Rise of the Dark Age

by Broadway Sweetie Belle

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Discord, Princess Celestia, Main 6, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Romance, Original Character, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Tragedy
Length: 27827

Many stories tell of a world that is in need of a hero. But what if the world needed a villain? Concord, the spirit of order and balance, must do the difficult job of becoming that villain.

My lord. For two thousands years you've waited; you've watched this world change in the depths of your prison, waiting for the day that you would returned to consume it. And now the world is at a crippled state. The eldest Alicorn sister rules over the land, unaware that her 'golden age' is what has kept this world off balance, and keeping your resurrection alive. But the one who had imprisoned you has sent forth the child of your first victims, to restore the world in its rightful path. But what can the Draconequus do when the harmony he created turns against him?

Concord is the spirit of order and balance. In a time when Equestria was ruled under chaos. Concord did a great deed for the ponies of the land. But in his ignorance and prideful state, he had unbalanced the world that he himself was sworn to protect.

After a thousand years, Concord finds out of a great and ancient threat, a threat that he created. So Concord travels back to Equestria, determined to make things right again. However, it may be more difficult than he anticipated. If betraying friends, and destroying lives is what it'll take to balance the world, can he truly do it? Or will he embrace the dark side he never knew he had?

(Author's Note) This story starts out in season 3. The canon events of season 4 may be altered.

Thanks go to Starligh Nove, Haseo, ThatOneWriter, and TheDarkAngel for pre-reading and editing.
Thanks to JumpingShinyFrogs for the cover art!

TVTropes

Published 2013-01-21 19:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2015-01-27 01:59:18 UTC

Before The Coming Storm

One thousand years before present events

Huge chunks of the soil floated in the air, hovering over the craters where they had once firmly laid. The sky burned with a fierce orange glow. This was Equestria, ruled by the hands of a mad and evil draconequus named Discord: the master of chaos and disharmony.

Over a year ago, when the ponies first stepped into the land they would now name Equestria, they had found a new home; a place where they could strive and form a united kingdom of the three tribes. Half a year later that had all changed when the draconequus took over. In his rule he had brought forth a time of pain and suffering. Not even the icy wrath of the windigos could compete with the Draconequus, because at least the cold would kill and end the ponies' torture. If his chaos was too much for a single pony, the only alternative was for them to take their own life. Yet not all hope was lost, for there were two immortal souls that had been living and watching within this land long before the ponies had ever entered it.

Down below in a green-yellow meadow, there was no living thing in sight. The few farmers that lived near this area had long deserted their homes for good reasons.

Great booms echoed, and fierce lights illuminated the skies. Though, this was not a storm of nature, but a battle above the pink cotton candy clouds. Two young alicorns, named Celestia and Luna, were chasing the Lord of Chaos himself. The alicorns shot powerful rays at the draconequus, but his serpent-like body twirled and dodged in the air; he was a difficult target.

The younger blue alicorn, named Luna, charged up her magic; a high voltage of electricity arose from her horn, and with a flick of her head, she fired a beam of lightning at the draconequus.

Discord swirled to the side, dodging her shot once more. He clenched his fist, flames spewed out of the cracks of his fingers. Discord faced the alicorns and unleashed a ball of fire from his palm in their direction. The alicorns swerved out of the ball’s path; an explosion followed afterwards. They winced at the heat that scorched their backs, but nonetheless they pushed on.

The older alicorn, named Celestia, looked to her sister, who looked back at her. Celestia gave her a low nod. Luna returned the gesture with a nod of her own, then she took a sudden dive, leaving her sister in the chase. Their strategy was going as planned. Now phase two had commenced; while Celestia chased Discord, Luna would fly ahead so they could trap their target to end this long and exhausting conflict. If somehow phase two failed, she'd have no choice but to go with their last resort option.

Discord saw Luna leave; before he could dive down after her, a ray of light zoomed over his head, almost taking an antler off. He turned and snarled at Celestia, then took a turn and sped to a floating island. Discord flew into a gaping hole in the island; Celestia did not hesitate to follow the draconequus inside.

Once inside, Celestia’s vision became strained, her target nothing more than blackness. There was no sound, minus the flaps of her and Discord’s wings. She was cautious, yet kept her speed up; she wouldn’t let him escape. With a quick charge of her horn, she shot a shining ray of light, in hopes it would hit her foe. With the light she had made, she scanned her surroundings: it was a straight path through and out of the tunnel. Unfortunately for her, the beam missed, and Discord made it out of the tunnel first, leaving Celestia's sight for a few seconds.

Celestia cursed, and pushed her wings to flap harder to catch-up. She emerged from the tunnel—and was instantly shot down by a strong current of chocolate milk with the force of a hundred waterfalls.

She struggled; trying to move her body in every direction to escape the forceful liquid, but it was hopeless. The wind blew past her fast and strong, her eyes watered as she was pushed down. No matter how terrified she felt she could not take her eyes off of what laid ahead. Down below was another island in the middle of the sky. The ground came closer, and closer as she went. Her eyes widened, and she squirmed restlessly, but to no avail. Celestia collided with the ground, knocking the wind right out of her. The milk drowned her for a minute, Celestia unfortunately swallowed a mouthful of milk, and it took a wrong turn down her throat. The last drops fell, and Celestia heaved out the milk she had swallowed, coughing horrendously. Her lungs burned, and her throat stung while she coughed up what was left.

Celestia laid in her body-sized crater, weak, wet, and vulnerable. The grass held no comfort for her, it was as if the tiny plants themselves were against her, doing the most by prickling her underbelly. Celestia’s head spun, and her limbs cried out in pain. She took a weary breath as she forced her legs back up. When she pushed herself on her hooves she cried out and collapsed. It took her a few seconds to regain her strength before trying again. Discord would be coming for her soon. And she must be ready to face him once he arrived.

With a grunt, Celestia lifted herself up, again. She bit her tongue while she pushed her limbs up. Milk dripped from her wet pink mane, and rolled down her face.

Without warning, Discord landed on the island, vigorously, causing the ground under him to crack. The quake shocked Celestia’s weakened legs, almost causing her to collapse, again.

Discord glared at her, and she at him. They shared a moment of silence, giving vile looks to each other. It was a tense moment for Celestia. This wasn't the plan; this wasn't what was supposed to happen. Were they not careful enough, or had Discord figured out their scheme?

The spirit gave out a snort, followed by a smug smile. “Tell me, my dear, what gives you the right to come into my land and try to take it over, hmmm?” he said coolly.

This creature had caused so much mayhem in this land. He let the citizens suffer without a care in the world. Not only did she fight for the freedom of these ponies, she fought for the land she's called home her entire life. Yet now this invader towered over her, mocking her as if she were just a simple pony rebel. But she knew who she was, she was an alicorn who still had a fight in her, and she knew that this beast had to be stopped. With a sudden burst of speed, Celestia pounced at him.

“STAY DOWN!” Discord roared, throwing his hand out. Celestia was frozen in mid-air, her body contained in chaotic magic. She could not move an inch no matter how hard she tried. Discord thrust his hand down, and Celestia smacked into the ground, once more. Celestia regretted her decision. It only caused her legs and chest to hurt even more.

Discord’s smile was replaced with a look of rage. “I've had enough of you pathetic creatures trying to ruin my perfect world!” he yelled, “You just can’t help but get in the way, can’t you?” he came closer to Celestia. She was hopelessly trapped under the strength of his magic, and had no choice but to watch and listen. “Well, you certainly have no respect, such was the way of your kind."

Celestia didn't want to waste words on him, especially if he was going to insult her and her race. But in that moment, it was all she could do to stall her execution. She made a harsh grunt.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you over the sound of my chaotic-ness." He chuckled. "That or I have a wad of peanut butter stuck in my ears."

"You’re sadly mistaken if you think you’ll win,” Celestia said in a harsh tone.

Discord laughed. “I don’t think you’re in the position to claim such things, cotton-candy mane.”

“We’ll win... Concord... will help us." She moaned, “If all else fails, he will win us the battle.” The weight of Discord's magic over her was getting heavier.

Discord's humorous expression turned sour. The creature she mentioned was one of his kind, he opposed all that Discord did as he himself did the same back. But that was in their nature, they'd always be rivals. Nevertheless, he knew if Concord was anything, an oath breaker was not one of them. "Puff. That hoity-toity spirit would never go to such an extensive level of idiocracy. That's my job!" Discord clenched his fist then opened it to reveal a rubber ball. He proceeded to bounce it off of Celestia's nose repeatedly as he talked. "If you truly knew my orderly friend, then you'd know how uptight he can be! But I digress. Out of all five of us, Concord would be the last to come to anypony's help if it meant breaking our precious code; including you."

Celestia's plan was working, he was distracted, but for how long, exactly? Her face scrunched up in irritation from the ball repeatedly smacking her in the nose. It made it hard for her to sound serious. “Your—tyranny shall come to an—end, freeing those who have—suffered under it.” she had to strain the last few words out. Discord’s magic crushed her weakening body.

"Humph." Discord caught the ball in his hand; his expression grew dark. He squeezed the ball tightly till it popped with the sound of a whoopee cushion. "Your kind may not follow our code, but they do—or at least they did—regard it. I remember when your people used to think of us as monsters." He put on a devilish grin. "Well, if only they could see how well you turned out to be.”

Discord mentioning her people evoked anger and rage in her. Celestia’s eyes burned with fury, her teeth clenched, and she squirmed around like a raging bull, even though it pained her body. How dare he talk about them in such a way! Only a true monster would use a tragedy to taunt his opponent.

“Oh, you poor little pony," Discord said with false sympathy. "And you thought everything was going according to plan. Tsk, tsk. If only your sister was here to witness your executio—” Luna slammed into Discord's back. Her impact sent them both skipping across the ground until they went off the island.

Celestia was released from Discord's magic once her sister hit him. She tried getting back up, this time it was easier. She wobbled her way to the edge of the island to see her sister and the spirit tumbling down to earth, locked in combat.

They punched, scratched, and kicked each other as they wrestled to gain the upper hand. Luna jabbed her horn in the draconequus’s face, however, she missed and her mistake allowed Discord to grab her by the mane and throw her off of him. He swung his tail and slammed it into her face. The impact sent her sailing across the sky, far from where Discord flew. "She's out of the park!" Discord yelled in a raspy, yet triumphant voice.

With the fight now over, Discord descended to the ground, hands on his knees, breathing in deeply. “Curse those alicorns! They never give up, do they?”

The sound of wings ruffling caught his ears. He lifted his head to see both battle wounded alicorns, their faces full of hatred. Luna in particular had a giant black and purple bruise all over the side of her face.

“Look at yourselves,” Discord shouted, “You're pathetic, you’re weak, and you can hardly stand. By all means, you may fight as much as you want but you will fail eventually, and once that happens, I’ll take the liberty of ending your lives.”

The alicorns remained silent. The only sound made was the thunder roaring far off in the distance.

“But then again...” Discord tapped a finger to his chin. “You two have been so much fun being my punching bags. I wouldn’t want to stop just yet.” he spoke with glee. “So here’s what I’ll do. I’m gonna close my eyes and count to ten; it'll make the chase more interesting.” He closed his eyes and turned his back towards the alicorns. “One.... Two....”

The two sisters weren't going to play his game. They weren’t running anymore. Instead, they stared at each other, knowing exactly what to do. If they couldn’t stop him, then perhaps their friend could.

In the back of Celestia's mind she mentally apologized to her friend. He made her promise him that she would not use his gift unless there was no other way, or if she was near death. His reasoning was unclear for he did not state it. The battle had taken almost all they had out of them; if they were to continue, it would surely be the death of them. There were no more alternatives.

They summoned up their magic. Light shined out of nowhere above their heads, revealing six mystical gems, they gave off a powerful magic that even they could not comprehend.

“Five... six... seven eight nine ten!” he immediately turned and lunged forward, ready to fight, but halted at the sight of the strange gems above the Alicorns. Discord stared with his mouth hung open, dumbstruck at what beheld him. He could sense the magic from where he stood. It was abnormal, yet it felt strangely familiar to him. “But… But that’s impossible. There’s no way you could craft such artifacts, unless.... Unless someone else who had the means and power to. But who?” He racked his brain for an answer—then it hit him. He realized why the magic was so familiar, and the perception made him sick to his stomach.

“CONCORD!” His roar was like thunder as it echoed across the land. “Of all the boring and dull things you've done, this is just out of your league!” Discord shouted to the sky. “I mean you? Changing the course of the world! I… wait….” He stopped in thought.

The alicorns glanced at one another in confusion, then back at Discord who had completely forgotten about them.

The last thing he had said brought a conclusion to his attention. Changing the course of the world... “Yes... yes, of course," Discord squealed in a soft tone. "He has interfered with me and with the world, which means balance has shifted in the wrong direction. If I am to lose now, then at some point in time balance will shift back into my favor; I’ll have a grander world than I do now,” he whispered to himself. He knew his and Concord's powers had a big affect on the world, and he knew that if something that were to—let's say—cause a rift in the world's balance, Concord would be severely punished for failing to avoid it.

Discord burst out laughing psychotically. He was reminded of the two alicorns that stared at him. He began to put on his act. “OH drats! I guess you've beaten me, young alicorns,” he said with false woe. “There’s no way I can compete with you and your artifacts. And what can I do but face my justice?” He posed: putting one hand to his chest and the other one in the air. “So if you’re going to fire, then at least let me go out in style.” He tilted his chin up and just waited there, not moving once.

The alicorns were blown away by his sudden change of behavior. Out of everything they had seen him do, this was by far the weirdest.

“Sister, I fear that this is some sort of trap.” Luna said, keeping her sight on the draconequus.

“Luna, are you saying that my friend isn’t trustworthy?” Celestia questioned Luna, sounding a bit rash.

“No, sister!” Luna quickly stated, “I trust Concord. It’s just that Discord appears to be acting stranger than he usually does. You must notice it, too.”

Celestia had to agree with her sister. But then again, she trusted her good friend Concord. He despised Discord. Why else would he have given her these elements that were specifically made to defeat only evil such as Discord? There was no reason to question him. “I believe Discord has come to realize that he cannot win, and that has caused him to lose his sanity. So let’s end this, sister, once and for all.”

Luna looked a bit unsure by her sister’s reply. Of course she herself trusted Concord, nevertheless she knew Discord was no fool, either. “I hate to stall our moment of triumph, but what if—”

“But, nothing!” Celestia interrupted. “Concord is no fool, Luna. He knows what he’s doing.”

“Anytime, ponies!” Discord yelled.

The alicorns did not wait another minute. Whether it was a trap or not, they conjured up the elements' powers, causing them to glow brighter above their heads. The elements gained more and more unspeakable power until it unleashed a huge rainbow of magic straight up in the air; it slowed almost to a stop, released a blast of light and descended back down right towards the draconequus.

Discord stared at the rainbow with no fear or regret, as it got ever closer to him. “My time of glory will come again.” He said to himself before he started laughing. The face he made would stay that way for a thousand years to come.

******

Present day Equestria

Ponyville

Inside the library of Ponyville, there was a little dragon spending his time cleaning the bookshelves. Up on the second floor was the lavender unicorn, Twilight Sparkle. She sat at her studying table, flipping through the first pages of the Book of Legends.

After her recent task on reforming Discord, she brought it upon herself to actually know something about her former enemy’s kind. Twilight flipped through the pages to find the section where it told of the draconequus.

After a few more pages, she found the title, The legend of the draconequus, and began to read.

Centuries of research have brought little information on these creatures. The book stated, They keep to themselves and hardly ever talk about their race. However, a collaboration of ponies who've seen a draconequus have brought a conclusion that there are five known draconequi in the world.

The first draconequus is Discord, spirit of disorder and chaos. The next draconequus is Migrate, spirit is unknown. In following, is Passion, spirit unknown. It is said that she has an obsession for committing sexual acts with mortals.

“Oh, my.” Twilight blushed. It went into detail of a few stallions who've... but Twilight decided to skip that part.

Then there’s Concord, the spirit of order and balance, and most commonly seen draconequus. Concord is well known as being a personal friend to princess Celestia, having been seen with her during important events.

"Personal friend of Celestia?" Twilight thought, "How come she's never mentioned him before? If he's a friend of the princess, then why hasn't he made an appearance before?" Twilight rubbed her forehead in irritation. There was still one more draconequus she hadn't read yet, so she focused back on to the book.

And finally the last draconequus is Conjure, spirit is unknown. It's told that Conjure doesn't resemble a draconequus, it is said that he is called a Kirin: being half pony and half dragon, and nothing more. One eye witness said that the kirin can rip holes in the fabric of space and time.

The book had little to no information. It appeared that a draconequus was just as rare as dragons, but despite that, the draconequus Concord was a friend of Celestia's.

There had to be more in the book, perhaps there was another section that continued. She did find one small chapter title, coronation of the sun and moon, which did note that Concord had attended the ceremony. However, it mention somepony that she's never heard of before. A pony named Gladhoof was the one who crowned the princesses. What made him so interesting was the fact that the book referred to him as their uncle.

"Celestia and Luna have an uncle?" Twilight thought. Even that part didn't go into detail. This book was starting to look like a lost cause, yet she continued.

As she read on, the pages began to thin. Her vision became to blur as time went by; her eyelids felt heavy, and her mind was going off focus. But why would she be tired?

A tap on Twilight’s shoulder snapped her mind off the book. She turned around to see Spike with an irritated look on his face.

“Are you still reading that book?” he said. “Seriously, this is the fourth time in a row you've spent half the night glued to a book.”

Twilight looked out her window to confirm that it was the middle of the night. “That explains a lot.” She rubbed her eyes. “But at least I have a good excuse this time.”

“Uh huh? And what is it this time?” Spike had an expression on his face that told this wasn’t the first time Twilight had had a ‘good’ excuse.

“I wanted to know more about draconequi, so the princess had sent me this book; I’ve been doing research on them this whole time.”

“Draconequi? You mean like Discord?”

Twilight nodded. “Exactly. Since he’s going to be staying here in Ponyville, it makes this a great opportunity to learn about his race. So tomorrow I will be visiting Discord and hopefully get some answers that the book didn't answer.”

“That sounds cool. What have you learned so far?”

Twilight lifted the book with her magic and flipped through a few pages. “Well, Discord isn’t the only one of his kind. It did say there were a couple others, and that's about it. OH, I did learn that the princesses have an uncle, too!"

“So wait, there’s more draconequi and Alicorns?”

“Only four other draconequi. One’s actually a kirin, half pony half dragon draconequus. It did mention an alicorn by the name of Gladhoof. But nothing else.”

“Gladhoof?” Spike said, surprised. “I’ve never heard of an alicorn named Gladhoof before. What do you think happened to him?”

Twilight frowned. The question bothered her. “I don’t know, Spike. This is the first time I’ve heard of an alicorn besides Celestia, Luna, or Cadence. But that only extends the question: could there have been more alicorns a thousand years ago?” Many questions rushed through her mind, and there were no answers in such a short amount of time in sight. “Arghh! Great, now how am I gonna sleep?” She grumbled.

“Take it easy, Twilight.” Spike said in a soothing voice, “I’m sure Discord can provide you some answers.”

“Well, I hope so, or else I’ll just have to ask the princess for more information. Maybe there’s a book about Alicorns, or about ancient history that may tell about them.” Or I could just ask Celestia, sense she knew one of them.

“Okay, you can do that some other time, Twilight. For now just go to sleep and tomorrow Discord may be able to help you.”

Twilight breathed out a sigh. “I guess you’re right. Maybe I can gather my thoughts while I’m sleeping.” A yawn escaped from her mouth. “Well, goodnight, Spike.”

Spike smiled. “Goodnight, Twilight.”

Author's Note

I'm hoping you stick around for this one. It's going to be big; lots of stuff planed! The first few chapters are kind of a warm up for the story, so you can get a good idea why this is happening.

Memories of the past Part 1

Chapter 2

Memories of the past Part 1

A Thousand years ago

Canterlot Castle

It was a great day for the ponies of Equestria. With their former ruler gone and his rivals now in his place, the ponies of Equestria rejoiced.

Just moments from now, the coronation of Celestia and Luna would occur. Everypony, poor and rich, were welcome to attend the crowning of the new princesses of Equestria. The coronation was taking place in the new castle of Canterlot. It was still under construction, but luckily the ceremonial hall was completed for this occasion. White drapes were hung from each pillar in the room. Everypony stood in an orderly fashioned line on either side of a red carpet that began from the front doors, and led up to the dais.

Upon the platform, waiting to crown the two sisters was the lime-green alicorn named Gladhoof. He was a tall thin stallion; gray hair covered what remained of his brown mane, tail and short beard, making him look much older than what he was. An alicorn's age could not be measured by petty years. Unlike many of the ponies in the hall, Gladhoof wore no clothing; even the commoners and poor wore their best.

To the alicorn’s left was the draconequus, Concord; the spirit of order and balance. His form represented the snow-white torso of an upright pony, a bear’s right arm, an octopus’s tentacle for his left arm, a hydra’s left leg, and the talon of a hawk for a right leg. He also had the tail of a manticore, the wings of a monarch butterfly and of a changeling, the head and neck of a white-scaled dragon, with a buffalo’s horn and the antenna of a bee. His eyes were as bright and precious as sapphires.

He stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for the coronation to begin. Concord scanned the room with watchful eyes. Unfortunately, not all ponies were so cheerful about the downfall of Discord. There were some ponies who had worshipped the chaotic spirit as their god. Though, all of them were half-mad, and it’s because of that that made them more dangerous. Concord knew what they could do, and an assassination attempt at the coronation would cause mass hysteria. It was not something he was keen to see.

Once he finished his survey for the sixth or seventh time, he glanced over at the pony to the right of Gladhoof. He was a gray-coated unicorn stallion with a lush black mane and emerald green eyes. Obviously, he was chosen to stand next to Luna for the crowning just as Celestia chose Concord for the same purpose. Concord had never met the guy before, but that’s not what really got him so engrossed in the stallion.

By the way he dressed, he certainly wasn’t a noble or from the higher class. The best he wore was a brown leather uniform, something that many commoners would consider to be fashionable, but the upper class see it as repugnant and dirty looking. His mannerism was carefree. He didn’t try to promote himself by showing any sign of rank or position, as many would do in his place. He simply wasn't aware of how high society was imputed. But he smiled as he waited for the coronation to begin.

On the other side of the large doors that led into the ceremonial hall, the two sisters waited for their cue to go in. They both wore ceremonial dresses that were made by the best designers in the land.

Six stunning mares stood behind the alicorns. Three held a flag on their backs with the cutie mark of Celestia, and the other three held flags with the cutie mark of Luna. Behind the mares were six guards, chins raised high and chests puffed out.

Luna chafed within her dress; the fabric didn’t suit her well. “This is most irritating. Why make us a dress that is insufficient in comfort?”

Her sister giggled in reply, “I advised you to let the maids properly suit you, but you just had to be difficult, didn’t you?”

Luna huffed, “We are most capable of fitting ourselves on our own.”

“And I can see that that turned out well.” Celestia giggled some more at her sister’s awkward movement.

Their little chat ceased once they heard the music play. For quite some time, they waited while their uncle gave his speech to all the ponies. They could faintly hear him behind the doors. “Mares. Gentecolts." Gladhoof spoke with a strong voice. "I welcome all of you on this special day. In just a few moments, Equestria will be under the new rule of two young, compassionate alicorns...”

The sisters were stiff from head to hoof. They kept their breathing at a slow, steady level, while they waited for their cue. “This is it, Luna,” Celestia said, “After today, the land of Equestria will enter a golden age with us as their leaders.”

Celestia waited for a reply, but only got silence in return. She brought her eyes on to her sister. Luna was breathing heavily. She looked as if her worst nightmare was awaiting her behind those doors.

“Luna, what’s the matter?” Celestia asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

It took Luna a while to build up the courage to express her thoughts. “I’m… I’m afraid, sister. I’m afraid of how ponies will view me. Will they accept me as their ruler? Will they love me and treat me with respect?” She looked up to her older sister with a frightened and worried face. “I don’t… I don’t think I am ready for this kind of responsibility. What if I’m not good at it? What if they think I’m a terrible princess?”

Celestia gave Luna a small smile. She gently placed her wing over her sister; Luna allowed herself to be pulled into her sister’s comforting embrace. “You will be a marvelous princess, I assure you,” Celestia said.

“And if I’m not?” Luna said softly.

“Then know that I will always support you, no matter what anypony thinks.”

Luna stared at her sister, tears in her eyes, and a sad smile on her face.

“And now without further ado, I present to you your new rulers of Equestria: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Gladhoof raised a hoof to the doors, where two ponies stood, opening the doors with their magic.

Quickly, Luna and Celestia separated from each other, back to their original positions with only a few seconds to spare before the doors fully opened

Music started playing as the sisters pressed on into the ceremonial hall. From right to left, ponies stared in amazement at the two dazzling Alicorns.

The mares that carried the flags and the soldiers began singing.

Thy princesses cometh.

Behold, behold.

The princesses here before us.

Behold, behold, behold…"

They continued to sing while the sisters kept their pace steady, postures straightened, and smiles shown. Their hearts beat faster than ever before. The sisters moved their eyes over the crowed; their faces glowed with hope and faith in their new rulers. A small sense of anxiety stirred in Celestia’s stomach, but she smiled, nevertheless.

“Thee princesses cometh.”

“Behold, behold.” (Behold, behold)

“The princesses are here!” Their finale words echoed throughout the hall as the music came to an end. The alicorns’ hoofsteps up to the dais were the only sounds heard in that moment. They were met with their friends and uncle on the platform. Gladhoof smiled at his two nieces. The sisters did the same. Celestia glanced at the draconequus while Luna looked to the unicorn; both returned the smiles with their own pleasant expressions.

“My dearest nieces,” Gladhoof said. The sisters return their gaze to their uncle. "Long have I watched over you two since you were fillies. And now you stand here today, becoming more than what I could have imagined. Truly this is a day to celebrate.” Gladhoof looked to the draconequus.

Concord nodded, and with a wave of his hand, a flush red pillow rested on his palm. On the pillow were two crowns. He stepped forward and kneeled down, offering the crowns to the Alicorn.

Gladhoof accepted the crowns. He levitated them with his green magic over the sisters’ heads. “Celestia, do you swear to take up the responsibility of a ruler, to watch over the land and protect its people; to raise and lower the sun each and every day as long as you hold power?”

Celestia drew a deep breath before answering, “I do.”

Gladhoof nodded, then turned his attention to Luna. “Luna, do you swear to take up the responsibility of a ruler, to watch over the land and protect its people; to raise and lower the moon each and every night as long as you hold power?”

Luna held her breath, and glanced at her sister who was watching her as well. “I…I do,” Luna breathed out.

“Then by the power of the citizens of Equestria I hereby crown you Princesses of Equestria.” Gladhoof lowered the crowns softly upon their heads. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Celestia and Luna turned to face the mass of their subjects.

Their uncle then led them to the balcony. Celestia and Luna walked outside and beheld the site of hundreds, maybe even a thousand ponies in the courtyard. Their shouts of joy to see their new rulers had said to be heard from the base of the mountain.

Luna gaped at the subjects that cried for them.

“And you were afraid they wouldn’t love you,” Celestia smirked. Luna was too stunned to reply to her sister.

At the entrance to the balcony, Concord and the gray stallion stood, waiting for the alicorns to give their speech.

“You know, you don’t seem to give yourself as much credit as you should.” The stallion spoke to Concord for the first time.

Concord confronted the pony with a smile. “I didn’t help for glory, it was the right thing to do. Discord was ruining everything good in this land, so I just had to interfere.”

“Well, I don’t know much about you draconequi, but from what Luna has told me, her sister thinks you to be… sympathetic.”

“Really?” Concord wasn't surprised, considering how Celestia always mentioned it to him. “Tell me, what’s your significance with Luna?”

The stallion stared blankly at Concord. “Well…”

“Concord.” The draconequus turns around to the voice of the old alicorn. “May I speak with you for a moment?” The tone in his voice sounded fake, as if he was trying to hold back something.

Concord was puzzled at Gladhoof’s request. Talk now? While Celestia and Luna gave their speech? If Gladhoof needed to speak with him at this moment, then perhaps it was for good reason.

He glanced at Celestia, then to the stallion, and back to Gladhoof. “Uh, certainly.”

Concord followed the alicorn to a small corner of the room. It wasn’t the best place for a private conversation, but it would do. “So, what would you like to discuss?” the spirit said with a bright smile.

Gladhoof’s once proud and happy face was now replaced with a look of deep disappointment. “This is a very grave act that you did, Concord.” Gladhoof kept his voice firm, but a hint of infuriation could be noted. "You of all draconequi would betray your own code! Furthermore, I'm astounded that you’d go against your new duty and tip the scale of the world. And for what purpose?”

Concord stared at the alicorn, bewilderedly. “Well, you’re the first to state your foul feeling towards Discord's downfall.” It amazed him. It was truly amazing what he just heard. This wise being who just a moment ago looked so pleased to crown his own nieces, was now stating how this all was never suppose to happen.

“I thought you would be more mindful with your new title. Clearly your arrogance has finally clouded your judgment.”

Concord was taken aback. “What are you implying by arrogance has finallyclouded my judgment?” he asked crudely.

“You deliberately interfered with Discord, and by doing so, you broke the one law of your kind, which also tilted the world off balance. Surely you must now feel an uneven sense within you?”

“Surely this is some kind of joke! How can you side with Discord?” Concord said, ignoring Gladhoof’s question. “Did you not see the chaos and destruction that he brought? How could you support that?”

“Because he was doing his duties!” Gladhoof retorted. “Spreading chaos is his talent, and even if taking over the land was a bit unorthodox, it’s still his job to balance order with chaos.”

“Where is your morality at? What sort of sick and twisted mind do you have to think such things like that are actually doing some kind of good in this world?” that was harsh, even for him. But Gladhoof just looked more annoyed than angry.

“You think everything you do is righteous and correct. And I know that’s how you work, being the spirit of order and all. But this act is just unheard of. You imprisoned one of your own kind—and don’t make the excuse that it was Celestia and Luna’s doing.”

A part of Concord believed that Discord deserved it. It was hard for him to accept, but he truly believed it.

“Surely Discord’s imprisonment couldn’t affect the world that badly, could it?”

“You think this is all about Discord? No, that’s just a portion of it. The true cause for tipping the scale of the world is those elements of harmony. Because they exist, there’s nothing stopping them from keeping order and peace in Equestria.”

“But is that truly so bad?” Concord asked.

“Even good things must come to an end. The problem with you, Concord, is that you were thinking like the spirit of order and not the spirit of balance. Now… I don’t want you to think I relish such dark and cruel things, but I’ve learned through time that such events must happen. As long as there is good in this world, evil won’t be far behind.”

Gladhoof’s words had little influence on Concord. All Concord knew was peace and order. Whenever and wherever there was evil that had to be put down, he would be the one to clean it up. After Conjure appointed him the new spirit of balance, everything seemed to go well; more work never hurt him. When Discord conquered the entire land of Equestria, Concord felt, as the spirit of order and balance, it was his right to interfere.

Concord continued, “What do you suppose Conjure will do once he learns what I did?”

Gladhoof gave a small irritated sigh. “Well, if I know Conjure, he’ll undoubtedly go ballistic. It'll take him time to exhaust his fury. He wouldn't dare have you stand before him in such a state."

Hearing the extent of Conjure's anger by none other than his very own friend was quite relenting.

"The worst you can expect from him is a harsh talk. You know how Conjure works. He won't punish you, nor the others because he believes you’ll do your duties and follow the code. Conjure hasn’t been wrong—until now. Besides, he knows that your punishment will come; and it’ll be more severe than you can understand.”

Punishment? What punishment? “How so?” Concord asked inquisitively.

Gladhoof paused for a minute. “I don't know exactly what will happen, but I certainly do know that if the spirit of balance fails to keep the world's scale even, he will feel the force of the unbalanced world."

“Look around you! This is unbalanced? What does it matter if the world is balanced or not? If it can survive, then why do we take it upon ourselves to constantly even out the world’s scale?”

The alicorn snorted humorously. “Now I know you’re just making up an excuse to justify your actions. The world is a living thing. Everything that touches it is a part of it. Even the realms that are physically separated from the world are still connected to it by magic. The world suffers if it is unbalanced. That is why there is a spirit who controls the balance. The spirit—or you, to be precise—has a correlation with the world. Do you ever wonder why you know what needs to be balanced, whether it has to do with a small town or an entire nation?”

Concord put Gladhoof's words to consideration for a moment.

“It’s not you who sees it but the world who shows you through its vision.”

Concord’s mind was a little boggled by the new information. He just had one last question to ask. “If what Discord did was pardonable, then why did your nieces try to stop him? Didn't you try to prohibit them?”

“Of course I tried. But perhaps Celestia's hatred towards draconequi returned after Discord’s takeover.”

"What…? Celestia... hates us?” Concord strained the words out. It was so sudden. Concord didn't quite know how to react.

Gladhoof quickly regretted his statement. “I-I shouldn't have said that." He sighed. "But it's true. She was just a young mare at the time. It’s because of those arguments between our kinds. She was influenced by the others to go against your people. She would always say how your kind are ignorant, prideful, and… monsters.”

“Monsters?” Concord's heart sunk hearing those words. “Sure I can be a bit fulsome, and Migrate can be a brute, and Passion can be a slut, and that Discord can be… well, Discord, but that’s just instinctive. It doesn't mean we’re horrible creatures, it just means we're more… mortal. You know what I mean, right?” In truth, this shouldn’t have surprised him: every alicorn and draconequus hated each other back in those times. All except for the younglings, Gladhoof, and Conjure. But that meant Celestia had hated his kind at a young age.

In fact, now that this was brought to light, it did answer for a few things that he saw in Celestia’s personality that he originally hadn’t been able to figure out. An example would be whenever he talked about one of his fellow draconequi, she would have an abruptly annoyed expression. Concord would always brush it aside because he could associate her vexed feelings toward the others for his own. He saw the others as crude, careless, vile, and repulsive. They all were the same, except for Conjure, but could Celestia really hate Conjure?

“You don’t have to defend yourself, nor your kind, Concord. It was a long time ago; she has changed ever since she met you.”

Yet, grief weighed down on Concord’s chest. The terrible truth that his best friend had hated his race was disconcerting. How her kind had poisoned her mind into thinking... No, it was not right for him to even think of her kind like that. He said nothing; he only stared at the floor tiles.

Gladhoof’s ears fell, and he had a guilty expression. “I… hate to say this. But her parents are the ones to blame for her—”

“No.” Concord interrupted. The spirit lazily lifted his head up to meet the alicorn with a serious look on his face. “Though they didn’t view us too kindly, I can’t help but give them my respect for what they did for Celestia and Luna, even if it cost them their lives. And not just them, but all those who died; all those who had put their difference aside and came to stand side by side for that one moment. But no one will ever know of their sacrifice, nor will they know of the greatest deed—no— the miracle that you and Conjure brought upon the world.” He gave out a long sigh. “I’ve learned to let go of the past. I’m sure Celestia has to. But during that time—those ghastly memories that will forever be embedded in my mind—I knew then what my title was: to stop any destruction at any circumstances; to bring order and understanding to the world.” Concord’s voice became cold. “But once Discord got his title, my thoughts for an endless golden age were nothing more than a hopeless dream.”

Gladhoof was speechless for a minute. “Concord. You were only a youngling then, and yet to hear you say this... Well, you've certainly earned my sympathy. But it doesn't change what you did.”

In Concord’s mind he felt hurt, betrayed, almost. He had just expressed some of his deepest thoughts, and all he got was sympathy and a statement of how what he said didn't change what he had done? To Tartarus with what he had done!

Concord's thoughts were interrupted from a finale outburst from the crowd outside, indicating that Celestia and Luna had finished their speech.

The spirit turned around to see both sisters leave the balcony back inside, with only minutes of freedom to talk until they had to ride a chariot through the streets of Canterlot.

Luna made her way to the one unicorn; they both were incredibly happy and optimistic to see each other. Celestia waited patiently for Concord, she had a bright smile on her face. Concord returned the smile, remembering that Celestia was a dear friend and not a racist.

“You should go talk to her now.” Gladhoof said. Concord spun around to the alicorn. “I think we've had our fair share of words. Now go.” He waved his hoof as a sign of dismissal.

“Yes, I believe we did,” Concord said, unnecessarily crude. But he did what he was told and approached his friend.

Concord’s heart couldn’t help but be lifted, again. One little dark past secret wasn’t enough for him to rethink on Celestia after all they’ve been through.

"What happened, Concord?" Celestia asked, looking concerned.

“Oh, nothing important." Concord quickly changed the subject. "I must confess to you Celestia, that outfit is dreadful looking." He beamed.

Celestia snickered at the comment. “You think this is bad? Look at Luna.”

“My dear, I'd rather not, it stings the eyes; purple is certainly not her color. And by the way, that crown you're wearing: unfitting. Let me do you the favor by disposing it for you.”

“What? This? It was a gift from Princess Platinum.”

“Which is why it should be under my care," he said, with a greedy expression in his eyes.

“Back off, lizard head.” She playfully warned. “If you’re so desperate for a crown, go talk to Luna.”

Concord stuck his tongue out in disgust. “Luna can keep that crescent moon. I mean, just look how ridiculous it is.”

Luna must have been discussing the same thing with the unicorn, because she started blushing, her eyes moved up to the crown that rested upon her head.

“Say Celestia, who’s that unicorn that Luna is with?” Concord pointed towards Luna.

Celestia followed his gaze toward the unicorn. “Him? Oh, he’s just a friend of Luna’s. His name is Leather Heart. Luna was visiting a small commoner's town, they met, and they’ve been friends ever since, from what I know.”

"So, you know little to nothing about him?"

"I know just as much about him as Luna knows about you. Why’d you ask?"

Concord shrugged. “No particular reason. He just seemed like a nice gentlecolt, is all.”

A mare with her mane wrapped in a bun approached the alicorn, bowing before saying, “Your highness, the chariots await the two of you.”

Celestia gave the mare a fair nod before turning to her friend. “So, I guess our time to chat will have to wait until later tonight.”

Concord gave her a warm smile. “My dear, I’m not going anywhere. I shall be watching every second of your little parade.”

Nighttime rose over the city. A beautiful night created by the new princess of the night: Luna. Many lights shone the land far and wide, making the night as lively as day. However, all of Canterlot glowed like a beacon on top of the mountain.

Inside princess Celestia’s quarters, she had her own little party. The only other member was the orderly spirit himself. The room was dim with the only light coming from the fireplace. The sun goddess rested on her silk cushion near the fireplace, bare, no crown or dress. Concord laid his slender body on a couch. His tentacle wrapped around a wine glass filled with the delectable red liquid.

Their conversation lasted longer than their drinks, but its side effects lingered, though Celestia was less able to handle her drinks than Concord was. “And just when our chariot was filled to the tip with flowers.” Celestia snickered. “A bouquet came diving at us, hits Luna in the face; she yelped, and we find out that a bee had stung her on the nose.” Celestia covered her face, unable to control herself. “Her nose swelled up by the time we had dinner. She—she hid her face half the time.” The Alicorn smothered her face in the cushion, and burst out laughing.

Concord chest heaved in and out, and his eyes teared up from laughing so hard. "Is—is that why she was hiding under her mane the whole time? Oh, that’s brilliant!”

Celestia lifted her head back up. “Just don’t tell her I told you. She’d never forgive me.”

Concord smirked. “Your secret is safe with me.”

Celestia cooled herself down, sipping the rest of her drink. “It’s a shame that my cousin Silverline and her husband couldn’t make it. It would’ve been nice to have the whole family over for this event.”

Concord took a sip of wind. “Well, you know how it is. Ruling the entire Crystal Empire has its cons. You’ll soon understand how they feel."

Celestia sighed, her mood suddenly bleak. “Indeed... This is all going to be extremely stressful, Concord.”

Concord sipped some more wine before replying. “Oh please, if there’s any mare who can deal with this kind of authority, it’s certainly you, and your sister. Not to mention, your new roles controlling the sun and moon. I’d say it’s about time you got your titles.”

Celestia returned the compliment with a small smile. “You always know what to say, Concord.” She said soothingly, “I’m really grateful for your help, too. You went beyond your principles to help me, and you also created artifacts to protect this world. I have to say, you’ve outdone yourself.”

Concord waved her a hand. “Did you have any doubt in my abilities? I mean I am the spirit of order.”

Celestia giggled. “Yes you are. If only the others were more mature and kind like you.”

“Trust me, Celestia. Discord will always be a screw-loose, no matter how much you try to tighten him.”

“No. Well, yes, but I was referring to the others.”

Concord stared at his friend in silence. “Celestia. Tell me that doesn’t include a certain kirin.” his words were dark, to a minimal.

“Of course not, Concord. You know I hold respect towards Conjure. He and my uncle are good friends. You know that.” Celestia replied as a rebuttal.

“Yes, well, that doesn’t speak much for you, though,” Concord’s words turned sour.

Celestia was taken aback by Concord's irrational behavior. “What’s the matter with you? You’re so sensitive all of a sudden.”

Concord could not lie to himself that his little conversation with Gladhoof crept in the back of his mind. “I’m sorry. It’s just that... while you were giving your speech, Gladhoof told me a few things. One thing he mentioned was a little hard for me to swallow.” He had to force the next words out. “He told me about your... racist history.

Celestia’s face turned distressed by her past coming back to her. “Oh... he told you about that,” her voice was low and filled with worry. “Is that what was troubling you?” The draconequus nodded, keeping his eyes on the floor. There was a long pause between the two, making the awkwardness more intense.

Celestia hated seeing her friend so dejected. To see him depressed over how she had acted towards his race in the past made her feel guilty. She picked herself up and brought herself right over to Concord, who refused to look at her. She kneeled down to meet his face that he tried so poorly to hide. “Concord. My beloved friend. The mare you speak of is nothing more than a stranger to you.” She spoke to him softly, like a mother would to her child. “My uncle spoke of an alicorn that’s been dead a long time ago.” The draconequus lifted his sapphire eyes to her. Celestia revealed a comforting smile. “After everything we’ve been through, every precious moment we shared. Are you really going to let somepony you never knew stand in between our friendship?”

Without a word, Concord raised his head to meet Celestia. Their faces almost touched each other. Celestia could hear her heart beating in her ears.

His lips curled into a smile. “You too, know just what to say,” he said in a quiet voice.

Celestia hesitantly rested her forehead against Concord’s. He smiled, not at all uncomfortable by her affection. It made him forget Celestia ever hating his people. He couldn’t see this sweet, kind, and caring alicorn be anything that Gladhoof spoke of. Celestia told the truth: the mare Gladhoof spoke of was dead. “Thank you, Celestia, for everything.”

For Celestia, this was the closest she could ever be near him without it being awkward, and only on certain occasions like this. “Isn’t that what friends are for?” She smiled, and closed her eyes, letting this moment last as long as it could; it would certainly last forever in her mind.

A screeching boom broke their little moment. Their heads snapped back from sheer shock. They looked in every direction; the thunder-like boom rolled and shook the very air itself. Then a voice, intertwined with the thunder, erupted: loud, fearsome, and irate. It spoke one single name. "CONCORD!" Another horrendous boom followed before all went quiet, again.

The two of them were silent for a moment, catching their breath after almost having a heart attack. Celestia turned her attention towards the creature the voice had called. “Was... was that...” For some reason she just couldn't finish her sentence.

The spirit stared off to the decadence with wide eyes in a semiconscious state. He blinked and shook his head, lowering his gaze to Celestia, still stunned. “Conjure? Indeed, it was.” His voice was surprisingly calm. “By the sound of his mighty hail. I’m afraid that I have been summoned by Conjure’s demand.”

Celestia hung her head and sighed. Her one moment with Concord had come and gone. “I was afraid so.” It was far too soon to say farewell to her best friend. A sense of fear crept in her mind reflecting on the wrathful voice of the kirin. She brought her eyes back up to his. “What could he need you for to sound so furious?” Then a thought crossed her mind. “This is about Discord, isn’t it?” She said with alarm.

Concord shrugged. "Who knows? It could be many things, my dear, but Discord is not one of them. He knew his place and yet he chose to stray from his path. Besides, I did nothing to interfere with him." He finished the rest of the wine. The glass in his tentacle melted into sand, every grain vanished before hitting the floor. “But nevertheless, I answer a summoning when I’ve been called.” He gave Celestia a look of sympathy. “Our time together has been great. But now it’s time for us to part ways; we have our own duties to fulfill.”

Concord waited for Celestia to respond. But Celestia remained silent. Her face tightened, as if from holding back tears. Concord was surprised by her sudden mournful manner. He got up from the couch. “Celestia. Are you really this afflicted to see me leave?” he asked disquietingly.

Celestia snapped back to conscious with an abrupt expression. “O-Oh, no, I just had... a sneeze that wouldn’t come out. You know that feeling you get, right?” she said hesitantly, forcing a smile out.

Concord’s tensions relaxed, and found himself laughing at the statement. “Oh, true, true,” he sighed.

“Well, you should probably get going. You don’t want to keep Conjure waiting.” Celestia said, standing up as well.

“Oh, please, Celestia. You’re acting like you’ve never known me at all. It’s my quality to be prompt and organized,” he said pridefully. Concord walked past Celestia and to the balcony, arms behind his back. “It’s been so long since I last entered my own realm,” his voice became cool, “But I don’t think I could've had it any other way. However, you have your own realm to rule now. Perhaps it’s the appropriate time we part ways.”

Celestia’s eyes had been glued to the Draconequus the whole time he spoke. She took in his words, though she didn’t enjoy the subject. But he had a way to make anything he said sound righteous and pure.

Concord spun his head back, and Celestia froze on the spot. Any comment she was going to make was eliminated from her mind. Concord’s face was hard to read. Did he expect her to answer or agree with him? Then he smiled: a sweet, kind, and celestial smile. His eyes were gentle on her. Celestia's emotions took control of her face and brought an awkward looking smirk to greet his.

“I wish I didn’t have to go. Truly, I do. And it pains me to leave in such a rush without a proper farewell.” He raised his paw. “But please accept this gift as a symbol of our friendship.” Light shone out of the palm of his hand. It lit the room for only a moment before it deceased. What remained in his palm was a violet.

Celestia thought the gift was decent and sweet. She stepped forward, but as she did, Celestia noticed something strange about the flower. It wasn’t a flower at all. It was a blue gem, crafted in the form of a violet. Up close the petals were smooth; not a single chisel mark or scratch was visible. The tendril pistils were made of pure gold, and the sepal and stem were made of emerald minerals. It was amazing. A craftsmanship—in Celestia’s eyes—that was exceedingly more divine than the elements of harmony. “It’s... beautiful,” Celestia said breathlessly.

Concord pulled out a self-succeeding smile. “Magnificent, isn’t it? I’m not very good at making real flowers; nature is more of Migrate’s thing. But gems are more of my style.”

Celestia brought her eyes to the Draconequus’s. “Concord, I-I don’t know what to say—” Concord gentility placed his tentacle to her lips.

“You don’t need to say anything. Your face shows enough gratitude for me.”

Celestia prayed that the blood that warmed her face wouldn’t show. Concord leaned in to gently place the gem-flower in her mane. The feel of his hand brushing against her head sent shivers down her spine.

Concord stepped back to check her. He pulled out a satisfied grin. "Mmmm, yes. Much more appealing than a common rose, would you not agree?" With a snap of his tentacle, a mirror appeared in front of Celestia.

She tilted her head to get a better view of the flower. As always, Concord's sense of fashion prevailed in impressing her. "It never fails. You could make garbage look good."

Concord chuckled. "Is that a challenge I hear? That's going on my to-do list for when I come back," he said, dismissing the mirror. "...So, anything else you wish to say before I depart?"

Celestia had many things she wanted to say. Most, she couldn't tell him out of fear of rejection. But one question that was eating her mind ever since this whole predicament came to light. "Will I... ever see you again?" It was a simple question, but one she had to ask.

Concord put on that sweet smile again. He kneeled down; taking her hoof in his hands and kissed it before saying, "That, my dear, is sealed in stone." Concord's body glowed brightly; his entire form was a blinding white light. Celestia had no choice but to look away.

When she turned back, she saw nothing. No draconequus, no spirit of order, no friend. Celestia waited, expecting him to come back; hoping it was a cruel joke. But she knew he wasn't coming back. Her heart ached more and more with every passing second. The realization hit her harder than any blow she had suffered from Discord. Every precious memory she held dear to Concord flashed before her eyes; so many to count, yet too much for her emotions to handle. The tears became too big for her eyes to hold, and they fell down her face.

Then she heard the doors to her room creak open. Celestia lashed her head back, and took a weary breath of disappointment when her uncle entered the room. "Uncle—" she wiped her tears away. "—I wasn't expecting you. Is everything ok?"

The old alicorn looked down at his niece who laid on the floor, with concern. "I was about to ask the same."

“I’m fine, really... I am.” She didn't sound fine at all.

Gladhoof scanned the room. "I seem to be too late to see Concord depart." He said, a little disappointed.

"You just missed him." Celestia sniffed. "I don't suppose you heard Conjure's summoning?"

"Celestia, the whole kingdom could've heard it." Gladhoof looked more closely at his niece and smiled. "My, that is a beautifully crafted gem you got there. I suspect Concord is behind that?"

"He was." Celestia lowered her gaze to the floor. She heard her uncle's hoof steps closing in on her. She didn't want his company; she wanted to be alone.

"Celestia," Gladhoof said, sympathy in his voice.

Celestia raised her red and puffy eyes to him. "Forgive me, uncle, for my childish behavior. It's just... I..." She stopped when Gladhoof wrapped his wing around her.

He lowered himself to her eye level, a small smile upon his face. "An alicorn’s love is not a fickle thing, Celestia.”

Celestia’s watery eye grew wide. She had to find her voice aging. "How long have you known?"

"It wasn't that hard for me to figure out."

Celestia blushed. "Was... was it that obvious?”

Gladhoof chuckled, “Well, you fooled Luna. So that’s worth something.”

Celestia huffed humorously. “I’m a fool to think he’d see my affection for what it truly is." She rubbed the tears away from her eyes. “What’s worse is if he found out, I could've scared him away, and ruin our friendship. Or if Concord did share the same feelings for me, he could grow bored of me and move to another mate, then I’d be left with a broken heart,” her voice cracked.

"But do you see Concord being a mate who would leave such a creature as yourself? If you want my opinion, I believe there’s a part of Concord that’s not developed yet. In time he will see what you truly mean to him. You just need to be patient to find out.”

Celestia stared at her uncle one last time before resting her head against his chest. “I love you, uncle.”

Gladhoof pulled his niece in tighter. “I love you, too, Celestia.” He lifted his wing away from her. “Now, why don’t we enjoy the night that your sister has made for us all, shall we?” Celestia sniffed once more and nodded. They went out onto the balcony, where they were met with a radiant night sky. The full moon projected above them, consuming the land in its cool light.

Luna impressed Celestia. But when the night turns old, then it would be her turn to show off her talent.

Mother and father would be so proud. She thought. Two ponies that she wished were still with her. Her mother would've helped with their dresses and manes, fussing and bragging about how beautiful they looked. And her father would have had something special planned for them; he always loved to surprise her and Luna. But she still had Concord, who organized the whole coronation, and who made everything just perfect. Now he was gone, too. But she knew deep in her heart that they would meet again. And while he watched her from his realm, she would impress him. She would rule the land that he gave to her and bring forth a golden age in his name. And when they are reunited, again, she will finally tell her soul mate how she truly feels for him.

Celestia took in the fresh night air and blew out a calming sigh; her tears had dried out. Everything is going to be just fine.

Author's Note

The first couple of chapters will be taking place in the past. Just two more chapters before we get to the present again.

Memories of the past Part 2

Memories of the past Part 2

Memories of the past Part 2

One thousand years ago

Realm of the Draconequi

In a white flash of light, the orderly spirit arrived in the realm of his kind. The draconequi domain was a large realm that contained the realm of every draconequus that ever lived; most of them were empty now. Realms within the draconequi realm were like houses that could have multiple rooms as while. The specific area he was in was called the Neutral Zone: a gloomy and empty stone room with black walls, and a stone table and seats in a corner. It used to be where draconequi would meet. It was where friends and family would come chat and start conversations with others. Now it was a hollow room with little activity. It reminded Concord of the tragedy that made this once happy place become so bleak. Nonetheless, this is where everyone ended up after leaving the presence of the world.

The smile on Concord's face that he put on for Celestia vanished, and he breathed out a sigh. "Home sweet home," he said, not so cheerfully. Even though this was his home, he already missed his time on the world with Celestia. But he had his duties, and that was enough to get him moving. Just then, he realized someone was seated at the table.

Concord went over to the table. There lazily seated on a stone chair was a draconequus: he had the head and neck of a timber wolf, the torso of a buffalo, left leg of a frog and a cow hoof for a right leg, a long golden tail of a pony, wings of a dragonfly and a cockatrice, and the claw of a lobster for a left arm and a sickly green dragon claw for a right arm. He stared at Concord with his green ghostly eyes.

“Hello there, Migrate,” Concord said, “World treating you well?”

The spirit of nature gave a smug smile back. “It has.” His voice was deep and thick. “Haven't seen your face around here for some years."

Concord crossed his arms in an indolent manner. "Well, I have my priorities. Something you seem to lack, considering how you spend your time wasting away sitting here."

Migrate fiddled with his dragon nails, no longer looking at Concord. "And look where they've brought you,” he said, ignoring Concord’s second statement. “It's no secret why you're here. We all saw what you did; very naughty of you." He laughed like a thick toned hyena.

Concord was relented to continue the conversation. Knowing Migrate, he'd just make this one big joke. Migrate never cared about anything. Everything that didn't concern him was either a joke, or not worth his time. “I hardly suspect my actions to be 'naughty'. And I will not take your utterance to any significance. Especially from one who has no understanding of righteousness.”

“Tsk tsk.” Migrate shook his head slowly in disappointment. “What happened to you, Concord? You had more class than this. Now you’re... iffy." Migrate picked at the barnacles on his crustacean lobster arm, still not looking at Concord. "The world sure has changed you and your judgment. That’s why I don’t hang around cities, and more near the small towns and the forests. That’s where most of the fun stuff happens.”

Concord brushed off Migrate’s words from his mind. “If you think you can provoke me to admitting wrongdoing–"

Migrate finally brought his attention back up to Concord. “I’m only speaking fundamentally.”

“Humph.” Concord rolled his eyes. “Indeed. Well, as much as I’d love to catch up, I have important business with Conjure.”

“Ah, I know." Migrate sounded subtle. "He is most displeased with you at the moment. In fact, I can’t recall the last time he was this irate with one of us. Looks like you’re up for the conventional lecture by Conjure this time. Unfortunately for you it might be more... harsh.”

Concord was sure Conjure would be harsh on him; he didn't expect anything less. But if he had to defend his claim from Conjure, then he was ready to do so.

“I—Ahhg!” Concord fiercely clenched his tentacle in pain. He fell to his knees from shock. His arm stung and burned at the same time at a rapid pace. The pain grew more and more intense by each second. He squeezed his arm tightly, hoping for it to cease. Then, the pain slowly faded, and it was gone. Concord took a hastily breath before confronting the indifferent looking draconequus.

“Well... that was dramatic.” Migrate said.

“Dramatic? More like excruciatingly painful! It felt as if my tentacle was just cut off!”

“...You look fine to me.” Migrate said, not really caring.

Concord studied his tentacle: he moved it around; he stretched it, coiled it, and flexed it. It felt completely fine.

“Anyhow, where was I... ah, yes, Conjure. Well, not much more to say; you’ll soon meet him. What I’m curious about, Concord, is how you can live with the thought that you had completely lied to your best friend?”

Concord looked back up at Migrate with a crude expression.

“The fact that Celestia believed every lie you told her amuses me. ‘It could be many things, my dear, but Discord is not one of them. He knew his place and yet he chose to stray from his path.’ Ha, I could turn the Crystal Empire into a jungle, convert its people into thirteen tribes, and Conjure wouldn’t even bat an eye.”

Migrate’s mockery was getting under Concord’s scales. “If that’s the truth, then why don’t you go do it?” he said intimidatingly.

The smug smile on Migrate’s face vanished. “I have better things to do than waste my time messing with mortal societies.”

“Such as?” Concord said with a sly grin. It only made Migrate’s expression darken.

“And what exactly are you failing to prove?”

“You won’t do it because you see no sense in messing with mortals. What point is there in muddling with their societies? It’s not going to do you any good, so why do it?”

Migrate rested his chin on his claw. “And there’s the answer that you have failed to observe. Discord took over the land because he can do it, just like how I can change the nature of plants and animals, or how Passion can mate with any creature she wishes. The Main reason I won’t do it is because it goes against nature. A jungle could not survive temperatures up there. Now you could say I can create a frost jungle, but that would... say... that’s actually not a bad idea. I should write that one down.” He smiled to himself, looking off to a distance in thought.

Concord was about to interject, but remained silent. Migrate spoke the terrible truth. Their powers were not bond to any laws or rules. They could do anything their hearts desired, all except for the one thing that Concord had just done. The truth is he did get in Discord’s way, but what harm will less chaos in the world do?

Concord let out a sigh, deciding to change the subject. “Tell me, Migrate. How is Passion doing nowadays?”

Migrate’s attention was brought back to Concord. “Hasn’t changed much since you left.”

“Still alluring mortals with her charm?”

“You know it.”

“Hmm. Then tell me, Migrate. How does it feel knowing that your beloved Passion has had just about every living creature inside her?”

Migrate formed a devilish grin. “Actually, I find it to be quite attractive,” he said with a lustful tone.

Concord could not believe what he just heard. A sickened look grew on his face. “You're repulsive!”

“Hey, spirit of nature; can’t help myself. When we mate, it arouses my senses to smell the stench of a thousand creatures around her—”

“ENOUGH!” Concord exclaimed. “I do not wish to hear your and Passion’s foul copulation. In fact, you’ve wasted enough of my time. I have business to take care of." With that, Concord spun around and walked up to the black wall. He raised his tentacle and just stared at it, remembering his little scene back there. What was that all about? It puzzled him, but he snapped his tentacle to open the portal to Conjure's domain. A pitch-black vortex absorbed the wall in front of Concord, beckoning him to enter.

"Be sure to tell me how it all turns out, would you?" Migrate said.

Concord ignored him, and stepped inside the portal.

Moments later, Concord was now introduced to a new room, one that seemed to never end. All around him was darkness; it was like walking through the void of space; empty, yet the realm was filled with the flow of magic; all the different colors and sparkles they gave off were all unique. It wasn’t just a few, there were at least a thousand different kinds of magic, and each flow of magic had its own unique style. There were so many to see it would take too long to count and describe what each magic flow looked like. The fluid magic moved in the same direction as Concord’s. It had been so long since Concord had step foot in this realm, and to see the magnificent magic again, astounded him. However, he was not here to observe, he had business to take care of.

The path before him was a small bridge that was made out of dark bricks. It led him to a rounded rocky platform. All the magic met at the tip of a large crystal pillar. In each corner of the platform there were four empty thrones. One was made of dark iron with antlers on the top of its head. Another one was made of brown leather, with two small round pillows that rested against the arms. There was a throne made out of wood. But it wasn't pretty to look at: it was covered with bark, infested with bugs, and the seat was thick with green moss as cushion. It was not curved out to be a throne, but as if it grew and looked like one—sort of. The last one was made out of marble and decorated with diamonds and pearls; the head of the throne had a golden symbol of two masks, one smiling, and the other frowning.

At the end of the platform, in front of the pillar was Conjure, lying on a bed of crystals. The first noticeable thing was his size. He was twice that of an ordinary draconequus. Conjure had a green scaly body, with a fire orange mane all the way down his spine to the tip of his long tail, forming a tuft at the end. His rear legs were hooves, while his front legs were claws. A long unicorn’s horn grew upon his head. He held a hard yet unreadable face on Concord the whole time.

Concord kneeled before the head of his order. “My lord. You called, and I answered.”

Conjure stared down upon the spirit with deep blue eyes. “Rise, Concord,” Conjure said. His voice was noble and firm; the tone was like the sound of echoes in a cave; far off his voice was deep and powerful, yet when heard up close, it was light and gentle.

Concord obeyed and rose. He formed his posture in a respectful manner. His heart beat quickly, but he masked his emotions. Conjure studied him for a moment. As if he was trying to spot out any sign of fear in him. “Before I began, I want to express my surprise that your arrival is subsequent to your usual routine; not late, but past my and your own expectations.”

Concord made a short bow. “Yes. I’ve had some farewells to take care of first, and then there was Migrate’s warm way of saying ‘welcome home.’”

"...I see." They were silent for a minute. Then, Conjure spoke, “You know why I've summoned you here.”

“I have a few guesses, sir." Concord spoke intoned.

Conjure glared at him. “That wasn’t a question.”

“Uh... right, ah ha,” Concord laughed nervously. Already this meeting was turning out badly.

“Do you play me for a fool, Concord?”

The question stunned Concord. “No, sir. Never.”

“Then why do you pretend that your actions did not actually occur, or that they have done no harm? Why do you deny yourself of wrongdoing?” his voice grew darker. “Why did you break the code? Betrayed us? Why?”

Concord felt he was shrinking from Conjure’s words. He squirmed from the inside, but he still held his posture. “I-It’s just my nature, sir. Bringing order to the world is my duty, and if I may add, I do it with honor and dignity.”

“Yes... yes you do,” Conjure said reluctantly. “But what you did is not your manner of doing things. You know when enough is enough; never going over your bounds. But this... this disobedience; this rebellious behavior. It is alien to me. If you had done this millenniums ago I wouldn’t be surprised. But since you did it now, as the spirit of balance, it astounds me, Concord. But do you know what truly mortified me?”

Concord knew this was coming.

“It was the creation of those... those elements! You crafted magical artifacts that could take down a draconequus and or an Alicorn.” Conjure clenched his claws, an awful screeching sound came from his nails being dragged on the crystals. “And what enrages me more is that you could only do this by one way. You stole my magic!” the magical flow—and Concord as well—shuddered from his outburst. Concord tried hard not to shiver, but now and then his body would twitch. “This deed is unbearable for me to accept. You were my loyalist subject, Concord. And you disregarded our code for what? What do you have to gain from your audacity?”

Conjure’s anger was always something to fear for him and the others, even if he never did anything, his rage was intimidating enough. But Concord had to defend himself. "Sir, what I did was right for the sake of the ponies—"

"Good for the ponies, not for the world! No matter how many lives may suffer under Discord, you had no right to help them."

Concord gaped at his lord. He didn’t dare to ask. "Sir... You're saying that I should've stood idly by and watched as Discord wreaked havoc?"

"That is exactly what you should've done. Discord was spreading chaos in Equestria, and you should have left him to do his business."

Normally that’s what he usually did. But when it came to Equestria there was something—or someone—that got him to interfere. A thought suddenly came to him, something that enraged Concord. "Sir, what about Celestia and Luna?"

Conjure raised an eyebrow. "They follow their own paths. The alicorns are not bound to our code. What does this have to do with you?"

"What would have happened if Discord killed them?" Concord said with a dark tone. The very thought was ludicrous. Neither Conjure nor Gladhoof would allow such an act to commence. Yet Conjure remained silent. His face was hard to read. Concord waited for his Lord to answer, but his silence sparked the worst in Concord's mind. "You... You would've let them die in cold blood?"

Conjure finally spoke, "Why do you think Gladhoof tried so hard to stop them? Because he knew the risk they were taking."

Concord was completely paralyzed. His best friend could have been murdered. And Discord would have gone unpunished? NO! That, Concord could not stand for. If she had died, he would have avenged her by taking Discord’s own life. No bloody Tartarus what the code said! “What justice is there in any of this!?” Concord exclaimed. He felt a fire start in him; it boiled inside and raised his temper.

Conjure was calm, not taken aback by Concord’s outburst. “I can understand why you’d be enraged by this. And as spirit of order you have the right to not like what Discord does. But you’re now the spirit of balance. And as such, you need to learn that everything happens for a reason.”

“So I’m supposed to just let them DIE?!”

“No!" Conjure retorted. "You could’ve stopped them from interfering with Discord, but instead you joined them!”

“And for good reasons!” Concord couldn’t control his anger. Half the stuff he said he would never blatantly say at Conjure, especially in the tone he used. “The world was in need of a power that could protect it from evil like Discord. I know it was wrong to steal your magic, but it was for a good cause. No offense, but I don’t think you understand that order must always be in place, it should always be above chaos."

"Do not try to justify your actions!" Conjure snapped. "Have you learned nothing after becoming the spirit of balance—no, don't even answer that, it's clear to me that you certainly haven't! You think everything you do is right and just, while Discord's principles are folly. Though that may be true by mortal standards, realistically your pride and arrogance has caused more harm than Discord's actions ever could!"

If Concord understood correctly, Conjure had stated that his morals were equal to Discord's, and that he caused more 'harm' than Discord. What madness is this? "Harm? Harm? HARM!?” Concord could not help but shout. “Pardon me, sir. But I fail to see what harm has been committed." A deep hatred rose inside him, so deep that he would regret the next thing he said."Because the way I see it, chaos is the last thing the world needs. Discord’s actions are in no way different from that foul beast T—”

“YOU DO NOT SPEAK 'ITS' NAME!” Conjure rose, eyes blazed with fury. The ground beneath Concord shook violently. All magic came to a sudden halt, and shivered frantically. Yet Concord stood firm, his anger feeding him the courage to stand up for what he believed. “HOW DARE YOU SAY 'ITS' NAME! HOW DARE YOU EVEN MENTION 'IT'! I THOUGHT I MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE PAST WOULD NEVER BE REMEMBERED! IT! NEVER! HAPPENED!”

“Never happened?” Concord hissed. “Tell that to Celestia and Luna. I doubt they could forget such a tragedy, especially seeing their own parents being murdered!”

Conjure snarled, his glistening white dragon teeth showed. Then, his horn started to produce magic: dark purple glittering smog like magic swirled around his horn like a twister. Concord could feel it; its essence stung his very core. And just for a moment Concord thought Conjure was going to unleash his fury upon him.

But then, Conjure closed his eyes, and let out a deep sigh. His body seemed to loosen up. The quake ceased, and magic continued to flow, again. Conjure laid back down and was quiet. Concord let out his own sigh of relief and remained silent.

“...You think they're the only ones that have lost loved ones?” Conjure said, his words were slow and sad. He opened his sorrow filled eyes. “We've all lost someone we cared for. Celestia and Luna lost their parents, Gladhoof lost his wife... my own brother." His voice cringed at that last one. "And you lost your parents, as well.”

The anger in Concord was fully extinguished, an empty feeling filled in its place. The mention of his own parents was a bittersweet taste in his mouth. He should've felt afflicted by the memory, but he had none, any memory he had of them were gone. Taken away from him by...'It'.

Concord lowered his head, no longer able to look at his lord anymore. "The truth is... I don't even remember what they looked like, sir. They were the first to be—as you put it—devoured by...'It'." Just the thought of the thing was hard for Concord to handle. The only reason he had the strength to bring 'It' up in the first place was because of his frustration with Conjure.

Now 'It' filled him with dread and despair. He brought his head back up to meet the sad faced kirin. His parents may have given him life, but it was Conjure who raised him into the spirit he was.

No one saw it coming, and nobody was prepared to take in another child; something like an orphan had never happened before. Concord didn’t know what would have become of him if Conjure had not stepped up to take him under his care. If he were scared, Conjure would comfort him. If he were hungry, Conjure would feed him. And if he wept because he thought he wasn’t strong enough to be a sprite of anything, Conjure would be there to tell him otherwise. Those were the memories Concord remembered.

Conjure was more a father than a Lord to him, and he knew Conjure felt the same towards him. Looking back now, Concord was mortified by his behavior and how rude he was. After everything Conjure had done for him, he repaid him by stealing his magic? This was the worst time to feel guilty for all the good that he did in Equestria. But to disappoint Conjure was a huge flaw for him. He couldn't take back what he did, but he could at least apologize. "Conjure... I'm sorry—AAAHH!" A piercing pain came from his chest; it took the breath right out of him. He had been stabbed! He could feel the weapon impale him from the back and come out his chest.

Conjure stood perplexed at what just occurred.

Concord couldn’t breath; he was choking. The weapon could still be felt in him, warm blood filled his wound. With a shaky hand he reached down to grab the weapon that he felt stick out. His hand caught hold of nothing. Concord gave a dreaded gasp.

The worried expression on Conjure’s face was gone; he stared at Concord like nothing happened. When Concord glanced down to see the gaping hole in his abdomen, he was completely aghast to see no sign of any weapon. Worse, there was not even a scratch on him. This was just like with his tentacle earlier. “Wh-Why is this happening, again!?” Concord bawled, he still could feel the wound that was suppose to be where he felt it.

"You've experienced this already?" Conjure asked, curiously.

Concord still held onto his chest. "Yes..." It didn't last this long last time. He was in dire pain, yet he was perfectly fine from the outside.

"Ah, so you've already been introduced to your punishment," Conjure said.

Concord glanced up at Conjure. "W-What...? My... punishment?" he groaned.

"This is what occurs when the world is unbalanced, the spirit suffers with it. It's how you'll truly understand the importance of balance.”

Concord shook his head in disbelief. This was what Gladhoof meant about when he said there was a punishment. "You... You did this?" Concord cried out in pain from what felt like a dagger to his thigh. He fell to one knee in agony.

"Me? No. Not my doing. You fail to realize that this is what was expected to happen. This is the world’s way of punishing you for letting this happen. Its constantly shifting, and like it or not, Discord was supposed to be an evil presence in Equestria. He only had control for half a year until you interfered. Not only did you deliberately stop Discord's intentions, you greatly shifted the scale of good and evil in the world by imprisoning the Lord of chaos, and crafting the elements of harmony. It is no wonder you suffer this much, already."

Tears of pain fell from Concord's face. He's never felt anything like this before. "Why... Why does the world so desperately need this evil? Are the happy lives of ponies not good enough for it?!"

"That is no excuse. You swore to protect the balance and keep the scale of the world intact. But now here you stand subjected to treason."

"Treason?!"

"From the world's prospect, you are a traitor." Concord didn't hear much of what Conjure was saying. He felt like a dying soldier on a battlefield, slowly fading from his wounds. He became light-headed as if he was dying. And when everything started to grow dark, the pain vanished in an instant, and he was hit by energy returning to his essence.

He gasped, lifted to his feet, and took rapid sharp breaths. He would've been drenched in sweat if it were not for his dragon blood. He was relieved, yet horrified at the same time.

“Now listen to me, Concord.” Conjure spoke firmly. “What you have done is more severe than what you can comprehend."
Concord still had his hand clenched to his chest; the pain was gone, but it felt like the suffering was still there. “So, you want me to go destroy Equestria and free Discord?” The thought of it made him shudder.

“It’s not what I want, it’s what the world wants, that, I know. Also, it’s not as simple as you think it to be. You can’t free Discord and destroy the elements that easily. You are unable to destroy the elements; their power exceeds from you. If you try to do any harm to them, they will take you as a threat, no matter if you did create them.”

Concord stood in silence. There was nothing else that he could do but stand there. He can’t fight it, yet he couldn’t even think about doing something that Discord would have the pleasure in doing. He remembered how everypony was overjoyed with the end of Discord’s reign, everypony except Gladhoof. What did he and Conjure know that made this whole act seem like a crime? “With all due respect, sir. If it’s your magic that’s stopping me from destroying them, then why don’t you do it?”

“Because it’s not my duty to fix your mistakes. What would any of you learn if I simply mended all the troubles in the world? This is a problem you have to deal with on your own.” Concord expected he’d say that. There was a part of him that he didn’t want to acknowledge, but no matter how hard he tried, deep down he knew there could never a perfect world. The thought was depressing, but true.

“Now, was there anything else you wanted to say?” Conjure asked, with a subtle expression.

Concord’s face was deprived of any emotions that he felt. He slowly shook his head, wanting to just leave and be in peace.

“Then we have nothing more to discuss. You are free to go.”

Concord turned and left his lord, but he never felt free as he walked away. In fact, he dragged his feet, now feeling like the world had attached chains to his ankles. The title he bore was no longer significant to him. Now he faced the horrible truth of what it meant to create balance, and if he refused to cooperate, the world was going to make his immortal life miserable.

Concord took in a deep sigh. The first thing he wanted to do when he was reunited with his old realm was to have a drink or two, and maybe a few more. Everything is going to be just awful.

Author's Note

This chapter was a bit tricky for me, but I'm glad I got it done. More is to come, as Concord will soon learn the error of his ways.

Council of gods and deities

Council of gods and deities

The outskirts of the draconequi realm was an empty plain, masked with the radiant stars and nebulas. There was no solid ground; one could simply stand in the middle of space, watching the stars and pick out constellations. It was truly a wonder.

But it wasn't entirely empty at the moment. Three kirins roamed the sea of stars at a brisk pace.

The biggest one who led them was Galactica, the leader of the draconequi. He was a massive, gold-scaled kirin, with a silver mane, and glowing orange eyes.

To his right was a malicious looking kirin named Umbrage. He had dusty black scales, with a maroon mane, and bright red eyes. He promoted himself to look more earnest and menacing for the events that were to come.

Across from him and Galactica, strutted Conjure. Unlike the other two who were firm and completely focused on their objective, Conjure was calm and relaxed. However, in the deepest parts of him he shared the same anxiety that the others felt. But he let his mind wander off to the distant void.

"When we reach the assembly, I need you both to keep your words to a minimum." Galactica had a noble booming voice. "Especially you, Umbrage."

The dark kirin merely huffed, and looked away from his lord with a bored expression. "Yes sir," he said in a firm, deep tone.

"The alicorns are likely getting aggravated by now. Of all times, now we had to be late." Galactica grumbled.

Umbrage turned back to his lord who kept his attention straight. "Do not dwell on the negativity, sir. For once we have agreed on something: Send one scout from each of our groups on an observation mission together. We are simply going to hear what they've discovered about that thing, and hopefully we can finally resolve all this and come to a conclusion."

Galactica gave an irritated sigh. "You make it sound simpler than what it will be. The alicorns have never agreed on anything we’ve given them."

"They're all arrogant in their ways; thinking they have authority over us."

Conjure caught Umbrage’s words, so he glared over at him. "Not all of them," he interjected.

Umbrage returned the look, and without slowing down his pace he said in a mocking tone, "Oh, forgive me, brother. I forgot that you've befriended one of those creatures."

"At least he's done something positive! You on the other hand have only made things worse with your rivalry with Aurora!” Galactica said.

Umbrage hissed hearing her name. “That’s hardly my fault. That mare will strike an argument with me every chance she gets!”

"And you’re no better than to stoop to her level. That’s why I want you to hold your tongue at the council. You will not cross words with her, understood?"

"I'll hold my tongue if she holds hers!" Umbrage snapped.

“You’d better,” Galactica growled, “the last thing we need is to have this meeting stopped by another uncontrollable uproar.” He brought his attention over to Conjure. "And as for you, Conjure. I need you to keep your focus on the objective at hand, not trying to come up with your own solution," he said, like it was a constant reminder. "I know you and this Gladhoof want what's best, however we must work this out together with the alicorns, not just the two of you."

Conjure held back his temper, and nodded. It was frustrating to get any progress when Galactica abolished his plans. Gladhoof had the same outcome with his leader, as well.

The problem was neither one of their leaders really wanted to work together. Galactica said they must work with the alicorns in order to succeed in ending this dilemma, but Conjure knew that he just as much hated having to bargain with the alicorns as they did. To give Galactica some credit, he did make it a priority for himself to stay calm and handle negotiations with the utmost care and respect, unlike Cosmo, who neglected the draconequi openly, and failed to show any kind of esteem while confronted at councils.

Umbrage snorted loudly. "I wouldn't be surprised if they've already left from impatience, considering the pace we're going.”

“I agree,” Galactia replied. “Conjure, tell that youngling to either pick up his feet or ride your back! I will not have him waste us another precious minute of this meeting.”

Conjure complied with his lord. He stopped and swung his head back at a lower level. “Concord. I need you to climb up my tail and ride on me for the rest of the trip.” Behind Conjure was a young draconequus, no bigger than an average colt.

The little draconequus titled his baby dragon head up at the massive kirin with a shy and embarrassed expression. “I-I’m sorry, sir,” he said in a small weary voice, “I’ll keep up with you, I promise.” The poor thing had to run half the trip in order to keep up with them. Conjure would slow down eventually for him to walk, and that would just irritate the other two. Concord would decline the ride when Conjure asked, whether because he was too shy, or he thought it would be disrespectful to ride on Conjure.

Either way, Conjure still gave the draconequus a friendly smile. “I know you’re trying to be nice, but this is a very important meeting, so we need to get there as soon as possible; that’s why I need you to ride the rest of the way, please.”

Concord looked away sheepishly. “Y-yes sir,” He grabbed the tuft of Conjure’s tail, then the kirin lifted him up and gently lowered Concord onto his back. Concord made himself comfortable and held on while he hung his head down in a bleak mood.

Conjure hated to make the little one feel bad about himself. The youngling was very well mannered for his age. Concord was always trying to go beyond his limits to impress him, but that was the last thing Conjure wanted him to do; he just wanted Concord to live like an ordinary draconequus child. But he knew that was never going to happen—not with the death of his parents.

Conjure caught up with the others. He noticed his brother was giving an ugly look in his direction—more towards Concord than himself. “Why did you trouble yourself by taking the burden of that child? Your duties are far more important than looking after an orphan.” Conjure glanced back to Concord. He still hung his head low; it was hard to tell if he had heard Umbrage or not, but Conjure wasn’t going to chance it.

“Taken him in was my choice, and my choice alone!” he retorted in a harsh whisper. “I didn’t see anyone else step up to claim him.”

“We would’ve assigned a couple to take care of him, if need be. But you think it’s best for you to take care of the child? Bah! Your affection for the youngling will surely present weakness to us in front of the alicorns.”

“Weakness?” Conjure’s nostrils flared. “If showing sympathy for a child who has lost everything is considered weakness, then I’d do it again! A thousand times, even!”

Umbrage snarled, and turned to Galactica. “My lord, surely you must find Conjure’s action to be frowned upon?”

Galactica did not answer right away. He sighed and looked back at Conjure. “Your heart is in the right place, Conjure. But your brother is right; it’s not your responsibility to raise a child who has lost their parents. Though, this is the first time something like this has ever occurred, you still should’ve let the youngling be taken by some other couple, not have him be raised and taught by someone of your status. Some might think you only did it only to improve your reputation. However, this is your decision. I will not forbid you from raising him, if that is what you think is best.”

Conjure hid a smile and nodded. His brother, however, looked at him with disapproval. “I know you too well, Conjure. You acted upon a bigger purpose. Was it because of who his father was?”

Conjure ignored his brother’s inquiry. But he was only half-right.

A devilish grin rose on Umbrage’s face. “Oh, it is.” He chuckled. “Now the truth of your charity comes to light. You want to raise the child so he doesn’t turn out like Vulgar Maximus?”

Conjure glanced at Concord. He didn’t seem to hear his brother’s words. Conjure looked back at Umbrage with contempt. “How dare you mention his father in front of him!” he said, still keeping his voice down, “You know Vulgar was well respected among us.”

“I’m not denying it. I respected him far more than you did. But he did always have a moment where he would… snap.”

“The both of you stop!” Galactica halted and faced the two. “I don't want to hear about our fallen brethren. Besides, we’ve arrived.” Up ahead was the council meeting: the only physical features were two long stone platforms across from each other. The first table had at least twenty draconequi with their backs facing the kirins. They stood one by one at the table. A gap appeared in the middle of the line of bodies where the kirins were to sit.

From across them on the other table were the alicorns. There were about as many alicorns, if not more, as there were draconequi. They all had their gaze lowered to what was in the pit that was in between the two tables: A four legged draconequus with the body of a panther, tail of a dragon, the claws and hooves of a lynx and an ox, wings of a parrot and pegasus; and the head of a changeling with the antlers of an elk.
He was the scout the kirins chose to observe and report back to about the thing that rampaged across the land. By the sound of it, he was already giving his report to the alicorns.

“Figures that they’d start without us,” Umbrage grumbled.

“Let’s be thankful that they didn’t leave.” Galactica replied. The kirins sat at the front of the table between the row of draconequi. No one seemed to notice them except for the draconequi on either side of the kirins.

A griffin headed draconequus on Conjure’s side bowed to the three. “My lords!” he sighed in relief, “You couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Galactica acknowledged him. “We would’ve gotten here sooner, but we were delayed.” He glared over at Conjure, who in turn, looked away. “What have we missed?”

“Nothing important. We had to persuade Cosmo to wait for you a little longer. I tell you sir; I’ve never heard more insults in my life than what I’ve heard within the past ten minutes. However, when the alicorns’ scout failed to show up at the same time as ours, Cosmo insisted that we wait for him; saving you a couple more minutes, and shutting those bad-mouthers up.” The draconequus pulled on a crooked smile. “It was quite ironic.”

Umbrage chuckled from the other side of Galactica. “Oh, how I wish I had been here to see the look on Aurora’s face."

"I'm afraid you won't be seeing her face at all, brother." Conjure said. Across from them, standing where Galactica sat was the alicorn leader, Cosmo; a tall, thin stallion with a bright yellow body and a snow-white mane. He was quite a charming alicorn, which Umbrage constantly said was how he became leader. Though, that was not a fact, it was what most draconequi took to be true.

Standing beside him was a beardless Gladhoof. Neither he nor Cosmo had noticed the kirins arrived, yet. They're attention was all focused on the draconequus, giving his report. On the other side of Cosmo was an empty spot where Aurora was to sit.

"Even better! I won't have to listen to her blabber at all. Things are already seeming to go fairly well." Umbrage said, merrily.

Conjure merely rolled his eyes at his brother, and tried to listen in on what their scout was saying.

“When we arrived, the air was stale, and the sky was obscured. Everything was dead: the trees, the grass, and even the dirt felt like ash. From what we could tell, ‘It’ had been absorbing the nutrients of the land by its tentacles that dug into the earth, like roots. They seemed to extend across the land the more it fed. We saw parts of them stick out of the ground; the size and mass could easily beat that of a whale. And that was only the half of it.”

The two groups mumbled amongst themselves. Cosmo and Gladhoof raised their attention to each other in discussion. Cosmo looked board while Gladhoof showed great interest and concern. Cosmo lazily moved his eyes across the draconequus platform, they rose suddenly with interest. “Well, Galactica. How nice of you to join us at this council that you specifically had set up,” he said in a soothing voice, yet in a mocking tone.

Everyone went silent. Gladhoof, and the rest of the alicorns and draconequi stared at the kirins with mixed expressions. “You yourself seem to be missing two of your subjects as well, Cosmo,” Galactica replied, firmly.

Cosmo’s face scrunched up slightly, as if he was holding back a glare. “If you’re referring to Aurora, she was here on time. I sent her to fetch Blaze. That fool doesn't know how to take orders seriously."

Gladhoof raised an eyebrow to Conjure that said, "What delayed you?"

In return, Conjure nudged his head back towards the little draconequus on his back. Concord now stared wildly across the alicorn table.

Gladhoof gave a small nod of acknowledgement.

The changeling headed draconequus gave Galactica a low bow. “My Lord. Forgive me for not waiting for your arrival. If you wish for me to start from the beginning I—"

"No," Cosmo interjected, “Your words are of no worth repeating. And I am dulled by this gathering as it is, already.”

The draconequus swung his head back to the alicorn with a menacing glare. “I was not talking to you,alicorn scu—”

“Cyclone!” Galactic exclaimed. The draconequus snapped back to his lord in a proper pose and faceless expression. Galactica brought his voice back down, “It’s fine. You may continue.”

Cyclone bowed once more. “As you wish, my lord. ...As we made our way across the desolate plain, we couldn't tear our eyes away from the thing. It just stood there, towering over the wasteland. I felt my essences drain from me just by looking at it. We pressed on down the valley, it was pointless to try and use stealth through the dead forest, so we merely walked at it’s edge. I immediately noticed that the village of Balrew was completely demolished; not a single house nor tower stood.”

“Did you look for survivors?” Galactica asked.

“We dared not go near it, for that thing dug one of its tentacles in the village, and—”

“What do you expect to find if you don’t even investigate?” Cosmo interrupted.

“You must understand, I found it was too risky getting close to that thing. Blaze argued the same point you made, and, well… that’s when we split up.” Cyclone’s tone sounded a bit awkward, and he looked ashamed.

“Cyclone, you knew perfectly well that this was a team investigation, and yet you couldn’t even stay together?” Galactica said, aggravated.

“F-forgive me, my lord, but I believed that any survivors would have fled to the city of Forrow. So that’s where I went in hopes of finding—”

“You left the excavation site?!” Cosmo shouted, abruptly. “Your mission was to learn more on this creature, not go hunting for peasants in a griffin colony!”

“No, wait! I—”

Suddenly a new voice joined in. "Your words have told us nothing on the creature. The things you mention is no real information of it, only a bitter weather report!" All turned to the buff, brown-coated; black maned alicorn, who gave a nasty look down at Cyclone.

"Stone Crusher is absolutely correct," Cosmo said, "You failed to investigate even under direct orders! I bet Blaze is still out there learning all we need to know, no thanks to YOU."

"But I've already stated that it’s feeding off the land. What more do we need to know?" Cyclone replied.

Galactica cleared his throat, ready to back-up Cyclone. "It's clear that all it wants is to consume the nutrients of the land. I fail to see why we dwindle on this discussion any longer, when we can simply end this?"

Cosmo glared at Galactica. "Because without proper information, I fail to see any reason why we should intervene." His statement was met with gasps and protest from the other table.

"What more of a reason do you need?!" The outburst came from Conjure. All eyes now turned on him. Conjure had let his temper get the best of him, and right then he didn't care. The situation was too extreme to stay silent. “Every minute we spend wasting away with words, the more lives we let fall from our arrogance!”

“Conjure!” Galactica hissed.

Conjure dragged his eyes away from the alicorns and toward his lord, with scorn. Galactica looked just as furious as Conjure felt. “Do not speak out of line, again, do you understand?” He growled through glanced teeth.

A soft chuckle came from Cosmo. “My, my. You seem to be having trouble keeping your subjects under control.” The other alicorns joined in with their own smug grins, except for Gladhoof who showed disappointment amongst his people.

Galactica shot a threatening glare at Cosmo. “We are off discussion!” he went on, “Tell me Cosmo, what do you plan to do?"

“Nothing as of now. Your scout has failed to bring up any details, as I've already explained."

“And what about the inhabitants of the world, hmm? What are we to do but let them die as Conjure vaguely pointed out.”

“We are not these creatures protectors. It is not our job to help these mortals with their hardships, such as war, plague, famine and so forth. Why does this off-worlder make any difference?”

The alicorn named Stone Crusher added, "For all we know the beast is nothing more but a freak of nature. Something you draconequi have in common." With that said, the draconequus table erupted in a raging fury.

Galactica's authority would do nothing to stop the waves of anger and wrath they've kept bottled up inside throughout the meeting. They lashed back with harsh words in vile tones, while the alicorns replied in coequal.

The council was in total chaos. The two leaders didn't speak, but they fought with their eyes, which showed deep hatred and disgust. The only ones that didn't partake in the riot were Conjure, Gladhoof; the confused scout who looked back and forth to the platforms for closure, and then there were the children of both races seated at the far end of the platforms.

These younglings could not understand most of the things that were going on to begin with, let alone hate one another. Their minds were new and fresh. Having them partake in meetings was thought to help educate them. However, all Conjure knew they'd learn was to hate each other, just like their parents did.

Conjure's attention was pulled away by a tug of his hair from behind. He looked back to Concord who stared at him with an unsure look. "Sir, I forget. What was this meeting about again?"

Conjure glanced around at the council once more, and then sighed. "I wonder the same thing, little one."

A piercing bright light caught the corner of Conjure's eye. As he turned to find the source of the light, the harsh shouts from the council died out; all stared in silence at the ball of light that illuminated right next to Cyclone.

A few seconds later the light revealed a violet female alicorn with an even darker purple mane and tail; aqua eyes with long eyelashes, and a cutie mark of the northern lights shown on her flank. Her appearance was both frightening and beautiful, like a storm that consumed the sky, yet had openings that allowed the sun to seep light down from the heavens.

"Aurora," Cosmo said, "it has been a while since you've departed."

The mare bowed low to Cosmo with a firm smile on her face. "What can I say, I like to be fashionably late," she said in a smooth and luscious voice.

"Oh, I'm sure that is exactly why you're late!" Umbrage mumbled under his breath.

Aurora's ears perked up, she turned around at the platform behind her. Aurora's mouth grew into a sly grin. "Oh, so you three finally decided to show up?" She said in a mocking manner. "And here I thought we were going to get some real diplomacy done." Some of the alicorns laughed openly at Aurora remark.

“I was thinking the same thing until you showed up!” Umbrage retorted.

“Umbrage!” Galactica exclaimed, “I thought I made it clear that I wanted you to hold your tongue!”

A giggle escaped Aurora’s lips, half-willingly. “Looks like you’ve finally been put in your place. Placed on a leash, that is.”

Umbrage’s eyes flared, and a snarl slipped from his maw. However, a quick look at Galactica’s glare of warning extinguished his anger. “You speak slander of me, Aurora.” He paused briefly, expecting Galactica to silence him. When he did not, Umbrage continued, “I find you’re trying to divert us from asking what should’ve been asked when you arrived. Where is Blaze?” As ruthless and short-tempered as Umbrage was, he was no wild beast. When feelings and tensions were put aside, Umbrage could collaborate an efficient discussion—that is if it did not involve any alicorns.

“Yes, please tell me, Aurora,” Cosmo said, “I sent you off to retrieve Blaze, and not only did you take longer than I anticipated, you come back without him at all!”

Aurora lowered her head, her ears drooped, and she gazed at Cosmo, with distress. “Well, I… I couldn’t find him, sir.”

The alicorns mumbled amongst themselves in annoyance. Not only was Aurora’s failure an embarrassment for herself, it had an impression on the others as well.

Cosmo rubbed his temple while inhaling deeply. “I knew this was a terrible idea from the start. Aurora! Take your place next to me!" Without hesitation, Aurora flew up and sat right next to Cosmo with her eyes staring away from Cosmo's malicious stare.

"Well, Galactica, I hope you’re happy with the results of this little investigation. One of my subjects is missing, and your subject provided little—if any—knowledge or information of what we're dealing with!"

"Wait!" Cyclone quickly cut-in, "You didn't let me finish. I haven't told you the important discovery I had found when I reach the city!"

Cosmo glared at him, more annoyed than ever. "Very well then. Enlighten me, draconequus."

Cyclone nodded. "When I reached the city of Forrow, it was under heavy siege by... I don't know what exactly. There were a few different creatures, yet they all resembled reptiles."

"How absurd. There's no such creature, aside from dragons and sea serpents, to be an intelligent reptile."

"If that's the truth, then what do you call these?"

Cyclone waved his hand in the air in a circular motion. The air within the circle formed an image; the circle grew larger so all could see.

The council gazed into the portal Cyclone had made. They had a bird's eye view over a green landscape. The image flew over the land, slowly revealing figures too small to identify, yet were big in numbers. The council’s eyes grew wider and wider as the portal showed more of the unknown creatures. The portal's view was too far to clearly identify the creatures’ forms, yet they soon covered the land with their slithering bodies.

The griffin colony, Forrow, was insight. The creatures swarmed its front walls, piling on top of each other over and over again, creating a mound that rose higher and higher as their bodies desperately crawled until the pile reached the top of the walls. Then the slaughter happened. The wall guards were hopelessly out match by the creatures as they took the walls within seconds.

The view of the city increased. In the sky were more reptile-like creatures. At first glance they could be mistaken for dragons, but they were too slim from tail to neck, and had no arms or legs, only large bat-like wings.

They circled over the colony. Some swooped down over the cottages and spewed—what assumed to be—lava from their maws. Liquid fire laid itself over the dwellings, devouring wood and stone alike. The whole frame and structures collapsed as they were consumed in a great display of destruction.

“How peculiar,” Cosmo muttered, “Quite barbaric creatures they are." He stayed silent for a moment longer. "... How is this relevant to the creature?”

“These creatures are its subjects; its legion. They move at their lord’s will, never stopping until they’ve succeeded in their task.”

“By lord, you mean their king?”

“More as in their god.”

“And how exactly did you come to this knowledge?”

“Because that’s what one of those slithering beasts told me.”

Gasps came from both sides of the platforms. The councilors’ voices roared over one another to say the same thing.

“You’ve been consorting with these creatures, Cyclone?” Umbrage blustered over the council.

“No, lord Umbrage; interrogating!” his words were lost in the councils’ shouts.

“Enough!” Galactica’s outburst echoed across the empty realm, and silenced the chaotic crowd.

“Now,” Galactica said more smoothly, “tell me about this interrogation you commenced.”

“Well, sir. The truth is I haven’t done any yet. I have simply stated what it told me. I kept it locked up for the whole council to witness and participate in the interrogation.” The draconequus platform muttered to each other, while the alicorns sat in silence.

“Very well then,” Cosmoe said. “Let us see what this creature has to say.”

Without another moment to lose, Cyclone snapped his fingers. Aside from him light illuminated for a split second, then revealed a horrible monstrosity. A hideous serpent like creature lashed back and forth, enchained by Cyclone's magic.

It had a long viper body—tail and neck included—that swung like a deadly whip. The creature wore a steel chest plate with an odd simple that resembled a hand or claw, but the fingers were replaced with slithering snakes. Its long arms were strapped to its sides by magic chains, and its snake head let out a terrible screeching hiss.

The council jumped in surprise, and many of the younglings cried out in fear. Once again, the crowds gabbled in disorder, while the leaders merely stared in astonishment.

“What abomination is this? And how did you obtain it?” Cosmo spat.

“I simply drew it away from its main force, and once we were out of sight I chained it as it is now.” Cyclone tilted his head toward the struggling serpent that continued to hiss.

“You said it spoke to you? Will you be able to get it to communicate with us?” Galactica said.

Right after he said that, the serpent quit struggling. Its silence drew the attention of a few, but its low chuckling was what got the council’s full focus. Its laugh was low and disturbing, with an occasional hiss.

“You think you can control me? Pathetic creatures of thisss world.” The serpent spoke in a raspy and dark voice. “You so arrogantly babble at each other while hissss roots grow further down your world. Oh how pleasing it isss to see how the most intelligent life forms on this world are too ssstupid to even commence a plan of defense.”

The council was completely astounded; what started out as a beast, ended up being an intelligent—but malicious—being. “So you decide to speak on your own? How honorable.” Cosmo said, all so calmly.

The serpent turned its slitted eyes up to the alicorn. “Honor means nothing to ussss. Only to please and ssserve our lord is what we live for. Sssomething you would never understand.”

“Perhaps we can learn if you’d be willing to talk about your peoples’ intentions.” Conjure said.

The serpent twisted its neck back to Conjure with an odd expression on its face. “Willing? No. We have choice. His words are our actionssss.”

“That makes absolutely no sense!” Umbrage retorted. “If you have no free will, then why do you speak on your own at this moment?”

“Because he has permitted me to ssspeak to you.”

An eerie silence fell over the council. Just for a moment every being in the council was thinking the same thing. He’s allowing it to speak to us?

The serpent spun its head around the room with a devilish grin. “Yesss. He knows what you are doing; what you are planning. He knows what we know. He hears everything we hear, and sees everything we sssee. We are a part of him as he is a part of ussss.”

Conjure did not want to believe this creature’s words; they were too bizarre to be true. But then again, why would it lie?

“He speaks through us, giving every command, which we undoubtedly fulfill. And now he has ordered me to inform you of your failure. Your so-called ‘investigation’ was an utterly useless attempt to learn anything from him. That hot headed alicorn thought getting close to our lord would bring him answers, but he quickly learned that none stand against him.”

The alicorns roared in anger at the discovery of their comrade. “What have you scaly worms done to Blaze!?” Aurora snarled.

“His power was absorbed by our lord. His whole essence diminished to nothing afterwards. Just like the other two draconequi that our lord consumed.”

The alicorns and draconequi screamed in horror and rage. The draconequi knew this thing had taken the lives of two of their own, but now it was the alicorns who were now torn from their lost. Though, no pony was more in shock than Aurora “No… NO! YOU MONSTER!” Aurora exclaimed. Her voice was loud, but not enough to be heard over the tens of enraged alicorns.

They all were ready to jump on the serpent, and they would’ve if Cosmo had not shouted, “BE SILENT!” Slowly but surely the alicorns settled down, yet most still looked ready to blast that creature on the spot.

Just one measly creature had been able to upset the whole council. Though, the way things have been going so far that’s not saying much. Conjure had so many questions he wanted to ask this serpent. The thing was, after all, permitted to speak, and the thought that that thing that killed Concord’s parents was watching this very meeting sent chills down his spine.

Finally Conjure made up his mind. “Ask me this simple question. What exactly are you?”

“What kind of stupid question is that, kirin!” one alicorn blurted out.

“You can’t talk to our lord like that, you foul mouthed—” with that, the council was once more in mayhem.

Conjure could only shake his head in defeat. Why the constant arguing? Why the constant hate for one another? Even with the threat watching them through the eyes of its minion, they still continued to hate and fight.

It is no use, brother. They have never liked us. Even when we did nothing, they chose to hate us. His brother would always tell him the alicorns would never see them as anything but monsters. However, Conjure knew that that was not certain. He’s seen the goodness in them through the one alicorn that stood right across from him. Gladhoof, the only alicorn who was willing to come to an understanding with him, and the only one who knew what had to happen in order to stop this thing.

While no pony was doing anything to stop the commotion, Conjure noticed the serpent had an evil grin, showing its rows of dagger-like teeth. Then it hit Conjure. It’s not the serpent. Its lord is what’s driving it to say these things. It wants them to keep arguing so they could forget all about stopping it.

The more he looked at it, the angrier it made him. Without thinking, he let out a mind-rattling roar. It instantly shut everyone up.

“I’ve had enough of this meaningless fighting! Have we forgotten who the real enemy is?” Conjure stared down at the serpent that already was staring back at him. “Now you will answer my question, beast!”

The serpent hissed, flailing its forked tongue out. “What does it matter? You’ll all perish. Unless you submit your livesss to him, and give up your pitiful free will.”

Conjure rolled his eyes. “Do not preach to us, creature. We—”

“Is it not simpler to bow before one superior to all? It’sss the unspoken truth of life; we were made to be ruled. In the end, all will kneel, or diminish. He has learned the history of this world through its core. And it is filled with violence and hatred. Your free will is a curse you so desperately cling to. Once you let that go; once you put away the silly idea of freedom and accept Him as your god, then, and only then will you know peace.”

“I’ve had enough of this!” Cosmo shouted, “If your god is truly a part of you—that he is listening and watching us right now, then tell me this: what is your business on our world?”

“You dare try to ssspeak to him directly?! I am the voice of our lord for this council. You…” The serpent paused suddenly. Its face was stunned, then it grinned and chuckled. “Oh. You have brought his full attention on to you, Cosmo, son of Arkamage the malevolent. And you as well, Galactica, son of Orthamog the devastator.”

The council became unnaturally quiet. For once in Conjure’s life has he seen both Galactica and Cosmo show a hint—no—a portion of fear in their eyes. But what astonished him even more was how the creature knew about their lives. How could this be possible?

“Their powers were legend; so fierce, so vicious that they were erased from history. And you think leading your people to some false dream that you can all live amongst the common mortal creatures without being seen as gods or spirits or even just a higher being will change anything? This is the basis of two young orphans who had no home in a dark and cruel world, and are now trying to prove that they are what? Not freaks of nature?” The serpent’s voice turned uncomfortably smooth. “When so young, so tiny; the peasants would poke sticks at the deformed pony, and throw rocks at the giant horned lizard. And yet here you stand, showing the same hatred that you yourselves once put up with. Pathetic! You pretend to be as normal and good as they are—something to make up for the horrors your fathers caused. But they’re a part of you, and no matter how much good you do, they will never go away.”

Just when Conjure thought it couldn’t get worse, it happened. The serpent turned back to Conjure, its smug look stared into his soul.

“And don’t think he’s looked over you, Conjure, son of Dessaraw the Great… and Aura.”

Conjure tensed up at the mention of his mother’s name. That name held much meaning to him. And he knew this creature knew it too.

“Ssssuch a tragic tale. Two brothers separated at birth. One stayed with the mother in her unicorn tribe, while the other was swept away by his father, and raised in the Kull pits of the Déra dragon hoard.

For a moment the room was dead silent. But that ended when the serpent hissed loudly. “You want to know why he is here? He has searched endlessly for the one. He has drained many inhabitable worlds of all their life.

“He tells you thisss because even though you are the inhabitants of this powerful world; you are no match for him. He won’t kill you, not until you all try to stop him. And when you do, he will kill you, slowly, intermittently in every way he knows you fear! And when your screams become dull to his ears he’ll tear your souls to shreds, and then feast on them! This is his plan, you wretched mooncalfs!”

For the longest time, so far, there was utter silence. For the longest time no one wanted to retort a comment or slang. And it was painful to hear nothing for Conjure.

“C-Cyclone!” Galactica barely stuttered, “Destroy that thing immediately!”

Without a second thought, Cyclone raised his hand and clenched it. The magic chains around the serpent glowed brighter. A high pitch screech erupted from the beast, as white veins sprouted to every part of the serpent’s body from where the chains held him. They multiplied faster until soon the serpent looked like a glass sculpture just before it would shatter to thousands of pieces. “ALL HAIL TYFAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” the creature screamed.

Beams of light shot out of the many cracks on the beast from head to tail until the whole thing was completely absorbed in light. It was then that the serpent’s form crumbled into ash. The only thing left was the steel breastplate that rested on top of the mound of its former bearer.

The creature was dead, yet its words lingered throughout the council. For another silent moment everyone stared at the pile. With that thing gone, ‘It’ had no way of eavesdropping on them anymore. Right?

“I think…” Cosmo began, “that we have reach a decision.”

Conjure couldn’t believe his ears. Though this wasn’t the way he was hoping to convince the alicorns, nonetheless they finally saw this thing’s potential.

“I speak for all of us when I say that this so-called ‘god’ has committed a murder to one of our own. And not only that, but it thinks it can come and claim dominion over this world? It should have stayed as the mindless beast I thought it to be. For now it will learn the harsh swiftness we alicorns bring upon our foes!”

The alicorn council burst out in cheers and shouts, while they stomped their hooves aggressively. Conjure could tell Cosmo had done that only to cover his fear. The last thing he needed was to have some snake make him look like a scared little colt in front of his people.

Only one alicorn did not contribute in the cheers, and that was Gladhoof. He stared at Conjure with a blank expression. He nodded his head. It was time to reveal their plan.

Galactica let out a relieving sigh. “Now that we have resolved this. Our next agenda is to contemplate a battle strategy.”

“If there’s no objection, sir, I have already formulated a plan that will give us the advantage we need.”

Conjure got the reaction he was expecting; the face of irritation and demur. “Conjure. I have made it clear to you that this will be thought out with the whole council.”

“Quick to reject his plan, don’t you think, Galactica?” Cosmo said, “I for one want to hear his plan. It may end this meeting sooner so we may prepare.”

Galactica looked confused and surprised at Cosmo. “You… never mind. Conjure. Proceed.”

This was it. This was his and Gladhoof’s time to convince the council of what they must do, and what they must be willing to give up. “I do not need to explain how dangerous our enemy is. By now—if what the serpent said was true—this so to be god is absorbing the power from the world, becoming more powerful by the minute.”

He paused for a second. Gladhoof still watched him, yet he hasn’t jumped in to support him. “Cyclone. Did you see anything unnatural aside from the creatures? Was there something wrong with the atmosphere in general?”

Cyclone’s buggy eyes stretched out, recalling his memory. “Yes. The dark clouds that covered the sky did not move once. Not once! A-And another thing I noticed was no breeze. I did not feel the wind, not even when I flew to Forrow.”

It was just as he and Gladhoof had predicted! What he and Gladhoof had tried to learn about how the world worked was now becoming reality. If the research they did long before this thing arrived was accurate, then they just might have a fighting chance.

“How is this relevant to your plan, Conjure?” Galactica questioned.

“We have just been informed that the thing is most certainly draining the power and energy that the world produces. With the best of my knowledge of the world, I have reason to believe that the power of the world can be obtained.” As expected, the council began muttering in anxious tones.

“Brother. What are you proposing?” Umbrage said in the same worried tone as the rest of the council.

“From studying the Windigos; the winter spirits, it’s clear that they can manipulate the weather to produce snow storms. But do we know why they are able to do this?”

The council stayed unnaturally quiet.

“The answer is simply because they’re spirits, magical entities of the world. They have a magical connection to the core of the world. That’s why they are able to do what they do. What I am proposing is going to sound ludicrous, it is actually a necessary task we must perform for the greater good of the world. My fellow Alicorns and Draconequi. We must go to the center of this world, and obtain the power of the elements of the world. We must become spirits.”

Conjure’s speech was met with silence. All eyes were glued onto him, no words, no expressions. It was about another minute when the council unleashed their furious words of protest upon him. Both sides were against him; even his own brother looked at him with disapproval.

“Lord Conjure has gone mad for power!”

“Somepony throw him in a dungeon!”

“Now we know why the Draconequi are so misguided; they have him leading them.”

Conjure took the insults from both sides. He knew it would come. However, he thought Gladhoof would be there to back him up. It wasn’t like him to back out, especially for an event like this.

Once the crowd’s anger went down a level, Cosmo put in his thoughts. “Have you lost your mind?” his words held much anger. “Do you realize what that would mean for all of us if we became spirits? We could never go back! Spirits have more than just power; they have burdens. If we did this, our lives would be devoted to whatever element of power we held!”

“I was right to not have you speak your outlandish ideas!” Galactica huffed.

Conjure had to react. “How much are we willing to give up for the survival of our world!? Do you all truly believe we have the potential to defeat this thing, and its nation of serpents? This is not some monstrous beast we’re dealing with, this is a god; a destroyer of worlds! Are we really more afraid of having a spiritual connection to the world than the thing that’s destroying it?”

Cosmo stomped his hoof. “No. I speak for the whole council when I say that you are absolutely—”

“Right.”

Cosmo froze. He slowly turned his head to where Gladhoof stared back at him calmly. "Right...? You think he's right, Gladhoof?" Cosmo said in a hushed tone. The alicorns whispered to one another while the draconequi gaped at Gladhoof.

"So... You agree with his proposal? You think it'd be best that we allow ourselves to carry the weight of the world, is-is that what I'm hearing from you?"

That’s just like Gladhoof, always holding back until the best opportunity comes. Conjure thought in amusement.

“This thing has poisoned our world with its presence. As Cyclone has noticed, the world is failing; it cannot continue to support life. As we speak, that thing is feeding on the world’s power, if we don’t take the burden, than that thing will be this world!”

“Ha! Your judgment has finally gotten the best out of you, brother.”

The council turned to where the voice was heard. A male dark navy blue alicorn with a murky purple mane smirked at Gladhoof.

“Nightshade. This is bigger than you and I can understand. To rid this thing we must become one with the world.”

Conjure couldn’t believe his eyes. Gladhoof was arguing with his own family rather than abandoning him against the council. This is where Gladhoof’s friendship showed: he would be giving up his position, and the support of his family just to get the council to accept their plan.

“And what about the children? Would you have them become spirits as well?” This was a different voice. Right beside Nightshade was a white mare whose mane shimmered with the pattern of the sky during sunrise. Conjure knew Gladhoof’s brother and sister-in-law, Starlight, were stubborn. As kind as they were—at least to their own people—Conjure and Umbrage weren’t greeted too nicely the first time they met. They were the first alicorns and the first kirins to meet each other, and while it was by accident; they’re first and only reaction to him and his brother was, “What are these monstrous mutants?”

This argument started to become a family issue, so Conjure thought it best to stay out of it. He noticed two little fillies right beside Starlight. One white with a soft pink mane who looked around the age of ten—probably the same age as Concord, and a younger one around the age of eight with a royal blue coat and a sky blue mane. They must be Gladhoof’s nieces. Conjure thought. He didn’t know their names; Gladhoof rarely spoke of his family to him.

But even though they were just like the rest of the alicorns, Conjure could not call Nightshade and Starlight evil, like his kind did. He clearly knew they loved their daughters dearly. Why else would they be standing beside them rather than with the other younglings? As Conjure looked closer at the white filly, he noticed she stared at the draconequi with an unusual face of disgust.

Strange, he thought. How could she look so angry at them like they were rivals? When Conjure turned his attention back to her parents, it was all so clear. How could they have done this to her!? Poisoning her young mind to think of them all as something to hate? Did they really despise them so much that they wanted their own children to know never to trust a draconequus? Her abhorrent face made Conjure want to cry, almost. At least the younger one didn’t seem at all like her sister. She gazed at anything of interest like many of the others, so there was still hope for that one.

"Enough of this!" Cosmo shouted. "I won't have my own subjects fighting in this council. And I’m sick of this discussion as it is! Gladhoof. If you're so certain about this, then I suggest those who want to become spirits go with Gladhoof and Conjure, and those who don't, stay behind. All in favor of becoming spirits raise their hoof!"

Not one hoof, or claw was raised. Everyone mumbled under their breath, and coughed awkwardly.

Conjure couldn’t believe it. Not one sole wanted to follow them. He turned to face Umbrage. “Brother?” He said. Surly after everything he and his brother have gone through, he would believe this to be the right thing.

Umbrage dragged his head up in order to look his brother in the eyes. His face showed guilt, and shame.

“Please. You know that I wouldn’t suggest it unless I knew it was the right thing.”

Umbrage could only shake his head in self-contempt. “I’m sorry. But the burden for life… it’s—it’s just too much. You would become a slave to the world if you take its power.”

“It’s better that way, than to watch it all be consumed, bringing the death of all of us, anyways.” Conjure didn’t roar at his brother, he knew the disappointment in his voice was enough to hurt Umbrage.

“Well, I think the council knows where it stands now. I’m afraid, Gladhoof, that you two will be doing this on your own.”

Gladhoof responded with a short bow.

“Now that that has been resolved, I hereby call this meeting officially adjourned. Until we meet again for our tactical movements.” Without waiting for a response, Cosmo turned to leave, as did the other alicorns.

The meeting wasn’t officially over until Galactica said so since he was the one who set it up, but he didn’t seem to care as he too turned to leave, as followed by the other draconequi with their children. As they did, the platforms slowly sunk away into the non-existing floor of space.

It was all over. He and Gladhoof failed. They shared one last look at each other to express their disappointment before following their leaders in the opposite directions.

“Well, that went better than I expected.” Umbrage said in the most cheerful way he could muster.

“I might have to agree with you on that one, Umbrage.” Galactica said.

It was clear to Conjure that they were trying to change the subject that was clearly going on in their minds.

“Lord Galactica.” called Cyclone. “Lord Galactica!”

The kirins stopped and waited for the draconequus.

"Lord Galactica. I wish to stay behind during the fight."

Galactica raised an eye, but didn't seem surprised or upset. "State your reason."

Cyclone frowned. "I have witnessed this god and its creatures up close, and I will not lie, sir; I'm afraid. I don't fear for my own life, but for my family's. I want to be as far away from that thing as possible. With your permission, of course."

Galactica glanced over to the other draconequi and their families entering portals to their realms. "You brought us the evidence we needed to convince the alicorns in helping us. You have done your part. I will allow you and River to stay behind and watch over the younglings while the rest of us fight."

Cyclone tried to hide his relief and bowed low. "Thank you, sir."

"You're dismissed."

At his words, Cyclone left in a flash of light.

Galactica stood still with a concerned expression.

"What troubles you, my lord?" Conjure asked.

"Cyclone is the loyalist draconequus I know. It's very unlike him to back out on anything."

"Indeed," Umbrage said, "especially when it involves fighting. He does love to cause a little destruction, as kind hearted as he is."

"Perhaps you are right about this thing being bigger than we can imagine, Conjure." Galactica said.

Conjure didn't reply. After seeing Cyclone back out; how terrified he really was, it made him realize what exactly they were up against: something that roamd the stars, devouring other worlds; something vicious, yet intelligent; something with unspeakable powers that have convinced an entire race that it’s a god.

And though anger for this thing burned within him, he now knew what this feeling that stuck with him when he first found Concord was, something that was there from the beginning, but he ignored. That thing was fear.

"Get some rest now, Concord. It has been a busy—and boring, I should say—day for you." Conjure gently levitated Concord onto a small bed of crystals.

"Lord Conjure. What are you going to do now that your plan didn't work out?" Concord said in his tiny voice.

Conjure gave a humble smile. "Please, Concord. You don't have to address me as lord." He then frowned. "I don't know, little one. With only Gladhoof and I willing to accept the titles of spirits, we may not even do it."

Concord held his tail and rubbed it nervously. "Uh, sir. Do you think I'd be a good spirit? I-I mean, I know I’m too young and weak, but do you think I could be a spirit?”

The question surprised Conjure. Concord really did pay attention to the whole meeting. “Of course you could become a spirit. You just have to be willing to accept the responsibilities and duties is all.”

“You really know a lot about spirits, sir.”

A smile crept up on Conjure’s face. “Well, I did my research on them.”

“What do you know about the Windigos?”

“Well, as the legend goes, the Windigos were once Saddle Arabian knights. During a time of drought, they set off to find a way to bring the water back. They traveled far and wide, until they found an entrance that lead down to the heart of this world. Once the knights witnessed the power of the world, they were consumed by it, and went mad. The power destroyed their physical forms, turning them in to the ghostly spirits they are today.

“Wh-why are they winter spirits if they wanted water?”

“Because the knights only wanted the power for glory, so they could be seen as gods and praised for their power. They only cared about themselves, so when they got their powers, the rain was just as cold as their hearts.”

Concord hugged his tail. “I… I don’t think I could be a spirit of anything.”

“And why do you say that?”

“Because I’m not good at anything besides being a misfit.”

Concord’s response was like a smack in the face for Conjure, it came right out of nowhere. “How did you come to that conclusion?”

“Because nobody wanted to take care of me when mommy and daddy went away. And because everyone was afraid of daddy that they didn’t want me. That’s what lord Umbrage said to you.”

Perhaps Concord paid too much attention to things. Conjure made a mental note to give his brother a piece of his mind.

Concord’s face scrunched up in discomfort. “Was… was my daddy really a bad draconequus?”

Conjure laid down on his stomach and lowered his head to Concord’s level. “Listen to me, Concord. No matter what everyone has said, I want you to know the truth. Your father was good. He was kind, caring; and I know he loved you and your mother very much. He was just… misunderstood sometimes.”

“Did you know my mommy, too?”

The question brought a rush of memories of Concord’s mother to Conjure. He could remember every moment like it was yesterday. All the times they spent together were some of the happiest times of his life. Lily was the sweetest draconequus he knew; so young and full of life. Her personality was the greatest: she was witty and smart, passionate and likable. Lily looked up to Conjure so much. She saw him more than just a lord, but a friend and a teacher. And because of that, it was why he broke down when he heard the news of her demise.

When Concord appeared in his realm, face covered with tears, he knew something was wrong. Only a few knew the spell to enter his realm, it was the only way to get into a realm. Concord’s mother was one of those few. With what little Conjure could get out of the weeping draconequus, he quickly teleported to her home on the physical world. But when he got there, he only found remnants of what used to be a house in the woods. No sign of her or Vulgar were ever found, but the culprit was within eyesight. Though its form was hidden, it was no doubt noticeable.

Conjure remembered the tears that broke out on that scene, how he crumbled on the remains of her home. The once beautiful tiny woods were now desolated of any greens or life.

When all the draconequi met to discuss on the adoption of Concord, Conjure already knew it had to be him. He knew that Lily sent Concord to him on purpose. She knew she was going to die, so she sent him to the only creature she knew would be the best in taking care of him. Lily chose him. He had to keep her promise in protecting him by any means. That’s why he stepped up to claim Concord, for he was his godparent.

“Lord Conjure? Sir?”

Conjure shook the flood of memories away. He realized that his eyes were a bit wet. “Yes, Concord. I knew your mother very well. She was my apprentice.”

“Really?” Concord looked up at Conjure in wonder. “Do… do you think I could be your apprentice, like mommy?”

Conjure gave a warm chuckle. “Your mother was more than just that. And yes, you can. But right now it’s time to rest.” Conjure got back up and turned to leave.

Concord yawned, and got comfortable on his bed. “Lord Conjure.” he said wearily, “If I were to become a spirit, what would I embody?”

Conjure stopped. He thought about it for a moment. Concord was a bit organized and neat, but he also had the same kind, caring heart his parents had. He glanced at Concord, and said, “You’d be the spirit of harmony.”

Concord’s eyelids slowly fell shut, and he quickly dozed off to sleep.

Conjure smiled one last time before leaving through the portal. He had to keep Concord safe for Lily’s sake. There was only one way he could have any chance in being strong enough to face a god. He had to become one.

Author's Note

Man this took me forever. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, because it may be awhile until I make the next one.

They fall before "IT" (lost chapter)

Author's Note

This story is still canceled. However, I have dug up this old chapter I was working on before I canceled it. The quality is old, so I don't expect much praise for it. I just thought you'd like to see what happened next in this story.

Hope you enjoy.

They fall before "IT" (lost chapter)

Concord sat in the middle of a crowd of young alicorns and draconequi. He watched as they all laughed and played with each other; no diversity whatsoever. While all their parents were gone, sir Cyclone had stayed behind to watch over the children. Concord stayed right next to him; too shy to play with the others. Cyclone scanned over the many younglings, keeping them all in check for when their parents returned. Lord Conjure told him he would leave to fight the thing that took his mommy and daddy away. He told him he would be back, but Concord didn’t know how long that would be, and as time passed on, he became anxious.

Concord glanced back at Cyclone. On his back, curled in a ball, resting, was a young female draconequus. She had a cream colored mare’s head, a thin tan dragoness body with a pale underbelly, the right arm of a diamond dog and the left arm of a white cat, a changeling hoof for a left leg and a doe hoof for a right leg, the tail of a fox, and wings of a griffin and flamingo. Like her tail, her mane was orange with a white tuft.

Concord knew she was Cyclone’s daughter, but couldn’t remember her name. It started with a P he thought.

Cyclone caught Concord’s wondering eyes. “Is there something wrong, Concord?” he asked.

“uh, n-no, sir. I-I was just thinking of lord Conjure is all.” Concord fuddled with his words.

The draconequus nodded. “I can understand your fear for lord Conjure. He taking you in and all.”

Concord remained silent, but gave a small bob of his head.

“Have faith in lord Conjure, young one. I have faith for sir Gladhoof, too. They’re idea was outlandish, but when they returned, everyone knew there was something powerful inside them. I could feel my essens tingle when Conjure approached us. He said it was the magic in us responding to him. He never did explain much what happened.”

Concord felt that too. It was a funny feeling that went all over his body. Everyone looked at Conjure and Gladhoof differently, almost like they were all hesitant. They never admitted it, but the look in their eyes told a different story. Lord Conjure said when he returned he’d tell him everything that happened to him.

Concord heard a new voice from the younglings, the whining of a filly. “But Tia, I want to go play with Silverline!”

Concord turned around to the source to see a blue filly pout at an older white filly with a pink mane. She looked down at the foul with disappointment. “No, Luna. You can’t play with her when she’s with them.”

Concord had no idea who the filly was referring to by them. The group she was glaring at had five alicorns and six draconequi, so she could be referring to any of them.

“Why not? It doesn’t make sense that everypony gets to play, but I can’t!” The filly named Luna plopped herself on her flanks.

The filly referred as Tia said, “Because mom and dad said we can’t. They’re mean and nasty. they’ll hurt you when they get the chance.”

“No they won’t! They don’t look mean, and they’re not hurting anypony! Stop making things up!”

Concord frowned. Why wouldn’t that alicorn let the filly play with the others? He turned back to Cyclone. “Sir Cyclone.” The draconequus shifted his gaze back to Concord. “That pony won’t let that younger pony play with the others. She can’t do that, can she?” Concord said while pointing towards the two.

Cyclone followed Concord’s finger to the fillies that sat aways from the rest of the younglings. “Them? They are Nightshade and Starlight’s daughters. I was advised to not bother them, who knows what their parents will do if they find out that I as much spoke or came near them."

"Why?"

"Let's just say they don't like us. I can't answer everything, Concord. My knowledge isn't infinite. But I do know that once lord Galactica, and the others return from the battle, it will mark a new and better relationship between our kinds." He gave a reassuring smile.

Suddenly, a light caught their attention. It was followed by two more small balls that unleashed bright beams into the realm.

"Ah, they've returned." Cyclone said. "Let's go welcome them, little one." He stood up, and careful not to disturb his daughter's rest, levitated her onto the ground, and walked over to the lights with Concord following behind.

The ball exploded in a flash of light, and in its place stood the bloodied and bruised form of Conjure. The other balls revealed Nightshade and Starlight, looking just as bad as Conjure. One of Starlight's wings was drenched in blood from an arrow that impelled it. And finally, the last couple was Gladhoof supporting lord Cosmoe who had his horn broken in half, and looked spooked out of his mind.

The site made both Cyclone and Concord gasp. "M-My lord! Wh... What happened?" Cyclone said.

Conjure kept his gaze to the ground, taking in every breath as if it was his last. “There were thousands upon thousands of those serpents. They were no match against us. But… after hours of fighting off those beasts. It finally revealed itself.” A shiver ran through Conjure’s body. “In that moment, I remembered what fear was.”

“My lord. Where is Galactica? Where are the others?”

Conjure remained silent. Then he broke out in uncontrollable sobs.

Cyclone took a step back. Both astounded and concerned to see his lord weep in front of him. Concord, however, came closer to Conjure. He went up to Conjure’s leg and wrapped his arms around and hugged him.

Conjure ceased his sobs, and looked down at the youngling. The affection was welcoming, but it couldn't bring a smile on his face.

“My lord… what about the others?” Cyclone dreadfully repeated the question.

Conjure pinched his eyes shut, and gritted the word, “Gone.”

Cyclone’s mouth hung loose. He tried to speak a hundred questions at once, only having it all sound like gobble. But finally he said, “Lord Galactica?”

“Gone.” Conjure repeated.

“Lord Umbrage?”

“G-gone.”

“My lord!” Cyclone trembled as he came closer to Conjure. A look of absolute dread on his face. “Please. Tell me that River is—”

“Dead! They’re all dead you fool!” Gladhoof shouted after he laid Cosmoe down. Seething anger filled Gladhoof as he stomped over to the stunned Draconequus. “Your wife! My wife! They’re all dead! Every last one of them! We are the only ones left! Don’t you get it!

“Gladhoof!” Conjure exclaimed.

Gladhoof looked back at his friend with sheer rage. But Conjure returned the look with only pity.

Gladhoof's rage melted away. He turned back to Cyclone who looked terribly pale.

"Oh, lord. Oh, lord! River! Why!" Cyclone crumbled to the ground in a fit of tears. "I-I told her she didn't have to go. She could stay here with me and our child, but she didn't listen. Why, River? Why!

Cyclone choked on his own sobs. He covered his face with his hands, and was lost in despair.

"Mom!" Cried the young filly sisters as they ran up to Starlight and hugged her legs.

"My dears." Starlight said. She bowed her head to nuzzle her daughters.

"Mom." Celestia looked up with her eyes full of tears. "What happened to you? Your wing!"

Starlight tried to fold her wing, but flinched at the extreme pain. "Don't worry about that, my dear. The important thing is now we're safe.”

"SAFE!?" Yelled Cosmo.

The alicorn tried standing up, and weakly started walking towards the couple. “Y-You think this place can keep that thing from getting to us?” Gladhoof held back Cosmo who seemed to not even notice Gladhoof at all. “It has taken so many lives. There bodies diminished to nothing! Our powers drained till we seize to breath! It will come for us. It won’t stop until we’re all dead!”

“Have you lost your mind!?” Nightshade stepped up to face the crazed alicorn. “You dare say such things in front of my daughters!”

Cosmo didn’t react. He looked like he was debating something. Then he said, “We must give ourselves up to it. If we ever want to survive we must give up our free will to it.”

Everything became awfully silent, aside from Cyclones moans.

“What did you say?” Conjure said in shock.

Cosmo glared at Conjure. “Your plan has failed, kirin. Even with your new powers you and Gladhoof weren’t able to stop that thing. What good can we do now to stop it!?”

“We’ve only just begun to understand our powers, Cosmo.” Gladhoof said. “We still have a chance if we can muster enough magic to—”

“THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO!”

In that moment there was a howl so deep, it could have been confused for thunder. Every living being in the realm froze. The younglings all stood still, and looked in every direction for the source of the noise.

"Impossible." Conjure said with a shudder.

"It's coming..." Cosmo whimpered.

From behind the survivors came the roll of thunder. What they saw could only be explained as lightning shooting in every direction from an orb in the eternal void, from there it expanded, growing into a ring of light, it grew to consumed the sight of all the beings. A mass of thick black clouds appeared within the ring, and began flowing freely into the magical realm.

The cold touch of death trickled its way up their legs, immobilizing them with fear. Cyclone’s daughter had woken and trotted over to her father. “Daddy. What’s happening?”

Cyclone swing his head down at his daughter. “I’m sorry, my love.” Without a moment of hesitation his horn glowed and his daughter vanished out of sight.

Without a moment to lose, Starlight turned and kneeled down to her daughters. “Celestia, my darlin, I’m sending you two to the castle. You have to watch over your sister,” her tone was anxious and shacky.

The filly’s eyes were blinded by tears. She smothered her face on her mother’s leg. “I don’t want to go! I don’t want to leave you!”

Starlight comforted her eldest daughter by rubbing her head against hers. “It’s not the end, my love. We will be together again.” Starlight turned to the sobbing Luna and did the same with her. “Be good, Luna, for your sister’s sake.” Luna couldn’t respond, she could only hug her mother’s muzzle. “I love you both so much.” Her horn glowed and the two sisters disappeared in a flash of light.

What came next from the portal was an unrecognizable sound that crawled through their minds and spoke unnatural words. Then from the depths of the smog slithered out giant tentacles. They crawled to the floor, and their very touch of the surface caused the beautiful galactic realm shroud into sickly fog. The alicorns and draconequi fallback as if the floor would burn them if they touched it, which was not the case when it did pass over them, yet it did feel cold. Without warning, more tentacles shot out of the fog, they flew over their heads and coiled around several younglings, both alicorn and draconequi, then recoiled back into the fog with the screaming children.

“NOOOO!” Conjure and Gladhoof cried.

The tentacles returned for their second round, but this time the kirin and alicorn were ready. The two shot a blazing beam of magic towards the pursuing limbs then stopping midway and spewed outwards like liquid and created a dome shaped wall. The tentacles slammed against the shield. The recoil went down the beams and almost knocking the two creatures off their legs. However, their shield did not cover the entire realm, so the tentacles quickly dove under their defences.

The two friends abandoned the shield and went on the offence, firing beams directly at the tentacles. Their magic did harm them, but were only able to attack one at a time, while the others snatched more foals; ignoring the other alicorns and draconequus whose magic were neither harmful nor of any concern. Three arms grabbed two draconequi and one alicron who all cried out in fear.

“Not this time!” Conjure summoned all his strength and locked the three tentacles in place with his magic. “Gladhoof! Save them! I can’t hold on!” Conjure’s face showed must strain when he said each word.

Gladhoof froze when he saw the alicorn was his own daughter, but with a heavy heart he teleported her daughter and the other two draconequi away from the realm.

Conjure seethed and gritted his teeth, trying to hold the beast’s arms at bay when one of the unfrozen arms swung and smacked him across his face, knocking him into the air and landing with a boom.

“Lord Conjure!” Little Concord gasped and ran to the unconscious kirin, tears flooding his eyes. “Please get up!” He pleaded.

“You monster! That was lord Conjure!” Cyclone shouted in rage, and flew in the air to combat the on coming tentacles, only to get himself wrapped up and pulled into the fog like the others.

The tentacles continued their job in collecting the last of the children before the alicorns could teleport them to safety. Nightshade threw his body over the last children that were left. His horn ready to teleport the children away, but the tentacles got to him first and cut off his flow of magic.

Starlight screamed in agony but knew it was too late. Before she could escape the realm she too was caught by the tangling arms and was brought into the hungry clouds along with her husband and remaining children.

Then lord Cosmo went into a full gallop towards the portal.

“Lord Cosmo! What are you doing!” Gladhoof cried.

Cosmo trembled as he walked past the tentacles that rested on the ground, now coming to life and slithering towards the passing alicorn, but before they snathed him, Cosmo kneeled forward and bowed his head meekly. “I yield! I submit to your power! I give you my being, but I beg you, spare me; allow me to serve you!”

Gladhoof could not believe what he was seeing nor hearing. His lord and leader bowing before the very thing that they tried to defeat; the only one who truly was defeated was Cosmo.

What shocked Gladhoof even more was the sight of the tentacles that were crawling up Cosmo’s legs stopped dead in their tracks. For that moment there was no actions, no fighting, just silence. And then the dark mist came forward and picked the submissive alicorn off its feet and lifted him in the air until he was right near the center of the portal. Deep within the columns of black thunderclouds came two sun like orbs.

Gladhoof shuddered, knowing fully well that those were the same flaming eyes he saw earlier. They stared unblinking at the terrified alicorn. There was a sound like a roaring hurricane that came from the creature, and from Cosmo’s broken horn his magic escaped and was pulled towards where the beast’s mouth should be. Cosmo’s eyes rolled in the back of his head, his mouth hung loose, and his coat grew pale; it all came falling off his skin, and the flesh crew thin and blackened like a corpse.

Gladhoof tore his eyes away from the horrifying scene taking place and looked to the only living beings left. He trotted over to his passed out friend and the little draconequus who looked up at him with pleading eyes. Gladhoof looked back up to see Cosmo’s body hanging loosely in midair, slowing being consumed by the darkness. The sun like eyes then turned their attention onto him. An earth shattering roar came forth, followed by a swarm of tentacles to claim the only creatures strong enough to stand against it.

Gladhoof placed the tip of his horn onto Conjure’s and looked right at Concord. “This is not the end, Concord,” he said before the three escaped the grasp of the arms of the world eater.