“Luna?” A voice calls out.

Luna opens her eyes, surveying her surroundings. She was no longer in a cave. It looked to be a small cottage.

Looking around, she saw a fire roaring in the fire pit. A small pot sat over it with something brewing inside. Across from the fire was a cushioned chair facing away from her.

Sitting up from a wooden bed, she held her hand to her head, feeling a slight pain…

She quickly brought her hand in front of her face, looking it over. Her pale skin shone in the light of the fire.

“Don’t be too startled over there.” The voice speaks again. “It’s not worth worrying about.”

Luna looks over at the chair again, noticing the back of a black hood near the top. She swings her legs over the side of the bed, standing up. Her flowing azure robes trail against the ground, barely revealing her similarly colored boots. A dark blue cloak flows behind her as she walks around the room. Her movement feels strange, and yet natural. She comes in front of the chair, seeing the figure sitting there.

“Who are you?” She asks, looking around. “Where am I?”

The figure sits there, chuckling. “Is that really the question you should be asking? I thought we went over this already.”

Luna stood there, confusion on her face. Her eyes suddenly widened. “Why…” She murmurs.

The figure looks up, revealing a worn, old face. A scar streaks across his forehead. His left blue eye is faded, showing a sign of blindness. Around his neck is the same twisted looking talisman Dante wore.

The old man stands up, looking Luna over.

“It’s been a long time since a beautiful young woman came to visit me.” He says with a smirk.

“Who are you?” She asks him again. “No games this time.”

The old man rolls his eyes. “Yes, I suppose there isn’t time for that. My name is Isaac. I was the Priest of Chaos before Dante. Well, actually my daughter was the priestess before Dante and I was before her, but I digress.”

“Then…how are you here?” She asks. “Am I…”

“Dead?” Isaac laughs. “Oh, no, far from it. Just a bit roughed up from the fight. You’ll be coming to any moment now. I just…exerted myself to speak with you this last time.” Isaac lifts up the talisman from his chest. “Dante isn’t the first person to bind a soul to something. More to the point, I wanted to thank you for all you’ve done for my family.”

“Your…family?” Luna asks.

“Yes. You saved my nephew from himself and for that, I am grateful to you.” He says, bowing before Luna.

She stands there for a moment before turning her head. “I hardly saved him.” She clenches her fist. “I killed him.”

Isaac looks up, a smile on his face. “We’ll see.”

“Luna!”

~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~

Luna wakes with a start. She looks around frantically, seeing the carved walls of the cave. Looking over herself, she sees her body as it should be. She looks up to see Discord kneeling over her.

“Thank the gods you are okay.” He says, offering her his paw.

She gives him her hoof, standing up. “What happened?”

Discord looks down the hallway to the open area. Dust fills the air beyond the entryway. “I’m not sure. It was all I could do to grab you and the changeling queen.” He says, gesturing behind Luna toward Chrysalis.

“Then I’ll go check and see.” She says, walking forward. “Stay here with her.”

“Be careful.” Discord says as she walks off.

In the next room, the dust from broken rocks hangs in the air. Barely able to see past her face, Luna uses her magic to blow the dust back. As the air begins to clear, she sees a silhouette standing away from her.

“Dante?” She calls out.

The silhouette moves around, looking at her.

“Dante!” She calls again, rushing forward. As she nears him, her movement slows down, her excitement dropping.

Standing before her was an old-looking man. His long white hair barely reaching his shoulders, his goatee barely grown into a beard, his gold and red eyes looking at her.

“Aselith…” She says slowly, standing still.

He gives a small smile before looking down to his side. There lay another body, slumped over itself. Luna could see long white hair on him as well, but his beard was long as well. His dark brown eyes looked at her almost lifelessly.

“No.” Aselith says, shaking his head. “That was but my pseudonym. More accurately, it was the name of the archfiend I had in my possession.” He gave a small bow. “My name is Derik.”

Luna took a few steps back, lowering her horn.

“No need for that, Princess.” He says. “I’m finished.” He pushes into his chest, his skin sinking in slightly. “My bones and skin have regenerated, but it matters little. Dante thoroughly destroyed my heart with epic magic. The devils I’ve absorbed are frantically spending all their energy just to sustain our existence. I’ll be dead soon no matter what.”

Luna continues glaring at him, shifting her eyes ever so slightly to Dante. “What about him?” She asks.

Derik leans over Dante. “His last breath draws near.” He looks back over at Luna. “I must thank you. You saved us both from ourselves.” He sat on the ground next to Dante.

“That’s it?” She asks, shifting her stance.

“That’s it.” He confirms. “Although, you will be receiving a large amount of books and equipment soon. Dante’s storage spells will end with his life, so you may do what you will with them.” He lies on the ground, crossing his arms. “A few other things may require your attention, but I’m sure our ancestor can help you with them.” His arms begin to wrinkle, his face drooping ever so slightly.

Luna walks over to him, looking down at him. “Just who are you?” She asks.

Derik closes his eyes and smiles. “Ask Iatril. She has…the…answer.” He breathes out slowly, his chest stopping at the last word.

Derik lies there, completely still. Luna looks at Dante and sees his chest cease moving as well. In an instant, several dozen bookcases line the walls of the cave. Several rods and dozens of scrolls land on the ground around her. A crystal ball and a lens appear next to Dante’s and Derik’s head.

Luna looks around the room for a moment before walking towards the exit.

~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~

The group teleported to the courtyard of Castle Canterlot. Discord immediately carried Chrysalis to the infirmary with a pair of guards Luna rounded up. Luna left Dante and Derik in the courtyard and went to the throne room to speak with Iatril, or attempt to. According to Dante, she would likely not be coherent. When she arrived, however, Iatril was face down on the floor, a staff, a dagger and a journal by her side.

Celestia told her the diamond shattered on its own, sending Iatril out. When she checked Iatril, Celestia found her to be dead.

Luna picked up the journal with her magic, reading through the pages.

~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~

Day 1 of Binding,

I have decided to attempt what the first warlock did 1,500 years ago. I have painstakingly analyzed how the essence of outsiders flow and am confident I will prevail where he failed. Thus, I will only bind 1 group of outsiders to me. The ones I am attempting to bind do not share the exact disposition as myself, but they are in much greater quantity and potency. As a safety precaution, I will not name the group, as that knowledge may be used against me if this journal is stolen. They will have to work. They must.

Day 3,

I have yet to notice any undesirable effects of the binding, though I have only 1 soul bound. Likewise, no significant power has arisen. I have found, however, that I am able to store 1 additional cantrip within my mind. I will attempt another binding and record the results when noticed.

Day 6,

Again, no undesirable effects noticed. I can now cast an additional 1st level spell, instead of the cantrip. This is intriguing, yet frustrating. I know better than to be impatient, as that leads to accidents, but I must push forward. The war continues and losses are becoming unacceptable.

Day 10,

I have begun hearing voices, though only while at rest. This is either due to the number of outsider presently absorbed by me, numbering 4, or due to binding 2 at once. My warlock abilities have increased in power. This is expected, given the nature of eldritch magic to begin with. However, this is still not enough. My love came back to the city today, narrowly escaping death. Against my judgment, she is preparing to move out again. I must push on and absorb a more powerful outsider. One of the strongest of this group.

Day 17,

This power is overwhelming. I can amplify my spells without preparing them as such. The ones I have prepared in such a way can be enhanced further. The voices are becoming stronger, and more joined together. They began as chattering, clamoring for their various wills to be done, but with the addition of a stronger soul, they are unified. Perhaps the strongest has dominated the weaker ones. I should be cautious.

Day 21,

I have added 2 more to myself. My power swells, allowing me to continue working through the night without rest. I still need to rest to regain spells, of course, but that may very well change. Additionally, when using my eye invocations, my eye color changes to gold instead of green now. Combined with no need for sleep, I’m beginning to suspect I am becoming an outsider myself. Strange, as natural outsiders still require sleep and sustenance, but this furthers my understanding of my heritage. The voices, however, seem to have stopped for the time being. Perhaps due to my not sleeping? Ominous.

Day 29,

The voices are growing worse. I’m hearing them right now, even though I’m awake. They encourage me to feast upon their brethren, to add more of them to myself and gain more power. There are still only 7 inside me, as far as I can tell, and I’m going to keep it that way. I can’t imagine the mental fortitude required to hold more of them at bay. I have begun using the life forces of outsiders as a source of energy to help keep these voices at bay, but I know this isn’t a permanent solution; the energy will run out and I’ll have to ensnare more outsiders again. Thankfully, using outsiders as energy like this doesn’t fuse them to my soul, so I’m not experiencing more feedback because of it. I still have not told my lover about my experimenting. She has been growing more suspicious, but I feel that telling her will only cause her to worry. Hopefully, I’ll discover a permanent way to subdue these outsiders soon.’

Day 40,

The voices are stronger. Yesterday, I added 3 more to myself. I don’t know why, but I felt compelled to do it. These monsters are beginning to influence my actions. I have to find a way to subdue them. I need more life force to keep them in check. I need more.

Day 55,

I’m losing more and more of myself by the day. Just yesterday, my lover came back from the war front to report something to me. I didn’t even recognize her until she told me her name. I’ve been losing other parts of my memory as well. I can’t remember the name of the village I was born in, the name of my mother, and others, just to name a few. I remember factual things, like the weak points of creatures and geographical landmarks, so it appears only personal memories are disappearing. I’m also blanking out at various points in the day. I’ll be eating a meal or reviewing troop disposition, and then I’ll be walking around the city. I don’t know where I’m headed each time I venture outside. I’m really scared.’

Day 72,

I may have found a way to keep them in check. I’ve enchanted a sword to act as a conduit between my soul and theirs. I haven’t heard the voices since implementing it. I will bind another and monitor the results. If all goes well, I will bind more.

Day 91,

I was wrong. So very wrong. They tricked me. They held their tongues and let me absorb 6 more before taking control. I was so arrogant with my so called discovery I neglected to absorb more life force, thinking I wouldn’t need it. I have remedied the situation and hopefully all will go well. I can’t turn back now. It’s far too late for that. I must push forward. I must end this war. I will not fail.

Day 103,

How could I have done this? My home is in shambles. The City of Magic is in flames. Everyone here is dead. And worst of all—I—I killed her. My love. How could I? I saw myself move, pull her into the sun and cut off her hand. The ring I gave her, the ring to protect her from the sun—and, I watched her. I watched her burn in the sun. They made me watch her burn.

I know now that I am beyond saving. Already I can feel their pull on me, bringing me closer to the darkness. Please, to anyone that finds this, please just watch over me. Find a moment, any moment, where I appear vulnerable and kill me. Bless a sliver weapon and slay me, I beg of you. End my suffering and my killing, please! And then maybe Dante, my brother, maybe you can forgive me for Garret.

On the last pages of the journal, the handwriting changes.

Dante,

If you are alive, then I’ve failed you. I’ve been your friend for decades now, and I’ve seen you do questionable, if not simply evil, things. However, I’ve also seen you become more good. I’ve seen you smile at the beauty of the world and help to keep that world safe. I was with you when you met your brother, when you two formed your council, when you grasped for immortality, and when your worst fears were realized. And I was with you when you bound those demons to your soul. I saw the devastation you cast upon the army that sought your death, the army from Derik. On that day, I saw your resolve to save your brother.

I am saddened, then, to inform you your victory now has come at a price. Before the binding, when Hector pulled you from the fight with Derik, your brother cursed me. When Derik dies, I die. Simple conditions for a powerful curse. He told me his regret in doing so, how he had no choice. I understood exactly what that monster inside him intended. If he couldn’t have Derik, then you couldn’t have me or your sanity. They both knew you wouldn’t save Derik over me. What Aselith didn’t understand, however, was my own resolve in the matter. Garret was just as important to me as he was to you. He would go out of his way to help someone else. Therefore, I chose to do the same. That is why I am dead. I could not let this curse cloud your judgment. Aselith must be stopped. Derik will be saved. Sometimes we have to look beyond what we want and do what’s best.

My only regret is if I can’t save you from this fate.

Whoever reads this journal, please save my friend. Bless a cold iron blade and strike him down. And please, tell him I’m sorry.

Iatril Dryeareplith (Dancer of the Day, Champion of the Forest)

~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~

The days since the battle passed slowly. Discord had gone back to the cave to retrieve Dante’s and Derik’s spellbooks. He was looking for a way to return himself to his world. Luna told him of Dante’s discovery concerning Tartarus and what he called the Abyss. Discord seemed to appreciate it. Celestia wasn’t too happy to hear Discord would be simply leaving, but Luna convinced her otherwise. All Discord wanted now was to see what became of his descendants, and perhaps help those he could.

Chrysalis must have woken up at some point. She was nowhere to be seen after the first day. Everything considered, though, she wasn’t likely to cause much trouble.

Fluttershy wasn’t seen for the first couple days, needing to be alone after losing Iatril. They had apparently talked about living together after the conflict. Luna didn’t believe Iatril meant to cause any harm. Perhaps she was chasing after a life she couldn’t have.

What was most astounding was the red dragon that appeared in Celestia’s chambers. Apparently, Raven—or Krios, as was his name—was cursed by Aselith as well. Dante had looked after him while he was a dragon and somehow found him when he was cursed, but Krios didn’t think Dante was even aware of this fact. As it was, Krios could barely recall what transpired here.

Not even a week after the battle, Discord found what he needed to return home.

~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~ _ ~

“So, this is really it.” Luna states, rather than asks.

Discord nods, standing over Dante’s spellbook. In the back of Dante’s chambers, a diagram covers part of the wall, standing in a circle large enough for Krios to pass through.

“It seems so strange being able to go home.” Discord says, facing Luna.

“Will you be alright there?” She asks. “I’m not sure how the people, or the gods for that matter, would react.”

“Don’t worry.” He says, lifting up Dante’s holy symbol from around his neck. “He says all will be well.”

Luna chuckles softly. “This just seems so weird. I imagined this goodbye going to Iatril and Dante. It almost feels like…well, something out of a bad book.”

“Life can give you all sorts of twists and turns. Believe me, I’ve made plenty of both.” Discord places his paw on the diagram.

“I can’t say I’m sad to see you leave, all things considered.” Luna smiles, turning to the side. “I’m sure Tia is more than happy.”

“As she should be.” Discord smirks. “I am a monster, after all.” He looks up at Krios. “Ready, hatchling?”

Krios rolls his eyes, lifting Iatril, Dante, and Derik in his front claws. “As I’m going to be.”

Discord faces Luna again. “I suppose this is the part where I offer some sort of advice or cryptic saying, but I don’t think you’ll need it. Instead, do you have any advice for me?”

Luna shakes her head.

“Well then.” He says with a grin, opening the portal.

Krios steps through first, with Discord right after him.

As the portal closes behind him, Discord calls out “Until we meet again!”

Luna is left alone in the room, shaking her head, and walking to the exit.

“Doubtful.”

END STORY

Author's Note

Did y'all lower your expectations? I hope so. Now, like I mentioned, this isn't how I planned on ending the story. What I planned on doing was:

~They fight, 'defeating' Aselith.
~Return to Canterlot, schmooze, good times.
~Oops, Aselith is alive, specters attack Dante underground, Iatril gets hands chopped off, turned into wight.
~Luna gets horn cut off from Aselith, shown green blade from Dante's dreams.
~Dante kicks Aselith's ass, sends him packing, insane, dances with Iatril's wight-corpse.
~Mourning, sadness, Luna reads revealing journal.
~Discord comes up with idea, send Luna into Dante's soul through magic mirror.
~Luna meets Garret and Isaac, goes through Dante's memories, MANY CHAPTERS.
~Luna sees Dante, sent on errand to collect Macguffin sword parts to control Astaroth, oops it's a trick, Dante is Astaroth.
~Luna, Isaac, Iatril vs Astaroth/Dante, hope almost lost, Garret appears, smashes sword, separating Dante from Astaroth.
~Isaac binds demons, preparing them for final fight.
~Dante cured, fixes Luna's horn in exchange for divine magic, frees Krios from curse, prepares.
~Heartwarming talk between Luna and Dante, knocks out Luna, faces Aselith/Derik alone.
~Final boss speech, Dante unleashes demons against Aselith, they are easily beaten.
~Bragging and such, Dante reveals elements of harmony in chest with soul bound angel, epic transformation, final attack.
~Luna shows up, sees Aselith standing there, etc.
~Bring back bodies, gods from Dante's world show up, some sort of speech, leave with Discord and Krios, Isaac may pass on.
~Epilogue: lol-jk, Dante, Derik, Iatril, Garret reborn in Equestria 200 years later, live happy lives.

Blam! Now, if some of you weren't happy with how it ended, you know the alternative. And really, it took 4 months to put these 2 chapters out. I was never gonna finish it at that rate. Besides, the 'true' ending isn't so tragic. Sure, they all died, but they get reincarnated. I needed to keep to the story tags just a little bit! And yeah, I'm the author, I can do what I want, but I wasn't going to put you all through that.

Quite honestly, story writing is much more intensive than I thought it would be. Normally, for D&D, I just make shit up as I go and it all works out. Thing is, that's just how my friends and I like to roll. I'm not nearly creative enough to write stories like this.

Anyway, I've yammered on long enough. Though it was getting a little shoddy near the end, I hope you all enjoyed it. Any last minute criticism? If I ever write Dante's backstory (which I probably won't, let's be honest) I can post a link for those interested. Until then, I bid you adieu and goodbye.