//------------------------------// // The City of the Immortals // Story: The Legend of the God-Hunter // by BobThePlaneswalker //------------------------------// Celestia remained petrified atop the platform as she stared into the darkness. The air was cold, dry, and devoid of scents. She forced herself to illuminate her horn. The lighting revealed tall columns that circled around the pedestal. “Hello?” she called out. Her words bounced through the city but it offered no response. An opening in the columns revealed a brick road that led into the city. The road was in pristine condition. After all this time it had not been spoiled by weeds, dust, or feet. At the edge of her light, shadows pranced about. Her stomach churned. She pulled her gaze away and tightened her muscles. No more. It had to end here. She started down the brick road. Her demons scraped at her mind, eager to enter her thoughts but she refused to give her focus to them. Instead she imagined re-uniting with Luna. She pictured herself helping Luna to bash open a Nightmare Moon pinata and consume the delicious cake that its belly would hold. She followed the road into the city. Tall buildings of marble towered over her on each side. Most of their entrances were raised from the road by stone steps and guarded by columns. The doorways were artfully decorated, many with gold. Even the road was separated into sections by painstakingly designed archways. She continued to a large white building at the center of the city. She focused the light from her horn into a beam and investigated the structure. Its walls formed a circular perimeter. They rose at least one hundred feet into the air before they curved into one another, forming a flat surface on top of which sat a temple. The temple's walls, like many of the structures in Ifringale, consisted of a multitude of marble columns which wrapped around it, holding up a marble ring. She could hear faint voices barking at one another in the back of her mind. She directed her light to the building's large doorway. She pressed it open and entered the halls which circled around the complex. She followed them to a hallway that led into the center of the building where the control room for the city's life support system was located. When she entered the room she found a large metal assembly that held a gemstone the size of a house above her head. Four pillars rose from the ground surrounding the gemstone. They rose above its peak and curved downwards until they were pointing straight at the top of the gem. There was a gap between the ends of the pillars and connection points which protruded from the Gem's assembly. She set herself directly under it and extended a stream of energy from her horn to its base. The energy flowed to its core causing it to hum. Once enough energy had collected it spread out to the edges of the gem. The energy moved from the gem to its assembly where the connectors sluggishly extended to the pillars. They connected causing the floor to rumble. She cut off her beam as the pillars shrieked. Multihued streams of light traveled along them directly into the gem. It answered the shriek with a roar of its own. She shielded her eyes as it grew brighter and fired a beam through an opening in the ceiling. Energy traveled along the assembly to the walls, lighting the structure's torches as it went and illuminating the halls. She exited the control room and trotted to the stairway that led to the temple above. She could feel the memories she had sought so long to abolish stirring. Her limbs quaked. Part of her wanted to turn away and leave the city. No... she couldn't do that. She needed to overcome this. She ascended the stairs, climbing for a few minutes until the white light from the exit came into view. She stepped out into the rooftop temple and stared across it. A platform stood far below her at the temple's center surrounded by circular rows of seating. Each row rose from the one before it to allow optimal viewing of the platform. Far above the temple there hovered a white ball of light that illuminated the city. She stepped down the stairs to the top row and took a seat. She could hear the voices all around her now. She closed her eyes and surrendered her thoughts. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Kilia dashed down the steps, weaving between the various hooves, claws, and paws of the immortals. She hopped atop a table and glanced across the crowd for her seat. At the other end of the temple she saw the silver mane and dark blue eyes of her goofy looking little half-dragon companion poking out above the table. She leapt down and followed the pathways until she emerged just behind him. Even as small as she was, her companion stood at only three quarters of her height. His unkempt mane hung down from his head. His snout was closer to a beak than anything else. He had brown pony ears that poked out of his mane, towering over two stubby horns. A patch of brown fur covered his back, spreading from his neck to his shoulders, over his comically small dragon wings, and down to the base of his hindquarters where his tail began. A dark cyan set of scales separated his furry back from his tan belly. He stood atop a set of hooves, flipping the little poof of fur at the end of his tail. He was on a youth booth, nervously twitching his focus around the temple as the rest of the immortals poured in. Kilia hopped up beside him. “Hey Reiky!” He jumped from his seat and fell into the walkway. He looked up at her with wide eyes. “Hey Kilia,” he squeaked. She giggled. “Thou art so jittery. Thou shouldst learn to keep thyself calm.” “Sorry. I'll try.” He pulled himself off of the ground and hopped back onto the booth. She peered over the table towards the platform where her father sat. He was absent of all the nervous ticks he had been giving off just moments before their arrival. Now he sat calm and confident atop the stand surrounded by ten of his highest ranking sentinels. Immediately to the left of him sat a light brown stag by the name of Volinkar. Like Father, he sat tall, his stout chest raised and his magnificent antlers perfectly cared for. To Father's right sat a female alicorn by the name of Arianna. She had a loosely braided charcoal mane, a maroon coat and magenta eyes. She was a perfect balance of strength and beauty. Kilia absolutely adored her. Behind them sat the Director of the Sentinels, a towering dragon by the name of Narissa. She laid upon the platform, head raised above the others as she scanned across the crowd. She had a glare that always made Kilia feel as though she could see the very thoughts that traveled through her head. Kilia looked to Rei. “Was thy mother on edge?” He glanced to Narissa and nodded. “Father was too. I've never seen him like he was when I got home. I fear something terrible has happened.” Rei twitched his attention to her. “Dost thou think it will be alright?” She noticed his rapid breathing and smiled. “Of course. Father will make it right. Thou shalt see.” She patted him on the back. Once the crowd had settled into place, Father knocked his hoof upon the table. “I ask for silence everycreature.” The flurry of voices evaporated leaving nothing but the hum of the complex filling the air. Father took a deep breath, allowing the silence to hold for a moment, and cleared his throat. “Some of you are already aware. Today it was confirmed that Olran is no longer with us.” A cold silence set about the temple. “A ceremony will be held for him tomorrow.” “And what of the God-Hunter?” a voice barked form behind Kilia. She turned to see the griffon Gerrol standing above the others. “Please, now is not the time,” Father replied. “If not now, when? This is the third death in just two months!” A low rumble traveled over the crowd as Narissa raised to her feet. “All the more reason to stifle talks of fairy tales,” she hissed. “Fairy tales?!” Gerrol snapped. “We know what thee and thy sentinels found. Not but bones and a locket remained of poor Olran. Hast thou forgotten that the God-Hunter consumes his victim's flesh to gain their magic? Every death thus far has fit his behavior.” Narissa fired a glare at Gerrol that could set solid stone alight. Father raised his hooves to placate her. “Please Director.” She ignored him. “Thou dost not know this as thou stayest nestled safely within Ifringale's womb but the consumption of flesh is not an uncommon occurrence on Gaea's surface.” “DIRECTOR NARISSA!” Father shouted. She tore her gaze from Gerrol and met Father's furious scolding. She let out a frustrated series of clicks and laid back onto the stand. Father turned his glare to Gerrol. “Gerrol, I remind thee that many of those around thee have lost family. Choose more carefully thy words.” Gerrol hung his head and fell back into his seat. Father softened his expression. “I acknowledge that many similarities can be found between the recent deaths and the behavior attributed to the God-Hunter, but as Director Narissa was attempting to say, those similarities are not significant enough to warrant using a legend as crucial evidence in our investigation. Brothers, sisters, I ask ye for faith. We are working tirelessly to find and neutralize the cause of these atrocities.” An elder minotaur stood. “We have not the resources to neutralize this threat Father. We are too few. We must use the mortals.” A flurry of agreements came from the crowd. Father gave a stern shake of the head. “The oath is very clear about our duties. It is not Gaea's will that we rule her mortal children. I will hear nothing more of this. What we need now is vigilance and caution. I beg ye to schedule your trips outside of the city with the Sentinels so that escorts may be assigned. Stay in groups.” He glanced across the crowd. “If there are no more pressing matters to bring forth, I have much I must discuss with the Sentinels.” The crowd remained silent. “Be well brothers and sisters.” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Celestia stared across the empty temple. Portions of her brain ignited, lighting up parts of her memory that had been locked away for centuries. She walked to the temple's edge and gazed across the city. As she scanned over the buildings a castle caught her attention. Her heart raced and her stomach knotted up. She ducked behind the wall and buried her head in her hooves. She focused down her breathing and relaxed her stomach. Once she had control of herself she returned to her feet and navigated along the perimeter of the temple, cautious to keep the castle out of her view. At the edge of the city she saw a large cavern opening. Parts of her memory flickered. Her heart raced but this time her willpower held firm against the looming panic attack. She vaulted from the temple and flew to the cavern. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Kilia sat in a large underground family room. The fireplace was giant, triple the size of any of the other fireplaces in Ifringale. A bellowing flame rested in it, illuminating the room. She was at a small table, seated directly across from Rei. Mages and Monsters sat between them. She stared at the board but her mind was too focused on her father and Director Narissa to process her next move. She glanced towards the massive doorway they had disappeared into. “Um, Kilia?” Rei inquired. She looked back to him. “Yes?” “'Tis thy turn.” “I know.” She looked down to the board. The faint voice of Narissa permeated through the doorway. “Art thou alright?” Rei asked. She looked at him and smiled. “Let's go see what Father and Director Narissa are talking about.” Rei drew back. “What?” “I want to know what's going on. We can use an ethereal spell to pass through the door. They'll never know we left this room.” “But —” Rei glanced to the door and back to Kilia “— they told us to stay here!” “So? After that meeting art thou not interested to hear what they're talking about?” He shook his head. “Not that interested. They'll see us and we'll get in trouble.” “Oh that's right, I forgot that thou art still a baby. Alright we shall stay.” “I'm not a baby!” he snapped. She grinned. “Prove it.” He looked to the door and gave a whimper. “Thou didst learn to go ethereal, did thee not?” “Yeah, but...” He looked to the door, then back to her. “Oh fine.” With a yip, she dashed towards the door and motioned to him. They went ethereal and passed through. Once they were on the other side she stopped, stuck out a hoof to halt Rei, and motioned for silence. The voices of her father and Narissa traveled down the hall. She followed them, coming to a corner around which a pool of light flooded across the floor. “'Tis them!” Narissa hissed. “'Tis a ploy to force their political agenda with fear. They've never had shame. 'Twas only a matter of time before they graduated to murder.” “I agree that the culprit, or culprits, most likely reside within their camp,” Father replied. “So then let us take action. We shall start with that fool Terrak. 'Tis no question of his feelings on the matter.” “Being a proponent of the mortal draft does not ensure his guilt Sister. We only suspect them of orchestrating this and furthermore, I can assure you that not all of their camp is involved. For now we continue to fight on the political front. If we are able to find conclusive evidence to connect members of their party to these crimes I will grant thee license to arrest.” “Don't be a fool Brother. Push them into a corner and it will only get worse. They will strike at thy life if they are allowed the chance.” “Then we will take every precaution possible to ensure that their attempts fail. Each of their failures will bring us closer to the culprits.” “Thou wouldst dare risk thy life for these fools?” “What other options do I have? I will not prevent a crime by preemptively committing the exact same crime.” There was a low growl followed by silence. Kilia heard the clops of her father's hooves. Her and Rei spun around to slink away. Narissa's voice caught up to them. “I suspect that little filly of thine is making thee soft.” Father's hoofsteps stopped, as did Kilia's. Rei turned back and tugged on her. “We've got to go!” “Hast thou told her of her mother?” Narissa inquired. No reply came from Father. “I thought as much.” Narissa's claws clicked off of the ground. Kilia broke from her petrification and bolted past Rei. He clambered after her as the adults drew closer to the corner. Both went ethereal, flew through the doorway and dashed towards the table. Kilia leapt into the air and landed perfectly at her seat. Rei attempted to slow down, resulting in a slide that sent him flying into his pillow. The door opened, revealing Father and Narissa as Rei laid upside down on the floor across from Kilia. Narissa cocked a brow. “Why art thou on the floor fledgling?” “Ummm...” Rei swallowed. “She's, uh, she's really good at this game.” Narissa walked over and inspected the board. Fortunately Kilia had been handing out quite a decisive butt-kicking prior to the venture. “Hmm —” Narissa looked to Kilia and smiled “— I'm impressed little one. Reikavra is no pushover when it comes to Mages and Monsters. Matching him speaks greatly of thy intellect. Thou wilt be a wonderful asset for Ifringale.” Kilia gave a nervous smile. “Thank thee Director Narissa.” Her father's shadow fell over her. She turned her head up to bring him into view. His confident smile was gone and his eyes looked ready to spill tears. She pressed against his leg and sent him the most uplifting smile she knew. He returned a weak smile, raised her onto his back and turned for the door. “Be well Sister,” he murmured. Kilia glanced back to see a victorious smile cross Narissa's face. “Be well Brother.” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Celestia left the cavern and took to the air. As she was flying, the castle passed into view. She gasped and stalled out. She frantically flailed her legs as she lost altitude. She put a hoof up to block the castle from view and made a rolling landing on one of the rooftops. She stayed hunkered down to catch her breath. Once she had relaxed, she rolled onto her belly and rose to her feet with the castle at her back. She noticed one of the Academy's towers peaking out from a group of buildings. She could feel a lump forming in her throat. She turned away and fought to prevent it from worsening. She slammed her hoof on the ground. You have to do this Celestia. She glared at the academy and thrust her wings open. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Immortals of all shapes and sizes bustled about the academy halls. Kilia was practically full grown and she was in her now mastered empowered form. She weaved around the others as she headed for the administrative wing. Once she arrived at the head office, she stepped in. A female bear by the name of Borrimsia sat at the front desk scribbling through some parchment. “Take thy seat,” she muttered, “I shall be with thee in a moment.” “Okay,” Kilia replied. Borrimsia's eyes leapt from her work. She threw a paw over her mouth. “Kilia! Oh dear. Please grant me thy forgiveness. I was not thinking.” “Uh —” Kilia gave her a blank stare “— of course.” Borrimsia rose and lumbered down a hallway of meeting rooms. “This way.” Kilia stayed glued to her seat. Her legs trembled. When Borrimsia turned around to look at her the color faded from her face. Kilia glanced towards the door. “I've got-uh, a t-test. Maybe I should go t-take it. I'll c-... come back after.” Borrimsia's features drooped. “I don't think that's a good idea honey.” She glanced between the meeting room and Kilia. She opened her mouth to speak but it took her three tries to get any words out. “I'll have him come to thee.” The door to the hallway opened and another group of young immortals stepped in. Kilia shielded her face from them and ran towards the meeting room. Borrimsia pressed the door open to grant her a quick escape. Kilia could see Director Volinkar seated at the other end of the table but she avoided making eye contact with him. Borrimsia held the door open for a moment as she had a silent exchange with Volinkar. Kilia kept her back to the door and nervously padded at the floor with her hooves until she heard it shut. Volinkar cleared his throat. “Kilia...” She glanced at him. She could see his mind churning for the right words. That was all it took for the floodgates to break. “No, —” she stared down at the floor and resumed padding “— noooo, no, no, no.” Warm tears ran down her cheeks. “My deepest sympathies Kilia,” Volinkar said. He remained silent as she wept. Once the sobs slowed enough for her to speak she looked up from the floor to one of the paintings that hung on the far wall. “I think... I think I knew. Father would have never left Umie and I without telling us. He would never have left Ifringale alone for this long.” Volinkar pulled up his satchel and shuffled through it. “Here, —” he laid a small tapestry on the table “— he had this with him.” She pulled it over. It depicted her, Umie, and Father. Father sat directly in front of the fireplace with her at his side. His foreleg hung around her shoulders and her head rested upon his. Atop his head was Umie. She hid in his mane with a mischievous grin, almost entirely concealed. “He loved thee Kilia,” Volinkar said. “The few times I succeeded in getting him to take a break, all I heard about was thee.” She smiled. “Did —” she let out a sob “— did he die well?” Volinkar nodded. “I believe so. From the evidence we found it looked as though it was very peaceful. His body will be present at the ceremony. He still has the same grace and magnificence that he had in life.” She pressed at the curled edges of the tapestry. “Good.” “There's something I'd like to discuss with thee. Something for thou to thinkest about. It was made clear by Father that he wished thou be granted an opportunity to inherit the position of Keeper. I want to be sure that thou hast had ample time to consider the offer.” Kilia nodded. “He told me, back when he made the decision. I'm going to accept. He believed in me and I will reward his faith.” Volinkar nodded. “Thou art very brave Kilia.” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Celestia left the academy and trudged through the alleys of Ifringale. The weight atop her shoulders grew as the walls in her mind crumbled. Cries from the Immortals echoed through her head. Some of love, more of hate. Even in its abandoned state, the city made her feel as though she was being watched. The city was always scrutinizing, always judging. She walked a very specific route. She knew precisely where she was going, she just couldn't bring herself to rush there. The alleys had kept her destination out of sight but the main road was just ahead. She stepped out into the street, keeping her head down. She took a deep breath and raised it, bringing her father's castle into view. She took a step forward. The phantoms raced out from alleyways and from over the buildings. They swarmed her, hissing and shrieking as they did. She dived into one of the buildings and hid. She filled her mind with memories of the beautiful autumn leaves, blissfully waving back and forth. The hissing and shrieking died away. She opened her eyes. When she took in the building's interior her brain lit up. She looked to the far wall where a masterfully hidden portal took residence. She knew that portal. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Kilia sat amongst her council. They formed a circle which began and ended at her sides. Sentinels decorated the room keeping careful eyes on the entry points. At one side of the main door stood Director Volinkar, at the other, Sentinel Arianna. An Oxen, Counselor Zigar, stood from his seat. “Four more bloodlines have pulled their children from the Sentinels.” Counselor Sai, an elder wolf, grumbled. “The citizen's frustrations are growing by the day.” Kilia nodded. “They have every right to be angry. We've lost far too many.” The elder doe that sat at Celestia's right shoulder, Cassandra, dropped her gaze. “Perhaps we've reached a point at which we must bend to their will.” The elder Lioness, Yire, who sat directly across from Kilia shook her head. “The commanding of mortals is an action that cannot be managed. Our brothers and sisters will spread across the world, far from our view. Abuse of their power is inevitable. Father was right to rule the mortal draft out as an option.” Kilia raised herself to her full stature. “She is right. To bend now is to fail Mother Gaea. Our only option is to catch those responsible for this chain of murders and put them into custody.” Sai shook his head. “My Keeper, the Sentinels have exhausted everything at their disposal and still we are left without a single clue. There is nothing more that they can do.” “I am aware,” Kilia replied. “That is why I shall volunteer myself as bait.” The council's stunned eyes fell on her. Even Director Volinkar betrayed a bit of horror. “The Sentinels believe that the culprits may be committing these crimes in an attempt to force us into executing the mortal draft. If that is true, then I stand as the greatest barrier to their success. I'm an attractive target for them, maybe attractive enough that they'll take a chance on revealing themselves to slay me.” Zigar shook his head. “The risk is to great. We cannot lose thee Keeper.” Kilia shook her head. “What we cannot do is stand by while more of our brothers and sisters are slain.” There was a knock on the main entrance. Director Volinkar opened the door to reveal one of his sentinels. He listened as the sentinel whispered into his ear. He gave a nod and sent the sentinel away. Kilia met his eyes. “What is it Director?” “A riot approaches my Keeper. 'Tis larger than normal.” Kilia nodded. “Evacuate the Council. I wish not to take a chance.” “My Keeper,” Councilmen Sai began, “We shall never get anything done if we scurry into hiding every time one of these arises.” “Noted Counselor,” Kilia replied. “I shall consider thy concern. However my decision on this particular meeting is final. Please allow the Sentinels to escort ye to safety.” Volinkar and Arianna slipped out the main entrance. The sentinels formed a perimeter around the council. Two moved into position at the main entrance. Once they received Volinkar's signal they began filing the council out the doorway, a pair of sentinels escorting each member. As Kilia grew closer to the door, Reikavra, also in his fully empowered form, fell from the remaining ranks of the perimeter and moved into position ahead of her. They exited the room and followed the others as they filed down the hallway. Kilia sensed a spike in energy. She threw an enhancement spell on her ears and scanned the area. She picked up a low buzzing and dropped to the ground. “Get down!” The party dropped to the floor just the buzzing sped over her head. It stopped with a thwack. Counselor Zigar let out a howl of pain. A bolt was protruding from his back. It glowed and sparked. One of the sentinels grabbed for it. “Get back!” he shouted. He was able to just get his claws around it before it exploded, permanently silencing him and Zigar. The air erupted with the sound of projectiles, both magical and physical. Sentinels shouted commands to one another, taking defensive positions around the council. Kilia surrounded herself in her barrier as a volley of projectiles soared towards her. The stream pounded her shielding, forcing her back. Volinkar leapt into position beside her. He followed the stream to its source and unleashed a white ray from his horns. There was a wave of screams and the stream of projectiles stopped. Before she could drop her shield and join the fight, another stream emerged from the smoke. Rei leapt to her side and swept across the source with a beam of dark blue energy. “They're targeting the Keeper!” Volinkar nodded. “Understood. Kervak, scout our exit.” A hippogriff flew from the ranks into the smoke. He returned and landed in front of Volinkar. “Tis not good Director. The riot is engulfing the building. We may wish to warp.” Volinkar shook his head. “They planned this. There is too great a risk that they have a trap in place for us if we warp.” Another volley of projectiles came soaring towards Kilia. This time she was able to sidestep and let loose a stun beam on the source before she was forced to throw up her barrier. Volinkar looked towards the back hallway, then locked eyes with Rei. “Roof access?” Rei inquired. Volinkar nodded. “We'll cover your escape. Once reinforcements arrive we'll make our way to meet you at the stronghold.” Rei dashed to a line of winged sentinels. “Keeper's guard, with me!” He led them to Kilia and bowed to her. “We must retreat. 'Tis too dangerous here.” Kilia shook her head. “These sentinels are outmatched as is. I will not allow the numbers to swing any farther in the enemy's favor.” Volinkar gave her a stern glare. “Thou art the keystone to this entire order. Thou mustest leave with Sentinel Reikavra.” She looked over the line. A volley of torpedoes flew through the smoke. She engaged her shield just in time to stop them from colliding with her chest. The impact forced her to stumble backwards. Volinkar unleashed a ray on the source and turned a look of desperation to her. “Please Keeper!” She gave a short growl and faced Rei. “Are we ready then?” He nodded. “Yes, thank you.” She met Volinkar's eyes. “I pray we meet again Director.” The Sentinels formed around her and shielded her from the battle. She pulled a wave of energy from within her body and collected it into a spell which she fired towards the ceiling. Their party shielded their eyes as it erupted with a blinding flash. She followed the squadron as they retreated into a hall that led to the center of the building. The shriek of an alert spell sounded from the battle. Rei put a hoof over his mouth and signaled to Kilia who cast a visibility barrier. They followed the hall to a four way intersection. Rei peered out into the intersection. He snapped back and motioned for them to back away. The sound of pounding reverberated from the left hall. An aura of dark blue light surrounded Rei and he disappeared with a snap. The pounding grew louder until a large gorilla covered from head to foot in enchanted armor barreled into the intersection. He gave a few sniffs, and stared down their hallway. An alarm sounded from the right hall, prompting the gorilla let out a roar and take off after it. Once the beast had disappeared Rei snapped back to the front of the group. He peered down the hall and gave a quick motion with his hoof. They followed him across the intersection and ascended a stairwell. Rei poked his head out into the next hallway and directed the rest of the squadron past him. When he left the stairwell, a reptile dropped from the ceiling and dashed down the stairs blaring an alert spell. Rei cursed and disappeared. With a pop and a spatter the alarm was silenced. Kilia pointed towards the end of the hall. “We must make a break for it!” The sentinels took her sides as they dashed towards the entrance to the roof. The wall just before the entrance exploded and spilled a cloud of dust into the hallway. The party raised their shields just as a volley of spells slammed into them. “They're behind us too!” one of the sentinels called. “Orders?” another shouted. Rei appeared out of Kilia's peripheral. He scanned over the scene before them. “Marx, thou shalt hold point with the Keeper. The rest hold the flank. I shall attempt to clear a path.” With a flash he was gone. Kilia held firm as the assailants battered her shield. Dark blue flashes peaked through the smoke followed by a series of shouts. The battering slowed but thundering cracks were still blasting behind her. “Avad!” a sentinel shouted. Kilia glanced behind. The three sentinels holding the flank were getting hammered by torpedoes. Avad's shield was covered in cracks. A torpedo emerged from the smoke and delivered the final blow, shattering it. The next landed directly at his feet. He didn't even have time to scream. The others fell back, struggling to make up for his absence. Kilia left Marx to come to their aid. With her added might the shield held firm against the volleys but she couldn't leave Marx without support. She turned to the alicorn at her left as the explosions erupted around them. “I shall hold this. Aid Marx.” He brought a hoof to his ear. “AID MARX!” There was a loud explosion behind them and something spattered against her backside. The alicorn to her left turned and attempted to redeploy his shield but a beam pierced his head. Kilia redistributed her shielding evenly around her body. She extended a wing to the Wyvern that held position at her side. He moved towards her but a bolt caught him in the chest before he could reach her. He looked up to her, shook his head, and dashed into the smoke at their flank. An explosion proceeded a group of screams. His sacrifice slowed the assaults from behind but she was still forced to hunker down under the onslaught coming from ahead. The blasts came in groups, no more than a blink of an eye apart from one another. There was no window for a counter attack. With a flash Rei appeared before her. He weaved between shots, managing to get three of his own torpedoes off before being forced to parry one of the enemy's straight into the wall beside him. The blast hurled him through the opposite wall but he had bought her an opening. She pulled all the power from her shielding and unleashed it as a petrification wave. Once the voices of the opposition had faded she stopped and gasped for air. “Reiky,” she weezed, “Art thou still there?” She heard a moan come from the hole he had left in the wall. She took a step forward just as a roar thundered from the stairs. Something pounded through the smoke towards her. She let loose a burst of torpedoes but it had no effect on the pounding. The armored gorilla erupted from the smoke. Rei's tail swung out from the hole and wrapped around its foot as it passed. It tumbled forward, pulling him out of the wall with it. It grabbed him and slammed him against the wall. It raised its free arm into a massive fist. Kilia bounded forward and unleashed a buck into its raised shoulder, forcing it off balance. Rei used the opportunity to slide out of its grasp. He leapt up and jammed his horn into its visor. A burst of dark blue light shined through every crevice in its helmet. It stood still for one last moment before toppling to the ground. Kilia gave a shiver when what remained of its head drained out of the helmet. Rei leaned against the wall and gave a groan as he made some magical field treatments to his wounds. He glanced at Kilia. “Give me thy cloak.” She shook her head. “No, we go together.” He growled. “Kilia thou art all that holds the mortal's freedom in place. Without thee, everything falls apart. Stop being a fool.” “What of thee? Thou wilt die.” “It matters not. Even if I fall, 'tis all worth it so long as thou art safe. The liberty of the mortals is far more valuable than my life.” She shook her head. “There is another way, I know there is. I just need time to think.” Rei's aura enveloped him as he formed himself into an identical copy of her. “This is what I was trained to do Kilia,” he said, now wielding her voice. “I took an oath uphold my duties, no matter the cost, as didst thou if I am not mistaken.” Her resolve melted. She pulled the cloak off and hovered it over to him. He wrapped it around himself and nodded. “Once I've got their attention, backtrack to the main entrance and head for the underground passage.” She stared off to the stairway and gave a defeated nod. “We shall see one another again Kilia.” She heard his hooves gallop off towards the entrance to the roof. An armada of alarm spells sounded followed by an orchestra of explosions that rumbled the building. She cast her stealth spells and stayed off to the side of the hall as a squadron of assailants passed her. Once the hall was clear she made her way back to the main entrance. She cringed when she saw what had become of the battle. She whimpered, pointed her attention to the floor, and flew out across the remains. She saw, laying on the floor with their forelegs wrapped around one another, the bodies of Director Volinkar and Counselor Cassandra. There was air of peace about them. The strength left her wings and she stumbled out of the main doorway. She collected herself, shoving her emotions to the back of her mind. There were still rioters lining the streets but it looked as though a good portion had fallen for the decoy. She refocused her stealth spells and slipped past the remnants. She proceeded down the street until she could see her father's castle standing in the distance, separated from her by hundreds of immortals which surrounded the fleeting group of sentinels. The group looked to be in danger. They were gravely outnumbered by the assailants and there were more rioters muddying their path to the stronghold. She remembered Rei's words, remembered her oath, and remembered her little sibling who was most certainly trapped within Father's castle. She pulled her attention away from the sentinels and dived into a lonely looking little building. She made for the back wall and imprinted a set of ruins on her horn. She pressed her horn against the wall and watched as it rippled. She gave one last glance around her to be certain that there were no creatures observing her and passed through. The screening room was dark. That shouldn't be. She threw up her shield and backed towards the portal. She prodded it with her back leg. It was solid. She expended some energy to enhance her hearing but all she could sense was silence. She stepped forward, instantly sensing pressure on her shield. Some mass was enveloping her, shield and all! She leapt from the spot and took off into the air. Three perfectly aimed torpedoes slammed into her shield. With her focus split her shield shattered. She thrust her wings to make a quick increase in altitude just as a torpedo passed underneath. It crashed into the wall behind her and sent her barreling towards the ground. She landed with a roll and stood up. She cast her shield before another torpedo was fired directly at her chest. Once again she fell silent and listened. She could hear hoofsteps moving their way to her right. They turned directly towards her and quadrupled their pacing. She waited until they were in range and threw a buck directly at them. Her hooves caught only air. Her assailant slid under her and sent two simultaneous blows directly into her ribcage. The force propelled her into the air. She forced herself to ignore the pain and thrust her wings to direct herself off to the side as a beam came sweeping across. She managed to save her body but the beam sliced off the end of her left wing. She spiraled downward and rolled across the ground, tossing her shield up as the beam came again, this time aimed directly between her eyes. Again the room fell silent. She gave her horn a small illumination but it didn't aid her sight. It was as though something was consuming every bit of light in the room. She tried instead to send out a detection wave. It revealed an out of place bubble just off to her left. She bounded to the side and directed a stun beam at the bubble. She was met with the searing of her beam on marble. She pulled back as the assailant's beam seared her right foreleg. She cast her shield, holding the leg uselessly at her side. She scoured her brain for possible options. Her injured limbs were trembling. Her mobility had taken some serious damage. If she didn't turn this around fast... Something was attempting to engulf her again. She leapt out of it. This time as she lunged a pair of magically propelled limbs crashed through her shield and hammered her in the face. She spun across the room. When she slid to a stop she raised her shield and struggled to her feet, barely able keep herself steady. Her ears were ringing, her eyes were watering and her face throbbed. She spread her stance to hold herself in place. What could she do? She was in no state to dodge and her opponent was far too fast to hit with a preemptive strike. There was just no way she could lower her shield without taking significant damage. She could feel herself being surrounded again. She had to do something. Something different. She cast a detection spell and successfully located a bubble just off to her right. She turned towards it and loaded up her back legs. She held the forward part of her shield in place and used the energy from the back to propel herself towards her opponent. She rocketed off from the ground, feeling a slither along her backside as whatever was trying to engulf her attempted to pull her back in. She pressed through the torpedoes and slammed into her opposition. There was a growl paired with cracking bones as she collided with the wall. She dropped her shield and pressed her hoof down until she felt a fleshy body. She summoned forth her energy and cast a silencing spell on it. She illuminated her horn. The light pushed away the darkness as though it were a cloud of smoke. She swung it around, clearing away the rest of the darkness to reveal Sentinel Arianna. Kilia's limbs grew weak. She fell backwards and landed on her side. “Wh-what?” she gasped. “Sentinel Ari-... why?” Arianna squeezed her eyes shut forcing a tear down her cheek. “I'm sorry,” she rasped. “I never wanted it to come to this. I loved thee Kilia. I loved thee, but thou has become a monster.” Kilia trembled. “Wh-What? What dost thou mean?” “I mean thy cursed obsession with thy father's perfect world.” Her brow furrowed. “I've seen what becomes of them. Those who are sacrificed to maintain his ideals. I had to do something!” She turned a glare towards Kilia. “Thou hast no right to sacrifice their lives Kilia.” Her head fell to the floor. “Thou hadst such potential,” she rasped. “What happened to thee?” Kilia shuddered. “I-I...” The entrance to the stronghold burst open and three sentinels dashed in. The leader, a large chimera, approached Kilia and knelt beside her. “Keeper, art thou alright?” Kilia didn't respond. The chimera turned to Sentinel Arianna. “What has happened here?” Arianna winced as she forced herself onto her knee. “I have made an attempt on the Keeper's life Zaska.” “What?” Zaska looked back to Kilia in horror. “Is this true?” Kilia rose uneasily to her feet. “I-I must... I must go.” Zaska swallowed and gave her a nod. “I shall have a sentin-” “That will not be necessary,” Kilia blurted. Zaska stood at attention and nodded. “As thou wishest my Keeper.” Kilia glanced at Arianna. She tried to pull forth something to say but she felt the combustible ball of emotions in her chest threatening meltdown every time she attempted to activate her vocal chords. Instead she hung her head and retreated into the stronghold. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Celestia stared at the wall. Out of her peripheral she saw a creature move behind a pillar. “Hello?” She threw up her shield and moved to investigate. She checked behind the pillar but there was only shadows. She cast a detection spell which suggested that nothing living was within range. She gave a shiver and looked back to the wall. She felt that same ball of emotion Kilia had felt that day building up inside of her chest. She moved towards the hidden portal and imprinted the code along her horn. With a tap, the wall rippled and the portal opened. She stepped through it into the screening room. It was well lit. A table stood at the center and a large desk to the side of a door. She moved past the table and latched her aura around the door. As she opened it she heard a rasp emanate from behind the desk. She peered at it. She could see the shadow of something behind it. Cautiously she approached. Sentinel Arianna came into view, laying on the floor. She gave another rasping breath. Celestia's heart pounded in her chest. Slowly Arianna turned towards her. “Tyrant.” Celestia staggered backwards and fell to the floor. She closed her eyes and attempted to rally her violent breaths. When she opened her eyes, Arianna was gone. She stayed on the floor for a while, her entire body moving with every breath. The combustible mass of emotions holding in her chest had grown to match those she had felt that day. Her head was throbbing. She could barely even think. She looked towards the portal. No. This was for Luna. There would be no more running. She returned to her feet and headed towards the entrance to the stronghold. The main lobby was empty. She took a deep breath and continued to the Keeper's chamber. As she progressed, she caught movements, heard footsteps and whispers but she refused to let them distract her. When she finally arrived at the Chamber she faced down the door as it dared her to open it. Her mind flared and she grasped the handle in her aura. She took three deep breaths and thrust it open. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Kilia stood in her chamber beside her bed as a group of faeries tended to her wounds. To her side sat Yire. “How many made it back safely?” Kilia asked. Yire watched the faeries work. “Of the council, just Sai, Kolak, and myself remain. Of the sentinels, seven of them made it. Four of that seven are seriously wounded and receiving treatment.” Kilia closed her eyes and shuddered. “They've given us, given thee, an ultimatum.” Kilia opened her eyes and looked to her. “What is it?” “They promise to relent their assault and do us no harm if thou wouldst agree to exile.” “I see...” She hung her head. “What am I to do Yire?” “This is not my decision to make my Keeper. I am sorry but I can be of no assistance to thee. Thou mustest make this decision alone.” There was a knock at the door. Yire addressed the faeries. “Is it done?” They nodded. “Alright.” She laid a paw on Kilia's shoulder. “I wish thee well my Keeper. We shall be on our way for now but, shouldst thou need us, we will not be far.” Kilia nodded. They opened the door and exited as Rei hobbled in. He closed the door and paced in front of Kilia. “I've volunteered to assume the role of Director until we can get the sentinels back into a state of order. If thou hast another suggestion for the position I'd be happy to summon them but, none of the other leaders have expressed any interest in stepping up.” “I'm glad thou art alright,” Kilia murmured. He stopped and stared at her. “Uh... Yeah, I'm glad thou art alright as well.” He cleared his throat. “So, the position of Director, thou hast a say in the matter. Wouldst thou prefer another?” She gazed into his dark blue eyes. “They've given me an ultimatum.” His tail flicked off of the floor. “I'm aware. 'Tis backed by an empty threat. We're underground. The walls have been fortified and enchanted to prevent any form of magical entry. If they want to get in, they're going to have to come through the front door. With that kind of a bottleneck we can easily overcome their unorganized militia. I promise thee Kilia, no assailant shall enter this stronghold. I don't care if I have to personally slaughter every creature that tries.” “No,” she whimpered, “No more death.” He stared at her with wide eyes and swallowed. “This is the first time thou hast witnessed things this bad. I understand. 'Tis normal to be unsettled by it.” She shook her head. “No, that's not it... This fighting, it all hinges on my word. The Sentinels enact my will. The Council, they simply provide advice. Ultimately it is I who makes the judgment. It is I who must doom to Styx those who are so strongly opposed to our way of thinking, and those who put their lives on the line to defend it. Rei, I -” her lip quivered “- I don't think I can do it anymore.” He brought a hoof to the bridge of his snout. “I thought thou intended to take up thy father's stand against the tyranny of immortals?” “I did, but not like this. I wanted to enlighten them, to guide them along a path of benevolence.” Her eye's shimmered in the firelight. “I've tried everything I know. None of it has worked. I just can't get through to them and now they're tearing one another apart. It's horrible.” “So what?” Rei rose to his feet and paced about the room. “Of course it hasn't turned out perfectly. Reality isn't perfect Kilia. The tyrants can't all be saved. This is about saving those that can. The rest must be fought. Some of those who are fought must be destroyed. That is reality. We have to fight for the liberty of mortals. We have to fight for what's right.” “Rei, there is nothing that says our way of thinking is justice. There's no guarantee that the immortals won't be able to responsibly co-exist with mortals. There's not even a guarantee that these immortals ruling would be a bad thing-” “Kilia thou canst not be that naive!” He glared at her. “Such a fate would b-” “Please listen to me! I do not disagree that that horrible things will probably come of it. My point is that such a way of thinking is just that, a way of thinking. If I allow others to die because they do not see things as I do then —” a tear ran down her face “— I've become the very thing I resolved to stand against. I've become a tyrant.” “So be it!” he snapped. “Such is the price of the mortal's liberty. There are those out there with absolutely no regard for their fellow creatures. No amount of persuasion or enlightenment will change them. The only way to stop them from hurting those around them is to turn their own weapons against them. If justice is to prevail, good creatures must sometimes do terrible things. If the mortal's liberty is to remain intact, then thou mustest be a tyrant.” Kilia sniffled and shook her head. “No. No I can't accept that. If thou art right Rei...” She let out a sob. “I can't do it.” He growled. “Thy father kept moving forward even when things grew dark. Why can't thee?” “Because, I am not my father! I've tried, I've tried so hard but I just can't keep going. I can't convince myself that this is right anymore.” He stuffed his head into his fore-legs and trembled. “Aaaagggghhhh! Thou art a coward!” He slammed his hooves down. “Thou art weak!” Her tearing eyes pleaded to him for understanding. He turned away with a scoff and headed towards the door. Before he exited, he looked back to her. “If thy father were to resurrect and see thee now the despair alone would send him back to his grave.” He turned away and stormed out with a slam of the door. She felt as though she had been kicked in the chest. The City hated her. The Council had abandoned her. One of her mentors wanted to kill her, the others were dead, and now she had lost the respect of her best friend. For the first time in her entire life, she felt utterly alone. She collapsed onto her bed and sobbed. After some time she felt a gentle nudge on her cheek. She opened her eyes to see the blue eyes of little Umie staring back at her. “Why art thou crying?” Umie asked. “I...” Kilia swallowed. “I'm a terrible creature.” “Nuh-uh!” Umie protested. “Thou art the most wondrous sister on all of Gaea!” She wrapped her tiny forelegs around Kilia. “Umie...” Kilia murmured. She wrapped Umie up and pressed her cheek to the filly's side. “Thou art lying. Thou art the most wondrous sister on all of Gaea.” She could feel the patter of Umie's heart against her cheek. It was so soothing. She never wanted to let her go. “Umie.” “Yes sister?” She pulled back to look her in the eyes. “I... I have to go away for a long time. Thou dost not have to but, if thou wouldst come with me... I'm just so afraid of being alone little sister.” Umie smiled. “I'll come with thee Sister.” “We shall not ever be able to return. Thou wilt never be able to see thy friends again. Art thou certain that thou wishest to come?” “I will have thee if I come, won't I?” Kilia smiled and nuzzled her. “Of course little sister. We will always have each other.” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Celestia stared into the empty chamber. How terrible. How absolutely terrible. A fiery rage erupted within her. It was Moon. That witch had ruined their relationship. Tore them apart from one another. She had forced her to break her promise to Umie! She had to find Umie and banish Moon from her psyche for good. Then she would shield Umie from the world. She would make sure that they were never apart again. She caught something in her peripheral. She looked down the hall to see a small filly staring at her with wide blue eyes. “Umie?!” The filly disappeared around the corner. She sat in disbelief. There was no way, it wasn't possible. Umie hadn't looked like that for centuries now. She galloped after the filly. When she slid around the corner she saw the filly ascending the stairs at the end of the passageway. She galloped towards them. “Wait!” Celestia made it just in time to see the little grayish blue tail pass through the doorway at the top. She raced up the stairs and burst through the door. She broke into the room and found herself swarmed by her phantoms. She looked in horror at the room she had just entered. It was the main living area of the Keeper's castle. Of her father's castle. Her lungs froze. She gasped for air and tried to get back to the stairs. The emotions that had been building within her exploded. Her limbs trembled, unable to carry her forward. She collapsed to the floor, curled up into a ball, and surrendered to the phantoms as they engulfed her. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Kilia stood amongst a squadron of sentinels. Her head hung as Rei scanned across them. “Every creature clear on the objective?” The sentinels nodded. He glared at Kilia. “Keeper, art thou clear?” She nodded. “Good.” He looked back to the sentinels. “This will be our last mission brothers and sisters. The Council has also decided to abandon their positions. Thus, when the Keeper is safely out of the city, the Order and the Sentinels are no more. I thank all of you for your dedicated service.” He peered at Kilia through his peripheral. “'Tis a shame that it must end like this.” When he opened the door a cascade of furious voices flooded in. She followed the group through and emerged into a crowd of immortals. One group held up the body of their comrade. “This is thy doing Keeper!” they shouted. “Thou hast failed us!” “Thou didst nothing as thy own siblings died!” “Thou art wretched!” One of them spat on her from the edge of the crowd. When she emerged from the castle she saw that the line of immortals stretched all the way to the pedestal at the edge of the city. More of the dead were held above the crowd so she could see them. “The dead never forget!” the crowd chanted. She hung her head as tears rolled down her face. She looked to the satchel at her side. Umie's horrified little eyes peered out from it. She extended a wing to shield her from the horrific scene. One of the immortals flew into the air and initiated a dive bomb towards her. Rei's aura trapped him mid-dive and slammed him into the ground. He coughed and writhed in pain. Rei swept him into the crowd with a thrust of his horn. A group of the immortals cursed at him from the edge but he refused to address them. When they finally made it to the pedestal the Sentinels formed a perimeter, granting her a path to the portal. Rei ascended the pedestal and moved to the console. “Thou wilt not escape thy fate!” a furious voice screamed from the crowd as she ascended the stairs. “We will find thee! Thou wilt face justice for thy crimes!” She dared not look at them. She waited as Rei entered the code. A pillar of light erupted with a shriek. When Rei turned to face her, she silently begged him one last time for forgiveness. Still he glared at her, offering no mercy. His disapproval tore at her heart. She stepped into the pillar of light. The city, the crowd, Rei, they all disappeared from her world in a blur. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Celestia trembled helplessly on the floor. She looked up to see those little blue eyes gazing at her from the second floor. “Umie,” she uttered, “I'm coming.” She rolled onto her belly and crawled towards the stairs. She climbed them under the filly's constant gaze. When she made it to the top the filly darted off into Umie's room. “Umie!” Celestia called. She forced herself to her feet with a roar and pressed towards the doorway. When she finally clambered into the room the phantoms didn't follow. They simply swarmed just outside the door. She slammed it shut and tumbled away. She laid against Umie's old bed as she struggled to catch her breath. “Umie,” she wheezed. She examined the room. The filly's belongings were scattered about the place and her covers were strewn about the floor. “She needeth thee,” a voice said. Celestia spun around, searching for the source. “How dare thee!” another voice shouted. There was nopony in the room. “'She needeth thee.” She stared into her reflection in Umie's mirror. It glared back at her. “I will hear nothing more of this!” it declared. “She needeth thee...” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Celestia followed a white unicorn down the hallway towards Luna's room. “Please understand, I've been doing this a while,” the unicorn said as they walked. “I've seen, patterns. Common themes and catalysts for certain behavior.” “What art thou getting at Sarri?” Celestia asked. Sarri gulped. “Um, well, I'm not sure how to say this my princess. Princess Luna, she's been acting out in ways that, umm...” Celestia arched a brow. “Well, when I've seen other mares acting out in the ways that Luna hath been, it eventually comes out that they were, uh...” “They were what Sarri?” “Crying for help my princess,” Sarri said. “Thou thinkest that Luna is crying for help?” Sarri nodded. “Well, hast thou found out what it is that she needeth?” “I have tried.” Sarri said. “And?” “I have been unable to get through to her. I fear that the source of her troubles is something that I cannot fathom. That we cannot fathom.” “What dost thou mean? Something that only mares her age can understand?” “Well, no, I mean we, as in, everypony but thee and thy sister. I think that she doth not understand us because she's not like us and we are unable to understand her because we're not like her.” “Thou thinkest that only I can reach her because only I truly understand what she is dealing with?” Sarri reached the door to Luna's room and nodded. She opened it to reveal a room in complete disarray. Not the kind of disarray that occurs by means of laziness, rather the kind of disarray that occurs by means of rage. “She needeth thee Princess.” Celestia stepped into the room. The phantoms stormed out from Luna's things. Celestia's frustration brewed as she endured their harassment. They even resided in Luna's belongings. They had cursed everything that was connected with Luna. Ifringale began to form around her. She made a hasty retreat and slammed the door. Sarri glanced between her and the door. “Princess?” Celestia glared at her. “I appreciate that thou art trying to help, Sarri, but what thou sayest would suggest that Luna is just like any other ornery little teenager. How dare thee! I'll have thee know that she is one of the strongest mares in Equestria!” Sarri's mouth fell open in startled horror. “My princess, I didn't mean to sugg-” “She is well on her way to adulthood Sarri!” Celestia interrupted. “She doth not need her hoof held through every bit of adversity that cometh her way. She will come through it and she will be all the stronger because of it. I was no different. Thank thee for thy concern but it is without merit. I will hear nothing more of this!” She stormed down the hall, leaving a speechless Sarri in her wake. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Celestia awoke to find the filly standing by the door. “You called out for me, didn't you Umie? You-” Her voice quaked. “You begged for me to be there... I didn't answer. It was my fault...” The filly glared at her and backed away. “Please! Let me repent!” She reached out to the filly but the filly turned and dashed through the door. Celestia threw it open and ran straight into the swarm of phantoms in pursuit. She followed her down the stairs. The ringing started up and her breathing became erratic. Still she pressed forward. She felt a snap in her head as she was overcome with dizziness. She began to stumble but she continued towards the filly. The filly turned and watched her approach. “I'm sorry! Don't leave me Umie!” Celestia begged. She fell to the floor before her. The filly glared at her as she reached a hoof out. “Umie please, I need you. I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!” Just as Celestia's hoof was within an inch of the filly, the top of the filly began to transform into a stream of blue smoke. “No! Umie don't leave! Please!” The stream spiraled towards the ceiling, and flowed out through the open window above the entrance. The phantoms condensed around Celestia as the last of the stream flowed out of the window. “Umie! UMMIIIIEEEE!”