What the Sun Can't See
–
Twilight slumped onto her bed with a sigh of sweet relief. Two hours of sleep was not enough to function at full capacity no matter how much emergency caffeine Pinkie claimed to have stashed around Ponyville. Organizing takes brain power, magic takes brain power, and she used up what was left of hers with that barrier and organizing the reparations.
She'd never been so tired before as to dread seeing Princess Celestia simply because it would mean spending time not sleeping. Today is just full of firsts...
Horseapples.
Regret or no regret she had to be there.
With a groan she rolled onto her floor, dragging herself across the room before rising ungracefully and giving one last look of forlorn longing at her pillow. Her tired hooves clopped irregularly on the wooden stairs as she descended into the main room, the scent of aged paper and leather bringing a bit of focus to her frayed mind. Spikes absence was clear, the soft sounds of the duster across wood, the faint tap tap of his claws on the floor were missing from the room, but he was busy rooting through the collapsed buildings remains for valuable family heirlooms, his stout scales and small size making it easy for him to crawl through the wreckage.
Fortifying herself with a quick cup of cold tea, even as she grimaced at the taste, it at least woke her up a bit more. Lightly slapping her cheeks she nodded to herself and made her way outside, taking a deep breath, enjoying the sun soaked world as the earth under her hooves squelched on the over-saturated grass. A brisk walk through the town back towards the town hall showed the full extent of the damage.
Very few buildings had actually suffered aside from minor water damage to the interiors, though a few windows nearest to where Pinkie's wagon and her voice had been centered were cracked. Several others however had much more extensive damage, from cracks running through several walls to entire sections of the home in question destroyed, and one home reduced to rubble completely. Princess Celestia had already called in a crew of workers to begin construction of a new home for the family, and was offering to pay the full expense, while Luna had remained locked in the hospital with the patients. Most, like Scootaloo's parents, had gotten off with bruises and a few fractures, but a few, namely Big Mac and Rainbow Dash, were much more seriously injured.
Dash was the luckiest, comparatively, as it was only her wing blades that were broken, split clean in two by Erebus's hoof, though hairline fractures ran all down her front and bruises covered what hadn’t been hit. Big Mac on the other hand, had been used as a wrecking ball by Erebus, and was coming out of that fight with four fractures along his front legs, six broken ribs and a twisted back ankle.
I know Dash is going to be all kinds of miffed when she wakes up and finds out she’s grounded for a while, but I'm sure the latest copy of Daring Do will soothe her. A small grin lit her features as Twilight made her way to the center of all the activity, ponies hustling all about as they worked together to rebuild what had been destroyed.
Exactly as she had instructed.
The terror of the night seemed like a distant memory, the shadows banished before the light of their princesses, especially with Pinkie weaving through the crowd handing out free cupcakes, her smile and energy infectious even to the work crew, Applejack putting on a sale of apple flavored goods, and even Rarity finding a bit of work on the side reupholstering the furniture that had been damaged.
Twilight made her way through the crowd, eventually managing to get into the hall itself, the din outside thankfully dropping a few octaves. Trotting up the stairs towards the back where to the mayors office was, she stopped just outside the door and knocked, hearing the muffled voices within halting as Mayor Mare spoke up “Come in, it’s open.”
With a gentle push Twilight entered the office to see Celestia and Mayor looking over several thick stacks of paper. “I'm sorry to intrude Princess, Mayor, I came to report that everyone seems to be doing well, and the work crews already have a basic framework for the Onions new home up. They estimate two to three weeks until completion, and several other families have offered to put them up until its done. Dash and Big Macintosh are going to be fine, but they're still out cold. Howls on the other hand...” She trailed off at the ever so slight narrowing of Celestia's eyes.
“Yes... the wolf... you said he came with the Apple family... at what point did you get to be on a first name basis with a predator?” The slightly quirked eyebrow and the Princess's obvious distaste caught Twilight a little off guard.
“I um... he... introduced himself... I didn't really think...” Twilight's ears drooped as a realization came to her. “Is he... bad?”
Celestia's gaze softened. “I do not know. I can not know... it's complicated, Twilight... Luna has been guarding him since last night and has been cross with me all morning. She refuses to tell me why.” Celestia narrowed her eyes again for a moment before smiling at the Mayor. “My apologies, I must speak with my student in private. Do not spread around anything you have heard already.”
The Mayor bowed. “Of course your majesty.” Then she trotted out the door to her own office, giving one more concerned look before shutting it.
Celestia wasted no time. “When the wolf does awaken, I want you and the other Elements present. Even if he is not... bad, he has unleashed something darker than anything you have seen before... something I hoped would stay sealed.” With a graceful turn of her head she looked out onto Ponyville, her prismatic mane shimmering with its own light. “I have a feeling that the appearance of this... wolf creature is an ill omen. It is a shame that Erebus's interference makes it impossible for us to know.” Shaking her head, she turned to Twilight with a small smile on her lips. “Don't worry,” She said, catching the look of concern on Twilight's face. “He did help you, and he did warn the Apple family. I will give him a chance to explain.”
A soft sigh slipped from Twilight's lips. “Thank you, your majesty. Though I have to say, I don’t see why we should be present for the talk. Its not like we will be able to add much to the discussion, and for most of the battle we were all inside the hall.”
Celestia's soft smile grew a bit tighter as she replied. “Because, while I would enjoy nothing more than to let things get back to normal, the wolf's presence, his weapon, and even his own body carrying the power of spirit slaying magic, as well as Erebus's escape, all point to one thing: things are changing, and you and your friends will be in the center of it. Knowledge is power, and I plan on you being as well equipped as possible for the coming storm... you will not be there to contribute, but to observe.”
–
Rainbow Dash clicked the light on. Clicked it off. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.
“Would ya pick a settin'?” Coming as it was from Big Macintosh, the question was softly spoken, but a hint of annoyance managed to eke its way through his self control. “Its a mite annoyin', ya know?”
“Well I'm bored! I don’t have any books, and I didn't expect to be waiting this long for someone to come visit! I figured your sisters would have been in here ages ago!” Crossing her arms and huffing Dash sat still for a whole five seconds before clicking the light off, only to begin tapping out a rhythm between her forehooves as she waited.
Mac simply rolled his eyes as he lay back, snuggling deeper under the sheets as he did his best to let his body rest, the aches and pains from being hurled through a house very much on the forefront of his mind... right behind his sisters. He was about nod off when the door slammed open and a trio of tiny mares burst into the room. Applebloom's hug hit her brothers ribs like a cinder-block, a barely restrained gasp of pain nearly slipping out as she squeezed him.
“Big bro!” She chirped, unaware of his pain as she squeezed even tighter, Mac's eyes shut hard to hide the tears of pain. “Ah was so worried! When that big alicorn grabbed ya and bashed ya everywhere an-”
She was hauled off by Sweetie Belle with a cry of “Hey!” before Sweetie pointed at Mac, admonishment clear in her gaze. “He's got broken ribs Bloom! Your hugs are just hurting him right now. Be more careful, alright?”
“Sorry.” Applebloom whispered, gently taking a seat on the bed next to Big Mac as he curled an arm around her.
“Don't worry. Ah'm fine, just a few breaks and bruises, nothin' a little time off wont fix. You gonna be able to help AJ with the chores around the farm while I'm in here?” He asked with a slight smile, glancing over at Rainbow Dash and how she seemed to be regaling Scootaloo with a blow by blow account of her battle.
“Then I tore the cloud off and pumped it to the brim with lightning, charged into the middle of their strongest point and dropped it right on their heads! Oh, if they had faces I would have loved to see them when that sucker went off! Boom! Dozen monsters done in one second! If that jerk Erebus hadn't sneak attacked me I would have beaten him too!” Pumping a hoof into the air, Rainbow Dash let out a sigh, laying down on her stomach again. “Sorry kiddo, kinda tired. The doc said its gonna be a few weeks before my wings heal up, bones broken clean in half and all.” That said. Rainbow tried to hide a scowl by fluffing her pillow. If it wasn't a clean break I'd never fly again.
Scootaloo nodded. “I'll keep working on the wing muscles then, like you said. Just you watch, when your back up we'll go flying together!” She stopped, lightly smacking her forehead as she reached into her saddlebag. “Almost forgot! I know you like Daring Do, so I brought a few of mine. They are older, but I don’t know if you've read them all or not.” She slid the bundle to Dash, whose face lit up at the sight.
Dash leaned over to ruffle Scootaloo's mane. “Thanks Scoots, really. I was worried I was gonna go crazy from boredom in here. And that sounds like a plan. Just don't go bucking monsters in the dark again, okay?”
Scootaloo nodded, her own features nearly swallowed by the smile she wore as she bounded over to her friends, slipping into the conversation with ease.
Glancing over at the group, Dash watched them for a moment before snuggling back down as she pulled the covers higher, finally eager to slip into another few hours of rest.
Big Mac sighed in relief.
–
Luna's silver coated hooves rang on the stairs as she made her way to the office in the back. With a shove that sent the door slamming into the wall she strode in, startling Mayor Mare and sending several stacks of paper flying into the air. “Oh! My apologies Mayor. I did not mean to startle you so.” She declared quite loudly with an embarrassed glance to her sister.
“I-it's quite alright your majesty.” Mayor replied, a slight stutter in her voice as she nervously adjusted her glasses and looked anywhere but at Luna herself. “I just had to-to get something from the kitchen downstairs.” With a slight bow to each of the royal sisters, Mayor Mare raced out of the room, her hooves clopping on the carpet as she headed downstairs.
Celestia's wing lightly brushed Luna's cheek as she spoke, her voice soft. “Worry not sister. They will come to know you in time. I know they will come to love you just as they do me.”
Luna simply stared at the door, eyes narrowed as she stood frozen in place. For a long moment silence hung in the air as Luna collected her thoughts. Then in a swirl of stars and space she turned to Celestia, a small frown on her lips. “It matters not. The wolf-kin has yet to awaken, and the time of our return must be soon. The kingdom will not run with you absent for too long. I have already arranged for the Guard to transport him to the train station under heavy guard, and to keep him hidden from the public.
Celestia's own eyebrows rose in surprise. “Taking him directly to the castle? Sister... I do not know what this is about... but shouldn't you clear these decisions with me first?”
With a shake of her head, Luna's horn flared, a blue aura encasing the various papers that covered the floor, replacing them on the desk as she replied. “I will explain myself when you hear his story. His dreams are... private.”
Standing up from her seat Celestia's horn glowed as well, lifting a quill and paper. My dear Elements and Spike, please gather together a few things for your trip to Canterlot. Meet us at the train station in half an hour.
Burning the letter in a burst of golden fire, Celestia and Luna made their way out into the streets, not taking much notice of the bowed ponies on either side of the street as they walked towards the station. “Twilight came to see me before you arrived. The ponies will recover quickly, and are acting with great charity towards one another.” A smile lifted the corners of Celestia's mouth as she looked out on the town. “I am proud of them.”
Luna's own lips quirked just a bit. “As well you should be, dear sister. As you should be.”
–
Twilight woke up when Spike burped out a letter. Thankfully she had already told her friends to pack... but unfortunately had neglected to do so herself. “Spike! Where is Mordakisers Worgs and Wolfen? Also did you pack your scalebrush?”
With a sigh that let loose a tongue of green flame, Spike grabbed the tome Twilight wanted, shouting in reply, “Yeah! I've got it up here in section W, again.” Tucking it under his arm as he descended the ladder, he muttered under his breath. “Its supposed to go under M, but nooooo, title, not author, but what do I know, I'm just the assistant after all.” Claw tips clacking on the wooden floors, Spike made sure to grab his backpack with a few necessities in it, having already packed once there was a bit of free time. I mean, really, am I the only one who got packed for a trip to Canterlot after a skeletal monster shows up, a worg with a flaming sword fights it, and the princesses themselves arrive? Foresight, something even Twilight doesn’t have much of.
Hiking the pack over his shoulder as he walked downstairs, he held out the book to Twilight, who grabbed it and stuffed it into an already bulging saddlebag. “Sure you have enough research material? Extra paper? Quills? Inkwells?” Even the light teasing went right over Twilight's head as she jerked up and began scrambling through the other side of the bag.
“Six extra notebooks, three extra quills, three extra inkwells, checklist of topics to discuss...yes, I think I'm ready! Last thing on the checklist is to triple check the checklist and we're good to go!” With a grunt she lifted the bags, Spike trailing after her as he rolled his eyes at how hard of a time she was having.
The duo made their way through town without issue towards the station, spotting the prismatic mane of Celestia, flanked by the gold and blue helmets of her guards. Luna was already in the train, staring out on the populace that had turned out to see their monarchs off.
Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack were missing from the group as Twilight approached. “Princess!” She said, a slight squeak of joy pitching her tone higher then normal. “I'm all set and ready to take notes on everything Howls says! Where is he anyway? Is he awake yet?”
Celestia just smiled at her student, the warmth clear in her eyes. “He is in the train already, though he remains unconscious at this time. I have him under guard and out of view until he regains his senses. Why, do you wish to speak to him?” The bags under Twilight's eyes were obvious, but from the way she smiled, it was like they were not even there.
Twilight merely nodded as Spike slipped off her back and made his way into the train, taking a seat next to Luna with a smile. “He did help save our town, and I would like to thank him, and speak with him. Our knowledge of the Worgs is very limited, and the chance to interview one that doesn’t want to eat me right away is a rare chance.”
Celestia simply nodded, the smile fading ever so slightly. “You will have your chance to interview him, once I am sure of his intentions. You may take notes on the physical aspects, but please refrain from touching him. Creatures like him can have...violent reactions if touched without warning.” She glanced around at the crowd, eyes narrowing as she took notice of the absent ones. “The other three should have been here by now... its not like them to be late. Perhaps I should check on them-”
“Twilight!”
Applejack's shout carried over the din of the milling crowd as she shouldered her way through them, not even bothering to apologize as she slammed into ponies. Behind her came Rarity, her mane in disarray as she galloped towards the group. It was clear what worried them so, Fluttershy draped over Applejack's back, her limbs bouncing with every stride AJ made.
Her yellow coat was dulled, covered in dried mud, her body still shivering hours after the storm had ended. The group raced to her side, fearful cries wrenched from their throats as they crowded around the trio, Applejack letting her down with a careful hoof. “We hadn’t seen her all day, and when she didn’t show up before Twilight, I figured somethin' was wrong. Rarity an I checked her house and found her out back, the animals all crowded around her, tryin' ta keep her warm.” She trailed off for a moment before meeting the rest of the groups gaze. “It's worse though.”
In the light of day, Fluttershy cast no shadow.
–
The ride to Canterlot was subdued, the only sounds the clack of chess pieces being moved on the board as Spike and Luna dueled on its imaginary fields, and the flutter of rapidly moving paper as Twilight shuffled several paper stacks and books as she tried to find anything on Erebus. Celestia says that the loss of a shadow is fairly minor as far as short term effects go. Fluttershy should be fine for several months, but eventually she is going to have to get her shadow back... same with Howls. So we have time to find Erebus and beat him to get their shadows back, but it won't be easy. Luna thinks he went to the north, but didn’t say why. What's to the north? A few small settlements and research outposts, but nothing of significant value. I'll just have to devote the majority of my time to finding out any secrets locked in the ice.
The other girls were either catching up on sleep or finally getting something in their stomachs, though each of them took turns watching over Fluttershy, guarded even as she was by a duo of the Guards.
Celestia was also busy with papers, her quill shaking as she kept her mind occupied with the business of the kingdom.
With a sigh Twilight settled the ring of papers and books into a stack on the seat next to her, hopping off as she snatched up a quill and a few sheets of blank parchment, making her way to the back of the train where Howls lay, hidden in a box with four Guards making sure nopony without clearance would enter. With a flicker of amethyst sparkles the front slid open and set to the side as she peered into the dark, her voice small as she spoke. “Mr. Howls? Are you awake?”
Her horn lit up the inside of the box as she crept closer, Howls lay on his side, unmoving save for the rise and fall of his flank. He was bigger than she remembered. A lot bigger. Nodding to herself as she shakily put quill to paper, Twilight begins taking notes.
Subject: Howls-With-Laughter, (nickname Howls)
Race: Worg (assumed)
Age: Unknown
Gender: Male
Body shape consistent with known canine species, though much, much larger than normal, and very different from the first time I saw him (shapeshifter perhaps?), with jaws (teeth, holy Celestia, teeth!), chest, limbs, jaws (and seriously, I didn’t think those teeth were possible), and skull carrying a massive amount of muscle, far above the known worg range. Weight approximated at seven to eight hundred pounds, length of twelve hoofs, height of ten and a half hoofs.
Twilight blinked suddenly, a sharp stinging in her left eye as a drop of sweat rolled down her forehead. “What? Why am I sweating? It's not hot in here..” Now alerted to her body, Twilight realized her heart was beating a mile a minute, her legs shivering as the muscles beneath her skin were taut with tension, and several inkblots had smeared across her report, mostly around her scrawls, messy and jittery scrawls, regarding his fangs and claws.
Shaking her head, Twilight refocused on the task at hand, willing her body to get over it's sudden strange bout of reactions. With her lips pressed to a thin line she returned to her work, focusing on the worg before her.
Primary coloration of light brown with blond sections across sides and eyebrows, small section of white across muzzle. Eye color unknown, though memory currently places it as a bright glowing green. Signs of innate magic in blood? Mutation? Habit of devouring forest fairies with those giant teeth?! Will question when awake.
Subject also displays intelligence (level unknown, though lets hope its enough that he’s decided to be a vegetarian), and a level of skill in combat (who needs skill with those massive claws?) Both with his (giant, horrible) fangs, as well as a (superfluous) blade of unknown make and power, which, along with his own body (his giant carnivore body), carries a power called ‘Spirit-Maiming’ (though they seem more like ‘Everything-Maiming’), as recalled by Big Macintosh of the Apple Family when he fought Erebus.
As of this report, subject is shadowless, having lost it as a payment for breaking an Edict (research or approach her Majesty about this) and has been asleep for several hours (thank all things divine). Is the loss of a shadow mentally unbalancing? Has it inflicted a spiritual wound? Grasping at straws, must speak with an expert about this. More detailed reports to follow when subject wakes up (if he doesn't eat me).
–
Shining Armor shucked the heavy plate from his chest and shoulders, replacing them back on the stand as he rolled his aching joints for a few moments before donning the more ceremonial armor he usually wore. The letter that had sent him barreling along into the labyrinth under Canterlot with only his memory and his horn to guide his way was still on the floor where it had been dropped, the single sentence upon it still managing to send a shiver of dread down his spine.
Shining Armor. Make sure the Gate is locked.
Glancing at the bed with longing eyes, he shook his head and began the trek to the train station from the barracks in the castle, a short trip by any measure, though made long when he was already tired from the full out gallop he had taken to reach the Gate. Passing by the civilians, aristocrats, and even a few nobles on his way, Shining made sure to stop by Joe's for a quick doughnut and coffee to go, giving the retired Guardspony a tired grin as he left.
Slowly chewing the pastry as he weaved through the crowds, Shining Armor eventually reached the station, checking the clock to make sure he was on time before taking a seat on the bench. Looks like ten minutes before the train arrives. Stations pretty empty for the time, and its another three hours before most ponies get off work for the day. We should be able to get everypony to the castle without issue, and the worg will hopefully stay asleep while the transition happens. The cell bars have been replaced, at least the ones that looked the most corroded.
The train arrived soon after, chugging into the station in a cloud of steam and the sound of metal on metal, the din of the dispersing crowds quickly filling the air as he moved to the rear of the train, catching sight of Celestia's dawn colored mane in a window. With a small smile on his lips he waited outside the cart for the group to exit, snapping a salute to the Sisters as they exited, followed by the Elements, with the Guards behind them, carrying a large wooden box covered with a faded blue tarp. “Is that him?” He asked with a gesture to the box, the guards returning nods as they awaited his orders. “Take him to the cells, one of them has been worked on and will stand out. Keep him watched and under guard, but do not hurt him.”
One of the guards stepped forward, whispering in Shining Armor's ear. “Ah. A good idea. Make sure Fluttershy gets to the medical wing first, and put a pair outside the entrance.” As one they stomped a hoof and marched forward towards the castle, faces hard to dissuade questioning gazes.
Turning then to the Sisters, he gave a low bow. “Your majesties, the order you sent were carried out, and the gate is sealed tight. The guard remains at his post, and no sign of anything other then the worgs prints stirs the dust.”
Luna nodded as she replied, glancing at the milling crowd that was slowly forming once more as the monarchs stood in public. “Perhaps this would better be discussed in private. This is a... delicate matter, and should be addressed as such.”
“My sister speaks the truth. Shining Armor, would you kindly escort them back to the castle?” Celestia said as she nodded to the Elements. “I'm just as lost as you are.”
Shining bowed once more. He didn't want to say it, but the thought crossed his mind unbidden. I highly doubt that, your majesty. The Sisters wings snapped open and beat down, the pair launching themselves into the air as they flew towards their homes. A tired sigh slipped past his lips as he turned to the ladies, only to feel the breath being squeezed from him as Twilight's arm's tightened around his neck as she nuzzled into him. “Brother! Its been ages!” She said as she released him, grinning from ear to ear. “We have so munch- munch- much to talk about! The things we claw- saw last night were incredible!”
Shining Armor raised an eyebrow at his sister but couldn't help but smile. She's been staring at the worg for too long.
“Oh yeah! There was rain and thunder and lightning and Dashie zooming all around and the big bad wolf who wasn't really bad at all, with his flamey sword of shadow smiting (plus two) and the dark things everywhere!” Pinkie's energy, stuffed in a train for the last few hours, burst out in a rather amazing display as she mimicked the fight she had witnessed last night, snarling and chomping the air as she went through the motions. “Then the Princesses' show up and its all,” Her voice dropped several octaves as she tried to copy the alicorn-mockers voice. “By the edict of the Silver Sands I lay claim to your soul! Or something like that!”
Rarity huffed as she flipped her mane, Spike standing behind her, burdened with her luggage. “It was simply dreadful! Poor Fluttershy was all alone during it, and even lost her sh-” Applejack held a hoof up, giving a pointed glance at the still milling crowd.
“Princesses said ta talk about this in private. I reckon we should do the same.” Glancing at the others, seeing their nods of agreement, the group made their way to the castle.
–
Blurry eyes slowly opened, taking in the grey stone walls, the softness of the mattress under his belly, the sharp scent of rust, and his mouth feeling like it was filled with cotton, Howls gradually made the mental climb to consciousness. “Oh...by Gaia, my head...” He muttered, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the dim light and spotting the bowl a foot in front of his muzzle, the scent of clean water forcing him to realize just how dry his throat was.
His first attempt to rise lasted all of a heartbeat before his legs buckled, a surprised 'Oof!' escaping as he lay there, feeling the pins and needles in his limbs gradually fade. Once he was sure they were going to behave themselves, he carefully stood up and made his way to the water, lapping up almost the entire bowl before his jaws and throat stopped feeling like sandpaper. Sated, he turned to examine the cell.
Okay, lets see... No food, only a little water left. Scent trails show more of those ponies have been here. Males, iron armor... barding, probably heavy given the sweaty smell... here little less then an hour ago. Pressing on the door with a paw, only to find it locked, he began pressing on each of the most corroded looking bars, taking note of the new rods in place. They work fast, I'll give them that. I've been out... shit. I have no idea how long I've been out. This could be days or weeks after the fight... Damn it. Maybe there's a window or-... Son of a bitch. I don’t know how their time works either! What if... what if I'm on Narnia time? Damn it all to hell!
With a snarl his jaws snapped around a bar, his entire body contorting to the right as the muscles in his legs, chest and neck snap-rolled, the slightly rusted bar breaking clean in two under the pressure. Oh... Hispo... no wonder I nearly swallowed the water dish. No two ways about it. Gotta get out and get some intel, can't trust the pony things here. Spitting out the bar, he clamped his jaws around a second bar to widen the hole when he heard a polite cough. Slowly releasing the rod, he turned to face the pony before him, a white unicorn stallion wearing purple plate barding.
With a grin he walked to the door, and pushed it open. “It wasn’t locked.”
Howls stared at the pony, eyes widening as his jaw dropped open. He visibly deflated, quite literally as he shifted back into his normal wolf form. “B-b-but it's a jail cell! Its supposed to be locked!”
“Ha!” The pony gestured for Howls to leave the cell, stepping to the side as he did so. “I'm the captain of the royal guard and you saved my little sister. You really think I was going to lock you in?”
“Uuuh....Yes?” Howls replied as he stepped into the prison wing. “I mean, I'm a predator, I'm an unknown creature, and for all you know I could have been working with that shadow pony thing to try and get into...where-ever the hell I am. Where am I?”
Shining just grinned as he threw a foreleg over Howls's shoulders. “Well, for starters, we ponies don’t usually put anything in cells, but the princesses wanted you to wake up away from lots of ponies for safety reasons... and Princess Celestia wanted extra insurance on the safety part. However we tend to be pretty grateful for someone saving our family members from anything dangerous so... common decency, you know?” Releasing Howls, Shining pointed to the doorway at the end of the hall. “That leads out into the catacombs beneath the castle, so stick close if you don't want to get lost.” He stopped, face-hoofing as he held out a limb to Howls. “By the way, my names Shining Armor. Sis said your Howls-With-Laughter?”
Howls stared at the outstretched hoof, wheels obviously turning in his head for a moment before he touched the hoof with his own paw. “Howls for short. And your sister is...?” He replied, his paw dropping back to the ground as he did so.
“Twilight Sparkle, the purple unicorn with the baby dragon?” He replied as he opened the door, his horn lighting up, illuminating the high, barren rock tunnels that surrounded them. “I get my white coat from my mom, and my dad has a sort of night-blue coat. Twilight got a mixed palette.”
The pair set off through the catacombs, a silence between them as they passed through the ancient tunnels. “So her Majesties are eager to meet you, and Twily wanted me to pass on her thanks for the help.”
“One question then.” Howls stated, his own eyes glowing in the darkness. “I assume the royalty are the pair that showed up right at the end and sold my shadow, right?” At Shining Armors nod, he continued. “Yeah, that's gonna be a fun topic.” Sighing as the pair began their upward climb, he glanced at the paths that branched off of the tunnel they were in. “How deep does this maze go? I can smell..” Closing his eyes as he sniffed, his eyebrows knit together in confusion. “I smell myself, you, the ponies that brought me here and the ones that fixed up the cell,” Catching Shining Armor's quirked eyebrow, he clarified. “Armor and iron bars undergo a difference in treatment, which alters their scent just a bit. Plus the ponies carrying them have a much thicker scent of sweat and... sugar... on them.”
“Pretty powerful nose you have there.” Shining replied, a grin on his lips as he ambled along. “Can you tell me what I had for breakfast?”
Sniff Sniff.
“Cream filled doughnut and coffee, little over two hours ago.”
“Not bad. How about how many ponies were carrying you down here?”
“Six. Four actually carried me in a-sniff-wooden box, while two stood guard.”
“Horsefeathers. Next time we have a rescue party, you're coming with us.”
Howls chuckled as he quietly padded alongside Shining. “Yeah, though let me tell you, walking into a spice shop or home where bathing is considered optional? Not great.”
They kept the conversation light as they spent the next half hour working through the winding tunnels, eventually Shining dousing his light as the pair pushed on the door, stone grinding underfoot as it yielded to them, revealing the stark white marble walls, tapestries hanging from the walls with a thick red carpet underfoot, to which Howls sank down into with glee.
“Aaah... carpet good.” He mumbled as he let the warm sunlight wash over his body. “Its chilly down in that maze, never noticed until now.”
Shining nodded, contemplation all over his face as he looked down the hall, making sure no one else was in sight before he too planted himself on the carpet, basking in the sun. “Alright, five minutes, then we go meet with her majesties, deal?”
“Deal.”
–
The great hall of Castle Canterlot was ablaze with the stained glass casting a prismatic shower of light across all the occupants within, from the Royal Siblings to the Guardponies who stood at attention. Twilight was busy speaking with Celestia, the two discussing Twilight's latest studies in magical theory, Applejack and Rarity quietly sitting at a small table to the left, though AJ was currently waving a hoof, dismissing Rarities claims of her mane needing more care.
Dash of course was still back in Ponyville recovering, Fluttershy was in the medical wing and Pinkie was missing, having vanished about five minutes after the group had settled down.
It was to this scene that Shining Armor and Howls entered, the double doors opening to admit them as the room fell silent, all eyes locked on Howls. In the light of day he seemed all the larger (though not as large as Twilight reported earlier), the fangs all the sharper (although not as sharp as Twilight remembered), and an almost palpable aura of danger that emanated from him (although not as dangerous as Twilight recalled), though it was at odds with the small grin that quirked his lips as he and Shining Armor stopped in the rooms center, the Guard Captain giving a small bow to the Sisters.
“Your majesties, may I present Howls-With-Laughter.” With that he took to the side of the Sisters thrones, eyes forward, face blank as he waited for orders from his commanders.
The sisters and the wolf stared at one another, silence filling the room as no one spoke for almost a full minute.
Shitshitshitshitshitshit! What do I say? Am I supposed to talk first, is there some custom here I'm unaware of?! Damn it Armor, you told me about the meat taboo, don't mention something called Nightmare Moon, and be nice to the thousand plus year old rulers! But it still doesn’t help me figure out what to say! 'Hey, nice to meet you, and thanks for selling half my soul off to save your ponies, that was really awesome' isn’t exactly diplomatic. A sigh slipped by his lips, breaking the silence as he said: “So. Hi. As he said, the names Howls-With-Laughter, but you can just call me Howls. Who are you two?”
Celestia nodded slightly to him. “I am Princess Celestia, or the Day Mare. This is my sister, Princess Luna, or the Night Mare. We are the sovereign rulers of Equestria.”
Howls eyes snapped to Luna, obviously studying her for a long moment before shaking his head. “Man, scared me there for a sec. But anyway, it is a pleasure to meet you both.” He said with a dip of his head.
“Now that the introductions are completed, tell us why you have come to our lands, and why Erebus was following you.” Luna spoke up, her hard eyes never wavering from him, even as Celestia gaze flicked to her before settling on Howls once more.
Howls simply shrugged. “Hell if I know. One minute I had just finished slaying the last Fomori goon between me and some giant magical circle where tweedle-dee and tweedle-dumb stood chanting. Then bam, white light, loud noises and next thing I know I'm in an underground cavern that's filled with writhing shadows and walking screams. Oh, and cages with some very nasty looking... critters in them.”
“A magic circle you said?” Celestia asked, her horn glowing for a moment as a chalkboard and several pieces of chalk appeared on the ground before him. “Could you draw it for us?”
“Uh...Maybe?” He replied, glancing down at his paws, then back to the chalk. “But someone else is going to have to do the actual drawing, seeing as I lack thumbs or magic.”
Twilight trotted up to his side, a smile wide across her lips as she gathered the chalk. “I can help, I've got lots of practice with magic circles.”
“...Oookay.” He said, shuffling slightly away from her as he cleared his throat. “Anyway, like I was saying. First, please keep in mind that I only caught a glimpse of it, and I didn't pay it much attention, as I was pretty busy at the time. Also, this board is gonna have to be about three times larger.”
A ray of amethyst sprung from Twilight's horn to strike the board, causing it to undergo rapid growth that halted after a few seconds, leaving a board thirty feet by thirty feet in front of them. “Ah. Well then. Okay. Lets get to work, shall we? First, two circles..”
The pair worked for a hour drawing out the circle and the hundreds of glyphs that lined it, most of which Twilight filled in on her own and Howls either confirmed it 'looked right' or 'felt off'. However it was slow going, as everytime Howls spoke up out a difference in the runes, Twilight, so focused on her work, would twitch, sending the chalk skittering across the board. And once she even leaped into the air after a good five minute silence between them, curling up into a ball with a whimper of fright before realizing what had happened.
Needless to say, Celestia and Shining Armor had zeroed in on Howls after that with narrowed eyes. Though they dared not interrupt.
Once it was completed the group gathered around, several with tilted heads as they tried to work out the arcane writing. “What's it do?” Applejack asked as she poked the circle with a hoof.
“Its... hard to tell. I've never seen this pattern before, but I think it's supposed to be a summoning circle, but it's a little... I think this inner ring is a sort of communication array? No that's not right... more like... a formal request for communication... or for a contract? But I don't recognize the name of the summoned... the runes are unique, so it's probably really old.” A faint blush stained her cheeks as she glanced at her mentor. “Sorry Princess, I guess my studies haven’t been enough.”
“As well you should not.” Celestia replied, the board vanishing with a lance of energy from her horn. “That circle is a vile spell, and should never be used. I would ask that none here speak of this for the time being. It explains many things, but I would like to hear the rest of the story before we continue.”
He nodded once as he continued. “Anyway, I noticed as I was exploring that place that the two chanters, a Black Spiral Dancer and a Leech, had arrived with me, though at a different location. They were also exploring the area, but I didn't stick around to see what they found before I decided that 'Heeey, the fight between those two and myself also included seven other people with me.' and figured I should leave.”
“A what an a what?” Applejack asked from across the room as she grabbed an apple from her pack.
“A Black Spiral Dancer... hm... well think me, but bigger, stronger and covered in dragon vomit. A Leech is an undead, a-”
“Undead!?” Coming from Twilight, the shriek set teeth on edge as her wide eyes stared at Howls in horror. “What kind of undead?”
“A-a vampire? It's the correct term for them.” He replied, leaning away from her wide, unblinking eyes.
“A undead that survives by feeding on the blood of the living unable to walk in sunlight and possessed of supernatural might and mental powers correct?” The lavender mare began to hyperventilate. What kind of horrors was she neck deep in... Neck... throat... jugular... teeth. She broke out into a cold sweat.
“Yes?” He squeaked out. Why isn't she blinking?! BLINK DAMN IT!
“Twilight.” Though kind, Celestia's tone caught her attention, Twilight turning to face her mentor. “I see you have been studying on monsters since Queen Chrysalis attacked.”
Twilight huddled into her shoulders as her ears went back, a sheepish smile shone as she pawed the floor with a hoof. “Y-yes. Sorry about that.”
Applejack raised a hoof. “Question. But uh... walkin' dead?”
Twilight nodded. “The most vile of dark magics reach into a world beyond, into a realm called Tamberlon, where the bell of the dead rings to call the souls of the departed to their final rest. This magic halts the bell for but a moment, and pulls the souls back to the world of the living, where... the unicorn can pretty much do whatever they want with them. That is what is called Necromancy. The returned soul, regardless of what form it then takes, is called an undead.”
Celestia nodded, her smile softening as their eyes met, the simple trust between the two clear as day to any who looked. “That is correct. The last Necromancer to ever walk Equestria took his secrets with him to Tamberlon when the bell was made to ring eternal. Luna cast an enchantment on it so that as long as Equestria sleeps soundly, pleasant dreams will keep it ringing.”
“Though Vampires are self propagating, right?” Rarity interjected. “They can turn you into one of them if they feed you their blood after drinking you dry.” At Twilight’s confused look Rarity lifted a forehoof and coughed into it. “I um... read too... sometimes...”
“Anyway...” Howls spoke up, breaking the sidetracked line of discussion as he glanced between the student and the teacher. “As I was saying. I eventually came to a giant set of doors, made out of some sort of metal that I've never seen before. I pushed them open and-”
“A simple question about the doors.” Celestia said. “How heavy were they when you pushed them?”
“How heavy? Uh..” Tapping his jaw in thought, he replied with “A little heavy. I mean, there was weight to them, but considering they were about forty feet tall, ten feet thick and made out of an unknown metal, they were pretty easy to move. Why?”
Both sisters shared a long look before turning to face him once more. “We will tell you when your tale is done. Please, continue.”
“Anyway, I get through the doors and take about three steps when a beast out of yore appears before me, three heads full of slavering fangs and a breath like the fetid remains of a thousand battlefields.” Howls had begun to use gestures, spreading his forelimbs to show off the size, his face contorting as he spoke of the smells, his voice taking on a more dramatic tone as the storyteller in him came to the fore.
“I was sure my fate was sealed, and prepared to at least mark the beast before I fell, when it's tongue lashed out to wet my face, its giant paw reaching above me to gently push the doors shut. Its labors completed, it returned to its slumber, from which I was careful to not reawaken it.”
“I raced through the catacombs, led only by the scent of running water as my guide. I know not how long I spent in the caves, but in time I came across a stream. Following it as it slowly grew larger and deeper, several other streams connecting to it, forming into a river whose roar drowned out all other sound, I emerged to a waterfall that cascaded far below, the spray striking my face, a welcome change from the dead air of the cave system. 'Twas then that I felt it, ice and oil down my back as my instincts screamed out their warning of danger.”
The ponies had leaned in, caught up in the tale as he paused for effect.
“Behind me stood the creature you saw last night, jet black tendrils of the night swaying in an eerie dance as it stared down at me with a macabre grin on its fleshless face. It spoke not a word as it struck me across the jaw, sending me tumbling end over end till I struck the waters surface far below, my bones breaking like matchsticks from the impact. With only one leg working I swam to shore, gasping for breath as I waited for my body to heal. It was when the chill of ice sent a shiver down my spine that I saw the black beast gently falling towards me, and I knew I had to escape or die. I ran through the forest as fast as my legs could carry me, till upon yonder hill I saw a light, warm and inviting. The rest you know.”
Rarity raised a dainty hoof as she said “Pardon me, I do enjoy a well done story, but I must say it sounds like you've traveled quite a way from your home. How far are the worg lands from Equestria's borders?”
Howls simply shrugged. “Hell if I know, never been there. I've never even heard of this realm before, and that's saying something considering I have several friends among the Corax.”
“Who?” Rarity asked as she twirled the end of her mane around her hoof.
“Messengers, gossipers, the guys who find out secrets and tell everyone else about those secrets. Good fellows, but they can be a bit annoying when they never shut up. They travel everywhere and know all the shortcuts, so I figure I have to be waaaaay into the deep territory if I've never heard of a realm like this.”
Celestia stood suddenly, a tension filling the air as she strode forward to stand directly before Howls, who also brought his front up to level out the height difference, though he was still a few inches below her. “Now I have a few questions for you. Please answer as honestly as possible.” While polite, her words had iron in them, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Howls, his back and neck straightening under the scrutiny.
“Do you intend any harm to my subjects?”
“No.”
“Can you return to your world?”
“Hell if I know, as I don’t know the chant, the ritual, the artifacts, and I sure as hell don’t know if there’s a umbral path out of here.”
Twilight nodded. “That circle was very specific. Inverting it wouldn't even come close to helping... hate to say it but... if you're from another world then I can't send you home either without a cosmological map.”
“Do you intend to eat meat while here?”
“Uh... I should have expected the direct approach on this one, huh? I mean, its a pretty major part of my diet. No meat and my body will likely start to sicken... but... I'll... try?”
Pacing back and forth several times, Celestia at last stopped once more in front of him. “Very well. While I personally have a dislike for your kind, if what you say is true-”
“He's tellin' ya the truth yer majesty.” Applejack spoke up.
Howls glanced at her, one eyebrow raised in question. “You can tell when someone's lying?”
A sheepish smile was turned to Celestia as she replied. “Ah can feel it in my gut. He's bein' honest 'bout the whole thing. I'd bet my hat on it.”
With a nod to Applejack, Celestia glanced at the others in the room, her right leg sweeping out to the side. “Everyone aside from Luna and Howls-With-Laughter, please give us the room.” Twilight and her friends began to leave, but Celestia gave Shining Armor a nod. The Guard Captain nodded in turn and began to leave, taking the guards with him. Even with her silent smile, there was steel in her command which brooked no argument.
As the doors shut behind them all, Celestia paced back and forth before the throne, eyes narrowed in thought, her lips pressed into a tight, thin line. “I will be blunt. Your appearance is not welcome to the nation. With Erebus on the loose and the possibility of undead roaming the land using magic that was outlawed over a thousand years ago, and you it seems, at the center of it all? I cannot say I am happy about this, and the possibility of more following from your lands brings no comfort.”
“I didn't bring them here, and I would be more than happy to kill them both and remove the issue.” He replied, a slight edge to his voice. “But as it stands? I cannot defeat them alone, and your subjects? To be equally blunt, are not going to be able to stop them unless your guards are much more badass than they appear. If you wish to keep your peace and I regain my shadow, we need to work together. So while you may detest my eating habits, you could at least not treat me like I am a lower life form.”
“You broke the Edict. That alone brought my people near to death.”
“Yeah, in the course of trying to slay an obvious evil, and I paid that price with half my damn soul, so I think that makes us even.” He shot back, heat clear in his tone. “And just what the hell is this edict anyway?”
Luna spoke up before her sister could as she shot Celestia a look before returning to Howls. “Perhaps I can explain. You have laws in your land, rules by which society agrees to act, with punishments given out for breaking of these laws, correct?” At Howl's nod, she continued. “The Edict of the Silver Sands is a law of our universe that the use of spirit slaying magic is completely forbidden. The compact of the Sapphire Maiden says that the act of murder, even in war, is blasphemous, and such a crime resonates throughout the heavens. Usually they are cosmically enforced, and you should have been turned to dust the moment you bit him with lethal intent. However...you seem immune.”
Howls stared at Luna as he seemed to struggle for words. “So...you're telling me that your universe personally protects that monster?”
“No, it is not that Erebus is not a reprehensible beast that needs to be put down, nor is it that the universe favors him. Far from it. However we have Law. Not your mortal understanding of mere 'agreements of conduct', we have True law here. The universe itself enforces it, and dictates how mortal creatures may act and interact with the tapestry of destiny and each other. You... are lucky to even exist after having broken one Edict, let alone two at once. Why you did not collapse to dust is beyond me... perhaps you are, as a being from another world... not entirely subject to our laws.”
An eyebrow rose, disbelief obvious on his face. “You're telling me that you have ruled this world for, what? A thousand years? Longer? And you've never killed anything, or following that to its larger logical conclusion, never had a war?”
“No.” Replied Celestia. “We have had wars, but not for a thousand years.”
“...What?” Confusion had replaced disbelief as he stared at Celestia. “You don't have wars anymore? How-but-! I mean, what? How do you control your borders? How do you take resources, or mates? How do you defend yourself against treachery from your neighbors?”
“We have no wars, but instead sports. Ponies across the land compete for prizes, or stakes of a more personal sort, and the winner of the game claims the prize. As for our neighbors...well, they have thought better of attacking a nation as prosperous as ours.”
“And you standing by the sidelines in clear sight of the opposing army had nothing to do with it, right dear sister?” Luna said, a sly grin on her lips.
“I did not threaten them, never once. I merely bested three gods before them.”
Howls sat dumbstruck, jaw hanging open in shock. “Y-you have not-but how does your world work?! You don't fight for the most basic things?! You live in peace without the threat of mutual destruction?!”
“No. You overestimate our peace to think such things nonexistent in this world just because they are rare... but...” Celestia replied, a tinge of horror echoing in her voice. “Such things do not require death to attain. Is your land so blackened by blood that you cannot see that?”
“Sister,” Luna's hoof gently touched Celestia's shoulder as she nodded towards Howls. “I fear that he comes from a land to which peace is such a rare thing that it is almost unknown. A true world of darkness.”
–
Pushing open the doors to see the group waiting outside, none of them looking at him directly, Howls quirked an eyebrow. Well, they obviously were listening in on that little conversation. Nothing to do about it, so if they want to pretend they didn't hear anything, I'll play along for the time being. Flashing a smile that was quickly banished at the slight shivers he noticed, Howls gave them a slight nod as he headed to the southern wing of the castle.
As the wolf made his way down to the hall, Applejack glanced to the others, their reaffirming nods all she needed. With a grin she galloped to his side, lightly punching him in the shoulder with a hoof as the others crowded around as she said “Hey there! Listen, ah heard some of what the Princess said. Ah just wanted ya ta know, ah don't think your a bad fella, and yer welcome at the farm anytime.”
“And I must say darling, your fur is simply lovely. What do you use to keep it so smooth? And would you be willing to model a few suits for me? Your body shape is giving me such ideas, and I would be the envy of the fashion world to be the first to have a Worg model! Ooo! Such ideas!”
“Wait, you want me as a fashion model?”
“If possible, because you see the demand for new ideas is quite large, and no one has ever had a predator model before, so it would be a first the world over! The clothes won't sell of course, but the calendars, the magazine! They'll just eat it up!”
Twilight twitched on the word eat.
“I don't thi-”
“And the money! Oh! We would be rich!”
“...How much are we talking here?”
“Of course it would be more for the spectacle then actual marketable items, but it would be worth its weight in bits!”
“Interesting... Hard choice though. Money and less fear, or less money and more fear, because while money is useful, being treated like an amusing pet would just piss me off.”
Applejack's laughter erupted from behind the group as she advanced up to Howls, jabbing a hoof into his chest. “Fear nothin'. One look at ya in one of Rarity's get up's and no ones gonna be scared of ya. Ya cant be scared of someone who looks that froo-frooy.”
You could freeze helium in the glare that Rarity hit AJ with. “And just what is that supposed to mean?”
Rolling her eyes as she came up to his side, Twilight spoke up over the bickering pair. “Sorry about that, they can get under each others skin...” Twilight paused and twitched as her eyes flashed to his claws again. Like those claws... skin... claws... “...at times. I don't think we've been formally introduced, have we? I'm Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's student. You know Applejack, and that's Rarity.” Neither of the two stopped their argument. “Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy are not here, but I'm sure you will like them...” For lunch. She twitched again. “...when you meet, and our other missing friend is Rainbow Dash, who you met last night in the fight, the blue pegasus?” Her smile seemed a little... too forced.
“The pleasure is all mine.” He replied with a smile as the group slowly made their way up the stairs, the various painted glass windows showering them with a rainbow of light, Twilight asking questions the entire way.
“-So your years are three months shorter, even though our days are the same length, and your seasons work in a much more linear cycle than ours as well. Who controls your sun and moon? Are they Princesses as well? Oh! Here we are!”
Finally reaching his room, Twilight pushed open the door to the unlit room, the only light from the hallway and the faint glimmer seeping through the curtains on the far wall. “Ah, sorry, let me see... lights should be around here somewhere..”
As Howls stepped into the room, he heard the swish of fabric rubbing across fabric, and then something landed upon his back. With a yelp and a jump that did nothing to dislodge the thing from him, Howls caught a glimpse of it out of the corner of his eye, seeing skin the color of uncooked meat, the wide, empty blue orbs where eyes should have been, the lank bloodstained hair that ran down its spine. Snarling as he leaped straight up and spun in place to hurl it from his back, the second his paws touched down he dashed forward to clamp his maw around its neck, severing it before the taste of paper and glue registered.
At that moment the lights came on, revealing him standing over the mauled remains of a Pinkie shaped pinata, dozens of brightly colored candies scattered all around, bits of pink fabric hanging from his jaws.
An awkward laugh from Twilight caught everyone’s attention as she said, “Well. Good thing that wasn’t really Pinkie, eh?” Then her laugh persisted, before she fell into a dead faint.
It was then that they all heard a muffled voice from above, every gaze snapping up to catch sight of Pinkie Pie hanging in the air, suspended by the dozens of colored streamers that wrapped around her like a cocoon. “MUPMSE!” She shouted cheerfully, her legs wiggling back and forth.
–
Freeing Pinkie had taken two hours, three guards, a gallon of oil from the kitchen, a rake, and a pair of wet noodles. Howls didn’t clearly recall just how those items had been used, but he seemed to remember the reasons making sense at the time.
Once she was down, the group had gotten along fairly well, even a few guards stepping in to partake once Shining Armor showed up an hour into extracting Pinkie, who had been all too eager to make up for lost time with Howls as she pushed him to play a dozen games, try out her cupcakes (which he devoured rather messily after just one bite), and attempted to have an arm wrestling competition with Applejack, though that died before it began when he showed that his limbs didn’t bend that way.
Several hours later, as the sun's last rays began to fade over the distant mountains, the party died down, ponies retiring to their rooms until Howls was pretty sure he was alone. He wasn't of course, but he only noticed after he flopped onto the simple bed with a tired sigh and a hesitant glance at the last cupcakes sitting on the table (which he wanted, but was too full to eat) and spotted Twilight and Shining Armor curled up in the corner, both having been dead asleep for hours.
Howls dared not wake them.
So when the soft clop of metal clad hooves on his balcony reached his ears, he suppressed the snarl that rolled up from his chest. He pushed himself up, and quietly padded to the balcony and opened the windowed door before him. “I really don't have much else to say to you Celestia, and I'm not in the mood for more insul-.”
“Tis not Celestia, but Luna.” Came the reply from the Night Mare perched on the rail. “I come to speak, and I ask that you listen well.”
Howls kept his silence as he looked up to meet her gaze, her mane mirroring the stars behind her. “I must first apologize for my sister. She means well, and truly is a loving, kind mare, but she can be... forceful when confronted with darker aspects of life. You know the type I'm sure, they lash out when cornered. It is not you personally that she resents, but what you represent. Change of a dangerous kind, creatures from other worlds with magic forbidden by universal laws, undead kings, Tartarus cracked open and Erebus on the loose. She fears that her thousand year peace will be destroyed, and she lashed out at you. For that, I am sorry.”
“Don't worry about it. It's not the first time I've had an elder lay into me, and she wasn't hitting me, so it was a step up from the usual routine.” He replied as he sat on his haunches, waving a paw to brush off her apology.
Luna gave a small nod as she stepped into the room, her horn glowing for a moment as a candle tip burst into flame, casting a warm glow over them both as she took a seat. “I have an idea of what you are, and what your purpose is. You are a killer, through and through, bred for the express purpose of taking life.” She held a hoof up to stop his much expected and likely terse reply. “Please, let me finish. I do not view you as less because of your role, nor of what you have done in life before entering our world. My sister never got around to it, but the doorway you left Tartarus through is special. Evil creatures cannot leave, as the weight of their deeds gives weight to the door. You're passing through it shows that yes, you have done things you are not proud of, but you are a good creature.”
A small smile flashed across her lips as she continued. “I know well the power of darkness and evil, better then my sister, for all her knowledge, ever could, and I would be a hypocrite to judge you on your nature alone. However, I have an offer for you.” She stood up, and her form melted, shifting in an instant to that of a wolf, fur black as night with eyes of starlight and teeth of silver as she towered over him, the hot breath washing over his startled face. “I am Luna, Princess of the Moon. I felt you draw upon my power the moment you entered this world, and so long as you are in this world and draw strength from my moon, you will obey me as you would your Elder. This will make things simple. You may obey your laws, in service to me.”
Eyes wide as he stared at this wolf, this creature who seemed far too large to actually perch on the railing, too large to have fit in his room. Howls first words were perhaps, not the best. “L-Luna? Oh. Well... fuck me.”
Her eyes widened ever so slightly as she glanced down at her current body, then her stance changed completely. A predatory grin made its way to her features. “Maybe later.”
If it had been possible for a wolf to blush, Howls would have been bright enough to guide planes in for a landing. “N-not what I meant!” He said, standing up fully. “I mean, I thought your name was just, you know, a coincidence! I didn't think you were actually Luna.”
It was the Night Mare's turn to blush this time, though it seemed more in an insulted bitterness than embarrassment. “What else would I be? I control the moon itself, the night is my domain, and you child, you seem to draw on both. However, it matters little. All I ask from you is an oath, not of fealty, worship or tribute, but of guidance. I know not the laws you obey, but I know that your lack of knowledge cost you much, and nearly brought about a fate worse than you can imagine.” Her body shrank and melted once more, flowing back into that of a pony. “If you would consent, I will grant you a gift so I may guide you.”
Howls stared at Luna, the emerald glow of his eyes bright even in the light of the candle, silence strung between the two as she returned his gaze with the fathomless depths of an immortal.
“Alright. I will swear this oath, but I make this addendum to it: Regardless of the laws of your land, the two that I followed here are going to die should I so choose.”
For a long moment Luna stayed silent as she considered his words until she at last nodded. “I agree to this. Those two will be dealt with by your laws.”
“Agreed. Now, what is this oath I must say?”
“No actual oath. Simply let our essences mingle, and I will grant you this gift.” A hoof rose, a faint light beginning to shine in a corona around it, silver, black and blue energy whirling as she looked expectantly at Howls.
Howls held up his own paw, his brow furrowed in concentration as he struggled to bring his Gnosis to the fore, eventually leaking out a trickle of energy that gradually began to form a orb of energy that swirled with green, red and blue light. Luna touched the orb with her hoof, an electric shock racing down Howl's limb as a gasp escaped his jaw, the orb and her energy vanishing, leaving behind only the candle's warm glow.
“Interesting...” She said, seeming to gaze at him with renewed interest, a slight smile on her lips. “You've done this before. You are a strange one, Howls-With-Laughter. The demons you pursue aside, I will be watching you with great interest. Do make it a worthwhile show, will you not?”
“Wait, you're always going to be watching me?” He asked as he shuffled from side to side. “Because I have to say that would be kinda creepy.”
Luna didn't answer as her horn glowed, a whip of silver light flowing from it to touch on Howls brow, shining a circle of silver, filling one half of it with the same light. “You were born under the half-moon...a balance between the light and the dark, the fury and the calm.” She said, peering at the symbol with a critical eye. Then a grin. “Not bad.”
A heartbeat later she vanished, only a faint trail of smoke slipping under the door marked her passage, leaving Howls alone in the room once more.
“...Son of a bitch! She took the last cupcakes!”
--
“So much for that ten dollars I’m never getting back.” said the beast, ten feet tall and rippling with muscle as it strode down the path waking upon two legs, idly letting the massive blade slung across its shoulder ring against one of the bars of the cages the duo passed.
“For what?” replied the much smaller man, and indeed he was a man, with his blond hair slicked back from his pale, angular face as he walked beside the giant, thumbs hooked into his pockets as he stopped before a barred cell meeting the burning gaze of a horned devil with four equine legs chained to the floor and crucified upon the wall.
“He told me we would never see anything stranger than an Unseelie Satyr’s love pit. Now? Here we are, standing in a hell containing some of the most tame looking demons I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t even stink... I think something mopped here recently, I smell old soap.”
“Heh... yeah. Well hey, who looks like they would crack with the least amount of trouble? I think I saw an honest to goodness gargoyle dog... I want to play with it.” The man’s fingers twitched, and rippled as though something other dwelled beneath his skin.
“Yeah, this is a fucking weird ass nightmare, not sure what kind of Unseelie shithead dreamed this up but I’m never coming to the dreaming again. When we wake up remind me to learn a Gift so I never have to sleep. I will trade ten shades of sanity to not have to deal with this cutesy play-pen hell ever again.”
“I think that pixie looks fun.”
“You’re a sick fuck Sutre.”
In the distance, a rumble could be heard, a faint crack of light, real, true light, not the flickering embers of dying violet flames, could be seen. From that crack between the doors of Tartarus came a voice, one all too familiar to them both.
“Uncle. Its been a long time...”