlot Castle, Canterlot, Equestria][Crystal Palace, Crystal City, Crystal Empire; A day later][Foal Mountains, somewhere underneath rocks, Equestria][Ponyville, Twilight’s Castle, Equestria; later]Twilight raised her head and focused back on her spell. Starlight’s wound had easily healed, but the blood loss was concerning. Twilight had found Starlight late at night, after her return from a lecture. She was lying on her stomach with blood dripping down from behind her mane; her neck was almost fully stained with dried life essence. Luckily, the Alicorn had been alone. She had been tired after a full day of work, but rescuing her friend was paramount. She easily sealed the wound and cleaned Starlight. For the entire night, Twilight scoured her library for a manner to gift Starlight with new blood. She did find it, eventually. Night had ended by then, dawn had been long gone; it was shortly before noon that the spell was cast, awaking Starlight with its intensity and the sudden rush of life essence into her veins. Her cauterized wounds leaked. Then, once more, blood descended back down her neck. Blood was restored; a tired Twilight refocused on the problem at han- hoof… hoof. ‘Still hurts?’ asked Twilight, finalizing her spell to seal Starlight’s neck wound. ‘It itches,’ murmured Starlight. Twilight let her book fall on the floor. ‘Then it is working perfectly well,’ she sighed. She dropped onto the couch. Twilight forced herself not to close her eyes. Coffee was useless – plus she had drunk all her reserves. Spike had forgotten to resupply the kitchen. Again. But he had gotten an entire warehouse's worth of Foalshire tea instead. It had almost replaced water here. She wondered if- ‘Can’t you… dull it down? Please, Twilight,’ complained Starlight. ‘Gave it time.’ Twilight lazily returned the book to its bookshelf. She offered Starlight some tea. There were two cups on the table, both filled with cold tea, and both drank from. ‘Now, tell me,’ she cleaned her face, ‘what happened?’ Twilight smiled to reassure Starlight. Twilight scratched the back of her neck… Errrr…. Starlight did… Starlight did. ‘I think they mentioned being… nacrons? Necrons? Something like that. They were made of metal, and they glowed.’ She paused to take a deep breath. ‘One of them, called Orikan… Yeas… Orikan wanted to know how I did the time-traveling thing.’ She did not like Starlight’s hesitation. Twilight threw a sweat-soaked towel toward her – Starlight’s sweat, she had yet to turn into a degenerate. It did not hit, but the close call refocused Starlight. ‘I don’t think I can tell you much. I don’t think they can even use magic, either.’ ‘How you arrived here?’ Starlight shrugged. ‘Thank you for helping though.’ She awkwardly smiled. ‘Don’t mention it. But whatever those things were, they are dangerous. How you managed to escape practically unscathed is just… Well, just lucky!’ ‘Lucky? They’ve… But…’ Starlight hesitated to continue. ‘Spit it,’ she demanded. ‘I understood that Celestia had once been an unwanted guest of both…’ Twilight got up off her couch in a frenzy, invading Starlight’s private space in less than a second. ‘But they harmed her.’ She obsessed over her friend’s expression. ‘I-I guess… Maybe… Perhaos- Perhaps…’ Twilight grabbed Starlight. ‘We have to go tell the Princesses of their return! Maybe we are under threat from them!’ ‘They have released me and asked for stupid things. I assume they already know enough of our world for them to have-’ She paused to quell a headache – that rambling was completely unnecessary, anyways. ‘In brief!’ Starlight shook her head, disparately trying to keep down the headache. ‘Nothing?’ forcibly added Twilight. ‘No…’ sighed Starlight. ‘Give me time, Twilight.’ She did. Almost a full hour to recount her misadventure. As soon as she had finished speaking, Twilight teleported them to Canterlot… next to a restaurant, at first. Then in Twilight’s old chamber, finally ending up next to the throne room’s doors. [Canterlot Castle, Canterlot, Equestria]All things considered, it had been a boring day. Celestia and Luna wandered around the Castle for hours on end. Bizarrely, on that day, both had nothing to do except discuss whatever and reminisce about things past. Celestia had a millennium of tales to count her, and on every occasion, Luna asked her about particular events. Though her sister was reluctant to talk about that time, Luna did not press her too much for the information nor did she spoil herself by reading about its happenings. Early in her return, she Luna learned of the last century but insisted on not being told more; small droplets over time were vastly preferred, even if it would take them another thousand years. Eventually, they came to settle back in the throne room. Celestia was worried she might have passed over some important issues. Nothing. They returned to their long discussion. ‘So,’ began Luna, ‘tell me more about the Star Conundrum.’ It was an event Celestia had mentioned in passing but had yet to expand upon. She chuckled. ‘Fancy name, no?’ ‘Oh-ho, yes. Must be… Amazing.’ ‘It was just a naming competition between two scientists. I swear, you would think that choosing a cat’s name would not cause that much contention,’ she said, bitterly. ‘Wait, wait, wait – cat’s name?’ ‘Why, yes – Star Crust and Star Might. Those two bickered on a proper name for a cat they found near their observatory,’ she grumbled. ‘Huh? You-’ Twilight slammed the door open, stunning everyone inside and not giving the guards time to react (which was not unusual). Starlight slowly trailed behind, keeping a hoof on her neck to calm the itching – pressing on the wound somehow made it feel less painful. Without giving time for Celestia and Luna to ask the reason for her insolence, Twilight disgorged everything. Luna ordered the guards out and cursed internally, but elected to wait for Celestia to speak. She hated manipulating her sister in that fashion; she had to test the veracity of a prior claim – if she was genuine about being “alright”. That Starlight personage was hurt, but speaking with her wasn’t in her agenda. Perhaps she learned, really learned, what the reckless use of magic entails. A harsh position she took vis-à-vis that rogue mage, though one needed. Twilight might have calmed her; it was always good to be sure, after all. That Orikan might have removed a thorn. At least, temporarily. And so Luna for Celestia to tone down the tense atmosphere Twilight left after concluding her quick succession of words. Nothing. Luna looked up. Celestia expression was frozen in a blend of awakened weariness. Her pupils were diluted, and attention diverted to her rumbling imagination. Her expression was etched in a smile Luna despised its fakeness. ‘Princess Celestia?’ worried Twilight. ‘Sister…’ whispered Luna, approaching Celestia’s head to her level. ‘Everything will be alright. Take a deep breath.’ ‘When have you faced them, Majesty?’ came forth Starlight like awakened from sleep. Celestia shook her head, regaining focus. ‘A few years before Luna’s return…’ she trailed off, trying to think of a way to recall things perfectly; do not concern them too much with that event. ‘It was more of a chitchat,’ Luna spoke in her sister’s stead. ‘However, of course, forced upon her and with the terrible use of a material called “blackstone”..?’ She turned toward Celestia for verification. She nodded. ‘Blackstone. She has bad memories of it, and until my sister wishes to disclose more-’ ‘But those two can-’ interjected Twilight. ‘Until my sister wishes to disclose more about it,’ repeated Luna, wincing antagonistically at Twilight, making her shut up. ‘Celestia will stay quiet on the matter for now. I am her sister; it is normal I was informed of it all – in private.’ Starlight and Twilight nodded. ‘As for what we should do with the Infinite and the Divine-’ continued Luna before being quietly corrected by Celestia. ‘The Diviner. Orikan the Diviner.’ Luna stopped to ponder. ‘Divine sounds better. “The Infinite and the Diviner” does not roll off the tongue quite well, I think.’ Celestia chuckled. ‘Quite right. You can continue.’ Luna nodded. ‘As for those two, it appears we are outmatched by them in every manner. We can use surprise to attack them with powerful spells, but they are quick and will react immediately to anything we will throw. And, before you ask, Twilight, the Elements will be useless against them.’ ‘Why is that!? They are a threat!’ ‘Yes, I don’t disagree. But the fact of the matter is that they appear more machine than birthed from any means we are familiar with. Plus, take it from someone with experience of the effect your clique has on someone,’ she sneered with a down-looking gaze. ‘She has a point, you know?’ agreed Starlight, jokingly turning toward Twilight. Luna nudged Celestia. ‘Two times even. Two times even.’ ‘He-he-he,’ awkwardly laughed the young Alicorn. ‘Additionally, since we cannot adequately prepare ourselves for them, their superior technology, and in view of their… non-lethal methods… I say that- uhm…’ Luna paused, knowing if she would to continue it would only stress them further. And there was no clever trick or shifting of plain she can do to force a change of subject as she would act in dreams. ‘Don’t worry, Twilight,’ continued Celestia in Luna’s stead. ‘Cadance will be informed, and with us here with the knowledge of them, we can deal with those two quietly and efficiently. We will convene again when we will demand so. You two need rest, now. I will come to ease your pain tomorrow, Starlight. Sleep well, you two.’ The Unicorn thanked her. Twilight brooded a little, accepting her mentor’s words. Both mares left the throne room, leaving the Sisters alone once again. ‘Insulting,’ said Luna. ‘Me?’ ‘No, stupid.’ Luna got down from the elevated platform the throne rested upon. ‘The purple one.’ Celestia vigorously gestured for Luna to dismiss Twilight’s behavior. ‘You were with her most of the time,’ retorted Luna. ‘You are to mostly blame for her attitude.’ ‘I never said nor claimed I can do miracles.’ Luna nodded in amused acknowledgment, then continued her walk. The room was immense, very good for her to think. Celestia studied Luna for a bit, keeping her stare awkwardly fixed at her sister. Luna noticed someone eyeing her. Turning her head; finding Celestia confused look did not surprise her. She knew the unasked question well. ‘I know I told you not to worry the first time-’ ‘I don’t want to experience… to experience them again.’ Her voice barely heard. Luna moved closer, continuing her walk until she reached the bottom of the stairs. ‘You said to me it would take them an hour to conquer the globe, that they can destroy stars and have enslaved gods, and that we have nothing to offer them except being a glorified zoo. And it has been almost twenty years since your first encounter, Celestia. Just connect the dots. They are curious, but not invaders – in a fashion.’ ‘Still. They are dangerous; being nonchalant about it won’t help.’ Luna grinned. ‘I would not describe it as so, sister. My reasoning is simple: we are faced by powers that – as far as we know of – are beyond our current comprehension and abilities. Clearly our magic terrifies them, but they can readily counter it.’ She malignly smiled. ‘We are nothing to them. They are almighty.’ Celestia mimicked her sister’s smile. ‘Almighty, indeed.’ [Crystal Palace, Crystal City, Crystal Empire; A day later]She hated summer. Yes, winter was not preferable – her people can agree full-heartedly with that particular sentiment – but it is unanimously agreed upon on the great ease one found to heat themselves during the season rather than desperately chance upon the optimal manner to cool oneself. The Crystal Empire was a magnificent land, but perfection it was not. And the more Cadance thought about it in her endless stride around the Crystal Palace, the less she was sure she had lived in any sort of “perfect” place. Maybe Canterlot was a good contender to Crystal City – sure – but it lacks the relativism that comes with the cold north. Then again, the over-use of “crystal” in every name was getting on her nerves, but never would she admit to the Empire she rules that most hidden sentiment. It was there ancient culture, after all, who was she to deny them that? The Princess and ultimate authority in the land (precluding Celestia and the occasional intervention of Luna when she felt like it), but also a mare that did not really care for that formality. Her husband was in Canterlot to supervise the training of new guards with… She could not remember with whom exactly. All Armor’s friends sported names eerily similar to one another; she gave up long ago to remember who was who, and made sure – using all options at hoof – for Armor to pronounce the name first. Canterlot has a diverse array of names, but, for a bizarre reason, for them it was barren. Almost insulting in their lack of imagination. But one had to only look at their splendid, boring similitude to discern what an obvious fact it was. In her opinion, Armor tended to agree, it was simply Celestia having fun in some bizarre, perhaps oddly twisted way. ‘Or to hide her plot armor,’ Cadance mused at a remark once made by Twilight. ‘Or is it… Is it a name of one of them? Plot Amor,’ she repeated in a malign, interested way. She shrugged. ‘Possibly.’ Still, for the incredible leg work she was doing that day, escaping the capital of Equestria was the best thing she ever did in her life. Yes, the first few days had not been the most… She sighed. …welcoming. However, the Empire quickly turned into a far better alternative. Having hours of continuous discussions is fun and all, but it gets tiring, almost exasperating. Cadance vastly preferred spending alone time with herself or with friends. The balancing act she played with her private and public life had worked perfectly all her time in Canterlot. Many did not know she existed until she came to rule, and she liked it. From Celestia's busy schedule, Cadance understood quickly privacy would become a rare commodity; better enjoy it before it would be snatched away from her. But in the Crystal Empire, at that moment, the lack of that balancing act was depressing. One would think the challenges posed by the newly reappeared Empire would keep her distracted with endless conversations about rights, privileges, and whatnot the different involved parties thought were important. But a cursory look at recent history shows that it was the land itself the source of all problems. During the first few years, forgetting the early incident and along with her administrative work, she went on with Armor to cleanse the lingering remnants of foul magic. Not all of Sombra’s taint could be removed, but they had deemed the job done... for now. During summer, her people and officials were concerning themselves with harvesting the land – she had nothing to add to it. Befriending one of her officials could be detrimental to day-to-day operations to continue peacefully and- ‘-harmonically,’ she laughed at the word. ‘Funny how it works.’ Her people were diligent and disciplined enough to not need constant oversight and trusted with the work she delegated. Trade deals had been signed, and other than a Griffon delegation arriving in a few days to discuss knowledge-sharing, Cadance had nothing expedient. Others would have felt pride at a job well done, but Cadance felt useless – almost forgotten. None of her old friends had followed her to the Empire; she could not blame them, but it was- ‘Uncool.’ She took a deep breath and smacked her lips. ‘Maybe I should go to Equestria…’ She thought more about it. Her trips there had turned sparse and scattered, and indulging in the summer festivities of Equestria was not something she ever relished in. The Gala was coming soon, maybe she should prepare herself for Celestia’s insistence for her to attend. ‘Or I should just invite someone here. I wonder if Luna and Twilight are free. But I feel Luna would-’ She paused in her walk, near the balcony. ‘Well, fuck me, I am speaking to myself.’ ‘And you are very impolite,’ stated a voice, followed by a soft detonation of magical energy. Experience had taught Cadance to always gear herself for the worst; she lowered her head, pointed her horn to the outside, and prepared to aim. Shining Armor often mocked her for being a pessimist; she would disagree full-heartedly. She would describe herself more as a great optimist, but also someone that would always envisage the worst possibilities to better prepare for any ill eventuality. She could never decide whether it was a positive trait or a negative one – not that it would impact her much either way. She knew the voice; she knew who the figure was, but the bitter taste Chrysalis had left during her wedding did not easily abate. Where she attempted to not fall, to not dig deeper, was by questioning the identity of all. Luna teleported to the balcony of the Crystal Palace. Cadance immediately backed from her defensive posture and rushed to greet her aunt. They greeted each other without the requirements of protocol and etiquette. Though it was hard to imagine anyone keeping those when hugging the other. ‘I hope I am not intruding,’ said Luna, releasing Cadance. ‘You are interrupting my loneliness, yes.’ ‘Important dealings, then.’ ‘Very,’ she laughed. She invited Luna to sit down. ‘Order tea or something,’ asked Luna. She adjusted her seat for optimal comfort. ‘We have things to discuss.’ ‘Before, can I get a preamble? Maybe I don’t want to hear about those things?’ She smirked. ‘I will tell you about the Infinite and the Divine. It is a wonderful tale,’ sneered Luna. Cadance imitated her, knowing full well, but expectedly, it was going to be the complete opposite. ‘And I will make it long, don’t worry about it.’ ‘Oh, take your time. Take your time.’ She turned away toward one of her maids. ‘I’ve known worse.’ ‘I won’t get in that debate.’ ‘I will try to bring it up regardless.’ Luna pleasantly smiled and told Cadance everything she and Celestia knew about those two eternal geriatrics. **** ‘I like that name for you.’ ‘They lack the proper brain matter to conceive the true meaning of my name.’ Orikan mumbled a curse at Trazyn for phasing them into the cursed land of that false empire. 'Stop using your brain to childishly declare your prowess - you seldomly use it wisely.’ ‘You are not one to speak, Trazyn.’ ‘Perhaps, but my great task has some meaning in our benighted universe.’ ‘Do not even think of capturing either of them,’ he warned. ‘Why would I take one of those two? They are unique specimens, yes – the small ones in particular. But, dearest Orikan, if sharing the great historical repository of Solemnance means the instant, deflagrating death of even a simple monocerii, then I see no point in it.’ ‘What of blackstone?’ ‘Instant death either way. Even at low levels of polarization. Somehow, their world is separated from what the Imperium names the Great Ocean. A mild connection to the Warp and their souls are consumed. So, I would not imagine what one of those three presents would do.’ ‘Three?’ ‘Soon, the history of this world will witness a yet-unseen event. That Cadance evolved beyond a simple representative of their strains by Celestia, and she will make history.’ ‘Their genetic engineering is that developed?’ ‘Beyond its natural evolutionary boundaries? No. They use magic,’ he cursed. ‘They took creatures and made them into things horrific.’ Trazyn lifted his head to a semblance of a straight stand. ‘It is difficult to say if they have been given immortality. The tests are inconclusive.’ Orikan only answered with a great laugh, buried by the invisibility field they were overlooking Luna and Cadance from the other side of the room. Trazyn cut him off from his audio-feed and continued listening attentively to them speaking. An idea drew itself in his mind. But Orikan overrode his wards. ‘An Equestria at war would be a fascinating thing to behold,’ mused Orikan. Trazyn faced him. ‘For once, we are met with a people that, for all conceivable reason, have remained at peace for hundreds of years and have full mastery over their abilities without fear of it overwhelming them; why should we perturb such an oddity? Once, in the Times of Flesh, we had strived for that level of comfort, if you have forgotten.’ ‘And look where we are now,’ continued Orikan, enjoying the irony. ‘I had warned you. I warned the Silent King. I-’ he stopped himself; repeating the same argumentation dulled him. ‘One day, those beings,’ he pointed toward Luna and Cadance, ‘will understand the full extent of my prescience. Of my warning lost to time.’ ‘Want them to build you a statue?’ laughed Trazyn. ‘Why not, eh?’ Orikan paused and laughed as he wanted to mess with Trazyn. ‘Which one of those… Alicorns you prefer the most?’ ‘That one,’ he pointed his staff at Cadance. ‘And the elder. There is a sense of struggle that makes them endearing.’ ‘And about that “Twilight”?’ he hissed. ‘A child. All of them are, really. But she is egregiously so.’ The answer perturbed Orikan. It was too succinct for one as Trazyn. Something off was triggering Orikan. The Diviner analyzed the Infinite’s posture. The perpetual smile seemed more prominent. ‘You are planning something.’ ‘I never said I was a Necron of my words.’ [Foal Mountains, somewhere underneath rocks, Equestria]A terrible sound returned her to wakefulness. It sounded like metal hitting rock, its vibration ricocheting endlessly in a cavernous underground. Not something she was unfamiliar with; resentment and bitterness had led her to far worse places and led to even worse actions. Her eyes refused to see the light. Her mind called to let them shut in fear of a thing it had made her forget about. Starlight heard someone speak in a tongue similar to dark incantations, sending her body shuddering. It was mumbling to itself; like complaining about its unfortunate fate or repeating an argument it had. She heard it approach. A long, slick, slither rather than the ponderous walk she expected. ‘Unclean,’ he hissed disdainfully, wishing dearly he could spit poison. She opened her eyes. The mare met the gaze of a skull frozen in a metallic shriek; plastered on an elongated face. ‘Wh-where am I?’ tentatively asked Starlight. ‘You are speaking well.’ She raised her head, feeling dizzy and lost. ‘It appears I have perfectly adjusted the black stone’s effects.’ His voice lacked an interest she will hear soon enough. ‘As a start, of course; you creatures' cursed arts are tremendously unreliable to predict.’ Orikan circled Starlight, showing the four lychguards and the canoptek wraith he had brought along. Risk was not a luxury he could take while present in that forsaken world. They were tall bipedal things, equipped with blades buzzing in bizarre harmony. Immobile things, staying impossibly still. She anxiously amused herself by comparing them to statues. Well crafted, perfectly homogenous bunch staying at almost the exact distance from one another. Immaculate art pieces, ready to slaughter her at their serpentine master’s notice. He paused in front of her, his staff ready to slay the creature at any sign of magic being utilized. He hated her, she understood that much from his still expression. ‘Explain to me, Unclean,’ his voice clearer but infested with great entitlement, ‘how did you lay control over the strings of space-time with your childish, inexperienced will?’ Her lower jaw moved shyly. The answer was simple. Should she answer? Her instincts blared it was the best option. She refused to obey the primordial call. Her jaw froze, her expression was stoic. No answer will be delivered. The wraith moved to wrap around her, letting the heavy klink of its necrodermis resonate freely and intensely in the cavernous underground. The lychguards ignited their blades in unison. She had experienced some odd stuff while questing to avenge her loss to Twilight. She had witnessed the countless timelines where everything Starlight now holds dear and precious had been ruined, and she had to drudge through Trixie’s endless waffling. But that was simply surreal. She wanted to unleash herself upon her captures; to run and smite them with her powers. She could not move. Her magic was gone. The thing that had defined her life was gone. Her dizziness turned into a gnawing hollowness. It was almost nauseating; breathing had turned into a shore; keeping a head up was tasking. Yet she had taken on worst. Vengeance – as the saying goes – is a meal best eaten without sauce. And she quite liked sauce indeed, it turned out. Death could come to her at any moment – she cannot deny the potential inevitability of her predicament. She has to keep composure; she has to show she was not a creature to be trifled with. ‘H-how did you know of-’ ‘I’ve noticed it,’ he came close to a shout. Starlight closed her eyes, cursing her voice’s tremors and dimness. ‘Monitoring the slight shifts to your reality’s dimensions has told me. I also followed you, briefly – you and that mongrel thing.’ ‘Her name is Twilight Sparkles, Orikan. A Princess of Equestria, we have to honor such a being – even how much demented they can be.’ She saw another one of those things enter. His full height was betrayed by a hunch; his walk was heavy but elegant, using a top-heavy staff glowing in intense emerald light. It, too, could end her, she sensed. She gritted her teeth to the point she felt them dig deeper into her jaw. ‘I care not for names, Trazyn.’ ‘My precious colleague, the mongrel can be of use. The potentialities,’ he transmitted a smile for Orikan but still leaned forward to show amusement, ‘are there.’ ‘If the scarab will take her knowledge. No need to interact directly with their kind.’ ‘The experiments are still unfruitful?’ he casually asked. ‘What experiments?!’ exclaimed Starlight. Orikan ignored her with a callous wave. ‘Their minds are difficult to unravel. The damn energies of their coursing psychic powers. However,’ a scarab scurried from underneath the canoptek; Starlight squeaked at the sight of a gigantic cockroach-like thing rapidly approaching, ‘this will if my rework of its programs and engines prove able to withhold the effects of their psykana.’ ‘Good,’ said Trazyn, relieved. ‘The visit to the Galleries was not particularly enjoyable.’ ‘It had started with a bang, though,’ mocked the Diviner. Trazyn felt insulted. ‘I remember the damages to the strings of time you have brought upon, however.’ Orikan left the scarab on the ground, ordering it to connect itself to Starlight’s neck. ‘Of course, you did.’ The scarab crawled up her body, sending the mare into a quiet panic. ‘Excuse me, you two, but I have better things to do than hear two idiots ramble around!’ she unintentionally let out. Orikan seized her collar bone, pinching it slightly, but enough for Starlight to feel that a simple wrong action would break it. She shuttered, holding down the pain of a hundred needles piercing the back of her neck. She was barely below breaking point. ‘Messing with the strands of time is not a thing that should be readily happening, girl.’ Starlight painfully straightened her head, fixating the Diviner with a scornful gaze before her head snapped back upward as the pain turned more unbearable. The scarab's metallic body seethed; the low pulse clouded her senses. A smirk appeared, then vanished. ‘You are in no place to point that out,’ mockingly accused Trazyn. She wanted to cry at the utter lack of care for her condition. ‘The Reawakened Co-’ ‘The body was dissolved,’ opposed Orikan. ‘It is the past, now.’ Trazyn agreed with a metallic laugh, somehow natural and unnatural at the same time. ‘Hey, you two!’ excruciatingly shouted Starlight, biting every word with the determination that tilted the interest of both Necrons. ‘I hate to interrupt your O so precious exchange, but I don’t give two damn about the rubbish you are spewing or whatever your skull-faces are using!’ Something, many things stung inside her skull, biting on her brain like syringes. ‘If you want to extract information from me, make it quick! I have no time to be used as a simple sponge pressed by whatever passes as claws for you! Plus, let me tell you that as interrogators, I’ve known Griffons generous enough to give me a commission.’ She swallowed her spit, eyeing aggressively both Necron lords. Trazyn leaned closer, examining her with the curiosity of a scientist; letting her perceive every feature of his faceplate; running down his fingers over her face. She was trembling and the more he closed the distance between them, the more he sensed her fear emerging. It spiked further as the canoptek calmly slithered on the ground and the scarab spiking deeper. Tears ran down her face, amusing him. Abruptly, Trazyn straightened up his pose, too swift for Starlight’s dulling mind to put straight the rapid blur of movement. He made a low cackle. ‘She reminds me of a Phaerakh. The Phaerakh of the Asherah Dynasty – Araris, the All-Conquering Star Ever-lasting.’ ‘Never heard of her.’ ‘Such no culture is unsurprising, but I have to admit that the name is deceiving. While she managed to reconquer some of her dynasty’s old holdings in the western regions; she finally fell to the destroyer madness. Not surprising, I think – she had a bad character. I know not of who is the head of the dynasty currently; from what I gathered, the successors I know of, all were befallen by the same fate or with the flayer curse.’ ‘An unfortunate fate, truly. I hope for the dynasty’s continuous future.’ The Diviner turned toward Starlight. She saw his singular eye eying her expectedly. At that point, she wasn’t sure what he would inflict more upon her. Her inability to study his facial expression and deconstruct the imperious manner he was addressing her, infuriated Starlight. What are those curses they spoke of? Could she be inflected by them? Would she… destroy? Would she… flay? How can machines be cursed? Do they possess a biological half? She wearily smiled, seeping on the absurdity of it all. Thinking hurt. Facial expression hurt. Her movements were restrained by the insect grabbing hold. Yet, she felt relaxed. Her limbs did not ache her; they were perfectly warm. It was almost pleasant. She could… get used to it. Enjoy it. All things considered, she was alone. No one was coming to save her. ‘Have any we can use as a demonstration?’ mused Orikan, exploring if he should cease this interrogation. ‘Are you mad? The decades I will lose in my quarantine will mean a great loss.’ ‘L-losing on copturing random Ponaeeys,’ Starlight’s stress spoke in her stead, barely words anymore, closer to an incomprehensible spit-full mélange. ‘Random,’ rasped Orikan. ‘Your Princess managed to permanently kill a lychguard and somehow greatly disturb the others’ reconstruction.’ ‘Indeed,’ nodded Trazyn, not wanting to add more to the discussion. Orikan raised a hand to signal a definitive pause for Trazyn, preemptively readying means to shut him completely. For a brief moment, silence fell. Then, a loud scream, howled with immense force filled the cavern; before suddenly and abruptly shutting down completely.
[Ponyville, Twilight’s Castle, Equestria; later]Twilight raised her head and focused back on her spell. Starlight’s wound had easily healed, but the blood loss was concerning. Twilight had found Starlight late at night, after her return from a lecture. She was lying on her stomach with blood dripping down from behind her mane; her neck was almost fully stained with dried life essence. Luckily, the Alicorn had been alone. She had been tired after a full day of work, but rescuing her friend was paramount. She easily sealed the wound and cleaned Starlight. For the entire night, Twilight scoured her library for a manner to gift Starlight with new blood. She did find it, eventually. Night had ended by then, dawn had been long gone; it was shortly before noon that the spell was cast, awaking Starlight with its intensity and the sudden rush of life essence into her veins. Her cauterized wounds leaked. Then, once more, blood descended back down her neck. Blood was restored; a tired Twilight refocused on the problem at han- hoof… hoof. ‘Still hurts?’ asked Twilight, finalizing her spell to seal Starlight’s neck wound. ‘It itches,’ murmured Starlight. Twilight let her book fall on the floor. ‘Then it is working perfectly well,’ she sighed. She dropped onto the couch. Twilight forced herself not to close her eyes. Coffee was useless – plus she had drunk all her reserves. Spike had forgotten to resupply the kitchen. Again. But he had gotten an entire warehouse's worth of Foalshire tea instead. It had almost replaced water here. She wondered if- ‘Can’t you… dull it down? Please, Twilight,’ complained Starlight. ‘Gave it time.’ Twilight lazily returned the book to its bookshelf. She offered Starlight some tea. There were two cups on the table, both filled with cold tea, and both drank from. ‘Now, tell me,’ she cleaned her face, ‘what happened?’ Twilight smiled to reassure Starlight. Twilight scratched the back of her neck… Errrr…. Starlight did… Starlight did. ‘I think they mentioned being… nacrons? Necrons? Something like that. They were made of metal, and they glowed.’ She paused to take a deep breath. ‘One of them, called Orikan… Yeas… Orikan wanted to know how I did the time-traveling thing.’ She did not like Starlight’s hesitation. Twilight threw a sweat-soaked towel toward her – Starlight’s sweat, she had yet to turn into a degenerate. It did not hit, but the close call refocused Starlight. ‘I don’t think I can tell you much. I don’t think they can even use magic, either.’ ‘How you arrived here?’ Starlight shrugged. ‘Thank you for helping though.’ She awkwardly smiled. ‘Don’t mention it. But whatever those things were, they are dangerous. How you managed to escape practically unscathed is just… Well, just lucky!’ ‘Lucky? They’ve… But…’ Starlight hesitated to continue. ‘Spit it,’ she demanded. ‘I understood that Celestia had once been an unwanted guest of both…’ Twilight got up off her couch in a frenzy, invading Starlight’s private space in less than a second. ‘But they harmed her.’ She obsessed over her friend’s expression. ‘I-I guess… Maybe… Perhaos- Perhaps…’ Twilight grabbed Starlight. ‘We have to go tell the Princesses of their return! Maybe we are under threat from them!’ ‘They have released me and asked for stupid things. I assume they already know enough of our world for them to have-’ She paused to quell a headache – that rambling was completely unnecessary, anyways. ‘In brief!’ Starlight shook her head, disparately trying to keep down the headache. ‘Nothing?’ forcibly added Twilight. ‘No…’ sighed Starlight. ‘Give me time, Twilight.’ She did. Almost a full hour to recount her misadventure. As soon as she had finished speaking, Twilight teleported them to Canterlot… next to a restaurant, at first. Then in Twilight’s old chamber, finally ending up next to the throne room’s doors.
[Canterlot Castle, Canterlot, Equestria]All things considered, it had been a boring day. Celestia and Luna wandered around the Castle for hours on end. Bizarrely, on that day, both had nothing to do except discuss whatever and reminisce about things past. Celestia had a millennium of tales to count her, and on every occasion, Luna asked her about particular events. Though her sister was reluctant to talk about that time, Luna did not press her too much for the information nor did she spoil herself by reading about its happenings. Early in her return, she Luna learned of the last century but insisted on not being told more; small droplets over time were vastly preferred, even if it would take them another thousand years. Eventually, they came to settle back in the throne room. Celestia was worried she might have passed over some important issues. Nothing. They returned to their long discussion. ‘So,’ began Luna, ‘tell me more about the Star Conundrum.’ It was an event Celestia had mentioned in passing but had yet to expand upon. She chuckled. ‘Fancy name, no?’ ‘Oh-ho, yes. Must be… Amazing.’ ‘It was just a naming competition between two scientists. I swear, you would think that choosing a cat’s name would not cause that much contention,’ she said, bitterly. ‘Wait, wait, wait – cat’s name?’ ‘Why, yes – Star Crust and Star Might. Those two bickered on a proper name for a cat they found near their observatory,’ she grumbled. ‘Huh? You-’ Twilight slammed the door open, stunning everyone inside and not giving the guards time to react (which was not unusual). Starlight slowly trailed behind, keeping a hoof on her neck to calm the itching – pressing on the wound somehow made it feel less painful. Without giving time for Celestia and Luna to ask the reason for her insolence, Twilight disgorged everything. Luna ordered the guards out and cursed internally, but elected to wait for Celestia to speak. She hated manipulating her sister in that fashion; she had to test the veracity of a prior claim – if she was genuine about being “alright”. That Starlight personage was hurt, but speaking with her wasn’t in her agenda. Perhaps she learned, really learned, what the reckless use of magic entails. A harsh position she took vis-à-vis that rogue mage, though one needed. Twilight might have calmed her; it was always good to be sure, after all. That Orikan might have removed a thorn. At least, temporarily. And so Luna for Celestia to tone down the tense atmosphere Twilight left after concluding her quick succession of words. Nothing. Luna looked up. Celestia expression was frozen in a blend of awakened weariness. Her pupils were diluted, and attention diverted to her rumbling imagination. Her expression was etched in a smile Luna despised its fakeness. ‘Princess Celestia?’ worried Twilight. ‘Sister…’ whispered Luna, approaching Celestia’s head to her level. ‘Everything will be alright. Take a deep breath.’ ‘When have you faced them, Majesty?’ came forth Starlight like awakened from sleep. Celestia shook her head, regaining focus. ‘A few years before Luna’s return…’ she trailed off, trying to think of a way to recall things perfectly; do not concern them too much with that event. ‘It was more of a chitchat,’ Luna spoke in her sister’s stead. ‘However, of course, forced upon her and with the terrible use of a material called “blackstone”..?’ She turned toward Celestia for verification. She nodded. ‘Blackstone. She has bad memories of it, and until my sister wishes to disclose more-’ ‘But those two can-’ interjected Twilight. ‘Until my sister wishes to disclose more about it,’ repeated Luna, wincing antagonistically at Twilight, making her shut up. ‘Celestia will stay quiet on the matter for now. I am her sister; it is normal I was informed of it all – in private.’ Starlight and Twilight nodded. ‘As for what we should do with the Infinite and the Divine-’ continued Luna before being quietly corrected by Celestia. ‘The Diviner. Orikan the Diviner.’ Luna stopped to ponder. ‘Divine sounds better. “The Infinite and the Diviner” does not roll off the tongue quite well, I think.’ Celestia chuckled. ‘Quite right. You can continue.’ Luna nodded. ‘As for those two, it appears we are outmatched by them in every manner. We can use surprise to attack them with powerful spells, but they are quick and will react immediately to anything we will throw. And, before you ask, Twilight, the Elements will be useless against them.’ ‘Why is that!? They are a threat!’ ‘Yes, I don’t disagree. But the fact of the matter is that they appear more machine than birthed from any means we are familiar with. Plus, take it from someone with experience of the effect your clique has on someone,’ she sneered with a down-looking gaze. ‘She has a point, you know?’ agreed Starlight, jokingly turning toward Twilight. Luna nudged Celestia. ‘Two times even. Two times even.’ ‘He-he-he,’ awkwardly laughed the young Alicorn. ‘Additionally, since we cannot adequately prepare ourselves for them, their superior technology, and in view of their… non-lethal methods… I say that- uhm…’ Luna paused, knowing if she would to continue it would only stress them further. And there was no clever trick or shifting of plain she can do to force a change of subject as she would act in dreams. ‘Don’t worry, Twilight,’ continued Celestia in Luna’s stead. ‘Cadance will be informed, and with us here with the knowledge of them, we can deal with those two quietly and efficiently. We will convene again when we will demand so. You two need rest, now. I will come to ease your pain tomorrow, Starlight. Sleep well, you two.’ The Unicorn thanked her. Twilight brooded a little, accepting her mentor’s words. Both mares left the throne room, leaving the Sisters alone once again. ‘Insulting,’ said Luna. ‘Me?’ ‘No, stupid.’ Luna got down from the elevated platform the throne rested upon. ‘The purple one.’ Celestia vigorously gestured for Luna to dismiss Twilight’s behavior. ‘You were with her most of the time,’ retorted Luna. ‘You are to mostly blame for her attitude.’ ‘I never said nor claimed I can do miracles.’ Luna nodded in amused acknowledgment, then continued her walk. The room was immense, very good for her to think. Celestia studied Luna for a bit, keeping her stare awkwardly fixed at her sister. Luna noticed someone eyeing her. Turning her head; finding Celestia confused look did not surprise her. She knew the unasked question well. ‘I know I told you not to worry the first time-’ ‘I don’t want to experience… to experience them again.’ Her voice barely heard. Luna moved closer, continuing her walk until she reached the bottom of the stairs. ‘You said to me it would take them an hour to conquer the globe, that they can destroy stars and have enslaved gods, and that we have nothing to offer them except being a glorified zoo. And it has been almost twenty years since your first encounter, Celestia. Just connect the dots. They are curious, but not invaders – in a fashion.’ ‘Still. They are dangerous; being nonchalant about it won’t help.’ Luna grinned. ‘I would not describe it as so, sister. My reasoning is simple: we are faced by powers that – as far as we know of – are beyond our current comprehension and abilities. Clearly our magic terrifies them, but they can readily counter it.’ She malignly smiled. ‘We are nothing to them. They are almighty.’ Celestia mimicked her sister’s smile. ‘Almighty, indeed.’
[Crystal Palace, Crystal City, Crystal Empire; A day later]She hated summer. Yes, winter was not preferable – her people can agree full-heartedly with that particular sentiment – but it is unanimously agreed upon on the great ease one found to heat themselves during the season rather than desperately chance upon the optimal manner to cool oneself. The Crystal Empire was a magnificent land, but perfection it was not. And the more Cadance thought about it in her endless stride around the Crystal Palace, the less she was sure she had lived in any sort of “perfect” place. Maybe Canterlot was a good contender to Crystal City – sure – but it lacks the relativism that comes with the cold north. Then again, the over-use of “crystal” in every name was getting on her nerves, but never would she admit to the Empire she rules that most hidden sentiment. It was there ancient culture, after all, who was she to deny them that? The Princess and ultimate authority in the land (precluding Celestia and the occasional intervention of Luna when she felt like it), but also a mare that did not really care for that formality. Her husband was in Canterlot to supervise the training of new guards with… She could not remember with whom exactly. All Armor’s friends sported names eerily similar to one another; she gave up long ago to remember who was who, and made sure – using all options at hoof – for Armor to pronounce the name first. Canterlot has a diverse array of names, but, for a bizarre reason, for them it was barren. Almost insulting in their lack of imagination. But one had to only look at their splendid, boring similitude to discern what an obvious fact it was. In her opinion, Armor tended to agree, it was simply Celestia having fun in some bizarre, perhaps oddly twisted way. ‘Or to hide her plot armor,’ Cadance mused at a remark once made by Twilight. ‘Or is it… Is it a name of one of them? Plot Amor,’ she repeated in a malign, interested way. She shrugged. ‘Possibly.’ Still, for the incredible leg work she was doing that day, escaping the capital of Equestria was the best thing she ever did in her life. Yes, the first few days had not been the most… She sighed. …welcoming. However, the Empire quickly turned into a far better alternative. Having hours of continuous discussions is fun and all, but it gets tiring, almost exasperating. Cadance vastly preferred spending alone time with herself or with friends. The balancing act she played with her private and public life had worked perfectly all her time in Canterlot. Many did not know she existed until she came to rule, and she liked it. From Celestia's busy schedule, Cadance understood quickly privacy would become a rare commodity; better enjoy it before it would be snatched away from her. But in the Crystal Empire, at that moment, the lack of that balancing act was depressing. One would think the challenges posed by the newly reappeared Empire would keep her distracted with endless conversations about rights, privileges, and whatnot the different involved parties thought were important. But a cursory look at recent history shows that it was the land itself the source of all problems. During the first few years, forgetting the early incident and along with her administrative work, she went on with Armor to cleanse the lingering remnants of foul magic. Not all of Sombra’s taint could be removed, but they had deemed the job done... for now. During summer, her people and officials were concerning themselves with harvesting the land – she had nothing to add to it. Befriending one of her officials could be detrimental to day-to-day operations to continue peacefully and- ‘-harmonically,’ she laughed at the word. ‘Funny how it works.’ Her people were diligent and disciplined enough to not need constant oversight and trusted with the work she delegated. Trade deals had been signed, and other than a Griffon delegation arriving in a few days to discuss knowledge-sharing, Cadance had nothing expedient. Others would have felt pride at a job well done, but Cadance felt useless – almost forgotten. None of her old friends had followed her to the Empire; she could not blame them, but it was- ‘Uncool.’ She took a deep breath and smacked her lips. ‘Maybe I should go to Equestria…’ She thought more about it. Her trips there had turned sparse and scattered, and indulging in the summer festivities of Equestria was not something she ever relished in. The Gala was coming soon, maybe she should prepare herself for Celestia’s insistence for her to attend. ‘Or I should just invite someone here. I wonder if Luna and Twilight are free. But I feel Luna would-’ She paused in her walk, near the balcony. ‘Well, fuck me, I am speaking to myself.’ ‘And you are very impolite,’ stated a voice, followed by a soft detonation of magical energy. Experience had taught Cadance to always gear herself for the worst; she lowered her head, pointed her horn to the outside, and prepared to aim. Shining Armor often mocked her for being a pessimist; she would disagree full-heartedly. She would describe herself more as a great optimist, but also someone that would always envisage the worst possibilities to better prepare for any ill eventuality. She could never decide whether it was a positive trait or a negative one – not that it would impact her much either way. She knew the voice; she knew who the figure was, but the bitter taste Chrysalis had left during her wedding did not easily abate. Where she attempted to not fall, to not dig deeper, was by questioning the identity of all. Luna teleported to the balcony of the Crystal Palace. Cadance immediately backed from her defensive posture and rushed to greet her aunt. They greeted each other without the requirements of protocol and etiquette. Though it was hard to imagine anyone keeping those when hugging the other. ‘I hope I am not intruding,’ said Luna, releasing Cadance. ‘You are interrupting my loneliness, yes.’ ‘Important dealings, then.’ ‘Very,’ she laughed. She invited Luna to sit down. ‘Order tea or something,’ asked Luna. She adjusted her seat for optimal comfort. ‘We have things to discuss.’ ‘Before, can I get a preamble? Maybe I don’t want to hear about those things?’ She smirked. ‘I will tell you about the Infinite and the Divine. It is a wonderful tale,’ sneered Luna. Cadance imitated her, knowing full well, but expectedly, it was going to be the complete opposite. ‘And I will make it long, don’t worry about it.’ ‘Oh, take your time. Take your time.’ She turned away toward one of her maids. ‘I’ve known worse.’ ‘I won’t get in that debate.’ ‘I will try to bring it up regardless.’ Luna pleasantly smiled and told Cadance everything she and Celestia knew about those two eternal geriatrics. **** ‘I like that name for you.’ ‘They lack the proper brain matter to conceive the true meaning of my name.’ Orikan mumbled a curse at Trazyn for phasing them into the cursed land of that false empire. 'Stop using your brain to childishly declare your prowess - you seldomly use it wisely.’ ‘You are not one to speak, Trazyn.’ ‘Perhaps, but my great task has some meaning in our benighted universe.’ ‘Do not even think of capturing either of them,’ he warned. ‘Why would I take one of those two? They are unique specimens, yes – the small ones in particular. But, dearest Orikan, if sharing the great historical repository of Solemnance means the instant, deflagrating death of even a simple monocerii, then I see no point in it.’ ‘What of blackstone?’ ‘Instant death either way. Even at low levels of polarization. Somehow, their world is separated from what the Imperium names the Great Ocean. A mild connection to the Warp and their souls are consumed. So, I would not imagine what one of those three presents would do.’ ‘Three?’ ‘Soon, the history of this world will witness a yet-unseen event. That Cadance evolved beyond a simple representative of their strains by Celestia, and she will make history.’ ‘Their genetic engineering is that developed?’ ‘Beyond its natural evolutionary boundaries? No. They use magic,’ he cursed. ‘They took creatures and made them into things horrific.’ Trazyn lifted his head to a semblance of a straight stand. ‘It is difficult to say if they have been given immortality. The tests are inconclusive.’ Orikan only answered with a great laugh, buried by the invisibility field they were overlooking Luna and Cadance from the other side of the room. Trazyn cut him off from his audio-feed and continued listening attentively to them speaking. An idea drew itself in his mind. But Orikan overrode his wards. ‘An Equestria at war would be a fascinating thing to behold,’ mused Orikan. Trazyn faced him. ‘For once, we are met with a people that, for all conceivable reason, have remained at peace for hundreds of years and have full mastery over their abilities without fear of it overwhelming them; why should we perturb such an oddity? Once, in the Times of Flesh, we had strived for that level of comfort, if you have forgotten.’ ‘And look where we are now,’ continued Orikan, enjoying the irony. ‘I had warned you. I warned the Silent King. I-’ he stopped himself; repeating the same argumentation dulled him. ‘One day, those beings,’ he pointed toward Luna and Cadance, ‘will understand the full extent of my prescience. Of my warning lost to time.’ ‘Want them to build you a statue?’ laughed Trazyn. ‘Why not, eh?’ Orikan paused and laughed as he wanted to mess with Trazyn. ‘Which one of those… Alicorns you prefer the most?’ ‘That one,’ he pointed his staff at Cadance. ‘And the elder. There is a sense of struggle that makes them endearing.’ ‘And about that “Twilight”?’ he hissed. ‘A child. All of them are, really. But she is egregiously so.’ The answer perturbed Orikan. It was too succinct for one as Trazyn. Something off was triggering Orikan. The Diviner analyzed the Infinite’s posture. The perpetual smile seemed more prominent. ‘You are planning something.’ ‘I never said I was a Necron of my words.’
[Foal Mountains, somewhere underneath rocks, Equestria]A terrible sound returned her to wakefulness. It sounded like metal hitting rock, its vibration ricocheting endlessly in a cavernous underground. Not something she was unfamiliar with; resentment and bitterness had led her to far worse places and led to even worse actions. Her eyes refused to see the light. Her mind called to let them shut in fear of a thing it had made her forget about. Starlight heard someone speak in a tongue similar to dark incantations, sending her body shuddering. It was mumbling to itself; like complaining about its unfortunate fate or repeating an argument it had. She heard it approach. A long, slick, slither rather than the ponderous walk she expected. ‘Unclean,’ he hissed disdainfully, wishing dearly he could spit poison. She opened her eyes. The mare met the gaze of a skull frozen in a metallic shriek; plastered on an elongated face. ‘Wh-where am I?’ tentatively asked Starlight. ‘You are speaking well.’ She raised her head, feeling dizzy and lost. ‘It appears I have perfectly adjusted the black stone’s effects.’ His voice lacked an interest she will hear soon enough. ‘As a start, of course; you creatures' cursed arts are tremendously unreliable to predict.’ Orikan circled Starlight, showing the four lychguards and the canoptek wraith he had brought along. Risk was not a luxury he could take while present in that forsaken world. They were tall bipedal things, equipped with blades buzzing in bizarre harmony. Immobile things, staying impossibly still. She anxiously amused herself by comparing them to statues. Well crafted, perfectly homogenous bunch staying at almost the exact distance from one another. Immaculate art pieces, ready to slaughter her at their serpentine master’s notice. He paused in front of her, his staff ready to slay the creature at any sign of magic being utilized. He hated her, she understood that much from his still expression. ‘Explain to me, Unclean,’ his voice clearer but infested with great entitlement, ‘how did you lay control over the strings of space-time with your childish, inexperienced will?’ Her lower jaw moved shyly. The answer was simple. Should she answer? Her instincts blared it was the best option. She refused to obey the primordial call. Her jaw froze, her expression was stoic. No answer will be delivered. The wraith moved to wrap around her, letting the heavy klink of its necrodermis resonate freely and intensely in the cavernous underground. The lychguards ignited their blades in unison. She had experienced some odd stuff while questing to avenge her loss to Twilight. She had witnessed the countless timelines where everything Starlight now holds dear and precious had been ruined, and she had to drudge through Trixie’s endless waffling. But that was simply surreal. She wanted to unleash herself upon her captures; to run and smite them with her powers. She could not move. Her magic was gone. The thing that had defined her life was gone. Her dizziness turned into a gnawing hollowness. It was almost nauseating; breathing had turned into a shore; keeping a head up was tasking. Yet she had taken on worst. Vengeance – as the saying goes – is a meal best eaten without sauce. And she quite liked sauce indeed, it turned out. Death could come to her at any moment – she cannot deny the potential inevitability of her predicament. She has to keep composure; she has to show she was not a creature to be trifled with. ‘H-how did you know of-’ ‘I’ve noticed it,’ he came close to a shout. Starlight closed her eyes, cursing her voice’s tremors and dimness. ‘Monitoring the slight shifts to your reality’s dimensions has told me. I also followed you, briefly – you and that mongrel thing.’ ‘Her name is Twilight Sparkles, Orikan. A Princess of Equestria, we have to honor such a being – even how much demented they can be.’ She saw another one of those things enter. His full height was betrayed by a hunch; his walk was heavy but elegant, using a top-heavy staff glowing in intense emerald light. It, too, could end her, she sensed. She gritted her teeth to the point she felt them dig deeper into her jaw. ‘I care not for names, Trazyn.’ ‘My precious colleague, the mongrel can be of use. The potentialities,’ he transmitted a smile for Orikan but still leaned forward to show amusement, ‘are there.’ ‘If the scarab will take her knowledge. No need to interact directly with their kind.’ ‘The experiments are still unfruitful?’ he casually asked. ‘What experiments?!’ exclaimed Starlight. Orikan ignored her with a callous wave. ‘Their minds are difficult to unravel. The damn energies of their coursing psychic powers. However,’ a scarab scurried from underneath the canoptek; Starlight squeaked at the sight of a gigantic cockroach-like thing rapidly approaching, ‘this will if my rework of its programs and engines prove able to withhold the effects of their psykana.’ ‘Good,’ said Trazyn, relieved. ‘The visit to the Galleries was not particularly enjoyable.’ ‘It had started with a bang, though,’ mocked the Diviner. Trazyn felt insulted. ‘I remember the damages to the strings of time you have brought upon, however.’ Orikan left the scarab on the ground, ordering it to connect itself to Starlight’s neck. ‘Of course, you did.’ The scarab crawled up her body, sending the mare into a quiet panic. ‘Excuse me, you two, but I have better things to do than hear two idiots ramble around!’ she unintentionally let out. Orikan seized her collar bone, pinching it slightly, but enough for Starlight to feel that a simple wrong action would break it. She shuttered, holding down the pain of a hundred needles piercing the back of her neck. She was barely below breaking point. ‘Messing with the strands of time is not a thing that should be readily happening, girl.’ Starlight painfully straightened her head, fixating the Diviner with a scornful gaze before her head snapped back upward as the pain turned more unbearable. The scarab's metallic body seethed; the low pulse clouded her senses. A smirk appeared, then vanished. ‘You are in no place to point that out,’ mockingly accused Trazyn. She wanted to cry at the utter lack of care for her condition. ‘The Reawakened Co-’ ‘The body was dissolved,’ opposed Orikan. ‘It is the past, now.’ Trazyn agreed with a metallic laugh, somehow natural and unnatural at the same time. ‘Hey, you two!’ excruciatingly shouted Starlight, biting every word with the determination that tilted the interest of both Necrons. ‘I hate to interrupt your O so precious exchange, but I don’t give two damn about the rubbish you are spewing or whatever your skull-faces are using!’ Something, many things stung inside her skull, biting on her brain like syringes. ‘If you want to extract information from me, make it quick! I have no time to be used as a simple sponge pressed by whatever passes as claws for you! Plus, let me tell you that as interrogators, I’ve known Griffons generous enough to give me a commission.’ She swallowed her spit, eyeing aggressively both Necron lords. Trazyn leaned closer, examining her with the curiosity of a scientist; letting her perceive every feature of his faceplate; running down his fingers over her face. She was trembling and the more he closed the distance between them, the more he sensed her fear emerging. It spiked further as the canoptek calmly slithered on the ground and the scarab spiking deeper. Tears ran down her face, amusing him. Abruptly, Trazyn straightened up his pose, too swift for Starlight’s dulling mind to put straight the rapid blur of movement. He made a low cackle. ‘She reminds me of a Phaerakh. The Phaerakh of the Asherah Dynasty – Araris, the All-Conquering Star Ever-lasting.’ ‘Never heard of her.’ ‘Such no culture is unsurprising, but I have to admit that the name is deceiving. While she managed to reconquer some of her dynasty’s old holdings in the western regions; she finally fell to the destroyer madness. Not surprising, I think – she had a bad character. I know not of who is the head of the dynasty currently; from what I gathered, the successors I know of, all were befallen by the same fate or with the flayer curse.’ ‘An unfortunate fate, truly. I hope for the dynasty’s continuous future.’ The Diviner turned toward Starlight. She saw his singular eye eying her expectedly. At that point, she wasn’t sure what he would inflict more upon her. Her inability to study his facial expression and deconstruct the imperious manner he was addressing her, infuriated Starlight. What are those curses they spoke of? Could she be inflected by them? Would she… destroy? Would she… flay? How can machines be cursed? Do they possess a biological half? She wearily smiled, seeping on the absurdity of it all. Thinking hurt. Facial expression hurt. Her movements were restrained by the insect grabbing hold. Yet, she felt relaxed. Her limbs did not ache her; they were perfectly warm. It was almost pleasant. She could… get used to it. Enjoy it. All things considered, she was alone. No one was coming to save her. ‘Have any we can use as a demonstration?’ mused Orikan, exploring if he should cease this interrogation. ‘Are you mad? The decades I will lose in my quarantine will mean a great loss.’ ‘L-losing on copturing random Ponaeeys,’ Starlight’s stress spoke in her stead, barely words anymore, closer to an incomprehensible spit-full mélange. ‘Random,’ rasped Orikan. ‘Your Princess managed to permanently kill a lychguard and somehow greatly disturb the others’ reconstruction.’ ‘Indeed,’ nodded Trazyn, not wanting to add more to the discussion. Orikan raised a hand to signal a definitive pause for Trazyn, preemptively readying means to shut him completely. For a brief moment, silence fell. Then, a loud scream, howled with immense force filled the cavern; before suddenly and abruptly shutting down completely.
