//------------------------------// // Reikavra // Story: The Legend of the God-Hunter // by BobThePlaneswalker //------------------------------// Twilight sat at the wooded foot of a large mountain far from the city of Canterlot. She stayed concealed within the gloom of night as she observed a small crevice tucked within the rock. She was snuggled within a warm coat with two large saddlebags hanging from her sides. She had expected this to be difficult. But now that she was actually here she found that what she had expected had been horribly conservative. She hadn't talked to Reikavra since he had supposedly turned. In truth she could barely even fathom something as terrible as they claimed he had become. But now within this valley, she could feel it. Even the plant life cowered. Nothing could be seen, only felt. She closed her eyes and reviewed her purpose. Right now, she needed its strength. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Twilight sat in Celestia's office, watching Celestia fumble through a file cabinet. The Princess didn't actually own any regalia to fit her unempowered form and as a result she was plopping around in her full-size attire. It was a sight that Twilight found quite comical. Unfortunately, when the pony that holds your fate in her hooves is being unintentionally comical, the comedy gets lost somewhere within the life and death battle of will. Celestia withdrew from the cabinet and scrunched her mouth. “Hmmm...” “Is there anything I can do to help Princess?” Twilight asked. Celestia shook her head. “No it's quite alright Twilight. All I need is your patience.” She plopped over to her closet and opened the door. “There's something we can discuss while I am searching though. There is the possibility that, when Luna and I face Reikavra, we become unable to use the elements.” She pulled out a box and sifted through it. “I was hoping Twilight, that you and your friends would be Equestria's contingency plan.” Twilight nodded. “Of course Princess. Anything that we can do to help.” “Wonderful!” Celestia said from the inside of the box. “I'll need you and your friends to master a summoning spell for the elements. Also, Luna and I will work on a signal that will notify all of you if you need to use it. I'd like to get the process as smooth as possible before we face Reikavra.” Twilight's eyes fell to her feet. “Are you sure that we can't reason with him?” “Not while he's this dangerous,” Celestia said. “Equestria's safety has to be our primary concern. We need to neutralize his power before we try getting through to him.” Celestia peeked out from the box and looked to Twilight. “Are you sure you're going to be alright?” Twilight nodded. Celestia gave a sympathetic frown. “Okay... Don't be afraid to talk to me if you need to.” Twilight smiled. “Of course Princess. Thank you.” Celestia slid the box back into the closet and walked to her bookcase. She knocked on the wood and knelt down. “Mister mouse,” she called. A small white mouse scurried out from the side. “Sorry to bother you my little friend,” Celestia said. “I seem to have misplaced my picture books. Would you happen to know where they are?” The mouse gave a squeaky chuckle and ran over to her storage cabinet. Celestia opened the door for him and grimaced when she saw the mess of boxes that were stuffed inside. The mouse scurried up it, sniffing each box until he stopped at one half way up the stack. He squeaked to Celestia and smacked the box. Celestia used her aura to pull it free and gently reset the stack. She opened it and beamed. “Oh, that's right, I was going to put them into storage.” She smiled at the mouse. “Thank you so much! I'll have them bring a block of cheddar up tonight.” The mouse yipped and scurried back behind the bookcase. Celestia hummed as she peered across the bindings. “Ah-hah!” She slid out a large binder labeled 'Students Vol. 14' and carried it to her desk. She put on an antique pair of glasses and opened the book. There was a series of pictures containing Celestia and a light blue unicorn wearing goofy glasses. “Oh Moonbright,” Celestia muttered. She paged over and giggled. “Um, Princess?” Twilight said. Celestia looked up to her. “Oh dearie me, I'm sorry Twilight!” She grimaced. “Did I just say dearie me?” “I think so?” Twilight said. Celestia grumbled and pulled the glasses from her face. She studied them for a moment and frowned. She folded them up and put them back in their case. She turned back to the book and squinted. She flipped through the pages until she came to a section containing pictures of her and Twilight. “I've been keeping pictures to remember all of my students by.” She smiled. “I must admit you already have quite a large section. Take a look.” Twilight pulled the book over. There were pictures from all the important events she had celebrated with Celestia from graduation all the way to her acceptance of the young mages award.” “Which one do you like the most Twilight?” Celestia asked. Twilight giggled at their team photo from the castle's pie eating contest. It was the only photo in the batch that wasn't brimming with formality. Their heads were pressed together to fit in the photo and their smiles were adorned in cream covered toppings. Twilight pointed to it. “I really like this one.” Celestia giggled. “Oh, how embarrassing. Our messiness really adds to its charm though. Wonderful choice my faithful student!” She slid the picture from the book and turned it over. She took up a quill and pulled a piece of scrap parchment from her desk. She scribbled across it and stared at it as she tapped the quill off of her chin. She shook her head. “No...” She scratched out her writing and tried again. “No...” “Princess?” Twilight said. “Just a moment my faithful student,” Celestia replied. “Third time is a charm.” She scratched some writing across the parchment and smiled. “That's it.” She copied it to the back of the picture. Once she finished she levitated it over to Twilight. To my most Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle, Thank you for being the wonderful student that you are. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and taking it upon yourself to exceed even the highest of expectations. That I am able to call myself your mentor fills me with great pride. May you never forget how proud I am of you. Your mentor, Princess Celestia Twilight blushed. “Princess... I...” She looked up from it and smiled. “Thank you so much.” Celestia stood from her chair. She moved to make her way around her desk but Twilight intercepted her with a hug. Celestia embraced her. “I know how you worry about what I think of you. This way I'll always know that you have a reminder of just how truly proud of you I am.” She smiled and patted Twilight on the back. “That will greatly ease my concerns of your day to day stress levels.” The response confounded Twilight. If ever she wanted to say how proud she was of her, couldn't she just send a letter or physically deliver the message herself? Celestia pulled away from her and sighed. “I do apologize my faithful student but I am buried further in my already mountainous backlog of duties by the minute.” Twilight put her confusion to the back of her mind. “Of course Princess. Thank you again! I'll send to you when I talk to the girls about your request.” “Thank you.” She moved back to her desk and seated herself. Twilight packed up and trotted to the door. “Twilight,” Celestia said. “Yes Princess?” “I meant what I said on there. You're a phenomenal student.” The question lingering in the back of Twilight's mind flared up again. Why now? She smiled and nodded. “Thank you Princess but I wouldn't be here without you.” Celestia blushed. “Oh, thank you Twilight. Tell your friends I said hello.” Twilight nodded. “I will.” She closed the door and glanced to Luna's office. She made her way to the construction site for the princesses training facility deep within Canterlot mountain and ascended the overlook to where Princess Luna stood with the foreman overseeing the construction efforts. Luna pointed to the far wall. “I would recommend additional reinforcement along that wall Bardus. It is critical to the mountain's integrity. We cannot be too safe.” Bardus nodded. “I'll make it so.” Twilight cleared her throat. “Um, Princess Luna.” Luna looked to her. “Twilight Sparkle. What brings you here?” “I was hoping to talk to you about something,” Twilight said. “Do you have a minute?” Luna looked to Bardus. “Will you be alright for a few minutes?” He chuckled and padded Luna's shoulder. “I'm a thirty year veteran Princess. I'll be fine.” Luna chuckled and walked past Twilight with a wave of her hoof. “Come.” She led Twilight to the back of the overlook and seated herself. “Now, I notice you are looking rather green Twilight. What is it that's bothering you?” “It's Princess Celestia,” Twilight replied. “She's got me a little worried.” She pulled the picture from her things and levitated it over to Luna. “She gave me this just a few minutes ago.” Luna read the note. Her breathing stalled and she silently stared at it. After a moment, she smiled to Twilight. “She just wants to make sure that you know how important you are to her.” Luna levitated the picture back over to Twilight. Twilight frowned. “Why like this though? Why now? I mean, if she's ever worried that I'm feeling unappreciated she could just tell me how much she appreciates me herself, couldn't she?” Luna shrugged. “If I were to take a guess as to why she's trying other methods than the spoken word, it would be that the spoken word ‒” she grinned and bopped a hoof off of Twilight's cranium “‒ hasn't always pierced through that little skull of yours.” Twilight blushed. “I guess...” Luna sighed. “Listen Twilight, I will admit that this behavior is a little strange. I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. Do not allow yourself to get wrapped up in it though. She has been through a lot these past few weeks. She will probably be doing goofy things for a while yet. Take solace in the knowledge that I have a close eye on her, and I will continue to even long after we have defeated Reikavra.” “Maybe I should stay in Canterlot and help you keep an eye on her,” Twilight suggested. Luna shook her head. “Trust me Twilight, Celestia is not a mare that can be chaperoned. She is far too intelligent to slip such intentions under her nose and the second she catches wind of it... it does not go over well, let us leave it at that.” “Yeah but I'm her favorite student!” Twilight objected. “She won't mind if I just tag along for a while.” Luna rolled her eyes. “I'm a busy pony, I know Twilight. However, I promise you that I will make time for Celestia, no matter what. Caring for her is a form of art, it truly is, and only after years of fine tuning it am I really starting to get it right. You are most helpful to her as her beloved student so just keep being that.” She put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. “Leave the nagging to me.” Twilight dropped her gaze and let out a soft chuckle. Luna lowered her head to intercept her gaze. “What do you say?” Twilight nodded. “Yeah... Okay... But you'll let me know if there's anything I can do, right?” “Of course Twilight Sparkle,” Luna replied. “Rest easy.” “I'll try,” Twilight said as she turned for the exit. “Hey,” Luna said. “If there is anypony in Equestria that cares about Celestia as much as I do, it is you Twilight Sparkle. Thank you.” Twilight's dejected smile took on a bit of pride. She left the construction site and met up with Spike at the train station. Spike attempted to make small talk as they boarded the train but Twilight couldn't keep her mind off of the questions that were still buzzing in her head so his attempts fell flat. She sat in the train car and gazed out the window as Spike ogled the picture Celestia had given her. “This is awesome Twilight!” he exclaimed. Twilight mumbled something back that wasn't even comprehensible to her. Celestia was not a mentor that threw out accolades like candy. Accolades only came when accolades were called for. Acing a test, discovering something wonderful about friendship, saving Equestria, these are the kind of things she would reward with accolades. For her to just reward Twilight out of the blue, it didn't feel right. And despite Luna making some good points she still seemed quick to write off Celestia's odd behavior. Then again, maybe she was right. There was no denying that Celestia's past couple weeks have been hard on her. For pony's sake she was in her unempowered form for the first time in Twilight's entire life. She was probably just going down the list and making sure that everypony knew how she truly felt. That was not an uncommon response to life or death experiences, and like Rei had said, immortality is NOT an immunity to death. Twilight's thoughts seized up. “We can still be killed by the same unnatural causes that can steal life from mortals.” Spike whistled and shook his head, still enamored with Celestia's gift. “Wow Twilight, this is really-” his voice broke. “Twilight are you alright?!” “Uhh...” Twilight breathed, “Could I uhh... W-water...” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Twilight stared at the small crevice in the mountain and her brow furrowed. Nopony had to die. So long as she was alive, nopony had to die. Not Celestia, not Luna, not even Rei. She gathered her determination, and from it she made courage. With her courage, she descended until she was standing before the crevice. Weeks of work, long hours of studying spells, and far too many white lies had brought her here. She had to follow through. She illuminated her horn and walked through the crevice. The crevice wound deep into the mountain. It got small at many points, small enough that she wondered if a creature the size of Rei could even make it through. However, she emerged into a massive opening and immediately she knew she was in the right place. It was twice the size of the entire castle grounds of Canterlot. At one side there was a timely crafted castle with smooth black walls, sharp edges, and towers that reached to the roof of the cavern. Twilight shivered. She unleashed a detection spell. Nothing. She looked around. There was a large arc way through which peeked lights of various colors. She passed through it and found herself atop a platform that overlooked an expansive gem farm. The gems were crude, various in their shape and size, and gave off dim glows. Their illuminations painted the walls in a gorgeous array of colors. Twilight stood, gazing out at it. The shivering of the castle left her, replaced by curious awe. She shook herself free of her gaping. There was no time to admire. She had work to do. She turned to leave, but she froze mid-step. The arc way she had come through was entirely blocked by a wall of black smog which was now pouring out onto the platform. Her heart's pacing exploded as every cell in her body panicked. Two large crimson lights appeared in the center of the smog and approached her. What emerged was a full sized dragon with glowing crimson eyes. He had Rei's facial features and horn but no other part of him was equine. The smoke poured out of his way as he stepped out from the arc way. “Well, what do we have here?” he asked as he circled her. “Might I ask, Miss Sparkle, what exactly has motivated you to waltz upon my domain ‒” he laid his tail between her and the exit “‒ with nary an invitation?” Twilight's courage snapped and she cast a teleportation spell. When she materialized she found herself flailing out of control in a black cloud of smog as crimson static growled around her. She was thrown from the cloud and bounced across the stone ground, once again within Rei's perimeter. Rei roared with laughter. He grinned at her as she forced herself to her feet. “Poor little creature,” he remarked. “Those sheltered little princesses have left you with an ill-fitting concept of the true power of a god. One does not cross paths with us and leave by their own will.” Twilight swallowed and squared up to him. He laid down and flicked the end of his tail. “Why have you come here little Twilight Sparkle?” She took a deep breath. She was all in now. “I've come to apologize,” she said. He tilted his head. “For what?” “For lying to you about our search for Celestia,” she replied. Rei chuckled. “You have nothing to apologize for Twilight Sparkle. By no clause in our contract were you required to report to me the status of your operation. I hope you've not come all this way simply to say that.” Twilight shook her head. “You don't understand. I'm not apologizing to you as an assistant. I'm apologizing to you as a friend. You trusted me to go beyond our agreement and I lied to you. I punished you for trusting me, and I'm sorry Rei. I'm truly sorry.” Rei rolled his eyes. “Twilight Sparkle, I believe you may be misunderstanding the path that has brought us here. Trust me when I say that it was not your actions that made me what I am now. I have...” He tapped a claw off of his chin. “I've been as a wolf, frolicking amongst a flock of sheep and while it has been fun, it was doomed to come to an end, for it is not my role to frolic.” Twilight glared at him. “Stop it,” she demanded. “Don't you even dare try that with me.” Rei returned a blank stare. “You may be able to fool Celestia and Luna,” Twilight said, “but you can't fool me. I've seen the part of you that you're trying to hide.” Rei huffed. “Have you now?” Twilight nodded. “Deep down, you love this world Reikavra. You care about the princesses and you even care about me, some silly little bookworm that's nothing but a blip in comparison.” Rei raised a brow. “You're telling me about my beliefs? Bold Twilight Sparkle. Very, very, bold.” He smiled. “Being self-assured does make you... How shall I say it?” He gave an upward tick of his mouth. “Adorable. But, it does not make your words any truer.” Twilight glared at him. “I know you saved Celestia in the observatory.” Rei's eyes widened. “I beg your pardon?” Twilight paced about the floor. “I went through the possibilities in my head over and over again. No matter how much I worked the numbers, teleporting Celestia all the way to the Appaloosan mountains just wasn't possible given my physical state after fighting you. I don't even know if I could do that when I'm fresh. I started working my way pretty deep into the bowels of magical theory before I realized, maybe I was making things too complicated; maybe the answer was simple. I didn't save her. If it wasn't me, the only other creatures in the room that could have done it would be you and Moon.” She smiled. “We both know it wasn't Moon.” Rei chuckled. “Very good little one. You're deduction of Celestia's source of salvation is accurate but your argument has inadequate context. When I did that, my soul was not full. It was a snapshot, if you will, of myself from a much different time. A time when it was still ruled by things like ‒” he rolled his eyes “‒ love. I can tell you that love does not rule me now. My desire for justice overthrew it long ago.” Twilight shook her head. “No. That's a lie. The you I knew is still there, he's just hidden.” Rei laughed. “And what makes you so sure of that?” “You haven't killed me,” Twilight replied. “I'm only important to this snapshot you speak of. To this you, I'm just a threat. If every bit of you I knew was gone, you would've disintegrated me the moment you laid eyes on me.” Rei let out a laugh which grew thunderous. “And little Sparkle drives it home!” He smiled. “You're right little one. You're amongst a very small number of creatures that could have trespassed upon my domain without being vaporized the instant I saw them. I understand now why I'm so partial to you.” He prodded her cranium with a claw. “There's much more to you than adorability. I cannot say that you are completely wrong; there are parts of the me that you knew which still linger. But you see Miss Sparkle, the thing is, you're overplaying it. You're very entertaining and I'm quite confident that you're not going anywhere anytime soon.” He grinned. “I've not let you survive this encounter yet.” Twilight swallowed and glanced about for any escape. Nothing but smog. Rei tapped a claw off of his chin. “Really, when you think about it, you waltzing in here was just about the best thing that could have happened. Any plans Kilia has to double cross me would most certainly involve you and losing you would make her absolutely ferocious. I'd be guaranteed the battle of an age.” Rei wrapped Twilight in his aura and levitated her to eye level. “Tell me little one, how many ponies did you tell that you would be making this journey?” Twilight's stomach knotted up. If she told him she'd hadn't told anypony, he'd just kill her. If she told him she told any number of others outside of the princesses, he'd kill them, and he'd never believe that the princesses would let her do this. She glared at him. “I told a few. I'm not naming them, but I told a few.” He grinned. “You shudder like a liar. Nocreature with any bit of sanity would have allowed you to come here.” Twilight trembled. Had she really been so wrong about him? He clicked a claw off of the ground. “Killing you may break their spirits though...” He scrunched his mouth. “Including you as part of the stakes... maybe that is the better option.” No. She hadn't been wrong. There was still a descent creature in there, somewhere. “Show me,” she said. Rei tilted his head. “Show you what?” “Show me what made you like this. You're going to use me as a pawn in your schemes, the least you can do is let me quell my curiosity. What could it possibly hurt?” Rei thought for a moment and smiled. “There IS still much time to kill.” His eyes thinned. “But you're a clever one. I'd be a fool to think this isn't part of some scheme.” He tilted his head and rapped a claw on his cranium. “Oh whatever, I'll play your game, little one. If nothing else it will help pass the time until the Sisters are ready.” He stood up and faced Twilight. “You want so bad to know the tale of the Hunter? You desire so to understand the history of the Reaper of the Skies? So desperate you are to look inside the soul of Gaea's Enforcer? Let it be so. But I warn you, Gaea is far tamer than she once was. The things you will see, no mortal has endured in centuries. Do not take that lightly. Are you sure little Sparkle, that you're willing to sustain the shredding of your psyche to understand me?” “Yes.” Rei snorted. He set her down and laid his head before her. “Then work your magic little one. I pray that your wonderful little personality survives the experience.” Twilight shivered. She had a chance. Bless his arrogance, she had a chance. She just needed to keep it together a little longer. She activated her horn and cast the spell she had practiced for weeks. A last resort. The spell that would link their minds so that she could attempt to unlock the parts of his soul that he had lost sight of. She pressed her horn against his and together they fell into deep trance. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Twilight's mind flooded with emotions and memories. She felt as though she was living lifetimes in just a few seconds. The rush stabilized and she dived down into a cloud of memories. Her mind painted a city of marble around her and a large academy below. She was whisked around it until she plopped down between two wings of the Academy. There was a strange little dragon colt sitting along the wall with his face buried in a book. A young alicorn approached him flanked by a sphinx and a centaur. The dragon colt twitched his eyes towards them. He swallowed and dived back into the book. The alicorn stood within a hoof length and stared at him, but the dragon colt didn't acknowledge him. The alicorn growled and kicked the book. The dragon colt moved to chase it but he was blocked off by the centaur. “Dumb titan,” the alicorn said. The dragon colt glanced about his aggressors and cowered against the wall. The alicorn looked to his goons. “Did I tell him he could read out here?” They chuckled and shook their heads. “I didn't think so.” The alicorn glared at the dragon colt. “It took us a long time to find thee. Art thou attempting to hide from us?” The dragon colt furiously shook his head. “No I-I... I just thought it was nice out.” “It's always nice out,” the alicorn growled. “Now thou art in our debt. How dost thou plan to make it up to us?” “I-I, I don't know!” The alicorn looked around. “Ambros, get him his book back.” The centaur glanced at him. “Just do it.” The centaur retrieved the book and tossed it before the dragon colt. The alicorn grinned. “Eat the book titan.” The dragon colt shook his head. “No, I'll get in trouble again!” The alicorn pressed a hoof against the book. “Eat it or we'll break-” “Leave him alone Jace,” another voice said. The group turned to find a white alicorn filly facing them. Jace shook off his surprise. “Or what?” “Or thou wilt deal with me,” the filly replied. Jace laughed and motioned with his hoof. “Come on guys, we need to teach this brat a lesson.” He waited for a moment with a smug grin but his goons didn't take up his flank. He glanced back at them. “Ambros, Lysandra, get up here.” They remained in place with uneasy expressions. “Jace,” Ambros said, “that's father's filly.” Jace scoffed. “So what? She's getting in our way!” Ambros shook his head. “I want not that fate. Thou art on thy own.” He and the sphinx backed up and trotted away. Jace glared at them. “Cowards!” The filly grinned at him. Jace grumbled. “Thou hadst better watch thy back,” he remarked as he slumped away. The filly watched him until he disappeared around the corner. Once he was gone, she approached the dragon colt and put a hoof on his shoulder. “Art thou alright?” The dragon colt gave a weak nod. “Why dost thou not stand up to them?” she asked. “I am not supposed to hurt anycreature,” the dragon colt replied. The filly smiled. “Thou dost not have to hurt a creature to stand up to them. Thinking like that is probably why everycreature thinks that thou art so creepy.” The dragon colt blanched. “Oh...” He hung his head. “I see.” The filly sighed and patted his back. “'Tis alright. Just stick with me and thou wilt understand how to have everycreature in thy favor. 'Tis Reikavra right?” The dragon colt nodded. “How does Reiky sound?” she asked. Rei shrugged. The filly smiled. “Okay, I shall call thee Reiky.” She offered a hoof. “I'm Kilia.” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The marble city was replaced by a dense jungle. The air became heavy and warm. The jungle was gloomy, illuminated only by thin beams of sunlight that pierced the treetops. An adolescent Rei walked alongside a towering black dragon. “I am sorry mother,” he said. “'Tis alright my son,” the dragon replied. “Mother will help thee.” “I don't understand why I must try so hard to be better than her,” Rei said. His mother peered down at him. “It is not that thou mustst be greater than her. It is that thou mustst not be bounded by her limits. Kilia is a magnificent little mare, but her limits are her own. Thou art not her. Thou hast thy own limits. If thou dost not understand this now, then thou wilt be suffocated by limitations that are real only in thy mind.” Rei turned a frown to his mother. “But I'm not! She's just better than me. I try mother, I really do!” They arrived at a clearing covered in bones. His mother picked him up with her tail and hung him at eye level. “These limits are not so easy to perceive little one. Thy perception is faulty.” She smiled. “But fear not. Mother knows how to fix it.” With a flick of her tail she tossed Rei into the air. He hit something high above the trees and stuck, oscillating up and down. He was suspended. He pulled his limbs but they were stuck to thick pieces of webbing. “Mother? Mother I'm stuck!” His mother walked towards the edge of the clearing. “When thou art free, come find me. I shall not be far.” “Mother wait!” Rei called. “I am stuck!” She was gone. He felt a shake in the web. He struggled to turn his head. A spider ten times the size of himself was crawling out from the foliage. His heart leapt. He struggled to cast a teleportation spell but the webbing seem to suck the energy from his horn. The rhythm of his heart tripled. The spider braced itself on the web and started its approach. Rei furiously tried to pull himself free but the web wouldn't give. “Mother please!” No response. Rei tried again to cast a teleportation spell, but again the webbing stole his energy. The spider loomed closer. Rei struggled to force energy through his horn, but its tiny form wouldn't let him. The spider was within a few steps now. Rei roared, demanding that his horn take just a bit more energy. His body tingled. The spider raised its wretched fangs. Torrents of energy erupted from Rei's body forcing the spider back. A pillar erupted from his horn and crashed into the spider. The spider shrieked as the pillar ripped through. Rei felt the web loosing from his body. He tore himself free and plummeted towards the ground. He crashed through the bones and landed in a heap. He rolled about, gasping for air. He heard two large thuds nearby. He turned towards them to see a mess of twitching legs peeking out from the bones. Once he reclaimed his breath, he stood up. His legs were much longer now. He didn't have his fur. His spines were sharper and his wings were huge. He heard bones crumbling at the edge of the clearing. He found his mother beaming at him. “Mother...” he muttured. She scooped him up and nuzzled him. His body still trembled. “Thou wouldst not have let me die, right? Thou hadst a plan.” His mother shook her head. “Thou wouldst never have transcended thy minds limitation had I been in a position to help.” “But,” Rei gasped, “what if I would have died?” “Thou didst not,” she replied. “Thou instead found the will to survive and achieved thy empowered form before even Kilia. Thou hast seen that thy mind can limit thee, only if thou allowest it.” Rei let a few tears roll down his cheek. He felt so abandoned. His mother observed him and sighed. “I do love thee son. It is for that reason that I would not have helped thee.” He looked upon her with utter confusion. “The world will have no mercy on thee son,” she said. “I wish only to prepare thee for that.” He glared at her for a few moments but eventually he rested his head on her chest and gave it to her embrace. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Rei, fully empowered, walked through a mountainous valley towards a cavern. The cavern was guarded by a group of sentinels. As Rei approached, a manticore intercepted his path. The manticore raised her paw. “Only authorized access,” the she said. Rei cocked a brow. “I'm a sergeant Helena, I have access. Stand aside.” Helena shook her head. “I'm sorry Reikavra, thou dost not have access.” Rei flicked his tail off of the ground. “And where is Pyrrhus?” “Um...” “He's inside isn't he Helena?” Rei asked. “Pyrrhus and I are of equal rank. Stand aside.” Helena swallowed. “I have orders to bar you entry.” Rei's eyes doubled. “No...” He warped past her and dashed into the cave. A flurry of shouts erupted from within followed by furious roar. “Reikavra no!” “What have they done?!” “Do not look upon it! It will do thee no good!” “Why?! How could they disgrace her like this?!” “Reikavra leave with Arianna.” “I'll kill them! I'll bucking-” “Reikavra!” :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Rei sat in a ceremony hall before a massive casket. A long line of immortals stretched out from him. As they passed him they offered words of solace, patted him on the shoulder, shook his hoof, or gave a simple nod. Rei hung his head as he received the sentiments and muttered 'thank thee' in response. A male alicorn with a golden mane approached Rei. Beside him stood Princess Celestia. The male put both of his hooves on Rei's shoulders and spoke to him. He was the first to capture Rei's eyes. He spoke quietly and for quite a while. Rei gave short sniffles and nodded in response. Rei gave a weak smile and the alicorn patted his shoulders. With a few final words, the alicorn continued down the line. Celestia was the next to approach Rei. She didn't say anything. She just took him in, her eyes seeping with concern. Rei timidly met her gaze. Tears escaped from his eyes and he gave a weak sob. Celestia embraced him. He rested his head on her shoulder. She held him until he was able to take a deep breath and regain his composure. Once he did, she let him go. She met his gaze before continuing after the male alicorn. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Rei walked down crude stone castle halls illuminated by torchlight. There was a low hum of magic as his horn held a visibility barrier. He stopped when he came to a T-intersection. He brightened his horn and pointed it down each hall. He hung for an additional moment on the right hall and continued down it. A pair of unicorn guards in antiquated armor stood at a lavish door quietly muttering to one another. Their conversation continued undisturbed as Rei stood before them and observed the door. His aura brightened and he passed through. He emerged into an extravagant bedroom. Sleeping in the large bed at the center of the room was a unicorn couple garbed in embroidered royal purple pajamas. The female laid with her back against the male's chest and his hooves around her shoulders. Rei cautiously moved about the room and processed the details. When he was about half way around, the male unicorn rose from the bed. Rei froze and locked an attentive eye on him. The male stretched out his forelegs and yawned. He smacked his lips and looked to his companion who was still happily snoring away. He pulled the covers over her and walked to his dresser for a robe. He strode to the exit and cautiously exited the room. Rei followed him up to the next level where he entered a wide pair of doors. Rei waited for a minute or so to pass before he followed. The room he entered had a fireplace surrounded by lavish seats. There were no windows, just a set of cabinets along the left wall. An oak table sat just behind the seats. The unicorn brought a bottle of wine and a wooden chalice to the table. He poured himself a drink, took a swig, and sighed. A wide smile crossed his face. In a flash he aimed his horn at Rei and fired wide bolt of lightning directly into his chest. The hit slammed Rei off of the wall and dropped him to the floor. He writhed, coughing and gasping. The unicorn let out a hearty laugh and approached Rei as streams of light emanated from his body. With a hum and a flash the unicorn was replaced by the male alicorn with the golden mane. Rei's eyes opened wide with horror. “Father?” he gasped. Father smiled. “Speed and technique are powerful, but one must also know how to take a hit.” “Right,” Rei wheezed, “point taken.” Father chuckled and walked to the fireplace. He lifted the goblet in his aura and sipped on it. Rei pulled himself off of the floor and glanced at him. “Father were you just... with that mare?” Father sighed. “Yes Reikavra. However, before thou makest thine judgment, consider that the only reason thou knowest this is that thou hast shamelessly invaded my privacy.” Rei hung his head. “Sorry.” Father chuckled and padded the open space beside him. “Come my son. Let us talk.” Rei winced over and sat beside him. Father levitated over another goblet and poured some of the wine into it. He smiled and offered it to Rei. Rei shook his head. “I don't drink father.” Father frowned. “Thou art sure?” Rei nodded. Father sighed and set it off to the side. He looked into the fire and took a sip. “I know that I am not the first one that thou hast spied upon.” Rei glanced at him and the pacing of his breaths increased. Father met his eyes. “Thou art searching for thy mother's murderers.” Rei retreated from father's eyes and his brow furrowed. “I think that it is imperative, for the safety of every creature in Ifringale, that there be punishment for murder.” Father rolled his eyes. “Reikavra please, treat me not as a fool. Hide not thy motivations with the shimmering banner of justice for all. 'Tis not why thou takest these actions. Thou art motivated by revenge.” Rei glared into the flames. “Dost thou admit it?” Father asked. Rei spent some time flicking his tail off of the floor. “Fine, I admit it,” he replied. His eyes shimmered and he left the fire to pace about the room. “I am not so perfect as thee Father. I cannot handle the knowledge that those monsters will face no justice for their treachery. She deserveth justice!” “I am not chastising thee Reikavra,” Father said. He looked Rei in the eyes. “Come, sit back down, let me explain.” Rei grumbled and retook his seat. Father emptied his goblet down his throat, poured himself another, and took a deep breath. “Dost thou know why the Titan War started?” “They were terrorizing the mortals,” Rei replied. “They needed to be overthrown.” Father scoffed and shook his head. “That was my banner. Justice for the mortals. 'Twas the ideal I used to rally my army. In truth, my motivation was power. At the time the Titans followed one of their brothers, Kronos. The Titans were the mightiest creatures on Gaea and so Kronos was the Supreme Ruler over all living things. As a child, I deeply lusted for that power. As I grew older I became quite capable of rallying those around me and so, when Kronos no longer respected Gaea's laws, it was me that Gaea came to for help. I accepted the responsibility of overthrowing him under the guise that I too wanted the mortals to be free of their treachery as Gaea did but in truth I said yes because it was my chance to get that power. As you know, my army eventually prevailed. The immortals followed me and I obtained the power I had sought. I became supreme ruler over all of Gaea.” Father lost himself in the fire. Rei peered at him. “Why art thou telling me this?” Father took a swig from his goblet. “Thou wilt understand when I'm finished. I.. I just lost myself for a moment. Thou seest, I became obsessed with my power. So obsessed that I couldn't bear the thought of losing it. I was told of a prophecy. It said that I would have two children that, together, would become far greater than I could ever be. They were to bring about a golden age for Gaea. I grew fearful of that prophecy. If they were to bring about a golden age, what was to become of me? I feared that it meant I would lose my power. That my kin would overthrow me. And so I-” Father's voice broke. He cleared his throat, sucked down more wine, and took a deep breath. “Kilia's mother was pregnant with her and reaching the eve of her birth. In my madness, I led her from our home out to a desolate portion of Gaea...” Father's eyes shimmered. “I killed my wife Reikavra; I killed her because I wanted my power more than I wanted my wonderful daughter.” Rei gaped at Father. He could think of nothing to say. He glanced at the unclaimed goblet, levitated it over, and dumped it down his throat. Father finished his goblet and refilled both. “I tell thee this Reikavra, because I see thy obsession with revenge doing to thee same things that my obsession with power did to me. Let it consume thee and it will turn thee into something treacherous.” Rei finished another glass and mustered the courage to speak. “How did Kilia survive?” “I couldn't do it,” Father replied. “She was just so beautiful. Something about her cleared my madness. For the first time since I had become obsessed with power I saw myself for what I really was. Thy mother and thy father found me there, trembling with Kilia crying in my hooves. They saw what I had done. I thought thy mother would end my life right there. Certainly she considered it. But she must have seen the regret pouring from my eyes. She said that, as I had given her a second chance, she would do the same for me. But I would have to earn my daughter back. And so I repented. I swore off my obsession for power and devoted myself to Gaea's will. Every day I went to thy mother and begged for Kilia to be returned. It took a little over a year but I finally convinced thy mother that my determination to spend my life repenting was genuine. That my guilt guaranteed that I would do everything I could to make Kilia's life right. And so, for the first time since that horrible night, I was able to spend an entire night just holding Kilia in my hooves, begging to her for forgiveness.” A weak smile crossed his face. “'Twas not long after that thy mother had thee.” Father looked to Rei. “Please, my son, when thy lust for retribution is at its greatest, remember this story. Remember that thy best friend was almost robbed of life because of the monster obsession had turned me into. I beg thee, give up thy quest for revenge so that thou shalt never suffer a similar tale.” Rei met his eyes for just a moment before he retreated back to the fire. “Wilt thou at least try?” Father asked. Rei took a deep breath and nodded. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Rei landed on the stone ground of a damp cavern. Light poured in from a hole above him. He illuminated his horn revealing a passageway which ended in a blockade of stone and dirt. He walked up to the blockade and fired off a spell which blew clear the passage. He passed through to find a buried pyramid standing in a wide cavern. The pyramid was dark brown. It had to be at least two hundred fifty feet tall and five hundred feet wide. He spread his wings and flew about it. The sides of the temple were stepwise, each step engraved with intricate markings and letters in old Egyptian. He landed on one of the levels about half way up and walked along it to observing the markings. The sound of flapping of wings disturbed the silence. Rei lowered his stance and spun to find father descending before him, anger written upon his features. Rei stood frozen in place. He glanced about the temple, then to the entrance, then back to Father. Father frowned. “There is no hiding thy intent Rei. Why can thou not givest up this wretched quest?” “I-I...” Rei sputtered. “Canst thou not see,” Father said, “already it has turned thee into a liar.” Rei furrowed his brow. “Thou wouldst condemn me, he who now invadeth my privacy?” Father glared at him. “I do not invade thy privacy. Who dost thou think put ambition here? Who dost thou think has taken on the responsibility of guarding them? I did not follow thee; thy actions alerted me of thy presence.” Rei's face was set with realization. “Thou hast known of these?” Father nodded. “Then let us make use of them!” Rei said. “With them no villain will escape our eye, no secrets shall escape to Styx, and no enemies will be able to masquerade as friends. We can catch the culprits Father!” Father shook his head. “To use these would be greater a crime than any the opposition has committed. They are a curse.” Rei grumbled. “Thou dost not truly believe that through law we will end this nightmare?” “Law is the only way to end this nightmare,” Father replied. Rei shook his head. “Mother was right about thee Father. Thou art a stubborn old fool.” Father exhaled. “Fine, if thou believest that, then make thy case to the sentinels. Just give up this wretched quest. Please.” “No!” Rei shouted. “Creatures are dying Father!” “Thou thinkest I don't know that?!” Father boomed. “I understand thy frustration Reikavra, but please, let go of thy anger and leave this to the senior sentinels and I. Thy anger puts thy soul at risk; if thou dost not stop, it may very well cost thee thy ticket to Elysium.” “So be it!” Rei roared. “If that's what it costs to make this right, I'll pay it ten times over!” Father drew back and stared at Rei. His face took on a paternal rage. “No. I know thy potential, and I shall not stand idly by as thou foolishly tosses it into the wind due to some misguided quest for revenge. Reikavra, thou art banished from the sentinels.” Rei's jaw dropped and he stumbled to the side. “W-Wha?” Father stood firm. “I am sorry Reikavra, but thou hast refused to give me any other option.” “Thou canst not do this!” Rei snapped. Father's features didn't budge. “Thee and thy sentinels are traveling a path that leads only to failure!” Rei shouted. “That is not thy concern anymore,” Father replied. “Thou mustest see that without mother's perspective thou hast become blinded,” Rei said. “That is not thy concern anymore!” Father boomed. He motioned towards the exit. “Please Reikavra, do not make me use force.” Rei's eyes shimmered. “Thou wouldst doom us to Styx! How canst thou be so blind?” Father slammed a hoof off of the pyramid. “I will not ask again Reikavra.” Rei stumbled backwards and shook his head as tears dripped from his snout. “No, no, thou canst not do this...” Father stepped towards him. “'Tis time to leave Reikavra.” Rei trembled. “I will not let you!” he roared. There was nary a flash and father rose to his hind legs with a howl. Rei watched him topple over with a blank expression. Father raised his head and observed the silver handle protruding from his chest. He looked to Rei whose eyes went wide with horror. Rei dashed over and frantically dove into his pack. “No-no-no-no!” Father rested his head on the pyramid and closed his eyes. “Antidotes, antidotes,” Rei stammered as he tossed things from his pack. “Please tell me I brought antidotes!” Father opened his eyes and turned to him. “What is the poison?” “Venom of the Onyx Recluse,” Rei replied. Father chuckled. “There is no antidote for that my son.” Rei looked up from his pack with a trembling jaw. He dived back in and continued tossing things about the temple. “There is no antidote Reikavra,” Father said. Rei held his gaze and tossed his pack side. He propped his fore hooves on Father and aimed his horn at the dagger. “I shall use my magic to pull the poison from thy body.” Father shook his head. “'Tis well into my bloodstream by now.” Rei faced him and tears dripped from his eyes. He turned back to the wound, furrowed his brow, and illuminated his horn. Father placed a hoof on his shoulder. “'Tis over my son.” Rei stared at him and the streams of tears grew. His face contorted with despair. “What have I done? What kind of fool am I to think that it would be anycreature but thee that would save us?” Father shook his head. “Not me. It was never to be me.” “What dost thou mean?” Rei asked. “The prophecy,” Father replied. “'Tis Umarak and Kilia who shall bring about the Golden Age. All is not lost. Dost thou wish to repent?” Rei nodded. “Then thou mustest do everything in thine power to ensure that the prophecy comes to pass,” Father said. Rei nodded. “From this day forward, mine life has no other purpose.” Father pulled him in and kissed his brow. He tried to speak but his words were intercepted by a gag. He sucked in air and collected himself. “Thy soul is not lost Reikavra. I have come back from worse. Thine mother has come back from worse.” He grabbed Rei's face and locked eyes. “I forgive thee...”