//------------------------------// // 38. Harmony's Death // Story: Wolves of Night and Blade: Book I // by One of Nine //------------------------------// “Shouldn’t we let Ponyville know about this?” I asked my girlfriend, flying alongside her as we made our way toward the Everfree. “I would rather get the Tree’s answer before getting the ponies involved. Doing so would cause an uproar, seeing as the Tree has been Equestria’s source of security for several millennia.” Said the Princess, flapping her wings slowly so I could keep up. With that inflation of power came new strength, making my current task somewhat difficult if she went at even a slightly faster pace. She would definitely beat me in a race. “Yeah, I get that…” I hummed to myself, a deep rumbled in my throat. “We don’t want a panic. And does Celestia know about this?” “She does.” Was her curt answer, and just by that, I could tell that she was hiding something. “Anything to add to that conveniently short statement?” “Nope.” “Ok…” Shrugging, I followed the Wargess down toward the ruined castle, knowing that the tree was located close by. “Got any plans for when we do talk with it?” “If we don’t like what it says, then you have my permission to end its existence.” “I’m just warry of the repercussions.” I said as we walked to a clearing, overlooking the cliff that lead to the Tree of Harmony’s cave. “The ponies don’t like us all that much already; I just don’t want to give them more reason to dislike us.” I wasn’t going to sugarcoat it, and Luna knew that they didn’t approve of her. She looked on me with sad and tired eyes. “I know, and if they do, I will take the blame. It was my idea after all.” My teeth ground together, my anger starting to boil. “No. I supported you and I’ll stay as the ship sinks. Besides, I wouldn’t be a good boyfriend if I left my date at a bad time. I’ll share the blame if they don’t approve, which they probably will, given their track record…” Luna blinked, a smile tugging at her muzzle as she set a hand on my shoulder. “Fang, you don’t—" “Luna, from what I know, you’ve had a rough life, and I don’t what it to be any rougher. I’ll share the blame with my partner in crime.” I smiled, hoping to reassure her with soft hug. The brightness in her eyes returned, a grin plaguing her lips. “But I am saved, I will not let their accusations and demands sway me.” “Good.” I nodded before following her down the steps toward the tree. I looked upon its gleaming and sharp edges, barely hidden in the shadow of the cave. The crystal surface shinned and shimmered, almost blinding us as we stepped beneath the cave’s roof. “You said that in order to talk with you, I had to come and speak with you here.” I said to the tree, tossing my arms out in a gesture to the cave. “Well, I’m here. Even after you sent me off with a ring that would kill me.” Silence was my answer. “We know you gave him that ring, the stone in it nearly killed him!” Shouted Luna, her anger showing. There was a sudden deep rumbling as spires if crystal broke through the cave walls, their sharp tips heading straight for us. Leaping back, we evaded the intended attack, landing just outside the cave. Where we had been seconds ago was now a disaster zone, several giant crystal spears lodged in the earth. “Well, at least we have an answer; it was and is still trying to kill me.” I warily joked, bent over and ready for another attack. Said attack came as more spears were thrown at us like speeding bullets, both of us evading the onslaught by weaving and dodging. I summoned my fire and hovered above the ground, skidding across the plane as more crystals rocketed toward me. Taking a second to look for Luna, I found her bashing the spears to bits as they flew at her, using nothing but her bare hands. “Showoff!” I shouted with a grin, extending my claws, and slicing through the crystals, their shattered remains gathering at my feet. Taking a chance, I balled a fist and thrust into an oncoming spear. The crystal shattered, but my knuckles were badly bruised, my unbreakable bones holding fast. I looked down at my fist as I scurried back on my jets, three small cuts decorated my knuckles, the cracked skin oozing blood. Looking back to where the Tree was protecting itself, I dodged several more spires, racing toward the barred cave. My runes shone bright as I neared the cave, the ancient tongue becoming engulfed in fire along my arm and face. In my peripheral vision, I saw Luna watching me as she bashed two more crystal spears together, seeming to know what I was doing. We nodded to each other in silent agreement, as she worked to keep the spears busy, I rushed forward, weaving this way that that to reach the barricaded cavern. But as I neared, a deep rumbling could be heard in the ground, a strong fear that it was the Tree burrowing under to attack claimed me. My eyes scanned the ground ahead of me, praying that what I feared was false. My prayers were answered as I pulled my fist back and smashed through the crystal barrier, my eyes widening at the site before me as I rolled and landed. The Tree of Harmony was tangled in thousands of green vines, branches, and roots, a sound like screaming echoing from the dimond tree. “H-Help!” Screamed Harmony’s flickering projection, her voice distorted like static. “Please help!” My ear twitched as Luna walked up beside me, apparently done with the attack outside, glaring at Harmony’s image. “So, this is the great Tree of Harmony? A coward who hides in the dark, and away from the light she supposedly cherishes. For all the virtue you placed on the ponies, I would’ve thought you would take your own advice.” “I-I’m not a coward! I was created to protect Equestria, and I’m doing that!” Harmony screamed, tears in her eyes as she watched her crystalline form crumble under the plant’s wooden strength. “By trying to kill someone dedicated to assisting you in your job?” Countered Luna, crossing her arms and shooting the Tree a fiery glare. “Seems like you just wanted all the glory to yourself. And isn’t generosity an Element of Harmony?” I inwardly smiled at all the shade she was throwing, wanting to crack a joke at Harmony’s expense, but I wanted to know what was up with the plant crushing the Tree. Was the Everfree finally fighting back? Harmony looked like she wanted to strangle us while cursing, dropping to her knees as her projection flickered even more. My eyes snapped up at the sound of a loud creak and a crack, the Tree of Harmony splitting down the middle as more vines and roots encased it. “P-Ple**ase, he*lp me! I d**on’t wan*t *to die! B**K!!” “Fang! Princess Luna!” Came a familiar voice from behind. I turned sharply to see that it was Twilight and her six friends, all looking at us and the crumbling Tree of Harmony in horror. “W-what… WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” “Putting an end to this monster!” Shouted the Wargess in Moon’s voice, causing the Bearers to step back in post-traumatic stress. Fluttershy already looked ready to cry at the sound of the former Nightmare Moon. “This thing has used a great number of ponies for good, yes, but we will not sit by as it tries to take a life!” “P-Princess—” Stuttered Twilight, looking ready to either try and stop her or free the Tree. “I am not Luna! It is not she you speak with, little ponies.” Spat Moon. “Y-You think ending the Tree of Harmony after one mishap is ok?! L-Let’s try to talk a-and work this out!” Starlight pleaded, stepping forward to try and convince Moon. “You mean you wish to reform the Tree? It is not a living thing, Starlight, it is a magical amalgam!” Seethed the Wargess, pointing to the entrapped crystal tree, her voice dripping with doubt as she rolled her eyes. “But if you wish to try, I will not stop you.” Starlight stepped forward, past Moon and me, and knelt before the weeping Harmony. “A-are you ok?” “D* I loo* ok?” Spat Harmony before pointing to her mummified tree, her body barely anything but a silhouette of blinking static. “Those ro*ots are abo*ut to end m*e, an*d all you ca*n ask i*s ‘ar*e you o**k?!’” “W-What? I-I didn’t hear that.” “*U** YOU**!!” Were Harmony’s final words before her image vanished and more cracking could be heard from behind the vines. Suddenly, the plants pulled away into the earth surrounding us to show the ruined remains of the Tree of Harmony, lifeless and dim. The mare fell back in shock, all I could see was utter defeat in her eyes. “I-I’m sorry…” With that, Starlight stumbled up and limped her way back to us. Tilting her head up to look at us from below her mane, her eyes watering as she spoke. “I-I’m sor-ry. I d-didn’t…” I really didn’t know what to say. I doubted cheering her up with a joke would do anything, so I just stuck to what I knew. “You did what you could.” “I’m an idiot…” Lamented the mare, slouching over herself and crossing her arms, looking miserable as she walked back to her friends. All six mares staring in shock at their ancient guardian. “First Canterlot and now this?” “RRRRRRRHHHHHHHWWRRRRRRR!!” Came a great grumbling noise from below, the ground behind the former Tree of Harmony splitting open as a fully natural tree started to rapidly sprout. “HHHHHHHUUUUUMMMMEEEEE, CCCCCCRRRRRUUUUUHHHHH!!!” The deep rumbling sounded again from the growing tree, it’s branches pushing against the roof of the cave without a single snap. We all rushed out of the cave, turning back to see the tree smash through the cave’s ceiling, its long branches reaching for the clouds. I almost thought they would indeed reach, but the tree soon stopped, its bare branches filling out with thick rich green leaves. A sudden and brisk sound rolled, the ground quivering as a thunderous yawn slowly advanced through the wind. “Long has it been since I’ve seen the sky, the clouds, the beasts, the birds, and the peoples of this world.” Roared the deep voice of the giant tree, the earth shaking as its roots stretched throughout the world. “T-Twilight… w-what’s going o-on?” Stuttered Applejack, the poor farm mare shaking in her work clothes. But the young alicorn was silent, staring in awe at the massive tree that had just sprouted from the earth. Gone was her misery, replaced by an overwhelming desire to learn. “Twilight!” Shouted Rainbow, the pegasus nervously watching the tree as she nudged the alicorn. “Huh? W-what?” “Do you know what that thing is? A… and is it the thing that… k-killed the Tree of Harmony?” Applejack reiterated. Realization and horror set into the former unicorn’s features. “I-I don’t know…” I looked back at the tree, watching as several birds flew about it, already landing and building nests. But I had to agree with Applejack; what was this tree? The spirit of the Everfree? I was brought back to reality by the sensation of being lifted up, blinking to find I was standing on an enormous root that was carrying me toward the tree. Luna flew up along side me, landing beside me as the root stopped. I looked on the tree as it seemed to gaze back, no face nor eye in sight. The rumbling started again, sounding intrigued. “Behold, a son of the Nahar and the Fenihr has come to greet me upon my awakening. How kind of you.” “U-Uh, the Fenihr? I’ve heard of the Nahar before, but never the Fenihr, Great Tree.” I said awkwardly, offering a soft bow. Luna followed my lead, bowing also. “Tree? I am no Tree…” Boomed the brass voice. “The Fenihr are the tribe of Wargs who could harden their coats like stone, a pack dedicated to the frosty meadows in the north. I am Ac-aesc-beorc, the spirit that governs these woods. And it seems… that they have grown old and in need of rest.” Harden their coats? Like how I could harden my wings? Could I do that with my fur? I looked down at my arms, trying to envision my black pelt becoming sharp and hard, but sadly, nothing happened. I decided to drop the matter until I had time to practice. “Ac-aesc-beorc? If I might ask, is there a shorter name I could call you by?” I asked, my unease dwindling as we spoke. “And are you perhaps related to the Elementals?” “Ah, I was once called Aesc by both your ancestral packs, if you could use that title, I would be most pleased.” I felt as if the ancient spirit smiled. “And I suppose in a sense… yes, I am an Elemental. But a very old one, yes. But like your kind, we grow stronger as we age. I was once a small woodland Elemental, but at a time, I was commanded by our Maker to sleep. And so I did, for many years it seems. And as you’ve seen, I just awoke. So nice to see that Wargs still live within my boarders.” I wilted at those words, rubbing my neck. “Well, sadly… I do not live here in these woods…” “Oh…” Hummed the grand Elemental sadly. “I’m so sorry, forgive me. I did not mean to assume such things… I just thought that it was rather wholesome that your people would stay all these years until I awoke. Forgive me.” “You are forgiven, Aesc.” I said, feeling somewhat ashamed that I had to disappoint him. “I believe you said something about the forest growing old and resting? What did you mean by that?” Asked Luna, her voice, and eyes back to normal. “Hm?” Aesc seemed to notice her for the first time. “OH, forgive me, little one. I was so enwrapped in our conversation that I hadn’t seen you. Forgive me… but to answer your question; these woods are old and in need of passing. I was hoping, since your friend is a Nahar, that he could burn the forest, allowing young trees to grow in new and healthy soil. If I could ask you to do such a thing. You, my friend, have great power in your fire.” “You’re forgiven, Great Aesc.” Smiled the Princess as she bowed. I grinned, having been wanting to test my new strength. “Aesc, I’ll do as you ask. And if you would like to know, I am called Fang, though I have other names.” “Oh my!” Gasped the great tree in horror. “How foolish of me! I did not ask for your names, little ones! Please forgive this old one, but a pleasure it is to meet you, Fang. A pleasure indeed. And if I might ask your name, my lady?” “I am Princess Luna, daughter of Queen Jurdehn.” The white Wargess bowed once again. “Ah, a daughter of the Gorokha and Kaldor Alphas, a pleasant coupling of tribes.” “But when I go to burn the trees, should I worry about the animals? And the ponies down there?” I asked, pointing down to said group. “No, you need not worry. I have teleported all the beasts to another forest, none shall die here as you burn the forest. And the ponies shall be fine as long as they stay in that meadow.” Hummed Aesc, his branches swaying in the fast wind. “I have spoken.” “Well, so long as no one dies, I’m fine with burning the forest.” I paused, reviewing my words with a sarcastic laugh. “Geez, saying that kind of made me feel like a villain or something.” “I can say that you look the part.” Smiled Luna as she hugged my arm, pulling herself close, her head resting on my shoulder. “But other than that, you are a total gentlemen.” “Hey, Luna.” I cooed, hugging her back, taking note of a weak flush claiming her cheeks. “Want to help and test out your new powers?” A flat look was half the answer. “E-even with the practice that I’ve had with Roret and Akiira, many of these new powers are other elements than fire. I’ve learned ice and metal so far, but I still have much more to master.” “True, but even with all that, all we need is fire, noting else.” Resting my head on hers, I held her tightly for a moment, kissing her forehead soon after. “Do you want to lend me a hand?” “Yes.” She then pulled away, her large wings stretching outward, like the wings of a great snowy owl. Beautiful and silent. “FEAR NOT, GREAT KNIGHT, YOUR LADY IS HERE TO AID YOU IN THIS DOUNTING TASK!” “Indeed.” Said the great tree, Aesc. “It is a great task, a great task for a great weapon.” “Weapon?” I asked as I turned to face the tree again. “Go down to the cave where that… abomination used to dwell; you shall see what I mean there.” Doing as he’d said, we drifted back down to the cave, meeting seven frantic mares waiting there. I was suddenly surrounded by the mares, all their questions piling atop one another. “Enough!” Shouted Luna, grabbing me and pulling me toward the cave. “Whoa…” I breathed at what I saw. Standing from the ground up to my stomach’s height were three stones, their tips pointing to one another, a miniature sun floating just above them. “What is that?” “It is the Eternal Forge, a power I’ve held since my beginning. In exchange for protecting the forests they lived by, the Nahar and the Fenihr were granted the ability to create many powerful weapons. In return, I’d asked them to cleanse my forest in days past, and since I’ve asked you to do just that, I thought it best to gift you with such a weapon. The weapon will come when you call it, and you can channel your power through it. But there is a condition for the tools I help make.” “What is this condition?” Luna asked beside me. “It is that this weapon not be used to kill innocence, nor that it be used by any other than yourself. Not another’s hand shall touch the hilt, or it shall destroy itself. It can be picked up by magic, but never by hand. This is my price.” I thought for a long moment. No one else could use it. Was it that powerful that only one being could use it? “Ok, I accept your terms.” A deep hum was my answer as I stepped up to the Eternal Forge, the tiny sun’s heat reminding me of the lava that’d fallen on me in the crystal caverns. Speaking of crystals, my eyes flickered to the dead remains of the Tree of Harmony. My brows furrowed as an idea came to me. “Can any material be used to make the weapon?” “So long as it is a strong material, yes.” “What about the crystals from the tree of harmony?” I asked, glaring at its remains as I heard the ponies gasp in horror. “What?! You want to use the Tree of Harmony as building materials?! A-actually, that does sound pretty awesome…” Rainbow’s shouts turning into mumbling before she got smacked across the head by Applejack. “What? That just sounds cool.” “Rainbow, it’s the Tree of Harmony! We can’t let him use it!” Growled Twilight, her horn sparking as her voice cracked. “I-it’d be… disrespectful! The Tree should be laid to rest…” “The same tree that allowed my forest to grow crippled and whither?!” Roared the ancient Elemental, the ground shaking ever so slightly. “The same tree that has used you six as pawns for the Maker knows how long?! You believed that you six were special somehow, yes? That you had this old magic connected to you to protect life?” “T-that’s not fair! We—” “Are beings who were lied to and manipulated by that thing, created by six arrogant ponies who forged their own enemy? Six beings who failed to protect their people, banishing themselves and the evil they created, rather than trying to call it friend once more and stay to defend? You follow them, young royal. And you think this Tree of Harmony is ancient and powerful? I was born into this world when it began! You stand before a force that is far older and more powerful than that abomination of a tree!” “W-what?” Sobbed the alicorn Princess, staring ahead as Rarity and Fluttershy held her steady. “S-six… ponies? W-who were they?” “They called themselves the Six Pillars, protectors of Equestria and its people.” “A-and you s-said that they created their o-own evil, what did you mean?” “One of their number, the tactical mind behind their strategies had planned on duplicating their artifacts so that if they were lost, the Pillars would have spares in the midst of battle. But, thinking that their friend planned to destroy their artifacts. Based solely on an assumption, they banished him from their order, not even bothering to confirm it. Not one in their precious order defended him. He soon grew to hate his former members, turning to powers even I fear, returning to try and kill his former allies. They sealed him away at the cost of locking themselves in the cell with him. A pour strategy made by fools.” “…” The ponies gave no answer, hanging their heads in defeat, Twilight’s friends comforting her as best they could. Aesc’s voice then seemed to turn back to me. “Yes, the remains can be used, but they should not be the only thing you use. They are too brittle for your kinds’ power.” “WHAT?!” Gasped all the mares, forgetting their grief, all staring at me in awe. Ponies were weird like that. Rainbow glared up at the ceiling, as if trying to look the old Elemental in the eye. “Just how powerful can Wargs get?! Even the Tree of Harmony isn’t good enough to beat them?!” “From what I remember hearing ages ago, the oldest Warg could level mountain ranges with a single snap of his fingers.” Said Aesc, sounding somewhat smug. “WHAT?!!!” Ignoring the ponies’ babbling, I used my magic to gather up all the broken crystal. “Ok, what do I do next?” “Place the crystals into the Forge, I shall supply an amount of Arrdoth. The metal of the Wargs.” As the Elemental spoke, from four cracks in the ground drifted up pools of silver liquid, all converging within the mini sun. “From all the Warg packs, the Nahar have the most heat resistance to the point one could be immune. I’ve seen it in you, my friend. The heat, fire, lightening, and lava have no effect on you. Simply place your hands into the fire, think of the weapon, and focus on the design. The Forge shall create it.” I then dropped half the Tree’s remains into the Eternal Forge, the smell of melting rock and metal entering my nose. It was definitely a smell that woke you up. I soon imagined the weapon. I pictured a thick broad sword, its hilt made with smooth crystal, hundreds of silver strands weaving along its length, meeting the hand guard that greeted the blade’s edge. The hand guard had four crystal shards pointing up the blade on each side, the design like wolf fangs, the middle shards being the longest. Old Norse runes decorated the hilt, spelling out *Hebrews 4:12. The blade itself was long and thick from edge to edge, a thin and straight line of blue crystal shooting up the sword’s length. A large axe blade sat on the tip, much like a Konda sword. (*“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 2:14) Breathing deeply, with the image still fresh, I plunged my hands into the Eternal Forge. The air grew hot, the Forge sending out tiny solar flares as it bound the sword together, the sleeves of my shirt beginning to burn. Drilling the image of the sword into my brain, I blocked out everything else and focused only on that. I soon felt a heavy weight wedge itself into my grasp, my hand instantly grasping it, feeling the handle I had desired. Breathing once, I pulled the sword out from the fire, the blade assembling as it was hauled free. Finally, the nine-foot weapon left the flames of creation, resting in my hands as everyone came closer to marvel. Feeling a grin tugging at my lips, I turned to face the girls, letting the sword drop in my hand as the heavy tip buried itself in the earth. My grin now fully exposed, I stood straight with my free hand behind my back. “You may admire when ready.” I said in my best old-man British accent. “Whoa!” Exclaimed Rainbow, gushing over my new creation. “Dude, you are insane!! This looks awesome!” “Darling, this is simply MARVELOUS!!” Rarity squealed. “If you ever get into jewelry making, you simply must contact me!” “I will definitely give it some thought, Rarity.” I smiled back. “Fang, this is indeed a work of art, absolutely worthy of admiring.” Giggled Luna, looking up from the sword to me, planting a kiss on my cheek. “You did an amazing job.” “You want one too, don’t you?” I asked, raising my eyebrow with a cocky smile. “Maybe~.” She sang, hugging me as her wings wrapped around me. “Please?” “Aesc? Will you let me make another weapon for my girlfr— m-my mate?” I chuckled with a huff, looking at the remaining crystals from Harmony. “So long as she can withstand the heat, she can make one herself.” Replied the Elemental. Luna nodded, pulling away as she took the crystals and watched as more Arrdoth was poured into the Forge. She then took a long moment to think with closed eyes, opposed to my staring off into space. After several minutes, her eyes opened, and her hands plunged into the fire. Her lips pealed back, a soft snarl ripping through the hot air as she strained to focus on the weapon’s image. Using my magic, I placed my sword down against the wall and wrapped my arms around Luna, the Wargess jumping at the contact. “Just breath. I’ll help with the fire’s heat.” Whispering that, I extended my magic over her, placing a type of forcefield over her. Luna sighed in relief, nuzzling my cheek. “Thank you.” Soon, Luna’s weapon was done, and pulling back revealed a silver spear. Said spear had the blade start four-feet up the six-foot pole, winding around the pole until it straightened out to form the official blade: a long piece of smooth crystal with a two-inch forked tip. “Ready?” Asked Luna after approving her work. “Yep.” I nodded before calling my new weapon. Said sword launched from the wall to my hand without any visible magic. “Awesome…” Gushed Rainbow, her eyes watering. With a running start, I launched myself into the air with jets of fire and turned my sword on its side. Once reaching the height of my jump, I let a roar loose in my throat, bringing my now flaming sword down. The flat side of the sword worked like a fan, spreading the flames beyond what their original impact would’ve been. My flames burst into the forest on impact, the old and dry trees catching fire instantly. Flying high above the canopy, I saw that my wave of fire was burning one fourth of the forest. My eyes caught sight of Luna charging a section of the forest I hadn’t gotten, twirling her spear like a bow staff. Then, with a hard lunge, the Wargess sent a long jet of blue flame into the woods. It looked as if a massive laser canon had cut a line into it. “Luna!” I shouted down, catching her attention, and swinging my sword in long slashes. “Try slashing at the forest, it should send a wave out!” “I know that! I was just testing it!” She replied with no amount of irritation. My reply was a thumbs up, not wanting to encourage her wrath. The Princess then spun her spear again, the wind beginning to follow along with her, a hurricane starting to build up. The ponies dashed back into the cave for refuge. Looking back at Luna, I found that she was now hovering above the ground, a tornado starting to form around her, her spear alight in blue fire. I decided now was a good time to get out of her way, standing not too far away from the cave. As I continued to watch Luna build up her power, one of my favorite songs popped into my head, one I felt was perfect for this event. Asking Baldur for some help, I stabbed my sword into the earth as four rune circles glowed at my feet, smaller circles flexed and curved along with the beat. A flaming guitar ignited itself into my grasp, fingers plucking at the strings like a noob, not a note was heard. I had taken guitar lessons years ago, but the memories had long since faded. At hearing the song, Luna looked over her shoulder and smiled, turning back to her work soon after. I sang along with the music, banging my head with the electric guitar I oh so expertly played. Finally gathering enough power, Luna spun around, swinging her spear like a pro as a massive wave of fire was hurled at the forest. With each second that passed, the wave grew in size, its width spanning the entire forest. The result was bonfire fit for a giant, the heat cooking any and all wood left standing. My song clattered to a halt seeing the entire forest ablaze, my eyes bugged out in awe. Welp… time to turn in that “Unstoppable Boss” membership card. My eyes soon landed on Luna as she dropped to the ground, back to the flames as she sauntered over to me, silver spear in hand. She cupped my wide-eyed face in her hand, the sensation tickling my backbone. “Care to give me an encore?” My answer was a dumb, slow nod. ‘Holy cow, my girlfriend is awesome!’