For whom the bells toll

Chapter 26: For whom the bells toll

Again, Twilight had spent another sleepless night lost in the depths of her books. She had been like that the entire week, hoping to find a cure for whatever ailed the Prince. She had to find it, not just for her sake or his, but for Princess Luna's as well.

After scanning the book she was currently reading one last time and finding nothing, Twilight let out a loud yell and threw it against the wall. It slid down, joining a mountain of other books that had met a similar fate to that.

Twilight wasn't giving up though. She still had plenty of books to go through, all of which had plenty of spells to try. Just as she was about to open up another book, she could hear the heavy flapping of wings just outside her door, followed by a delicate knock.

"It's open!" Twilight called out. The door creaked open and Princess Celestia stepped in, smiling lightly at Twilight, who didn't return it, as she was lost in yet another book.

"My faithful student, did you sleep at all last night?" Celestia asked, noting all the discarded cups of half drunk coffee laying about.

"Nope. Or the night before that, or the night before that, or the night before that! I have to figure this out! I have to save the Prince! He doesn't deserve to die like this, and I won't let him!" Twilight said defiantly as she opened a second book to join the first.

Celestia frowned and levitated the books away from Twilight as she took a seat in front of her. "Twilight? Nathan is going to be fine. I can cure him."

Twilight's right eye twitched as she smiled like a mad mare. "Of course you can! You're the Princess! Why wouldn't you be able to cure him...? ...WHY HAVEN'T YOU CURED HIM YET?!" She shouted, catching Celestia a bit off guard. But, she understood Twilight's frustration well enough. To be tolled that someone she cared for was dying, then told, 'oh, it's okay, I have the cure'? That would irk more than a few ponies off.

"I know you are frustrated about this, Twilight, but hear me out." Celestia pleaded. Twilight visibly relaxed as Celestia resumed. "Now then, When a pony, or human in this case, becomes intimate with an Alicorn, they go through... changes."

Twilight raised a brow, but let Celestia continue. "These changes occur because Alicorn magic seeps into the body of the lover, through their intimate moments or close proximity. Granted, it takes much time for this to occur, but since my sister and her husband constantly... roll in the hey, so to speak, this event has effected him much sooner than we thought."

"Princess, I don't know what you're talking about. What event? What changes? What's happening to the Prince?!" She demanded, her voice rising. Celestia couldn't leave Twilight in the dark any longer, lest she have a nervous breakdown... again.

"Twilight, young Nathan is becoming a Prince." She stated, smiling lightly. Twilight knew he was already a Prince, but the way Celestia said the words meant it was something so much more, and she knew.

"Y-You mean, Luna's magic is turning him into-"

"Yes." Celestia said, cutting Twilight off. "But, he isn't ready for this yet. Not now. Since he is a creature with no natural magic, the changes could... kill him." Celestia cringed at the words. The vision that Nathan had still swam about her mind. Would the changes his body would endure kill him like... like it did with Celestia's-

No, no she wouldn't take the risk! Not with him. For her sake and her sisters, they had to be sure he was ready, and Celestia wouldn't let Nathan die.

"Whoa... That's incredible! I didn't know that's how it worked!" Twilight gasped. Celestia giggled, sharing the same excitement that Twilight felt now.

"Well, traditionally, yes. Although, as Princess, I have the power to choose a new Prince or Princess and speed up the changing process tenfold." She stated, causing Twilight to smile.

"I can't believe I didn't know this. Me! Of all ponies! So, Nathan is going to be okay? You promise?" Twilight practically squealed, filling Celestia with a sense of dread of the vision yet to come.

"Y-Yes. Nathan is going to be just fine." She said with as much sincerity as she could muster. Twilight's smile faltered as her eyes began to droop lower and lower.

"Good... now, I... think I may need to get some sleep..." As soon as the words left her mouth, Twilight collapsed into the pile of books at her hooves, snoring delicately. Celestia smiled warmly as she levitated her exhausted student into the air and over to the couch, tucking her in with a blanket that was folded on top.

"Sleep well, Twilight. At least one of us must..." Celestia muttered, teleporting back to the castle. She had no worries about using magic now, since Luna probably already sucked the magic out of Nathan's body. Now, with the illusion of danger gone, she was free to go back to her magic, which, she had to admit, made life a lot harder without.

Luna looked up from the bed as Celestia appeared at the end of it. Luna smiled warmly as she continued to cuddle next to Nathan's sleeping form. "So, I take it it worked? His body is free of magic?" Celestia asked, walking over. Luna sighed and nodded as she watched her husband lost into a deep slumber.

"Yes, sister. He will be right in a weeks time. Although, I do wish to know how he would have handled this situation. What... what if we did allow him to turn? What... would an Alicorn human look like?" Luna asked, weighing out the what-ifs. What if Nathan were to transform? Surely he would look the same, but how would the magic manifest itself? And what of wings? Surely that would be an odd sight to see.

"The 'ifs' and 'buts' aren't important right now. All that matters is that he's safe until it comes back again. By the time it does, I know he'll be ready. This is a very important event, a historical change for an otherwise slow progressing civilization. I know he will do great things for our kingdom, but we still must be careful. Humans, by nature, are creatures who can do unspeakable things with power, things you and I could never dream of. We must be sure young Nathan's mind is clear and his heart is pure."

Luna nodded, rubbing Nathan's hair with a hoof. "I do not think young Nathaniel is capable of such atrocities, but we agree. Once he awakens, I'll speak to him of-"

"No, Luna." Celestia interrupted. "We can't tell him of what he'll gain. Please, promise me you won't tell?" Celestia begged, hoping Luna would heed her word.

Luna took one look at Nathan, then looked back at her sister, giving a slight nod in response. Celestia seemed to have a weight lifted off her shoulders and smiled.

"Thank you, Lulu. Now, would you care to come to the dining hall to eat? I'm sure Nathan will be here when you get back." Celestia let out a little giggle, as did Luna.

"Yes, that sounds good, Tia." Luna was about to get up, but before she did, she leaned down quickly and planted a deep kiss on her sleeping lover. "That is for good dreams, my love." Luna whispered before walking after her sister.

Celestia stood in the hall and waited for Luna to shut her chamber doors before speaking. "What do you suppose he's dreaming about?" She asked curiously.

Luna smiled and took one last look back at the heavily guarded bedroom. "I could find out, but I say it is best to let him be for the week. Until he awakes, they will be a mystery."

White. That's all that could describe my scenery. It was a very infuriatingly bright white too. I could just barely piece together what had happened. I was either sick or dying, Luna told me she could cure it, and now I'm here... wherever here is.

"Hello? Anyone there?" I called out, my voice bouncing all around me. Not surprisingly, only my echo answered back. Sighing heavily, I turned around, hoping something better was behind me-

And great Odin's Raven was there! As far as the eye could see were stars, galaxies, planets, and any other space related thing out there. I walked forward, completely in awe, only to have the scene of the deepest galaxy move away. I huffed a bit in irritation and stepped towards it again. It was the most alluring and beautiful scene I had seen in so long.

"Please, be still, child.

I jumped back in a flurry of motion, startled near to death by the booming, yet tender voice. The scene of the universe turned, revealing a gorgeous Alicorn mare, hidden beneath that gigantic sea of galaxies. Her coat was a fine charcoal color and her eyes were as white as the moon, and just as bright. She inspired awe and power greater than Luna or Celestia even could.

Tentatively, I took a half step closer before speaking. "W-Who are you? Where am I?" I asked, hoping the only living creature within however many miles this sea of white was, knew the answer.

She let out a bemused giggle before trotting towards me on elegant and beautifully slender legs. "My dear human, you're in your own mind. Right now, you are sleeping off your magical overload"

"Okay, that answers my second question, but that doesn't answer my first. Who are you?" I asked, more bravely this time. I didn't feel any malice from the strange Alicorn, despite how much power she seemed to exude.

The mare circled me once, before going to my front and locking her eyes to mine. "You, dear child, are now talking to the mother of your wife. It's a pleasure to finally meet my son-in-law."

My jaw cracked it flew open so fast! L-Luna's mother?! She never even mentioned her mother! In fact, neither did the show! What the actual-

"-Fuck's going on..?" I muttered, finishing my thought aloud. This only made Luna's mother giggle more.

"Please, there is no need to be confused. I simply am paying you a visit in your dream, because I seek answers that you want to ask, and give you the ones you need. Now, I must ask, what makes you different from all the other humans?"

"W-What do you mean, 'different'?" I asked, cocking a brow. As far as I knew, I was just a typical adult with some weird fetishes. That's all anyone is my age, right?

"Let me rephrase that." She said sweetly, although it was just a nice way to say, 'let me put this in terms your feeble mind will understand'. "Why did you stay in Equestria, with ponies, and with my little Luna?"

I just cocked my head in confusion. Why wouldn't I stay? Heck, it's a new adventure, new way of life, and I was able to find love because of it. In fact, that is what I did say, which made the Alicorn turn away for a moment.

"You are different, child." She began after a moment of awkward silence. "To leave the way of life you grew up with for an entirely new one is something I did not expect of your kind. You were all always so set on the things in front of you and beyond, but never anything that would go against what you all found comfortable. You saw your chance to remain here, and you took it without question. And, this leads me to my next question. Why did you marry my daughter?"

Oh God! You know those questions you get, where you know the answer before it's asked, but when it is, you blank out. I had one of those moments right then and there as the strange Alicorn stared into my soul with her eyes like the moon.

"U-Um... Well, I-I really love Luna." I stuttered out. The Alicorn continued to stare at me, waiting for more. I guess love wasn't good enough. "U-Um... She's smart, beautiful, kind, and..." I knew the last thing I wanted to say, but it got stuck in my throat just thinking about it. It hurt a lot to bring up.

"Go on, say it." Luna's mother pressed, as if knowing what was about to pass from my lips. I stared up at her from the ground, her eyes soft and caring, yet hard and powerful...

"-and we were both so lonely..." I whispered, thinking about how alone Luna had once been. It was nothing compared to my self exile I did for a while, but in that time, I never knew what being alone meant until you're actually quite alone, no noises of cars, no people, nothing. Just you, the wilderness... and the maddening voice in your own head.

Luna's mother smiled so softly, it was almost imperceptible to the naked eye. "I know. I know what happens when two lonely souls collide. You and Luna couldn't stop yourselves from feeling the way you did. It happened so fast, so swiftly, that both yours and Luna's hooves weren't planted firmly on the ground to stop you from being swept away."

I didn't know what to say to that. She was right, of course. Luna and I went faster than Rainbow Dash doing a sonic rainboom. But, I didn't mind, and neither did Luna. It was a bit sudden when she thrust the whole suitor thing on me. I had just woken up from my surgery, and it wasn't even Luna who told me.

"Do you want to know what Luna said, when you were told she wanted to be with you?" The Alicorn asked, stepping forward so that we were a few inches apart. "I can show you, I can let you listen to just how strongly she feels about you."

I kind of didn't want to know, but at the same time, it would have been nice to know the depth of Luna's feelings for me at the time. So, with that, all I could say was, "Well, if you can and want to... go ahead."

With that, the mare let her horn glow a vibrant silver, and the previously white space around us transformed into Celestia's room with Luna smiling giddily on the bed and Celestia staring at her, shocked. It was a moment before they finally spoke.

"Luna, are you... it's still so soon. I know you only recently got back from your... banishment," Celestia looked away at that, cringing slightly. "but, are you absolutely sure?"

Luna simply nodded with the enthusiasm of a filly. "Sister, we are more than sure! Young Nathaniel even said that his love for me burns bright, and..." Luna stopped suddenly, frowning as a sad realization came over her. "Nopony has ever said that to us before... Nopony wants to come anywhere near us, take the time to know who we are... He was not afraid, even when we tried to push him away with the whole Nightmare Moon routine... When he stood there, just smiling... we knew he was something special. And we were right."

Celestia sighed, trotting over to the bed and taking a seat beside Luna. "Lulu, I don't want you getting hurt. That is my biggest fear right now. I think you're moving too fast. Don't you want to give it some time? Let it play out?"

Luna shook her head. "Tia, time doesn't wait, and after what happened to him at the Garden party, I feel he will agree. After all, he was so close to death, just mere inches from falling into the abyss."

"And what if he did die, Luna? How would you feel then? You do love him, that much is obvious, but if he did die, what then?" Celestia asked seriously. Luna bit her lower lip, her eyes taking a sad look.

"I... I do not know, sister. Just thinking about him- I can't fathom somepony with a heart like his being lost, to this world or his. He has so much to give, and he wants to give it all to me." Luna's smile returned, along with a few tears. "The first being ever to want to be with me, to love me, to tell me I matter. It's intoxicating and I don't want to lose it, not now, not ever."

Celestia quickly shook her head. "Luna, I know what you're thinking, and I can't allow it. He can't be granted that gift! He is not a pony, he has no magic, and he certainly wouldn't survive what you want him to."

Luna quickly snapped her head to Celestia. "Why not? It's not like he will have much of a choice, considering what our relationship will become." Luna quipped, smiling.

"Wait... What are they talking about?"

Celestia sighed and hung her head. "Luna, when the time comes, you need to make the choice, and so does he. Think about the pain he'll go through with an eternal life. What he'll lose, to see everyone he loves die around him... It'll tear apart his soul until he becomes the next Nightmare. They still exist, dwell within the deepest depths of everyponies soul. What if he listens to the shadows, Luna? What if he gives in?"

Luna shook her head. "He will not, Sister! I will be there for him, through all the hardships and struggles. I know he'll be okay! I... know it." Even though Luna felt so absolutely certain that I would be okay, she still held a very slim margin of fear for what Celestia said. The 'Nightmares'?

I turned to the Alicorn beside me. "What are the 'Nightmares'?"

The Alicorn pointed to Luna. "You do know of how Luna became Nightmare Moon, yes?" I nodded. "Well, the Nightmares are a sentient race of shadows, which possess whomever they feel can give them power."

"But, I have no power. No magic. Why would they ever want to possess me? I can do nothing compared to Luna or Celestia." I pointed out. It was true, and I would never deny it. If I became a threat, Luna and Celestia could swat me aside like an ant, not to mention any unicorn (besides Blueblood) could take me to town.

The Alicorn simply giggled, gesturing back to Luna and Celestia. "You need to learn to listen more closely. Did you not hear the part about eternal life? Your right to Princehood is upon you, but Celestia and Luna don't deem you ready just yet."

I thought I had heard something about eternal life, but I think my mind just skimmed over it, thinking it heard it wrong. But, this still didn't make any sense. "But, I'm already a Prince... What are they talking about?" I asked again, still not getting it.

The Alicorn, again, giggled. "My dear child, they want you to become like one of them. An Alicorn, the blood of all three pony tribes within you. You are not born into it, but earn it. Both Celestia and Luna can grant that right to anypony they deem worthy; with a kind heart and soul. Do you think you fit into both those categories?"

Okay, I needed a rewind here. "Hold up. Are you saying that they're going to turn me into a pony? I don't know how I feel about that... I like my hands!" The Alicorn laughed heartily at that, which got me to crack a small smile as well.

"No, child. Your appearance will remain the same, but your body will go through some rather... unpleasant alterations. Namely, the ability to call upon magic and a nice pair of wings."

So here I was, a normal boy from earth, just told that he would gain immense amount of powers, and the ability of flight. Now, if you were in my position, would you be excited? Happy? I was neither. I was nervous, trepidatious at best. How did it work? Was it some kind of spell that's just, 'poof' you're an Alicorn now?

"So... is that why I was sick? The magic was building up inside me, ready to burst out and turn me into an Alicorn?" I asked breathlessly. Luna's mother, who I'll just call Mother now, shrugged a bit.

"More or less. It needed to be awakened by either Luna or Celestia, but they didn't think you were ready for the power yet. But, I'm here to tell you that you are. There are events taking shape that must be brought to fruition. Events only you and your power can set in motion. Must set in motion."

"Why me?!" I asked, practically yelled. I was no one special! I was just some guy caught up in another world! Why did I have to carry a burden on my back?! "What makes me so special that this has to happen?!"

Mother made the image of Luna and Celestia fade, sending us back into a sea of white. "It isn't you that's the special one. You are merely the catalyst to start things off. In time, you will know what I mean. But, for now, you must become who you were born to be. It has always been you, young Nathaniel, who will be a savior, a hero..." She looked like she had more to say, but left it at that. "Now, I am going to awaken you. The magic is still in your system, and the week long sleep was going to purge it out. But you must become a Prince. You must bring all that is to come to fruition. Otherwise, Equestria and harmony will fall, and with it, so will this world."

I took a few deep breaths, hoping to calm me down. It did absolutely nothing. I was having a panic attack over what was just laid on my plate! Future events, savior of Equestria?! What the hell did all that mean?! I was about to ask, but Mother laid her horn on my head. "Now, awaken. I will see you again, but under different circumstances."

Mother's magic enveloped me, turning the sea of white into nothing but darkness.

Author's Note

Well, here's another chapter. Shit is going to be getting a bit crazier later on. I was rushing this one, since I have work in twenty minutes, so if there are any mistakes, I'll fix them tonight when I get home. But, we get to see some serious shit later on! Remember at the beginning, the Gryphons? Did you think I forgot about them? ;) No, I got something grand in store for this story. So, until we meet again! Allons-Y!