High Seas of the Underworldby DougtheLoremasterChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 1“Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon.” Twilight jumped in slight surprise as lightning flashed in the torrential downpour. Diving for cover as thunder roared in the tumultuous storm, the Batpony’s purple eyes glowed with luminous magic, and eagerly she turned the page of the book, and continued reading out loud. “She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to Ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she attempted to repel her sister’s onslaught. Something went wrong though and the magic artifacts refused to respond to her, as Nightmare Moon’s final blast struck her full on in the chest.” Twilight’s eyes went wide. She whispered softly. “Oh no.” The story was getting good, it was actually tugging on her heartstrings. Choking back her tears, she steeled her nerves, while the storm thundered on and turned the page with anticipation. “Nightmare Moon stood victorious over the fallen form of her foe, gazing at the corpse. The sight of her sister’s body before her, broke Luna free of the Nightmare’s call, her eyes returning to the soft blue. She removed the silvery helmet from her head and threw it to the side. The last sister fell to her knees and clutched the fallen Unicorn’s body to her barrel, letting out a gut wrenching scream.” Twilight placed a hoof against the image of the crying Princess Luna, she looked so familiar. Still the young Batpony continued reading. “As if in solidarity the sky above went dark, and rain began to fall over the world. Days turned into weeks of darkness and storms, weeks became years. The lands were swallowed up by the water, and Ponykind took to the sea in many boats. The legendary rain has continued to fall as the younger sister dedicated herself to bettering Ponykind in her sister’s stead. And still the rain continued to fall. That same rain has continued to fall ever since.” Twilight was in so much awe of the story she had read, that she didn’t notice an adult Batpony, a mare, standing beside her. Leaning in close, the silvery gray of the large mare’s hide glistened in the moonlight that streamed down through the leaking cracks in the roof. She spoke with a warmth, unlike any other. “It’s a fascinating tale, isn’t it?” Twilight jumped before whirling around with a gasp, only to find a large pair of leathery wings wrapping around her in a warm and loving embrace. Twilight giggled as her snout was gently booped with the mare’s hoof. “Mama!” The mare smiled as she flew up to the roof holding her daughter, flipping upside down, letting her hooves make contact with the rafters. With amethyst eyes like her daughter, the mare smiled a loving, fanged smile; her eyes glowing with a silvery magic. The blanket on the floor levitated up to her and swiftly with expert precision, she wrapped the little filly in a warm fluffy cocoon. “It’s time for little bats to be roosting.” Twilight whined. “Aw, but the story-” Twilight Velvet nuzzled her daughter. “You can read some more fairytales tomorrow, the crescent moon is high in the night sky, Twilight. You know the rules.” Overcome by the snuggly warmth of the fur-lined, walrus leather blanket, Twilight gave a reluctant yawn and her eyes flickered. Velvet smiled and whispered lovingly. “Good day, my little Twilight. Sleep well.” Twilight’s eyes fell shut, and safe in her cocoon of warmth amidst the damp timbers of the ship she called home, fell into a deep sleep. Velvet watched her little filly snoring softly for a few moments, before her ear twitched. Narrowing her eyes, she raced up the stairs and flung open the door to the top deck, to reveal an entirely different scene from the tranquility in the cabins. Reaching to her side, Velvet put on the black Tricorn hat, and took a deep breath as batponies rushed around, frantically performing various duties. The gentleness faded from her eyes, flaring to life with a bright silvery magical light as she opened her muzzle and her voice roared across the windswept deck. “Ahoy, you filthy bilgebats! Status report!” A large dark blue stallion with a scar running down his face, through one of his eyes strode up to velvet and spoke in a gruff voice. “All's well on deck, Captain. The rigging on the mainsail came loose, so Wendy is tying it down tighter. Onyx and Morel are busy swabbing the deck. Claimed they wanted to make it sparkle for you or something. Don’t know what good that does in a stor-” His voice was stifled by Velvet placing her hoof over his mouth. “Nice work, honey. Now then-” Her eyes narrowed with fierce intensity. Her hoof slid down from his muzzle and grabbed him by the throat, as she stared coldly into his eyes. “What aren’t you telling me, Nightlight Sparkle?” Nightlight gazed into his wife’s eyes, and swallowed hard. The two had been married for nearly thirty years, and that one action told Velvet everything she needed to know. Her eyes narrowed in rage. “Where is she?” The door to the Captain’s chambers blew open, as Velvet stormed in to see an Thestral of obsidian black, laying there on her bed, waving cheerfully to her. Velvet angrily flared her leathery wings and scornfully addressed the figure. “What are you doing here, Nyx?” The Thestral laughed and slid from the bed, stepping onto the worn wooden planks. Her eyes were a sapphire blue, brilliant and shining brightly as she flickered her long butterfly eyelashes. “Oh Velvet, is that any way to greet your Mother? Where’s the love?” Velvet glared at her, spitting on the floorboards in contempt. “It died, about the same time I did, your Highhorse.” Nyx sighed and lifted a hoof, pinning Velvet’s jaw shut before speaking silkily. “Now, now my little daughter. Let’s not be too crass. The seas of the Underworld are yours to sail to your heart’s content. And who was it that allowed your soul to have such a luxury? Ah, right-” Velvet’s eyes went wide with terror as her mother and Princess of the Underworld stared venomously into her eyes. “Me.” Letting go of her, Nyx sat down on the bed once more, twirling her hoof in the air as she spoke lazily. “Or have you forgotten our little deal?” Velvet stiffened and lowered her head, her voice suddenly very meek. “I-” Nyx conjured a golden apple, tossing it in the air, playfully. “Ten years below, ten years above, if I recall. Isn’t that right, daughter of mine?” Nyx sank her fangs into the golden apple, the juice dripping down her muzzle. Wiping it away with a hoof, she sighed and continued. “You struck the deal, Velvet. Your life for the lives of your unborn baby and your mortal husband. Of which, I was against you marrying in the first place.” Sitting up, the Princess of the Underworld, Nyx stared pointedly at Velvet. “Be that as it may, I granted your request and you, flesh of my flesh, took their place. The two were allowed to keep their bodies and souls, and you were eternally brought to me.” Sliding out of the bed, Nyx stepped lightly on her coal black hooves, approaching the stunned Velvet. “And we agreed on the terms of every other decade they would visit you. I must admit, watching you raise my granddaughter to be a Soul Ferrier was quite endearing. However-” A golden pocket watch suddenly appeared in Nyx’s hooves and clicking it while examining the time on it, she spoke again, this time a bit softer. “In exactly three minutes, your little bat will be ten years old, Velvet. Normally, I wouldn’t allow this, but I will give you those minutes to say goodbye.” Velvet’s eyes water as she tore out of the cabin and raced down the stairs to where Twilight slept oblivious. Wrapping her leathery wings around her daughter fiercely, Velvet whispered lovingly. “I love you Twilight, mommy will be here when you get back.” Twilight’s big eyes opened wide as she was awoken and sleepily murmured, before closing them once again. “Twilight loves mommy.” Velvet clutched her tightly, as a voice beside her said somewhat gently. “Time’s up.” With the clicking of the pocket watch a bright light gathered around Twilight and in an instant, she vanished as Velvet sobbed, wailing in anguish. Nyx pulled her daughter into a warm embrace. “You’ll see her again in ten years.” Ten years later “And in the year 1422 AS (After Sun), Princess Luna of the Night sought to end the war with the Crystal Empire, seeking an audience with Empress Amore-” Twilight yawned sleepily in her seat, as the teacher droned on. Classes at Luna’s Magical University were so droll at times. Her silvery eyes flickered in the eternal moonlight that covered the land. “And so, Princess Luna destroyed the crystal, expelling the corruption from within the evil Amore, causing her to be reborn into the Princess of Love we know today, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Now class, turn to page 437, Chapter 231 explains that-” Twilight rolled her eyes, wishing she was elsewhere. Suddenly, she felt a slip of paper being pushed discreetly into her hoof. Lifting her hoof up, Twilight swiftly glanced at the paper: Hey, Moonblossom, me and the girls are gonna ditch, you in? If yes, wiggle your adorable nose and we’ll meet you in the mare’s bathroom. -Shitake Twilight scrunched her snout and gave a slight wiggle, before raising her hoof. Seeing this, the teacher halted mid sentence to address her. “It was only after Sombra’s defeat that- yes, Twilight?” Twilight smiled sweetly and squirmed lightly in her seat. “May I be excused?” The teacher, noticing the motions, nodded and stated. “Hall Pass is on the desk. Hurry back though, this will be on the test.” Twilight got up and bolted for the door, shouting. “Yes, Mrs Cheerilee!” Racing down the hall, Twilight encountered a stallion in her path. Going too fast to slow down she moved to the side barely avoiding him, though she accidentally bumped his shoulder causing him to yell at her. “Hey!” Still rushing away at a breakneck pace, Twilight hollered back. “Sorry!” When she turned the corner, she stopped suddenly, and flipped the stallion’s wallet in her hooves with a sneaky smirk. Pushing open the door to the restroom, she grinned proudly proclaiming. “Sometimes, it’s just too easy.” Inside the bathroom the sight of four mares graced her eyes. All Bat Ponies, each had various distinctions that separated them from the others. To Twilight’s left, a chestnut furred batpony approached. It was Shitake Mushroom. Her family was well known for the hundreds of quality mushrooms they grew for the populace. She wore a black Stetson from which flowed her locks of amber brown. “Hey Moonblossom, glad you could join us!” Shitake nuzzled Twilight affectionately, while another batpony dropped from the ceiling, this one clad in black eyeliner and purple eyeshadow, her mane was dyed in three shades of gray. Her eyes glistened with a pale blue. Moonstone chuckled. “Stealing again, Twilight?” Twilight giggled and waved her hoof loftily. “More like freshly liberating captive bits.” Moonstone smirked, the amulet around her neck sparkling in the glowing lamp light. Hoof-crafted from Lunestial Steel by Moonstone herself it boasted the same quality the soft gray furred Batpony was known for; her boutique famous for selling gothic jewelry as what she referred to as ‘bat-couture’. “Just keep those liberating hooves away from my display cases, alright Darling?” “Relax girls, she is most certainly going to give it back.” The words were little more than a gentle, haunting whisper, causing the others to turn towards the corner, where a almost tan-colored batpony, with black ebony mane silky flowing around her, sat hunched over. Twilight began to argue. “Take what you can and give nothing-” The mare rose to her hooves and suddenly was in front of Twilight, eyeing her with unblinkingly fierce golden irises; in her hooves was a star spider, crawling to and fro. “I said, you WILL be returning that wallet, isn’t that right, Twilight?” Twilight balked under the glare of Lunar Moth; well known for her fascination with insects, mostly poisonous or deadly ones, as well as her gentle nature. That is unless you upset her. “Right away, Moth.” Immediately Twilight started towards the door and left the bathroom, with the girls staring at Lunar Moth who smiled and gently nuzzled the full-grown star spider that cooed like an infant in response. “Isn’t it adorable?” Twilight walked back into the bathroom thirty minutes later, and received an approving nod from Lunar Moth who smiled lovingly. “That’s better.” “Good you’re back. So are you ready for an awesome Nightmare Night?” Hanging on the ceiling, Lightning Blaze grinned at Twilight, her magenta eyes shining wickedly in the flickering light. Twilight’s eyes glowed bright silver and pulled Lightning towards her with her magic, grabbing her in her hooves and giving Lightning a fierce hug while she struggled to escape. Twilight’s voice took on a hesitant tone. “Well actually, Dad and I were thinking of visiting my mom…for a while.” Shitake put a hoof to her chin, in thought. “Come to think of it, Moonblossom , you never really talk about your mom. What’s she like?” Twilight chuckled nervously. “She’s fierce, and strong, oh and magical. And a rogue like me.” “Do you think I could meet her?” “NO!” Twilight’s sudden shout caused the girls to exchange glances of surprise, as Twilight suddenly stammered. “Y-you really don’t want to do that.” “Twilight are you okay, Darling?” I um, I wasn’t sure how to say this but I’m moving.” “Moving?” “It’s only for ten years but, I- I’ve said too much, I’ve got to go!” Without another word, Twilight bolted out of the bathroom, leaving behind her friends, now exchanging worried looks with each other. Flying home to the cave she and her dad lived in, Twilight sighed. She wanted to tell them but how could she? Oh, yes I’m actually the daughter of the daughter of a Goddess, who was damned for eternity to ferry souls across the Seas of the Underworld. And to top it off, I am cursed to visit and live with her every other ten years, which by the way is midnight tonight? Twilight rolled her eyes and pushed open the door to the cave, muttering fervently to herself. In the sky the moon indicated it was only a few minutes from midnight. “Riiiight, that would work out soooo well wouldn’t it?” The cavern was empty, except for a light off to the side in a small cubby. Twilight, frustrated, had tears streaming down her face as she called out. “Dad, I’m home, gonna head upstairs and get ready.” Ascending the hewn stone stairs to her room, Twilight thought about the last decade. Elementary School, field trips, meeting the girls, Pony University, prom, her first kiss, and that wild night with Shitake Mushroom on their first date, on the run from Luna’s guards; where they ended up down by the lake in the water. In a deep embrace the ice cold water had gotten warmer by the moment. It had all been amazing. And now it was over. Last week, her father had told her of the curse, and that the time had come to say goodbye. Twilight pushed open her door shouting in annoyance. “Thanks dad! What am I supposed to say to the girls? Not like I was in love or anything, not like I care for them more than anything. Damn it!” “Say what to us, Twilight?” Twilight’s eyes shot open in shock as they beheld the girls lounging in her room. Shitake slid off her bed and approached her. “Tell me, Moonblossom, what’s going on?” The others gathered around her. “Yeah, c’mon tell us what’s going on.” Twilight looked from one to the other, before noticing the moon’s position outside her window and shouting frantically amidst the hug they all gave her for encouragement. “You can’t be here. Girls, let me go, stop! seriously, you need to-” A bright silvery light enveloped Twilight and then she was gone. The light faded, and Twilight found herself on a creaking, mold ridden shipdeck, as it rocked amidst torrential, wailing waves. She sighed, it was for the best. “At least they gave me a last hu-” “What in the name of Princess Luna…? “Where, where are we?” “Some kind of ship?” “How did we get here?” Twilight’s eyes went wide as she stared at her friends. No. No. No they can’t be here. This is not good. Her heart raced as Shitake approached her and gently nuzzled her, which she returned in kind. “Twilight, where are we?” “You can’t be here! Girls this is bad. This is--” “Twilight! My baby!” From out of nowhere, a large Batpony tackled Twilight and squeezed her tightly in a loving embrace. And just behind her stood a stern-looking yet regal Thestral. Twilight nuzzled the bat mare, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She looked every bit like her dad had described. “Hi, mom.” Meanwhile while Twilight and her mother reunited, the Thestral's cold eyes roved over the other four. “And what do we have here? Mortals, in my realm?” Twilight’s blood ran cold and frantically tore herself from her mother’s embrace to place herself between the Thestral and her friends, shouting. “Grandmare, don’t!” The Thestral’s horn, which had been sparking with a violent light, suddenly spluttered as if in surprise and Nyx turned to stare at Twilight. “Move. Now.” Shitake, seemingly ignoring the danger, approached Twilight and whispered to her. “Did you say Grandmare?” Twilight kept her eyes on the glaring face of the Thestral, while telling Shitake over her shoulder. “Yes. Shitake, this is my Grandmare, Princess Nyx.” Nyx stood there, the fur on her hide bristling in cold fury as she eyed Shitake silently, her leathery wings were spread to their full impressive seven hoofs-length. She seemed to be holding herself back for some reason. Twilight took advantage of this to shout at her. “Grandmare, this is Shitake, my marefriend!” It was like a spell was cast as the magic faded from Nyx’s horn in a startled instant, with Velvet blinking in surprise as well. Shitake suddenly reached up and covered her furiously glowing cheeks with her hat. Nyx’s eyes went wide with delight, and she smiled, a terrifying sight for any mortal and Moonstone fainted at the sight, falling back into Lunar Moth’s open hooves; not even noticing the centipede that Moth had befriended, that was now fanning Moonstone with a tiny paper fan. “How delightful! You, come here!” Raising her hoof, Shitake found herself pulled forward at a rapid pace, with leathery wings sweeping her into their embrace. Nyx’s eyes were mere centimeters from Shitake, looking her over, while speaking her observations out loud. “Mortal. Hm, that’s okay, I can work with that, have before. Lovely mane, I can see a rather large reason for Twilight’s interest in you, I take it she likes to walk behind you? Can’t blame her, really. She takes after her mother in that regard, you know.” Shitake opened her mouth to speak, her cheeks glowing a bright silvery white, only for Nyx to cover her muzzle. “No, no, don't speak.” After a moment, Nyx took her hoof away and said in an excited tone. “So, when did you meet my Grandfilly? How long have you two been together? Are you hungry? I’ll have Velvet set a place at my table for you. I make a mean lasagna, it’s to live for!” Velvet shook herself out of her stupor and shouted at Nyx. “Mother! Aren’t you forgetting something?” Nyx paused to look at her before exclaiming. “Right, right, we need a place for you and Twilight to live. Ten years is a long time, after all.” Velvet smacked her own face with her hoof. She groaned. “Mom, I meant the other mortals.” Stiffening, Nyx lifted her head in the girl’s direction and noticed them, as if for the first time. “And who are you?” “Those are my friends. Grandmare please don’t hurt them.” Nyx rubbed her chin, in perplexed thought, before glancing at her Grandfilly. “Twilight, were they by chance, holding onto you when midnight struck?” “Yes” Nyx seemed pensive as she voiced her thoughts for all to hear. “Living creatures in my realm is highly irregular. What to do? On one hoof, I should kill them and be done with it-” Walking around Twilight’s friends, Nyx sighed in annoyance. “On the other hoof, Twilight is very close to you, and frankly, I have no idea how you got here or how to send you back, so I have a question for you mortals.” Leaning in close, Nyx spoke silkily to the shivering Batponies. “Are you fans of ghost stories?” Stammering Lightning uttered hesitantly as a chilling cold seemed to feel the air. “Y-yes.” Nyx chuckled, and lightning flashed as the driving rain grew heavier, her voice ringing hauntingly in the ears of all present. “That’s wonderful, and I’m glad to hear that. Because you’re in one!” Chapter 2Rotted timbers creaked and groaned as Moonstone paced back and forth in the dank, damp cabin room. All around, her friends lounged and did various things to keep themselves preoccupied while Moonstone ranted and wailed at her predicament. “I can’t believe this! I’m stuck in another world on a rotting hunk of moldy timber!” Lightning Blaze sat reclining in a broken down recliner, reading something she had found on the termite-infested bookcase. Turning the page of ‘Places to see While you’re Dead, Volume 1’, Lightning glanced at Moonstone. “It’s not another world, it’s the Underworld. Pretty sure we’re drifting on the waves of the Sea of Souls, off the coasts of Tartarus and Mammon’s Palace. See?” Lightning turned the book around to show a map of the Underworld and pointed to an area labeled ‘Sea of Souls. Moonstone shouted at her. “Are you not worried about that? Why is us being in the Underworld a good thing?” In a corner of the room, by the rotted porthole, Lunar Moth watched a line of spectral ants crawling along and giggled. “This place is amazing! I’ve never seen such cute little critters.” Shitake Mushroom meanwhile was inspecting the mold and mildew on a nearby rafter, calling loftily down to Moonstone. “I think you are being too negative, Moon.” Moonstone shouted in frustration. “Too negative? Are you insane? We are in the Land of the Dead, Shitake!” Shitake, however, just continued her analysis of the decrepit timbers, remarking offhandedly. “This environment is perfect for growing mushrooms! Lunar found some, uh, interesting, creepy-crawlies and Lightning seems to be enjoying the-” Pausing to glance sideways at Lightning Blaze, who was hanging partway off a nearby rafter; her head buried deep in another book: “Seven Deadly Sins: Lord Mammon, the Ruler of Avarice”. Lightning muttered in annoyance. “I’m reading a book, it’s not global news. Leave me alone.” Shitake continued. “-Fine literature from the bookcase over there. Besides, Twilight is discussing the situation with her family, I’m sure everything is going to be okay. Relax, before you work yourself up into another fainting spell.” “Mother, are you out of your mind?” Nyx growled at her daughter in frustration. “I did not bring them here! How many times do I have to say it? I. Did. Not. Bring. Them. Here!” A bolt of magic sizzled through the air, causing Nyx, in a sudden rage, to leap at Velvet; the two rolling on the ground fighting hoof and fang. “How dare you attack your mother!” “Some mother you are!” Twilight sat at the stone table of the Underworld’s Royal Family, placing a fork ladened with Devil’s Food Cake, stuffed with a decadent pudding, into her mouth. In silence and complete awe, she watched Velvet slam Nyx into the ground. Nyx retaliated by slamming her hooves into Velvet’s midriff. Neither seemed injured by the monumental force behind the blows, because neither of them were mortal. Unlike Twilight who was a half-blood, Velvet was the daughter of the rulers of the Underworld, the fiery-tempered Nyx, and Hades. Nyx was the daughter of the literal night, the Celestial referred to as Luna. Nyx was marveled by all in the Underworld for both her beauty and her terribly destructive nature. Hades on the other hoof, was an enigma. Aside from the one time he let slip to Nyx mention of a sister who devoured love magic. He never really spoke of his family; however, he was well known by all denizens of the Underworld as amiable, and very easy going. It was hard to get under his skin, that is, unless you were his wife and daughter. Twilight watched as a large coal black Stallion with feathery wings entered the room and looked around. His mane and tail were a gently burning ice blue flame. Until he saw Nyx and Velvet fighting. His flames suddenly ignited in a raging orange and red firestorm. He stretched out his hooves and the flames shot forth, effortlessly separating and pinning the two struggling mares on opposite sides of the room. His voice was like thunder as it echoed throughout the ship’s cabin. “What in Me is going on here?” Velvet, struggling against her father’s flames, shouted out in an accusatory voice. “Mom brought living mortals to our realm!” Taken by complete surprise, Hade's flames sputtered momentarily. His bright yellow eyes blinked repeatedly in confusion. “What?” He lowered his flames, and Nyx fell to the ground, panting heavily and gasping out. “It. Wasn’t. My. Fault!” Hade’s flames returned to normal as he took a deep breath. He looked at his wife and spoke in a quiet, measured way as Velvet crashed to the floor. “Honey, what happened?” Nyx looked down helplessly, and her golden pocket watch materialized in her hoof. “I really don’t know. My magic was tuned to bring only our Granddaughter for our agreement. Well her and Velvet’s mortal husband. But he doesn’t matter.” Velvet growled at her. “How dare-” Hade’s flames erupted in orange from fury as he roared at Velvet. “Shut it, Velvet! Nyx, continue.” Nyx began talking once more. “The spell went off without issue but somebody else's magic interfered, though for what purpose I don’t know. And the result is that Twilight’s four friends are here with her. And they are living mortals.” Hades placed a hoof under his chin, he seemed pensive and gave his thoughts out loud for all to hear. “For somepony’s magic to actively interfere with yours, my Queen; there aren’t many that can make that claim. Are you sure Nyx, that this happened?” Nyx angrily tossed up her pocket watch, which Hades caught in a levitation spell. Flipping it open, he stared at the analog display, clearly seeing something in the whirling, clicking gears with no clock face. He frowned at what he saw. “Where are they?” Nyx waved her hoof and a portal opened up, revealing the storeroom Twilight’s friends were being held in, as well as a peculiar sight. Lightning had made a strange discovery in a book. “It says here that Nyx is not only the Daughter of the Celestial Luna, but is also the wife of Hades, Lord of the Underworld.” Lunar Moth sat on the floor by a tiny fire encompassed by her magic to prevent spreading. Around the little fire, no bigger than a thimble, several spectral ants sat toasting conjured marshmallows that Moth had made. Meanwhile, Moth had started telling them ghost stories of the overworld, while they listened in fascination. With tiny screams from the ants, her story came to an end. She grinned happily, pausing to raise an eyebrow before calling out. “Isn’t the Goddess Nyx supposed to be Twi’s Grandmare?” Moonstone had busted open a crate and upon finding metal, began to forge it into chainlinks, intent on making some jewelry. She raised her head as she brought down the conjured forging hammer with a loud thunk on the strange glowing metal. “Hold on, if Twilight’s mom is the daughter of Lord Hades and Lady Nyx then Twilight would be-” Shitake placed a hoof on the mold, injecting it with her magic and watching in delight as rather lethal-looking mushroom varieties she had never seen began to sprout forth. She chuckled as she cut off Moonstone. “A Princess?” The way she said it though was almost too casual for Moonstone, so she replied to Shitake with an inquiry. “Did you know about this, Shi?” Shitake just laughed. “Nah, Twi has just always been my Princess.” Moonstone chuckled at this. “Well, you’ve known her the longest of any of us. Tell me, did she tell you? Was there any indication she might be royalty?” “No. There was never any indication from her about this-” Shitake paused and poked gingerly at one of the mushrooms, deep in thought for just a moment before continuing. “I don’t think she was hiding it either. Twilight’s never lied to me before, it’s like she wasn’t aware of it, herself.” Moonstone slammed down the conjured hammer onto the rapidly forming chain links. She stopped for a moment to admire her handiwork. Wiping her brow of sweat, Moonstone nodded. “True, she seemed panicked by it as well.” Lunar Moth tickled a little ant’s chin, smiling as it cooed in delight. “Twilight may be a thief but she most certainly is not a liar.” Lightning chuckled as she closed the book she was reading, ‘Wanting What Isn’t Yours, Leviathan’s Desire’. “I can confirm she’s a thief, alright. She stole my wallet when we arrived.” Moth raised an eyebrow, before frowning. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she returns it.” Lightning just grinned. “I’ll get it back eventually, I always do. She never keeps it, almost like she is unaware she is taking it in the moment. Anyway, she always gives it back.” Moonstone sighed as she rummaged through another box she had opened. Leaning into the box, she grunted out. “Make sure she returns my amulet too, alright?” Twilight sat at the table, watching in confusion. I didn’t take their- Looking at her hooves, the Batpony froze and her cheeks flushed white. Moonstone’s amulet and Lightning’s wallet were clenched within them. Oh no, not again. I hope they aren’t too upset. To Twilight’s surprise, she heard her friends laughing. Shitake smiled. “That’s my Twi, a bit klepto at times, but she has a good heart.” Moth chimed in. “Yeah, it’s always fun to have her return things.” Lightning rolled her eyes. “You just like controlling others, that’s all, Moth, you sadist.” Lunar Moth giggled lightly, as she tickled one of the spectral ants. “Maybe I do. But to be fair, she loves being told what to do.” Moonstone, having found a gem of unknown type, let out a squeal of delight and Shitake laughed. “You’re not wrong Moth, not to mention she also does that alot for me, Moonstone.” Moonstone glared at her. “Oh, hush, you.” Nyx waved her hoof and the portal closed, the Queen of Lost Souls watched her husband closely. Hades stayed silent, before looking at the pocket watch again, Nyx noticed the blue flames on his body flickered with just a hint of orange, just for the slightest second. Hades glanced over at Twilight, who had resumed eating the cake Nyx had conjured in silence. Tossing the pocket watch to his wife, Hades walked over to Twilight and clapped his hooves together. “Alright, so our little Demi has mortal friends and even an interest. Living mortals no less, in my domain. Alright, alright, this is not so bad but I don’t like you or your friends being so cooped up on our ship.” Twilight gasped in surprise as a portal opened before her, conjured by Hades. The portal showed scenes of macabre outfits complete with masks of various styles. Haunting music could be heard coming from the ballroom floor, while seven larger-than-life beings mingled with the others. “This is the Hallowed Gala. Once every thousand years, beings from the Underworld and the Celestials above, gather to celebrate the treaty with the Celestials. It is there, that one can meet the Seven Sins, as well as the Seven Virtues. All are welcome for one night of festivities. Tonight is that magical night, and you, Twilight, are going with your friends.” Twilight let out a squeal of joy. “Really?” Hades nodded, with a pearly white smile, and the Alicorn gestured to Nyx. “And I’ll bet if you ask your grandmare nicely, she’ll be happy to provide you, and your friends, proper couture for the event.” Upon hearing the emphasis her husband placed on the friends of Twilight, she opened her mouth to object; in no realm would she ever be giving mortals such things. However, the deadpan look from her husband caused her to freeze. Something was up. Something big. Still, the thought of helping mortals made her want to retch. “Please Grandmare?” Looking down, Nyx suddenly found herself under fire by one of the most terrifying weapons her eyes had ever beheld. Her Grandfilly’s pleading eyes. Those big, soft eyes turned her heart of frozen darkness into liquified mush. Nyx sighed and surrendered. “Alright, alright already.” Smiling gently at Twilight, Nyx spoke to her. “Why don’t you go talk to your friends, I promise I’ll be giving you and…them… some attire for the Gala. Your Grandsire and I need to discuss something with Velvet.” Twilight grinned happily and took off for the cabin her friends were being held in, only to be stopped by Nyx’s levitation magic. The Goddess of the Night leaned down and whispered in her ear coldly. “My watch. Now.” Twilight blinked in embarrassment, slowly placing the pocket watch in her hooves, into Nyx’s outstretched hoof. She thought Nyx might be angry, but before she could apologize, Nyx gestured out the door. “Go see your friends.” Twilight took off again, with Nyx smiling and shaking her head, glancing at Velvet. “She really does take after you.” Velvet just stood there, blinking in embarrassment. But she didn’t have a chance to speak, before Nyx turned to Hades. “She’s gone. Tell me what is going on.” The flames in Hade’s mane and tail flickered violently between orange and blue, as though he was desperately trying to control his rage. His eyes narrowed darkly. “Venomous Sun has awakened.” Nyx’s jaw fell open. She began to stammer, a look of absolute terror on her face. “Ve-ve-Venomous? But she was sealed! Velvet and her friends-” “If you don’t believe me, look at your watch.” Nyx looked down at her golden pocket watch. The gears of the faceless watch clicked and whirled away. Staring at it, she noticed the strand of tarnished golden light wiggling amidst them. Her eyes went wide. “Hades, that’s- that’s her magic.” Hades nodded grimly. Venomous Sun had once been the beloved sister of the Celestial of the Moon, Luna. And Nyx’s Aunt. Luna and Celestia had been celebrated by all for raising the sun and moon. Never fighting, the sister’s had worked together to defeat many a foe. That was until the battle against the Changeling Sorceress, Queen Chrysalis, something happened. Celestia changed. For the worse. Nyx looked at her husband. “She’s still sealed within Tartarus. Right?” Hades was silent. This wasn’t good, Venomous’s magic had been sealed by his daughter. If she had actually reawakened- Hade’s inner thoughts were interrupted by Nyx shaking him, shouting at him. “Right?” In the deepest part of the Underworld, a lone armored bat stallion walked the stone steps of Tartarus. His nightly patrol was always so boring and he muttered. “She’s always unconscious. I don’t even get why we have to check on her anyway. Whatever, at least it’s an easy shift.” At the bottom of the stairs the guard stared into the bars of the only cell on that floor. A large white Alicorn mare with feathery wings lay on her side perfectly still, her mane was a dark magenta, with obsidian black. It too was perfectly still. The guard sighed and rolled his eyes. Nothing new, just an unconscious prisoner. And it wasn’t like she was going anywhere anyway, considering she was bound by two tons of chains. The guard suddenly raised an eyebrow. Maybe he was wrong but were those chains discolored, particularly the ones by her muzzle? The guard shrugged, probably the torchlight playing tricks on his eyes. Not his problem anyway. Turning away and placing his back to the bars, he began to muse what his wife was making for dinner. Caught up in his musings, with his mouth watering, he didn’t notice the long tongue snake out of the mare’s fanged muzzle, and slowly lick the chain. A soft sizzling began to issue from the metal. The guard sighed. “This is so lame. Hey, what's that?” Behind him, the metal chain broke apart with a tiny cracking sound from corrosion, causing the guard to notice. Turning around, he observed the mare still on her side, in the same position as always. He chuckled lightly, before turning back around, failing to see the golden snake eyes of the mare snap open. “Look at me, jumping at shadows over some old chains-” Silently the mare rose up behind him, her mouth opening wide to reveal wickedly sharp fangs, and a long serpentine tongue slithering forth. “-How foolish I am.” “Yes, how very foolish, you are!.” Whirling around at the silkily malicious voice, the guard had one moment to lock eyes with the Alicorn mare and let out a horrified scream before the mare sank her fangs, dripping with acid, deep into his throat, silencing him, forever. Twilight stood sheepishly in front of her friends, as Moonstone swiftly placed her amulet back around her neck. “Darling, I’m not mad, but if you want a necklace so bad just ask for it. Speaking of which, I made this lovely one for you.” Lightning laughed as she placed her wallet back in her purse; taking a moment to make a playful jab at Twilight while Moonstone bestowed the amulet, she had forged in the ships hold, to Twilight. “Yeah, and I know I’m just too awesome, but if you want something of mine that much, I’d be willing to autograph a selfie just for you.” Twilight chuckled at that, before noticing Lunar Moth’s icy glare. “Um, Moth I swear I didn’t mean to-” Lunar Moth held up a hoof, and Twilight stopped talking. Moth’s response was cold yet firm. “We will talk about this later, Twilight.” Twilight stammered. “But-but I didn’t-” Moth however wasn’t having it, emphasizing each word as she repeated. “We. Will. Talk. About. This. Later. Understand?” Twilight lowered her head. “Yes, Moth.” In the silence that followed, the smile on Moth’s face faded from the glare Shitake gave her. Lunar Moth was known by her friend for her sadistic nature, but seeing the wrathful glare on Shitake’s face, caused her to do the unthinkable. Her eyes softened, as though she realized she went too far. Moth used her hoof and lifted Twilight’s chin, until the mare was forced to stare into her normally icy blue eyes. “Well, be that as it may, you did return the items without my guidance for once. So, I guess I can let it go. This time.” Twilight blinked in surprise; those same eyes though were suddenly as gentle as a warm bubbling spring. Even her voice was as soft as silk. “You did good, Twilight. I’m proud of you.” Happiness filled Twilight’s eyes, when at that moment Lightning called out. “Hey Twi, can I ask you something?” Twilight turned around to speak to Lightning and Shitake, while Moonstone whispered in Moth’s ear. “That was lovely, Darling. Though I’ve never seen this soft side of you.” Lunar Moth muttered in annoyance. “I am not going soft.” Moonstone chuckled and gave Moth a gentle nuzzle on her neck. “Good. Still, I think it is wonderful you are willing to help them with Twilight’s kleptomania.” Moth shook her head as she watched Shitake and Lightning laughing and joking with Twilight who looked excited explaining about the Gala. “It’s…Strange, Moon. I don’t feel like it’s a desire of hers at all.” Moonstone nodded and whispered. “I’m not even sure how she does it. Far as I can tell, it just sort of happens. No magic is being cast, nor is she actively stealing it, well most of the time. I mean she never even touched my amulet when we arrived.” Moth sighed and held up a hoof as if to say ‘whatever’. “Regardless, I’ll whip it out of her yet.” Moonstone grinned. “Sounds fun, Darling.” Moth looked at her in silence for a moment before chuckling. “Maybe later, Moon. For now, what was that she just said about a Gala?” Both stared at each other, before walking over to join the others. The Alicorn mare sat on her haunches licking her fangs. In delight, she leaned back and gave a loud belch of satisfaction. She moaned happily as she rose to her hooves. Tossing the rib bone to the side, the mare walked out of her cell. A thousand years had passed since her imprisonment. She chuckled. At least she wasn’t hungry anymore. Looking back at the bony remains of what had been the nightguard, she smiled coldly. “Thank you for the meal.” She smiled at her dark joke, before turning her attention towards the spiral staircase that led up to the rest of Tartarus. She knew very well that she couldn’t just saunter up those stairs; hundreds of roaming guards armed to the teeth patrolled the halls. And while she managed to dispose of one lone guard, she wasn’t recovered enough to take on any group of them. Placing a hoof on her horn, she could feel the seal on her magic was still, mostly intact. She muttered in growing annoyance. “What to do, what to do?” Suddenly she had an idea, the seal of those wretched mares had weakened if only slightly. Perhaps she could utilize a fraction of her magic. She closed her eyes and focused. It was hard to channel the magic through the crack in the seal, but slowly she did just that, managing to cast a single spell, causing the seal to weaken ever so slightly more. Her body began to change, shifting and twisting with her wings vanishing; her frame becoming smaller and muscular taking on the guise of a Batpony stallion in full tarnished armor. She cleared her throat and began to speak, her words slowly changing from her natural tone to that of a gruff guardpony. “Now then, time for a little reunion, little brother.” Slowly she started up the spiral stone staircase, grinning wolfishly in the torchlight. “Venomous is coming-” Her eyes narrowed in sheer hatred. “And I’m sure you are just dying to see me, Hades.” Chapter 3“Hold still.” Nyx gritted her fangs in annoyance as she sewed an outfit onto Lightning’s body, making sure to fit each and every stitch to the form of the Batpony. Lightning however, squirmed and wiggled as Nyx ran her hooves across her body. Once again, Nyx grumbled. “Hold still or I’ll stab you!” “You’re just gonna stab me anyway!” Nyx muttered in increasing frustration. “Believe me, mortal, I would love nothing more-” Nyx tightened a girdle around the midriff of Lightning causing her to gasp for breath. “But my husband wouldn’t approve, so-” She grabbed Lightning’s muzzle and forced her to look into the Goddess’s eyes. “I’ll play nice, but don’t push me…got it, mortal?” Lightning, normally stand-offish in nature, felt very meek looking into those merciless orbs. She squeaked out. “Got it.” “Good.” Nyx released the batpony’s muzzle and continued stitching onto the girdle. With magic, needle, and some kind of ethereal thread, Nyx wove an intricate design in sparkling cyan blue. What appeared to be a spiderwebbing pattern covered the lacey body of the outfit, accompanied by what could only be described of as a pair of twinkling dark cyan horseshoes and a pair of matching crystalline Tourmaline earrings. Nyx stepped back to admire her work, all of it having been completed in less than a minute after her warning. Lightning stared at her, terrified to even move let alone breathe. Nyx smiled. “Perfect.” The smile vanished, and Nyx glared at Lightning, her horn glowing. “You’re done, go on, get out.” “Huh?-Ungh” Lightning was thrown bodily from behind the changing curtain, stopping in mid-air just before crashing into the wooden deck. Nyx’s magic levitated the confused Bat Pony, allowing her to land gently on her hooves. Nyx called out from behind the curtain in a sing-song voice. “Next~” Standing outside the curtain, Shitake watched in surprise as Lightning came hurtling out, and Nyx’s voice could be heard, calling out in a cheerful voice. “Next~” Shitake looked at Moonstone and nervously gestured to the curtain. “You heard her, Moon, guess you’re up.” Moonstone shook her head, pointing a hoof at Lunar Moth. “No, no, Moth can go first. I insist, Darling” Lunar Moth eyed the curtain pensively, stamping her hoof. “No, it’s your-eep!” Moth was suddenly grabbed up in a levitation spell and pulled behind the curtain, as a frustrated mare’s voice spoke coldly. “I said, next. Get in here.” An hour later, standing on the shore of Mammon’s Kingdom, the five friends stared at the massive palace on the cliff above them. The scene was beyond words with how grossly exuberant the structure was. Diamonds composed the massive arched minarets on which sat three rubies each, all of them the size of wagons. The walls were carved out of pure Benitoite, a very rare gemstone with a dark sapphire color that shone brilliantly. Even the steps leading up the hill to the palace were made entirely of the purest Sapphire. Railings along the steps were cast of gold, platinum and inlaid with black opal. Standing there in an elegant Tuxedo, Shitake Mushroom wore a bowtie reflecting the starry night in the sky. On her hind hooves, she wore Midnight Blue dress shoes, while her right ear contained a single matching earring. She gave a low whistle at the sight. “I’ve never seen such wealth.” All the others agreed, including Lunar Moth, who unlike her friends, came from a family of great wealth and influence; the only reason her friends and her were able to cut class was due to the immense amount of donations and bribes she had issued to the staff and school board. Wealth was one thing, but this-this was an opulence the likes Moth had never seen. Standing there in her crimson red leather corset ensemble, Moth wore a rather revealing outfit. Around her neck, a choker of ruby red lace matching the undergarments that peeked out beneath the lower barrel of her outfit. From her ears dangled a pair of crystalline black bat motif earrings. Nyx had insisted her outside, “resemble her inner self”, so from her side hung a coiled whip of twisted metal attached to a strange handle that sparked occasionally. She muttered incredulously at the sight of the palace. “That’s just ridiculous.” Next to her, Moonstone stood in a Tuxedo, much like Shitake’s, the difference being the ensemble was a beautiful pitched-black in color. She wore two matching Aquamarine hoops, to go with a shining Aquamarine amulet around her neck. She gently nuzzled Moth lovingly. “It really is quite spectacular, isn’t it, Darling?” Just then, before Moth could respond, a haunting, slow melody drifted down from the cliffs. Nyx, having come along to be a chaperone standing behind everypony commented on the elegant song. “Just in time for the opening waltz, it seems.” Shitake looked surprised. “Waltz?” “A minuet to be exact, the slow timing allows for more elaborate and elegantly flourishing movements.” All present turned to stared at Lightning in surprise. She shrugged averting her eyes as her face flushed in embarrassment, muttering. “I read it in a book, stop staring at me!” Twilight spoke up, gesturing to Shitake, extending her hoof. “Shall we, mushroom of my heart?” Shitake smile and gave a elegant bow. “Of course, Moonblossom.” Both immediately began heading up the steps, smiling broadly; behind them, the others sought to keep up, with the star-crossed Batponies. Together the group raced up to the castle, each excited about what the night would bring. The ancient ship rocked on the waves, as Hades made his rounds on the ship. Oddly enough though, it felt off, in some way. The lights overhead flickered as a particularly violent wave shook the vessel. Hades stumbled slightly, trying to get his bearings as he headed to his room. With Nyx and her grandfilly off on an adventure, Hades finally had time to do one thing he never could. Take a nap in peace. Placing a hoof on his door, he couldn’t help but think of how silent the normally bustling vessel of the damned was all of a sudden. Normally everyone was screaming at one another, the sounds of breaking or moving cargo would be issuing from the top deck, but now there was just silence. Pushing the door open, Hades froze. “Hello, little brother.” “Nyx-y baby you made it!” Nyx’s eye twitched in annoyance as she addressed the speaker. “Asmodeus.” Twilight blinked in surprise as the demon before her grabbed Nyx in a fierce hug, gently stroking her mane. A blast of magic a moment later, however, declared Nyx’s discomfort by the motion. Gesturing at the unconscious stallion, she spoke through grating teeth. “Not interested.” As the group rushed passed, Twilight whispered to Nyx. “Grandmare, who was that?” “Hmph. Asmodeus, the Demon King of Lust. That stallion is nothing but a temptress, stay away from him.” A mare of glowing majesty with luxurious feathery wings walked up and stifled a laugh, staring at Asmodeus, commenting. “And Lust is the first to fall. Did you really have to hit him so hard Nyx?” Nyx just grinned. “Well, Chastity, we both know you are just jealous you weren’t the one to do it.” The mare’s face flushed in embarrassment for a moment, as Nyx trailed a hoof down her neck, before clearing her throat. “Harum- Yes well, restraint is kind of my thing, you know.” Nyx laughed, lowering her hoof. “True, true. I want you to meet somepony special to me.” “Oh?” Turning around, Nyx gestured to Twilight, who just stared at Chasity in disbelief of her radiant resplendence. Nyx grinned. “Twilight, this is Chastity, one of the Seven Virtues of the Celestials. Chastity, this is my grandfilly, Twilight.” Chastity blinked in surprise, her sapphire blue eyes gazing down on Twilight, making the Batpony feel smaller than a grain of sand, suddenly Chastity smiled. “Little Velvet had a foal, huh? How wonderful! Great to meet you, Twilight. And speaking of the Reaper, where is that Ferrymare anyway?” Nyx hesitated. “She’s…Around.” “Ah, business as usual, huh? Don’t worry, mum’s the word, love.” It was then Chastity’s eyes fell upon the others with Twilight. She raised an eyebrow. “And them?” Nyx paused, considering her words. “They are Twilight’s friends, and are visiting, from a far away land.” Chastity was quiet for a moment, before lowering her voice, her white feathery wings rustled in a motion of discomfort. “Did you bring these mortals here, Nyx?” Nyx lowered her head. “No, this was not by my design, Chastity.” Placing a wing on Nyx’s shoulder, Chastity whispered. “Since you and I go way back, Nyx, I’ll restrain myself in this regard, but you really should tell Love about this.” Nyx was about to speak, but was instantly silenced by Chastity, cutting her off. “I know how you feel. Mortals in the ethereal realms violate the treaty, as you well know. Tell Love, and I’m sure she will work with you. You know you really don’t want to upset her.” Nyx swallowed hard, that was not a name she wanted to hear. Of the Virtues, Love was the most dangerous. Love could be just as spiteful as she was generous, and her attitude at any given moment could be extremely damning with the power she possessed. Crossing the mightiest of the Seven Virtues, was not on Nyx’s to do list; she did not need another interdimensional war. Turning to Twilight, she forced a smile. “You girls go have fun, I have to go see somepony about something. Chastity, let’s go.” “Grandmare is everything-” Already heading off with Chastity, Nyx shouted back. “Everything’s fine. Try the punch!” Twilight watched her go, as Shitake and her shared a glance. Nyx's face had distress plastered all over it. Nyx grimaced as Chastity led her to a group of three Alicorns who were chatting. Inwardly, she cursed herself a hundredfold for the fate that was to befall her. The Alicorn of Love, sat listening to the other two as she sipped a glass of punch. Her fur was a vibrant pink, with a satin pearly purple, yellow and pink mane and tail. “We do not deserve to be in your presence.” “I wish I could give you the world, Love! The world, I say!” Love waved a hoof dismissively and responded in a somewhat bored manner. “Yes, thank you, Humility, and you as well, Charity.” It was then she noticed Nyx and her mood changed dramatically. “Niece! Good to see you, come, come sit down! It’s been forever, Nyx-y~” “Yes… Aunt Cadance.” Chapter 4“Hello, little brother.” The timbers of the walls of the captain’s cabin splintered under the sudden impact of Hades being slammed bodily into them. Before he even had time to breathe, a slender white-furred Alicorn’s hoof grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the wall, robbing the air from his lungs. Releasing him, the Alicorn chuckled coldly as she watched him cough and wheeze, desperately trying to catch his breath as he gasped out. “Y-you lost...the right…to call...me that-” Breathing heavily, his ragged breath stabilized as he staggered to his hooves, his body igniting in a firestorm of red-orange rage, as he continued, shouting. “When you possessed that body, Chrys-” “Do not speak that name!” The cabin exploded outward in a shower of timber and debris all over the deck of the ship, as Venomous rushed him knocking him through the wall. Standing over the prone, unconscious form of her brother, Venomous roared in anger, over the eternally wailing maelstrom. “I am not Chrysalis, I am Venomous Sun, and this body belongs to me!” Her eyes glinted with a gleam of insanity as she cackled out loud. “And soon, little brother-” Two fangs slid down from the roof of her mouth, the Alicorn’s slithering, serpent tongue flicking excitedly as she finished coldly. “-You will, as well!” With those words, she lunged at the unconscious ruler of the Underworld as the lightning flashed and the thunder crashed above the rocking ship. The haunting tone of the waltz filled the air, as Twilight and friends watched in awe at the flourishing movements of the dancers; creatures from many different corners of the Underworld and the Celestial heavens above, all cultures, all species for one moment in time in perfect harmony. “Excuse me, madam, may I have this dance?” Moonstone glanced up from her goblet of golden nectar, forged from the mythical Golden Apples of the Celestials. casting her gaze upon the speaker. A Seraphim of ethereal splendor, he curiously boasted six luxuriously feathery wings with pale pink eyes, and the perfectly sculpted muscles of an Adonis. She shook her head, opening her muzzle to respond, when the Batpony was interrupted by an angry growl next to her. Lunar Moth stood up with vigor and slammed her hooves down on the table, shattering the teacups as she spoke sharply. “That one is mine.” Before the stallion could respond, Moonstone rose to her hooves, pulled the rose from her tuxedo with her fangs and gestured to Lunar Moth with it as she bowed low. “My Queen, please grant me this honor.” The rage and anger faded from Moth’s cold eyes in an instant and she smiled at Moonstone lovingly. Adjusting her mane with a hoof, Moth nodded and took Moonstone’s hoof. “I suppose so, come.” Without another word, Moth walked off, with Moonstone happily following her lead, both heading towards the massive dance floor. The stallion blinked in surprise. “Do they not realize who I am?” Shitake and Twilight shared a glance, and both rose up from their chairs, paying the stallion no heed as they headed to the dance floor, side by side. At a loss, the stallion glanced at Lightning, who was quietly sipping her seventh goblet of Golden Nectar. “Are you spoken for by another mare, as well?” Lightning, feeling unusually rather bubbly from the alcoholic beverage, chuckled. “I could go either way, to be honest.” The stallion regained his poise and ran a hoof through his mane before saying, somewhat cautiously. “Would you like to dance?” Lightning raised an eyebrow, staring at him for a moment before taking a sip and replying offhandedly. “I don’t dance.” The stallion just stared at her, unsure of what to do now. Feeling extremely deflated, he gestured at an empty chair. “Mind…if I sit down…and join you?” Lightning gestured at the chair, before raising a hoof and shouting. “Waitress, another nectar and one for this guy!” He stiffened in surprise. “I don’t drink.” Lightning giggled and gestured dismissively at him. “Oh, lighten up, Diligence. It’s not like you are on guard duty at the moment.” Looking at her in surprise, the stallion slowly sat down. “You know who I am?” Nodding, Lightning stated simply. “The Virtue of Responsibility, Diligence, I read it in a book.” He smiled, intrigued. “Tell me more about these books of yours.” On the VIP Balcony, a couple hundred hoof lengths above the dance floor, Love stood with her hooves hanging over the railing. Staring down at the dancers, her eyes were cold as ice, watching Twilight and her friends. “Are those the mortals?” She spoke quietly, her tone perfectly level, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking. Next to her, the Queen of the Underworld stood timidly awaiting her judgement, having immediately bared every detail to the celestial; Nyx finding it impossible to lie to her Aunt. Nyx flinched as Love turned her gaze upon her Niece, Nyx just knowing she was in trouble. “Yes. That’s them.” “I see.” Love turned back towards the dancers without another word. Those icy blue eyes softened, and a strange warmth showed within. Her wings of breathtakingly pink feathery down rustled in intrigue, while her mane and tail flowed with her Celestially gifted power. Nyx was dying inside as she stood there, desperate for her aunt to say something, anything. For several minutes, the third Celestial Sister was silent, watching unblinkingly as the minuet came to an end with the dancers leaving to go to their tables. What was Love thinking? Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Cadance lowered her hooves from the railing to the ground, yet she still said nothing. Nyx mentally screamed. What was her judgement? What was the fate of the Underworld? Everything was literally in the hooves of the Ruler of the Celestials, the successor of her eldest sister, the late Celestia. Was she really that angry about it, that she couldn’t speak? Love opened her muzzle, and with a perfect poker face gave her judgement. “So that’s how it is. Interesting. I’ll allow it. You can relax now. There will be no punishment. The treaty stands.” As Nyx collapsed to her knees from sheer relief, Love quietly sauntered back to her table and sat down as a waitress quickly rushed to bring her some golden nectar. Taking a sip of the heavenly liquid, Love inquired offhandedly of Nyx. “And how long has Venomous been awake?” Nyx’s eyes went wide. “How did you-” Love’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. “My beautiful niece, the mortals reek of her magic. It’s evident they were brought here by her.” Nyx’s blood quickened. She whispered in panic. “What did you just say?” On the bottom floor, in front of the five friends a portal suddenly opened up and in it stood Hades. His stance was a little stiff and he addressed them in a somewhat monotone voice. “I need you to return to the ship immediately, I require your help.” The girls shared confused glances, and Twilight shrugged. Moth flipped her mane pedantically. “Well, I for one, am over this place.” Shitake nodded. “Yeah, it’s a bit too loud for Twi and I.” With that, they all rose to their hooves and walked into the portal, with it closing behind them, Lightning remarking. “So much for that punch, I guess.” Just then, Diligence, who had gone to get Lightning a glass of punch, came back to an empty table and panicked. Dropping the goblet as he immediately took off with a beat of his six mighty wings. “I have to inform her Highness!” Love stared at Nyx, who was suddenly busy searching herself, looking for something but to no avail. “Make sure they don’t leave this palace. We don’t know what Venomous is up to. What are you doing?” Nyx blinked in confusion as her searching picked up speed, she mumbled. “My stopwatch, I seem to have misplaced it.” Love's eyes softened and she chuckled lightly. "Well, that’s alright, I’m sure it’s around here somewhere. We just need to make sure those girls don’t go anywhere.” Before Nyx could respond, Diligence came soaring onto the balcony, shouting frantically. “Love, the girls you wanted me to watch, they’re gone!” Love’s eyes narrowed in sudden rage. “What do you mean, ‘gone’?”
Chapter 1“Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon.” Twilight jumped in slight surprise as lightning flashed in the torrential downpour. Diving for cover as thunder roared in the tumultuous storm, the Batpony’s purple eyes glowed with luminous magic, and eagerly she turned the page of the book, and continued reading out loud. “She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to Ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she attempted to repel her sister’s onslaught. Something went wrong though and the magic artifacts refused to respond to her, as Nightmare Moon’s final blast struck her full on in the chest.” Twilight’s eyes went wide. She whispered softly. “Oh no.” The story was getting good, it was actually tugging on her heartstrings. Choking back her tears, she steeled her nerves, while the storm thundered on and turned the page with anticipation. “Nightmare Moon stood victorious over the fallen form of her foe, gazing at the corpse. The sight of her sister’s body before her, broke Luna free of the Nightmare’s call, her eyes returning to the soft blue. She removed the silvery helmet from her head and threw it to the side. The last sister fell to her knees and clutched the fallen Unicorn’s body to her barrel, letting out a gut wrenching scream.” Twilight placed a hoof against the image of the crying Princess Luna, she looked so familiar. Still the young Batpony continued reading. “As if in solidarity the sky above went dark, and rain began to fall over the world. Days turned into weeks of darkness and storms, weeks became years. The lands were swallowed up by the water, and Ponykind took to the sea in many boats. The legendary rain has continued to fall as the younger sister dedicated herself to bettering Ponykind in her sister’s stead. And still the rain continued to fall. That same rain has continued to fall ever since.” Twilight was in so much awe of the story she had read, that she didn’t notice an adult Batpony, a mare, standing beside her. Leaning in close, the silvery gray of the large mare’s hide glistened in the moonlight that streamed down through the leaking cracks in the roof. She spoke with a warmth, unlike any other. “It’s a fascinating tale, isn’t it?” Twilight jumped before whirling around with a gasp, only to find a large pair of leathery wings wrapping around her in a warm and loving embrace. Twilight giggled as her snout was gently booped with the mare’s hoof. “Mama!” The mare smiled as she flew up to the roof holding her daughter, flipping upside down, letting her hooves make contact with the rafters. With amethyst eyes like her daughter, the mare smiled a loving, fanged smile; her eyes glowing with a silvery magic. The blanket on the floor levitated up to her and swiftly with expert precision, she wrapped the little filly in a warm fluffy cocoon. “It’s time for little bats to be roosting.” Twilight whined. “Aw, but the story-” Twilight Velvet nuzzled her daughter. “You can read some more fairytales tomorrow, the crescent moon is high in the night sky, Twilight. You know the rules.” Overcome by the snuggly warmth of the fur-lined, walrus leather blanket, Twilight gave a reluctant yawn and her eyes flickered. Velvet smiled and whispered lovingly. “Good day, my little Twilight. Sleep well.” Twilight’s eyes fell shut, and safe in her cocoon of warmth amidst the damp timbers of the ship she called home, fell into a deep sleep. Velvet watched her little filly snoring softly for a few moments, before her ear twitched. Narrowing her eyes, she raced up the stairs and flung open the door to the top deck, to reveal an entirely different scene from the tranquility in the cabins. Reaching to her side, Velvet put on the black Tricorn hat, and took a deep breath as batponies rushed around, frantically performing various duties. The gentleness faded from her eyes, flaring to life with a bright silvery magical light as she opened her muzzle and her voice roared across the windswept deck. “Ahoy, you filthy bilgebats! Status report!” A large dark blue stallion with a scar running down his face, through one of his eyes strode up to velvet and spoke in a gruff voice. “All's well on deck, Captain. The rigging on the mainsail came loose, so Wendy is tying it down tighter. Onyx and Morel are busy swabbing the deck. Claimed they wanted to make it sparkle for you or something. Don’t know what good that does in a stor-” His voice was stifled by Velvet placing her hoof over his mouth. “Nice work, honey. Now then-” Her eyes narrowed with fierce intensity. Her hoof slid down from his muzzle and grabbed him by the throat, as she stared coldly into his eyes. “What aren’t you telling me, Nightlight Sparkle?” Nightlight gazed into his wife’s eyes, and swallowed hard. The two had been married for nearly thirty years, and that one action told Velvet everything she needed to know. Her eyes narrowed in rage. “Where is she?” The door to the Captain’s chambers blew open, as Velvet stormed in to see an Thestral of obsidian black, laying there on her bed, waving cheerfully to her. Velvet angrily flared her leathery wings and scornfully addressed the figure. “What are you doing here, Nyx?” The Thestral laughed and slid from the bed, stepping onto the worn wooden planks. Her eyes were a sapphire blue, brilliant and shining brightly as she flickered her long butterfly eyelashes. “Oh Velvet, is that any way to greet your Mother? Where’s the love?” Velvet glared at her, spitting on the floorboards in contempt. “It died, about the same time I did, your Highhorse.” Nyx sighed and lifted a hoof, pinning Velvet’s jaw shut before speaking silkily. “Now, now my little daughter. Let’s not be too crass. The seas of the Underworld are yours to sail to your heart’s content. And who was it that allowed your soul to have such a luxury? Ah, right-” Velvet’s eyes went wide with terror as her mother and Princess of the Underworld stared venomously into her eyes. “Me.” Letting go of her, Nyx sat down on the bed once more, twirling her hoof in the air as she spoke lazily. “Or have you forgotten our little deal?” Velvet stiffened and lowered her head, her voice suddenly very meek. “I-” Nyx conjured a golden apple, tossing it in the air, playfully. “Ten years below, ten years above, if I recall. Isn’t that right, daughter of mine?” Nyx sank her fangs into the golden apple, the juice dripping down her muzzle. Wiping it away with a hoof, she sighed and continued. “You struck the deal, Velvet. Your life for the lives of your unborn baby and your mortal husband. Of which, I was against you marrying in the first place.” Sitting up, the Princess of the Underworld, Nyx stared pointedly at Velvet. “Be that as it may, I granted your request and you, flesh of my flesh, took their place. The two were allowed to keep their bodies and souls, and you were eternally brought to me.” Sliding out of the bed, Nyx stepped lightly on her coal black hooves, approaching the stunned Velvet. “And we agreed on the terms of every other decade they would visit you. I must admit, watching you raise my granddaughter to be a Soul Ferrier was quite endearing. However-” A golden pocket watch suddenly appeared in Nyx’s hooves and clicking it while examining the time on it, she spoke again, this time a bit softer. “In exactly three minutes, your little bat will be ten years old, Velvet. Normally, I wouldn’t allow this, but I will give you those minutes to say goodbye.” Velvet’s eyes water as she tore out of the cabin and raced down the stairs to where Twilight slept oblivious. Wrapping her leathery wings around her daughter fiercely, Velvet whispered lovingly. “I love you Twilight, mommy will be here when you get back.” Twilight’s big eyes opened wide as she was awoken and sleepily murmured, before closing them once again. “Twilight loves mommy.” Velvet clutched her tightly, as a voice beside her said somewhat gently. “Time’s up.” With the clicking of the pocket watch a bright light gathered around Twilight and in an instant, she vanished as Velvet sobbed, wailing in anguish. Nyx pulled her daughter into a warm embrace. “You’ll see her again in ten years.” Ten years later “And in the year 1422 AS (After Sun), Princess Luna of the Night sought to end the war with the Crystal Empire, seeking an audience with Empress Amore-” Twilight yawned sleepily in her seat, as the teacher droned on. Classes at Luna’s Magical University were so droll at times. Her silvery eyes flickered in the eternal moonlight that covered the land. “And so, Princess Luna destroyed the crystal, expelling the corruption from within the evil Amore, causing her to be reborn into the Princess of Love we know today, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Now class, turn to page 437, Chapter 231 explains that-” Twilight rolled her eyes, wishing she was elsewhere. Suddenly, she felt a slip of paper being pushed discreetly into her hoof. Lifting her hoof up, Twilight swiftly glanced at the paper: Hey, Moonblossom, me and the girls are gonna ditch, you in? If yes, wiggle your adorable nose and we’ll meet you in the mare’s bathroom. -Shitake Twilight scrunched her snout and gave a slight wiggle, before raising her hoof. Seeing this, the teacher halted mid sentence to address her. “It was only after Sombra’s defeat that- yes, Twilight?” Twilight smiled sweetly and squirmed lightly in her seat. “May I be excused?” The teacher, noticing the motions, nodded and stated. “Hall Pass is on the desk. Hurry back though, this will be on the test.” Twilight got up and bolted for the door, shouting. “Yes, Mrs Cheerilee!” Racing down the hall, Twilight encountered a stallion in her path. Going too fast to slow down she moved to the side barely avoiding him, though she accidentally bumped his shoulder causing him to yell at her. “Hey!” Still rushing away at a breakneck pace, Twilight hollered back. “Sorry!” When she turned the corner, she stopped suddenly, and flipped the stallion’s wallet in her hooves with a sneaky smirk. Pushing open the door to the restroom, she grinned proudly proclaiming. “Sometimes, it’s just too easy.” Inside the bathroom the sight of four mares graced her eyes. All Bat Ponies, each had various distinctions that separated them from the others. To Twilight’s left, a chestnut furred batpony approached. It was Shitake Mushroom. Her family was well known for the hundreds of quality mushrooms they grew for the populace. She wore a black Stetson from which flowed her locks of amber brown. “Hey Moonblossom, glad you could join us!” Shitake nuzzled Twilight affectionately, while another batpony dropped from the ceiling, this one clad in black eyeliner and purple eyeshadow, her mane was dyed in three shades of gray. Her eyes glistened with a pale blue. Moonstone chuckled. “Stealing again, Twilight?” Twilight giggled and waved her hoof loftily. “More like freshly liberating captive bits.” Moonstone smirked, the amulet around her neck sparkling in the glowing lamp light. Hoof-crafted from Lunestial Steel by Moonstone herself it boasted the same quality the soft gray furred Batpony was known for; her boutique famous for selling gothic jewelry as what she referred to as ‘bat-couture’. “Just keep those liberating hooves away from my display cases, alright Darling?” “Relax girls, she is most certainly going to give it back.” The words were little more than a gentle, haunting whisper, causing the others to turn towards the corner, where a almost tan-colored batpony, with black ebony mane silky flowing around her, sat hunched over. Twilight began to argue. “Take what you can and give nothing-” The mare rose to her hooves and suddenly was in front of Twilight, eyeing her with unblinkingly fierce golden irises; in her hooves was a star spider, crawling to and fro. “I said, you WILL be returning that wallet, isn’t that right, Twilight?” Twilight balked under the glare of Lunar Moth; well known for her fascination with insects, mostly poisonous or deadly ones, as well as her gentle nature. That is unless you upset her. “Right away, Moth.” Immediately Twilight started towards the door and left the bathroom, with the girls staring at Lunar Moth who smiled and gently nuzzled the full-grown star spider that cooed like an infant in response. “Isn’t it adorable?” Twilight walked back into the bathroom thirty minutes later, and received an approving nod from Lunar Moth who smiled lovingly. “That’s better.” “Good you’re back. So are you ready for an awesome Nightmare Night?” Hanging on the ceiling, Lightning Blaze grinned at Twilight, her magenta eyes shining wickedly in the flickering light. Twilight’s eyes glowed bright silver and pulled Lightning towards her with her magic, grabbing her in her hooves and giving Lightning a fierce hug while she struggled to escape. Twilight’s voice took on a hesitant tone. “Well actually, Dad and I were thinking of visiting my mom…for a while.” Shitake put a hoof to her chin, in thought. “Come to think of it, Moonblossom , you never really talk about your mom. What’s she like?” Twilight chuckled nervously. “She’s fierce, and strong, oh and magical. And a rogue like me.” “Do you think I could meet her?” “NO!” Twilight’s sudden shout caused the girls to exchange glances of surprise, as Twilight suddenly stammered. “Y-you really don’t want to do that.” “Twilight are you okay, Darling?” I um, I wasn’t sure how to say this but I’m moving.” “Moving?” “It’s only for ten years but, I- I’ve said too much, I’ve got to go!” Without another word, Twilight bolted out of the bathroom, leaving behind her friends, now exchanging worried looks with each other. Flying home to the cave she and her dad lived in, Twilight sighed. She wanted to tell them but how could she? Oh, yes I’m actually the daughter of the daughter of a Goddess, who was damned for eternity to ferry souls across the Seas of the Underworld. And to top it off, I am cursed to visit and live with her every other ten years, which by the way is midnight tonight? Twilight rolled her eyes and pushed open the door to the cave, muttering fervently to herself. In the sky the moon indicated it was only a few minutes from midnight. “Riiiight, that would work out soooo well wouldn’t it?” The cavern was empty, except for a light off to the side in a small cubby. Twilight, frustrated, had tears streaming down her face as she called out. “Dad, I’m home, gonna head upstairs and get ready.” Ascending the hewn stone stairs to her room, Twilight thought about the last decade. Elementary School, field trips, meeting the girls, Pony University, prom, her first kiss, and that wild night with Shitake Mushroom on their first date, on the run from Luna’s guards; where they ended up down by the lake in the water. In a deep embrace the ice cold water had gotten warmer by the moment. It had all been amazing. And now it was over. Last week, her father had told her of the curse, and that the time had come to say goodbye. Twilight pushed open her door shouting in annoyance. “Thanks dad! What am I supposed to say to the girls? Not like I was in love or anything, not like I care for them more than anything. Damn it!” “Say what to us, Twilight?” Twilight’s eyes shot open in shock as they beheld the girls lounging in her room. Shitake slid off her bed and approached her. “Tell me, Moonblossom, what’s going on?” The others gathered around her. “Yeah, c’mon tell us what’s going on.” Twilight looked from one to the other, before noticing the moon’s position outside her window and shouting frantically amidst the hug they all gave her for encouragement. “You can’t be here. Girls, let me go, stop! seriously, you need to-” A bright silvery light enveloped Twilight and then she was gone. The light faded, and Twilight found herself on a creaking, mold ridden shipdeck, as it rocked amidst torrential, wailing waves. She sighed, it was for the best. “At least they gave me a last hu-” “What in the name of Princess Luna…? “Where, where are we?” “Some kind of ship?” “How did we get here?” Twilight’s eyes went wide as she stared at her friends. No. No. No they can’t be here. This is not good. Her heart raced as Shitake approached her and gently nuzzled her, which she returned in kind. “Twilight, where are we?” “You can’t be here! Girls this is bad. This is--” “Twilight! My baby!” From out of nowhere, a large Batpony tackled Twilight and squeezed her tightly in a loving embrace. And just behind her stood a stern-looking yet regal Thestral. Twilight nuzzled the bat mare, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She looked every bit like her dad had described. “Hi, mom.” Meanwhile while Twilight and her mother reunited, the Thestral's cold eyes roved over the other four. “And what do we have here? Mortals, in my realm?” Twilight’s blood ran cold and frantically tore herself from her mother’s embrace to place herself between the Thestral and her friends, shouting. “Grandmare, don’t!” The Thestral’s horn, which had been sparking with a violent light, suddenly spluttered as if in surprise and Nyx turned to stare at Twilight. “Move. Now.” Shitake, seemingly ignoring the danger, approached Twilight and whispered to her. “Did you say Grandmare?” Twilight kept her eyes on the glaring face of the Thestral, while telling Shitake over her shoulder. “Yes. Shitake, this is my Grandmare, Princess Nyx.” Nyx stood there, the fur on her hide bristling in cold fury as she eyed Shitake silently, her leathery wings were spread to their full impressive seven hoofs-length. She seemed to be holding herself back for some reason. Twilight took advantage of this to shout at her. “Grandmare, this is Shitake, my marefriend!” It was like a spell was cast as the magic faded from Nyx’s horn in a startled instant, with Velvet blinking in surprise as well. Shitake suddenly reached up and covered her furiously glowing cheeks with her hat. Nyx’s eyes went wide with delight, and she smiled, a terrifying sight for any mortal and Moonstone fainted at the sight, falling back into Lunar Moth’s open hooves; not even noticing the centipede that Moth had befriended, that was now fanning Moonstone with a tiny paper fan. “How delightful! You, come here!” Raising her hoof, Shitake found herself pulled forward at a rapid pace, with leathery wings sweeping her into their embrace. Nyx’s eyes were mere centimeters from Shitake, looking her over, while speaking her observations out loud. “Mortal. Hm, that’s okay, I can work with that, have before. Lovely mane, I can see a rather large reason for Twilight’s interest in you, I take it she likes to walk behind you? Can’t blame her, really. She takes after her mother in that regard, you know.” Shitake opened her mouth to speak, her cheeks glowing a bright silvery white, only for Nyx to cover her muzzle. “No, no, don't speak.” After a moment, Nyx took her hoof away and said in an excited tone. “So, when did you meet my Grandfilly? How long have you two been together? Are you hungry? I’ll have Velvet set a place at my table for you. I make a mean lasagna, it’s to live for!” Velvet shook herself out of her stupor and shouted at Nyx. “Mother! Aren’t you forgetting something?” Nyx paused to look at her before exclaiming. “Right, right, we need a place for you and Twilight to live. Ten years is a long time, after all.” Velvet smacked her own face with her hoof. She groaned. “Mom, I meant the other mortals.” Stiffening, Nyx lifted her head in the girl’s direction and noticed them, as if for the first time. “And who are you?” “Those are my friends. Grandmare please don’t hurt them.” Nyx rubbed her chin, in perplexed thought, before glancing at her Grandfilly. “Twilight, were they by chance, holding onto you when midnight struck?” “Yes” Nyx seemed pensive as she voiced her thoughts for all to hear. “Living creatures in my realm is highly irregular. What to do? On one hoof, I should kill them and be done with it-” Walking around Twilight’s friends, Nyx sighed in annoyance. “On the other hoof, Twilight is very close to you, and frankly, I have no idea how you got here or how to send you back, so I have a question for you mortals.” Leaning in close, Nyx spoke silkily to the shivering Batponies. “Are you fans of ghost stories?” Stammering Lightning uttered hesitantly as a chilling cold seemed to feel the air. “Y-yes.” Nyx chuckled, and lightning flashed as the driving rain grew heavier, her voice ringing hauntingly in the ears of all present. “That’s wonderful, and I’m glad to hear that. Because you’re in one!”
Chapter 2Rotted timbers creaked and groaned as Moonstone paced back and forth in the dank, damp cabin room. All around, her friends lounged and did various things to keep themselves preoccupied while Moonstone ranted and wailed at her predicament. “I can’t believe this! I’m stuck in another world on a rotting hunk of moldy timber!” Lightning Blaze sat reclining in a broken down recliner, reading something she had found on the termite-infested bookcase. Turning the page of ‘Places to see While you’re Dead, Volume 1’, Lightning glanced at Moonstone. “It’s not another world, it’s the Underworld. Pretty sure we’re drifting on the waves of the Sea of Souls, off the coasts of Tartarus and Mammon’s Palace. See?” Lightning turned the book around to show a map of the Underworld and pointed to an area labeled ‘Sea of Souls. Moonstone shouted at her. “Are you not worried about that? Why is us being in the Underworld a good thing?” In a corner of the room, by the rotted porthole, Lunar Moth watched a line of spectral ants crawling along and giggled. “This place is amazing! I’ve never seen such cute little critters.” Shitake Mushroom meanwhile was inspecting the mold and mildew on a nearby rafter, calling loftily down to Moonstone. “I think you are being too negative, Moon.” Moonstone shouted in frustration. “Too negative? Are you insane? We are in the Land of the Dead, Shitake!” Shitake, however, just continued her analysis of the decrepit timbers, remarking offhandedly. “This environment is perfect for growing mushrooms! Lunar found some, uh, interesting, creepy-crawlies and Lightning seems to be enjoying the-” Pausing to glance sideways at Lightning Blaze, who was hanging partway off a nearby rafter; her head buried deep in another book: “Seven Deadly Sins: Lord Mammon, the Ruler of Avarice”. Lightning muttered in annoyance. “I’m reading a book, it’s not global news. Leave me alone.” Shitake continued. “-Fine literature from the bookcase over there. Besides, Twilight is discussing the situation with her family, I’m sure everything is going to be okay. Relax, before you work yourself up into another fainting spell.” “Mother, are you out of your mind?” Nyx growled at her daughter in frustration. “I did not bring them here! How many times do I have to say it? I. Did. Not. Bring. Them. Here!” A bolt of magic sizzled through the air, causing Nyx, in a sudden rage, to leap at Velvet; the two rolling on the ground fighting hoof and fang. “How dare you attack your mother!” “Some mother you are!” Twilight sat at the stone table of the Underworld’s Royal Family, placing a fork ladened with Devil’s Food Cake, stuffed with a decadent pudding, into her mouth. In silence and complete awe, she watched Velvet slam Nyx into the ground. Nyx retaliated by slamming her hooves into Velvet’s midriff. Neither seemed injured by the monumental force behind the blows, because neither of them were mortal. Unlike Twilight who was a half-blood, Velvet was the daughter of the rulers of the Underworld, the fiery-tempered Nyx, and Hades. Nyx was the daughter of the literal night, the Celestial referred to as Luna. Nyx was marveled by all in the Underworld for both her beauty and her terribly destructive nature. Hades on the other hoof, was an enigma. Aside from the one time he let slip to Nyx mention of a sister who devoured love magic. He never really spoke of his family; however, he was well known by all denizens of the Underworld as amiable, and very easy going. It was hard to get under his skin, that is, unless you were his wife and daughter. Twilight watched as a large coal black Stallion with feathery wings entered the room and looked around. His mane and tail were a gently burning ice blue flame. Until he saw Nyx and Velvet fighting. His flames suddenly ignited in a raging orange and red firestorm. He stretched out his hooves and the flames shot forth, effortlessly separating and pinning the two struggling mares on opposite sides of the room. His voice was like thunder as it echoed throughout the ship’s cabin. “What in Me is going on here?” Velvet, struggling against her father’s flames, shouted out in an accusatory voice. “Mom brought living mortals to our realm!” Taken by complete surprise, Hade's flames sputtered momentarily. His bright yellow eyes blinked repeatedly in confusion. “What?” He lowered his flames, and Nyx fell to the ground, panting heavily and gasping out. “It. Wasn’t. My. Fault!” Hade’s flames returned to normal as he took a deep breath. He looked at his wife and spoke in a quiet, measured way as Velvet crashed to the floor. “Honey, what happened?” Nyx looked down helplessly, and her golden pocket watch materialized in her hoof. “I really don’t know. My magic was tuned to bring only our Granddaughter for our agreement. Well her and Velvet’s mortal husband. But he doesn’t matter.” Velvet growled at her. “How dare-” Hade’s flames erupted in orange from fury as he roared at Velvet. “Shut it, Velvet! Nyx, continue.” Nyx began talking once more. “The spell went off without issue but somebody else's magic interfered, though for what purpose I don’t know. And the result is that Twilight’s four friends are here with her. And they are living mortals.” Hades placed a hoof under his chin, he seemed pensive and gave his thoughts out loud for all to hear. “For somepony’s magic to actively interfere with yours, my Queen; there aren’t many that can make that claim. Are you sure Nyx, that this happened?” Nyx angrily tossed up her pocket watch, which Hades caught in a levitation spell. Flipping it open, he stared at the analog display, clearly seeing something in the whirling, clicking gears with no clock face. He frowned at what he saw. “Where are they?” Nyx waved her hoof and a portal opened up, revealing the storeroom Twilight’s friends were being held in, as well as a peculiar sight. Lightning had made a strange discovery in a book. “It says here that Nyx is not only the Daughter of the Celestial Luna, but is also the wife of Hades, Lord of the Underworld.” Lunar Moth sat on the floor by a tiny fire encompassed by her magic to prevent spreading. Around the little fire, no bigger than a thimble, several spectral ants sat toasting conjured marshmallows that Moth had made. Meanwhile, Moth had started telling them ghost stories of the overworld, while they listened in fascination. With tiny screams from the ants, her story came to an end. She grinned happily, pausing to raise an eyebrow before calling out. “Isn’t the Goddess Nyx supposed to be Twi’s Grandmare?” Moonstone had busted open a crate and upon finding metal, began to forge it into chainlinks, intent on making some jewelry. She raised her head as she brought down the conjured forging hammer with a loud thunk on the strange glowing metal. “Hold on, if Twilight’s mom is the daughter of Lord Hades and Lady Nyx then Twilight would be-” Shitake placed a hoof on the mold, injecting it with her magic and watching in delight as rather lethal-looking mushroom varieties she had never seen began to sprout forth. She chuckled as she cut off Moonstone. “A Princess?” The way she said it though was almost too casual for Moonstone, so she replied to Shitake with an inquiry. “Did you know about this, Shi?” Shitake just laughed. “Nah, Twi has just always been my Princess.” Moonstone chuckled at this. “Well, you’ve known her the longest of any of us. Tell me, did she tell you? Was there any indication she might be royalty?” “No. There was never any indication from her about this-” Shitake paused and poked gingerly at one of the mushrooms, deep in thought for just a moment before continuing. “I don’t think she was hiding it either. Twilight’s never lied to me before, it’s like she wasn’t aware of it, herself.” Moonstone slammed down the conjured hammer onto the rapidly forming chain links. She stopped for a moment to admire her handiwork. Wiping her brow of sweat, Moonstone nodded. “True, she seemed panicked by it as well.” Lunar Moth tickled a little ant’s chin, smiling as it cooed in delight. “Twilight may be a thief but she most certainly is not a liar.” Lightning chuckled as she closed the book she was reading, ‘Wanting What Isn’t Yours, Leviathan’s Desire’. “I can confirm she’s a thief, alright. She stole my wallet when we arrived.” Moth raised an eyebrow, before frowning. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she returns it.” Lightning just grinned. “I’ll get it back eventually, I always do. She never keeps it, almost like she is unaware she is taking it in the moment. Anyway, she always gives it back.” Moonstone sighed as she rummaged through another box she had opened. Leaning into the box, she grunted out. “Make sure she returns my amulet too, alright?” Twilight sat at the table, watching in confusion. I didn’t take their- Looking at her hooves, the Batpony froze and her cheeks flushed white. Moonstone’s amulet and Lightning’s wallet were clenched within them. Oh no, not again. I hope they aren’t too upset. To Twilight’s surprise, she heard her friends laughing. Shitake smiled. “That’s my Twi, a bit klepto at times, but she has a good heart.” Moth chimed in. “Yeah, it’s always fun to have her return things.” Lightning rolled her eyes. “You just like controlling others, that’s all, Moth, you sadist.” Lunar Moth giggled lightly, as she tickled one of the spectral ants. “Maybe I do. But to be fair, she loves being told what to do.” Moonstone, having found a gem of unknown type, let out a squeal of delight and Shitake laughed. “You’re not wrong Moth, not to mention she also does that alot for me, Moonstone.” Moonstone glared at her. “Oh, hush, you.” Nyx waved her hoof and the portal closed, the Queen of Lost Souls watched her husband closely. Hades stayed silent, before looking at the pocket watch again, Nyx noticed the blue flames on his body flickered with just a hint of orange, just for the slightest second. Hades glanced over at Twilight, who had resumed eating the cake Nyx had conjured in silence. Tossing the pocket watch to his wife, Hades walked over to Twilight and clapped his hooves together. “Alright, so our little Demi has mortal friends and even an interest. Living mortals no less, in my domain. Alright, alright, this is not so bad but I don’t like you or your friends being so cooped up on our ship.” Twilight gasped in surprise as a portal opened before her, conjured by Hades. The portal showed scenes of macabre outfits complete with masks of various styles. Haunting music could be heard coming from the ballroom floor, while seven larger-than-life beings mingled with the others. “This is the Hallowed Gala. Once every thousand years, beings from the Underworld and the Celestials above, gather to celebrate the treaty with the Celestials. It is there, that one can meet the Seven Sins, as well as the Seven Virtues. All are welcome for one night of festivities. Tonight is that magical night, and you, Twilight, are going with your friends.” Twilight let out a squeal of joy. “Really?” Hades nodded, with a pearly white smile, and the Alicorn gestured to Nyx. “And I’ll bet if you ask your grandmare nicely, she’ll be happy to provide you, and your friends, proper couture for the event.” Upon hearing the emphasis her husband placed on the friends of Twilight, she opened her mouth to object; in no realm would she ever be giving mortals such things. However, the deadpan look from her husband caused her to freeze. Something was up. Something big. Still, the thought of helping mortals made her want to retch. “Please Grandmare?” Looking down, Nyx suddenly found herself under fire by one of the most terrifying weapons her eyes had ever beheld. Her Grandfilly’s pleading eyes. Those big, soft eyes turned her heart of frozen darkness into liquified mush. Nyx sighed and surrendered. “Alright, alright already.” Smiling gently at Twilight, Nyx spoke to her. “Why don’t you go talk to your friends, I promise I’ll be giving you and…them… some attire for the Gala. Your Grandsire and I need to discuss something with Velvet.” Twilight grinned happily and took off for the cabin her friends were being held in, only to be stopped by Nyx’s levitation magic. The Goddess of the Night leaned down and whispered in her ear coldly. “My watch. Now.” Twilight blinked in embarrassment, slowly placing the pocket watch in her hooves, into Nyx’s outstretched hoof. She thought Nyx might be angry, but before she could apologize, Nyx gestured out the door. “Go see your friends.” Twilight took off again, with Nyx smiling and shaking her head, glancing at Velvet. “She really does take after you.” Velvet just stood there, blinking in embarrassment. But she didn’t have a chance to speak, before Nyx turned to Hades. “She’s gone. Tell me what is going on.” The flames in Hade’s mane and tail flickered violently between orange and blue, as though he was desperately trying to control his rage. His eyes narrowed darkly. “Venomous Sun has awakened.” Nyx’s jaw fell open. She began to stammer, a look of absolute terror on her face. “Ve-ve-Venomous? But she was sealed! Velvet and her friends-” “If you don’t believe me, look at your watch.” Nyx looked down at her golden pocket watch. The gears of the faceless watch clicked and whirled away. Staring at it, she noticed the strand of tarnished golden light wiggling amidst them. Her eyes went wide. “Hades, that’s- that’s her magic.” Hades nodded grimly. Venomous Sun had once been the beloved sister of the Celestial of the Moon, Luna. And Nyx’s Aunt. Luna and Celestia had been celebrated by all for raising the sun and moon. Never fighting, the sister’s had worked together to defeat many a foe. That was until the battle against the Changeling Sorceress, Queen Chrysalis, something happened. Celestia changed. For the worse. Nyx looked at her husband. “She’s still sealed within Tartarus. Right?” Hades was silent. This wasn’t good, Venomous’s magic had been sealed by his daughter. If she had actually reawakened- Hade’s inner thoughts were interrupted by Nyx shaking him, shouting at him. “Right?” In the deepest part of the Underworld, a lone armored bat stallion walked the stone steps of Tartarus. His nightly patrol was always so boring and he muttered. “She’s always unconscious. I don’t even get why we have to check on her anyway. Whatever, at least it’s an easy shift.” At the bottom of the stairs the guard stared into the bars of the only cell on that floor. A large white Alicorn mare with feathery wings lay on her side perfectly still, her mane was a dark magenta, with obsidian black. It too was perfectly still. The guard sighed and rolled his eyes. Nothing new, just an unconscious prisoner. And it wasn’t like she was going anywhere anyway, considering she was bound by two tons of chains. The guard suddenly raised an eyebrow. Maybe he was wrong but were those chains discolored, particularly the ones by her muzzle? The guard shrugged, probably the torchlight playing tricks on his eyes. Not his problem anyway. Turning away and placing his back to the bars, he began to muse what his wife was making for dinner. Caught up in his musings, with his mouth watering, he didn’t notice the long tongue snake out of the mare’s fanged muzzle, and slowly lick the chain. A soft sizzling began to issue from the metal. The guard sighed. “This is so lame. Hey, what's that?” Behind him, the metal chain broke apart with a tiny cracking sound from corrosion, causing the guard to notice. Turning around, he observed the mare still on her side, in the same position as always. He chuckled lightly, before turning back around, failing to see the golden snake eyes of the mare snap open. “Look at me, jumping at shadows over some old chains-” Silently the mare rose up behind him, her mouth opening wide to reveal wickedly sharp fangs, and a long serpentine tongue slithering forth. “-How foolish I am.” “Yes, how very foolish, you are!.” Whirling around at the silkily malicious voice, the guard had one moment to lock eyes with the Alicorn mare and let out a horrified scream before the mare sank her fangs, dripping with acid, deep into his throat, silencing him, forever. Twilight stood sheepishly in front of her friends, as Moonstone swiftly placed her amulet back around her neck. “Darling, I’m not mad, but if you want a necklace so bad just ask for it. Speaking of which, I made this lovely one for you.” Lightning laughed as she placed her wallet back in her purse; taking a moment to make a playful jab at Twilight while Moonstone bestowed the amulet, she had forged in the ships hold, to Twilight. “Yeah, and I know I’m just too awesome, but if you want something of mine that much, I’d be willing to autograph a selfie just for you.” Twilight chuckled at that, before noticing Lunar Moth’s icy glare. “Um, Moth I swear I didn’t mean to-” Lunar Moth held up a hoof, and Twilight stopped talking. Moth’s response was cold yet firm. “We will talk about this later, Twilight.” Twilight stammered. “But-but I didn’t-” Moth however wasn’t having it, emphasizing each word as she repeated. “We. Will. Talk. About. This. Later. Understand?” Twilight lowered her head. “Yes, Moth.” In the silence that followed, the smile on Moth’s face faded from the glare Shitake gave her. Lunar Moth was known by her friend for her sadistic nature, but seeing the wrathful glare on Shitake’s face, caused her to do the unthinkable. Her eyes softened, as though she realized she went too far. Moth used her hoof and lifted Twilight’s chin, until the mare was forced to stare into her normally icy blue eyes. “Well, be that as it may, you did return the items without my guidance for once. So, I guess I can let it go. This time.” Twilight blinked in surprise; those same eyes though were suddenly as gentle as a warm bubbling spring. Even her voice was as soft as silk. “You did good, Twilight. I’m proud of you.” Happiness filled Twilight’s eyes, when at that moment Lightning called out. “Hey Twi, can I ask you something?” Twilight turned around to speak to Lightning and Shitake, while Moonstone whispered in Moth’s ear. “That was lovely, Darling. Though I’ve never seen this soft side of you.” Lunar Moth muttered in annoyance. “I am not going soft.” Moonstone chuckled and gave Moth a gentle nuzzle on her neck. “Good. Still, I think it is wonderful you are willing to help them with Twilight’s kleptomania.” Moth shook her head as she watched Shitake and Lightning laughing and joking with Twilight who looked excited explaining about the Gala. “It’s…Strange, Moon. I don’t feel like it’s a desire of hers at all.” Moonstone nodded and whispered. “I’m not even sure how she does it. Far as I can tell, it just sort of happens. No magic is being cast, nor is she actively stealing it, well most of the time. I mean she never even touched my amulet when we arrived.” Moth sighed and held up a hoof as if to say ‘whatever’. “Regardless, I’ll whip it out of her yet.” Moonstone grinned. “Sounds fun, Darling.” Moth looked at her in silence for a moment before chuckling. “Maybe later, Moon. For now, what was that she just said about a Gala?” Both stared at each other, before walking over to join the others. The Alicorn mare sat on her haunches licking her fangs. In delight, she leaned back and gave a loud belch of satisfaction. She moaned happily as she rose to her hooves. Tossing the rib bone to the side, the mare walked out of her cell. A thousand years had passed since her imprisonment. She chuckled. At least she wasn’t hungry anymore. Looking back at the bony remains of what had been the nightguard, she smiled coldly. “Thank you for the meal.” She smiled at her dark joke, before turning her attention towards the spiral staircase that led up to the rest of Tartarus. She knew very well that she couldn’t just saunter up those stairs; hundreds of roaming guards armed to the teeth patrolled the halls. And while she managed to dispose of one lone guard, she wasn’t recovered enough to take on any group of them. Placing a hoof on her horn, she could feel the seal on her magic was still, mostly intact. She muttered in growing annoyance. “What to do, what to do?” Suddenly she had an idea, the seal of those wretched mares had weakened if only slightly. Perhaps she could utilize a fraction of her magic. She closed her eyes and focused. It was hard to channel the magic through the crack in the seal, but slowly she did just that, managing to cast a single spell, causing the seal to weaken ever so slightly more. Her body began to change, shifting and twisting with her wings vanishing; her frame becoming smaller and muscular taking on the guise of a Batpony stallion in full tarnished armor. She cleared her throat and began to speak, her words slowly changing from her natural tone to that of a gruff guardpony. “Now then, time for a little reunion, little brother.” Slowly she started up the spiral stone staircase, grinning wolfishly in the torchlight. “Venomous is coming-” Her eyes narrowed in sheer hatred. “And I’m sure you are just dying to see me, Hades.”
Chapter 3“Hold still.” Nyx gritted her fangs in annoyance as she sewed an outfit onto Lightning’s body, making sure to fit each and every stitch to the form of the Batpony. Lightning however, squirmed and wiggled as Nyx ran her hooves across her body. Once again, Nyx grumbled. “Hold still or I’ll stab you!” “You’re just gonna stab me anyway!” Nyx muttered in increasing frustration. “Believe me, mortal, I would love nothing more-” Nyx tightened a girdle around the midriff of Lightning causing her to gasp for breath. “But my husband wouldn’t approve, so-” She grabbed Lightning’s muzzle and forced her to look into the Goddess’s eyes. “I’ll play nice, but don’t push me…got it, mortal?” Lightning, normally stand-offish in nature, felt very meek looking into those merciless orbs. She squeaked out. “Got it.” “Good.” Nyx released the batpony’s muzzle and continued stitching onto the girdle. With magic, needle, and some kind of ethereal thread, Nyx wove an intricate design in sparkling cyan blue. What appeared to be a spiderwebbing pattern covered the lacey body of the outfit, accompanied by what could only be described of as a pair of twinkling dark cyan horseshoes and a pair of matching crystalline Tourmaline earrings. Nyx stepped back to admire her work, all of it having been completed in less than a minute after her warning. Lightning stared at her, terrified to even move let alone breathe. Nyx smiled. “Perfect.” The smile vanished, and Nyx glared at Lightning, her horn glowing. “You’re done, go on, get out.” “Huh?-Ungh” Lightning was thrown bodily from behind the changing curtain, stopping in mid-air just before crashing into the wooden deck. Nyx’s magic levitated the confused Bat Pony, allowing her to land gently on her hooves. Nyx called out from behind the curtain in a sing-song voice. “Next~” Standing outside the curtain, Shitake watched in surprise as Lightning came hurtling out, and Nyx’s voice could be heard, calling out in a cheerful voice. “Next~” Shitake looked at Moonstone and nervously gestured to the curtain. “You heard her, Moon, guess you’re up.” Moonstone shook her head, pointing a hoof at Lunar Moth. “No, no, Moth can go first. I insist, Darling” Lunar Moth eyed the curtain pensively, stamping her hoof. “No, it’s your-eep!” Moth was suddenly grabbed up in a levitation spell and pulled behind the curtain, as a frustrated mare’s voice spoke coldly. “I said, next. Get in here.” An hour later, standing on the shore of Mammon’s Kingdom, the five friends stared at the massive palace on the cliff above them. The scene was beyond words with how grossly exuberant the structure was. Diamonds composed the massive arched minarets on which sat three rubies each, all of them the size of wagons. The walls were carved out of pure Benitoite, a very rare gemstone with a dark sapphire color that shone brilliantly. Even the steps leading up the hill to the palace were made entirely of the purest Sapphire. Railings along the steps were cast of gold, platinum and inlaid with black opal. Standing there in an elegant Tuxedo, Shitake Mushroom wore a bowtie reflecting the starry night in the sky. On her hind hooves, she wore Midnight Blue dress shoes, while her right ear contained a single matching earring. She gave a low whistle at the sight. “I’ve never seen such wealth.” All the others agreed, including Lunar Moth, who unlike her friends, came from a family of great wealth and influence; the only reason her friends and her were able to cut class was due to the immense amount of donations and bribes she had issued to the staff and school board. Wealth was one thing, but this-this was an opulence the likes Moth had never seen. Standing there in her crimson red leather corset ensemble, Moth wore a rather revealing outfit. Around her neck, a choker of ruby red lace matching the undergarments that peeked out beneath the lower barrel of her outfit. From her ears dangled a pair of crystalline black bat motif earrings. Nyx had insisted her outside, “resemble her inner self”, so from her side hung a coiled whip of twisted metal attached to a strange handle that sparked occasionally. She muttered incredulously at the sight of the palace. “That’s just ridiculous.” Next to her, Moonstone stood in a Tuxedo, much like Shitake’s, the difference being the ensemble was a beautiful pitched-black in color. She wore two matching Aquamarine hoops, to go with a shining Aquamarine amulet around her neck. She gently nuzzled Moth lovingly. “It really is quite spectacular, isn’t it, Darling?” Just then, before Moth could respond, a haunting, slow melody drifted down from the cliffs. Nyx, having come along to be a chaperone standing behind everypony commented on the elegant song. “Just in time for the opening waltz, it seems.” Shitake looked surprised. “Waltz?” “A minuet to be exact, the slow timing allows for more elaborate and elegantly flourishing movements.” All present turned to stared at Lightning in surprise. She shrugged averting her eyes as her face flushed in embarrassment, muttering. “I read it in a book, stop staring at me!” Twilight spoke up, gesturing to Shitake, extending her hoof. “Shall we, mushroom of my heart?” Shitake smile and gave a elegant bow. “Of course, Moonblossom.” Both immediately began heading up the steps, smiling broadly; behind them, the others sought to keep up, with the star-crossed Batponies. Together the group raced up to the castle, each excited about what the night would bring. The ancient ship rocked on the waves, as Hades made his rounds on the ship. Oddly enough though, it felt off, in some way. The lights overhead flickered as a particularly violent wave shook the vessel. Hades stumbled slightly, trying to get his bearings as he headed to his room. With Nyx and her grandfilly off on an adventure, Hades finally had time to do one thing he never could. Take a nap in peace. Placing a hoof on his door, he couldn’t help but think of how silent the normally bustling vessel of the damned was all of a sudden. Normally everyone was screaming at one another, the sounds of breaking or moving cargo would be issuing from the top deck, but now there was just silence. Pushing the door open, Hades froze. “Hello, little brother.” “Nyx-y baby you made it!” Nyx’s eye twitched in annoyance as she addressed the speaker. “Asmodeus.” Twilight blinked in surprise as the demon before her grabbed Nyx in a fierce hug, gently stroking her mane. A blast of magic a moment later, however, declared Nyx’s discomfort by the motion. Gesturing at the unconscious stallion, she spoke through grating teeth. “Not interested.” As the group rushed passed, Twilight whispered to Nyx. “Grandmare, who was that?” “Hmph. Asmodeus, the Demon King of Lust. That stallion is nothing but a temptress, stay away from him.” A mare of glowing majesty with luxurious feathery wings walked up and stifled a laugh, staring at Asmodeus, commenting. “And Lust is the first to fall. Did you really have to hit him so hard Nyx?” Nyx just grinned. “Well, Chastity, we both know you are just jealous you weren’t the one to do it.” The mare’s face flushed in embarrassment for a moment, as Nyx trailed a hoof down her neck, before clearing her throat. “Harum- Yes well, restraint is kind of my thing, you know.” Nyx laughed, lowering her hoof. “True, true. I want you to meet somepony special to me.” “Oh?” Turning around, Nyx gestured to Twilight, who just stared at Chasity in disbelief of her radiant resplendence. Nyx grinned. “Twilight, this is Chastity, one of the Seven Virtues of the Celestials. Chastity, this is my grandfilly, Twilight.” Chastity blinked in surprise, her sapphire blue eyes gazing down on Twilight, making the Batpony feel smaller than a grain of sand, suddenly Chastity smiled. “Little Velvet had a foal, huh? How wonderful! Great to meet you, Twilight. And speaking of the Reaper, where is that Ferrymare anyway?” Nyx hesitated. “She’s…Around.” “Ah, business as usual, huh? Don’t worry, mum’s the word, love.” It was then Chastity’s eyes fell upon the others with Twilight. She raised an eyebrow. “And them?” Nyx paused, considering her words. “They are Twilight’s friends, and are visiting, from a far away land.” Chastity was quiet for a moment, before lowering her voice, her white feathery wings rustled in a motion of discomfort. “Did you bring these mortals here, Nyx?” Nyx lowered her head. “No, this was not by my design, Chastity.” Placing a wing on Nyx’s shoulder, Chastity whispered. “Since you and I go way back, Nyx, I’ll restrain myself in this regard, but you really should tell Love about this.” Nyx was about to speak, but was instantly silenced by Chastity, cutting her off. “I know how you feel. Mortals in the ethereal realms violate the treaty, as you well know. Tell Love, and I’m sure she will work with you. You know you really don’t want to upset her.” Nyx swallowed hard, that was not a name she wanted to hear. Of the Virtues, Love was the most dangerous. Love could be just as spiteful as she was generous, and her attitude at any given moment could be extremely damning with the power she possessed. Crossing the mightiest of the Seven Virtues, was not on Nyx’s to do list; she did not need another interdimensional war. Turning to Twilight, she forced a smile. “You girls go have fun, I have to go see somepony about something. Chastity, let’s go.” “Grandmare is everything-” Already heading off with Chastity, Nyx shouted back. “Everything’s fine. Try the punch!” Twilight watched her go, as Shitake and her shared a glance. Nyx's face had distress plastered all over it. Nyx grimaced as Chastity led her to a group of three Alicorns who were chatting. Inwardly, she cursed herself a hundredfold for the fate that was to befall her. The Alicorn of Love, sat listening to the other two as she sipped a glass of punch. Her fur was a vibrant pink, with a satin pearly purple, yellow and pink mane and tail. “We do not deserve to be in your presence.” “I wish I could give you the world, Love! The world, I say!” Love waved a hoof dismissively and responded in a somewhat bored manner. “Yes, thank you, Humility, and you as well, Charity.” It was then she noticed Nyx and her mood changed dramatically. “Niece! Good to see you, come, come sit down! It’s been forever, Nyx-y~” “Yes… Aunt Cadance.”
Chapter 4“Hello, little brother.” The timbers of the walls of the captain’s cabin splintered under the sudden impact of Hades being slammed bodily into them. Before he even had time to breathe, a slender white-furred Alicorn’s hoof grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the wall, robbing the air from his lungs. Releasing him, the Alicorn chuckled coldly as she watched him cough and wheeze, desperately trying to catch his breath as he gasped out. “Y-you lost...the right…to call...me that-” Breathing heavily, his ragged breath stabilized as he staggered to his hooves, his body igniting in a firestorm of red-orange rage, as he continued, shouting. “When you possessed that body, Chrys-” “Do not speak that name!” The cabin exploded outward in a shower of timber and debris all over the deck of the ship, as Venomous rushed him knocking him through the wall. Standing over the prone, unconscious form of her brother, Venomous roared in anger, over the eternally wailing maelstrom. “I am not Chrysalis, I am Venomous Sun, and this body belongs to me!” Her eyes glinted with a gleam of insanity as she cackled out loud. “And soon, little brother-” Two fangs slid down from the roof of her mouth, the Alicorn’s slithering, serpent tongue flicking excitedly as she finished coldly. “-You will, as well!” With those words, she lunged at the unconscious ruler of the Underworld as the lightning flashed and the thunder crashed above the rocking ship. The haunting tone of the waltz filled the air, as Twilight and friends watched in awe at the flourishing movements of the dancers; creatures from many different corners of the Underworld and the Celestial heavens above, all cultures, all species for one moment in time in perfect harmony. “Excuse me, madam, may I have this dance?” Moonstone glanced up from her goblet of golden nectar, forged from the mythical Golden Apples of the Celestials. casting her gaze upon the speaker. A Seraphim of ethereal splendor, he curiously boasted six luxuriously feathery wings with pale pink eyes, and the perfectly sculpted muscles of an Adonis. She shook her head, opening her muzzle to respond, when the Batpony was interrupted by an angry growl next to her. Lunar Moth stood up with vigor and slammed her hooves down on the table, shattering the teacups as she spoke sharply. “That one is mine.” Before the stallion could respond, Moonstone rose to her hooves, pulled the rose from her tuxedo with her fangs and gestured to Lunar Moth with it as she bowed low. “My Queen, please grant me this honor.” The rage and anger faded from Moth’s cold eyes in an instant and she smiled at Moonstone lovingly. Adjusting her mane with a hoof, Moth nodded and took Moonstone’s hoof. “I suppose so, come.” Without another word, Moth walked off, with Moonstone happily following her lead, both heading towards the massive dance floor. The stallion blinked in surprise. “Do they not realize who I am?” Shitake and Twilight shared a glance, and both rose up from their chairs, paying the stallion no heed as they headed to the dance floor, side by side. At a loss, the stallion glanced at Lightning, who was quietly sipping her seventh goblet of Golden Nectar. “Are you spoken for by another mare, as well?” Lightning, feeling unusually rather bubbly from the alcoholic beverage, chuckled. “I could go either way, to be honest.” The stallion regained his poise and ran a hoof through his mane before saying, somewhat cautiously. “Would you like to dance?” Lightning raised an eyebrow, staring at him for a moment before taking a sip and replying offhandedly. “I don’t dance.” The stallion just stared at her, unsure of what to do now. Feeling extremely deflated, he gestured at an empty chair. “Mind…if I sit down…and join you?” Lightning gestured at the chair, before raising a hoof and shouting. “Waitress, another nectar and one for this guy!” He stiffened in surprise. “I don’t drink.” Lightning giggled and gestured dismissively at him. “Oh, lighten up, Diligence. It’s not like you are on guard duty at the moment.” Looking at her in surprise, the stallion slowly sat down. “You know who I am?” Nodding, Lightning stated simply. “The Virtue of Responsibility, Diligence, I read it in a book.” He smiled, intrigued. “Tell me more about these books of yours.” On the VIP Balcony, a couple hundred hoof lengths above the dance floor, Love stood with her hooves hanging over the railing. Staring down at the dancers, her eyes were cold as ice, watching Twilight and her friends. “Are those the mortals?” She spoke quietly, her tone perfectly level, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking. Next to her, the Queen of the Underworld stood timidly awaiting her judgement, having immediately bared every detail to the celestial; Nyx finding it impossible to lie to her Aunt. Nyx flinched as Love turned her gaze upon her Niece, Nyx just knowing she was in trouble. “Yes. That’s them.” “I see.” Love turned back towards the dancers without another word. Those icy blue eyes softened, and a strange warmth showed within. Her wings of breathtakingly pink feathery down rustled in intrigue, while her mane and tail flowed with her Celestially gifted power. Nyx was dying inside as she stood there, desperate for her aunt to say something, anything. For several minutes, the third Celestial Sister was silent, watching unblinkingly as the minuet came to an end with the dancers leaving to go to their tables. What was Love thinking? Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Cadance lowered her hooves from the railing to the ground, yet she still said nothing. Nyx mentally screamed. What was her judgement? What was the fate of the Underworld? Everything was literally in the hooves of the Ruler of the Celestials, the successor of her eldest sister, the late Celestia. Was she really that angry about it, that she couldn’t speak? Love opened her muzzle, and with a perfect poker face gave her judgement. “So that’s how it is. Interesting. I’ll allow it. You can relax now. There will be no punishment. The treaty stands.” As Nyx collapsed to her knees from sheer relief, Love quietly sauntered back to her table and sat down as a waitress quickly rushed to bring her some golden nectar. Taking a sip of the heavenly liquid, Love inquired offhandedly of Nyx. “And how long has Venomous been awake?” Nyx’s eyes went wide. “How did you-” Love’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. “My beautiful niece, the mortals reek of her magic. It’s evident they were brought here by her.” Nyx’s blood quickened. She whispered in panic. “What did you just say?” On the bottom floor, in front of the five friends a portal suddenly opened up and in it stood Hades. His stance was a little stiff and he addressed them in a somewhat monotone voice. “I need you to return to the ship immediately, I require your help.” The girls shared confused glances, and Twilight shrugged. Moth flipped her mane pedantically. “Well, I for one, am over this place.” Shitake nodded. “Yeah, it’s a bit too loud for Twi and I.” With that, they all rose to their hooves and walked into the portal, with it closing behind them, Lightning remarking. “So much for that punch, I guess.” Just then, Diligence, who had gone to get Lightning a glass of punch, came back to an empty table and panicked. Dropping the goblet as he immediately took off with a beat of his six mighty wings. “I have to inform her Highness!” Love stared at Nyx, who was suddenly busy searching herself, looking for something but to no avail. “Make sure they don’t leave this palace. We don’t know what Venomous is up to. What are you doing?” Nyx blinked in confusion as her searching picked up speed, she mumbled. “My stopwatch, I seem to have misplaced it.” Love's eyes softened and she chuckled lightly. "Well, that’s alright, I’m sure it’s around here somewhere. We just need to make sure those girls don’t go anywhere.” Before Nyx could respond, Diligence came soaring onto the balcony, shouting frantically. “Love, the girls you wanted me to watch, they’re gone!” Love’s eyes narrowed in sudden rage. “What do you mean, ‘gone’?”
