Changelings poured out of the entrance like a flood. All I heard was the rapid sound of my hooves on the cold, stone ground. Running away, how foolish of me to actually volunteer to re-seal the Changelings' cells. I read in a book about Changelings once, that if a pony wants to outrun it, it can. But that ray of hope was inapplicable to me. Pain went up my left hoof every time it hits the ground.
A curse, my parents said. A curse passed down by the centuries. Our family, the Cursehoofs, have been plagued by a strange characteristic. Our left hooves were cracked, almost in a way that made it seem runic. I couldn't gallop straight. Was I going to die now?
What a joke, I think. To call myself a Cursehoof. A name that commanded so much fear, known by being the wardens or otherwise known as Keepers of the greatest prison in Equestria, Tartarus. That's right! Magic! All of the Cursehoofs had another thing in common, we were all unicorns, said to be descended from Star Swirl the Bearded.
I fired spell after spell at the wave. But for every one fallen, three take its place. I was losing mana, I was losing my concentration, I knew I can't last longer. I prayed, to the Sun, to the Princess Celestia. But hope wasn't what I needed now, this was beyond hope. Instead, I prayed to Star Swirl himself, asking him to forgive for my incompetence, and at least allow me to feel as less pain as possible.
“Esau!” a voice shattered through the flapping sounds of the Changelings' wings. A voice as clear as a bell, as beautiful as the first ray of the Sun after a cold, dark night. My sister's. She appeared, running towards me as the Changelings continued their advance. It all happened so slowly, I saw the fur of her coat flutter as she jumped on top of me, shielding me with her body. The blood that splattered as blow after blow rained down on her. The screams I let out as her life diminished.
“Noooooooooooo!” I scream exactly the same as that fateful day. Only to notice I was in my room, safe and sound. My wounds healed, the bones realigned. The dark room offered no comfort, and the memories were resurfacing again. No, this can't happen. I started to talk to myself, trying to shut out the suffocating darkness.
My name is Esau Cursehoof. The last remaining survivor of the Cursehoofs in Changeling incident. I am tasked with keeping Tartarus in order. My sister died when protecting me. My family was tasked since the ancient days to protect Equestria all we can. All of my family are dead too. It's almost dawn, I should start my duties. It's my fault they're dead. All mine.
I stop, sobbing into the cold sheets, of my family, of my sister, of my own incompetence. Dawn was breaking, yet I had no strength to even leave my bed, yet alone take care of Tartarus all on my own. I wish I was dead, I wish I died along with my family, I wish I wasn't a Cursehoof.
“Esau?” an elderly, yet gentle voice rang through the tower. “Are you listening?” I pull the sheets over my head, attempting to shut out the sound I knew I couldn't. “If you're too... unable, I can temporarily take care of Tartarus for you.”
Magnus, an elderly dragon which is said to be Star Swirl's number one assistant, resided at the top of the tower, and had unimaginable power. But he couldn't stop the Changelings, he was weak. It's also his fault, not only mine. I feel good to be able to blame somepony else. Make me feel a little less weak, but I know it wasn't his fault at all, as he was guiding younger dragons on a migratory route on the day of the Changeling incident.
I kick off the sheets, and walked slowly, very slowly to the window, not bothering to give Magnus a reply. It was still dark, with only a silver of the moon to illuminate the ground. Then I saw it, a spark at the horizon... No it was a ray. The Sun then broke through the horizon, as a flying chariot came this way. It was golden, and pulled along by four pegasi in golden armour. But that wasn't the thing that caught my attention. What did was the passenger of the Chariot. Her tall stature, snow white coat, large wings, and magnificent mane. Princess Celestia herself was coming to Tartarus.
A scream escapes my mouth. No that I'm afraid of her, it's quite the opposite. Princess Celestia has been worshipped alongside Star Swirl the Bearded by us Cursehoofs for centuries. I notice how ragged I must look now and started to run to my closet.
I put on my white hood which signifies I am the current Head Keeper of Tartarus. As the cold, smooth fabric went over my mane, I felt another pang of guilt run through me. Elder members in the Cursehoof family pass on the title of Head Keeper to a child they think is suited for the job when they are of age. I am not as magically talented as my sister, and although I am of age, I know that what my parents had in mind was to pass on the title to my sister.
Hurt, depression, neglect, being at fault. That's how I feel when I look at my reflection in the mirror. My white mane were hanging messily in hardened locks. My dark blue cloak was stuck together at places. My purple iris looked blank, and I had deep bags under my eyes. I'm actually quite amused at how lousy I look just after three weeks of my family's death.
I close my eyes and breathe very slowly, steadying my emotions. Then I looked up at the ceiling and said, “Magnus. Take care of the tower for a moment. Princess Celestia is coming to...” To what?
I didn't thought of that. To banish me into the Canterlot dungeons for being unable to protect Equestria from the Changelings? That would be ironic, seeing that Tartarus is the best dungeon in Equestria already. Then what? Appoint a new Head Keeper? But that would mean throwing away what I had left. No, that can't happen. My family have been Keepers for generations, we had nothing left.
But she's the Princess, something awakens inside me. She has the right over your property, your standing, and ultimately your life. Must be all the years on lectures that emphasize how great the Princess is. But what is she, just an Alicorn, right? A race that had been almost wiped out during the Dark War over two millennia ago. I could take her on, I am a Cursehoof, a family of unicorns known to have access to ancient, forbidden forms of magic.
Wait, what am I thinking? Am I going to hurt the very person that allowed us Cursehoofs to have a home, a life? And I'm not even worth dirt. I couldn't even fight back against some Changelings with my mediocre magic. I am worthless, maybe I really should be shut in the Canterlot dungeons, allow me to rot in there. Broken and worthless, but at least unable to cause any more harm.
A gentle hoof that touches me snaps me back to reality, back from the broken pieces that were once my mind. I noticed I'm on the floor again, curled up into a ball. I looked up and saw a maginificent sight. A multi-coloured, flowing mane, a snow white coat, and gentle looking eyes. It was her! The Princess Celestia!
I rise to my hooves at once, ashamed for the thoughts I had. I immediately bowed, with my front knees bent, and my head to the ground. I kept my eyes closed, for I am not worthy to look at the beauty she possesses.
“I haven't seen that kind of bow since over a millennia ago.” laughed the Princess. Gently, she stroked my mane. “It must have been hard for you these past few weeks.”
Whatever that held my heart together crumbled, and I started to cry, sobbing into the cold hard ground. “They're dead! It's all my fault! I couldn't do whatever I am supposed to! Now they're dead! All gone!” Sobbing uncontrollably, I pounded my left hoof into the ground, and blood started to seep through the cracks, but the real pain came from inside me, not out. The memories of my family surface before me, how they taught me the ropes, how they tolerated me even though I was not as gifted as they were, how they cared for me.
Sure, I was losing whatever impression I had on Princess Celestia. She must be really disgusted right now, the sight of what's supposed to be the remainder of the strongest unicorns in history. I didn't care, not anymore. She can do whatever she wants, I don't have the strength to hold onto anything in my life anymore.
But she didn't say anything, or even ordered her guards to drag me away, she continued to stroke my mane gently. Eventually, after quite some time, I stopped crying, knowing how pathetic I must look, I wiped away my tears and stood up.
“I'm sorry, Princess.” I said with a broken voice. “You can lock me up in the dungeons now.”
The Princess looked almost surprised, but instantly reverted to the motherly look she had. I noticed how soothing it is to be in her presence. Her shadow made everything feel safe, her every word acting like a balm for my soul. She then slowly stood up to her full height, exactly as the Sun rose fully, it was an image of utmost perfection.
“I am not here to condemn you, Esau.” started the Princess slowly. She wasn't? What does it mean? I'm useless here, she could pick anypony from her school of gifted unicorns and replace me. “I'm here to make sure you were alright. And to give you an offer.”
An offer? Maybe she wants to execute me? And I was given the choice to die quickly and painlessly? But the sentence before that. Make sure I was alright? I don't get it. Not anymore. But at that moment she continued. “I want- No, I am asking you to leave Tartarus in the hands of my sister, Luna...”
“No!” I screamed before thinking. Night Mare Moon. The very creature that cursed my family, I will not let her step foot into my home, our home. “I will not let that monster into Tartarus!”
For once, the Princess looked angry, and whatever rage I had evaporated, leaving fear. In a much more powerful voice, the Princess said, “My sister has changed and has been forgiven, she is no longer Night Mare Moon. She is now Princess Luna, my dearest sister.” At that moment, she noticed the fear I was feeling, and looked sorry. “I apologise, I shouldn't have raised my voice.”
“No... It was... my fault...” I said slowly, I was ashamed. Of course, how could I forget? The news that Night Mare Moon was turned back into Princess Luna. That how just six ponies saved all of Equestria, not once but thrice, including both Discord's reawakening and the Changeling incident. All three of which I was completely useless.
“As I was saying... my sister will guard over Tartarus while you have a holiday of sorts, to heal up, and to sort out your mind.” said Princess Celestia. A holiday? An exile in disguise? No, it couldn't be. I thought the Princess was a tyrant and was unforgiving. I was wrong on both accounts. Then she continued, “I plan for you to stay in Ponyville for the time being, and come back whenever you please. So what do you say, Head Keeper?”
She acknowledged me, when I have forsaken myself. Ponyville, the living place the six ponies that saved Equestria repeatedly. And then, without warning, I say my conditions, “Whatever Magnus says must not be ignored, nobody is allowed to mistreat the prisoners and Luna- I mean Princess Luna and everyone else must abide by the rules of Tartarus.”
Then I put my hooves over my mouth. How arrogant I must sound, blatantly giving conditions when I'm not even fit to be a Head Keeper. But Princess Celestia smiles. “Of course, and do you want to bring anything with you?” she continues.
“Give... give me a moment.” I utter. Then I run back to my room, shutting the door behind me. I closed my eyes. A holiday... could be good, and I could meet those saviours and ask them how to do it... yes, I'll do just that.
I take a satchel from under my messy bed and looked around for stuff to bring along with me. I pull out a locket which had an enchantment to allow me to look at the pictures of every single member of the Cursehoof family. A picture of me with my family having a fun day cleaning up several empty cells. Several vials of blood which are supposed to be the main offence and defence of a Cursehoof, although I had not quite figured it out yet. Toothbrushes and towels and other daily objects too. And although my satchel had an enchantment which allowed any amount of things to be put in it, it had become quite heavy.
I come out of my room and see Magnus sitting on the balcony, chatting with Princess Celestia. They looked happy and exchanged several jokes. Then Magnus noticed I was just idly standing in front of the door. “Esau, promise me you'll only come back when you are totally healed up. Both body and mind. And do not worry, I'll watch over this tower, just as I've always had.” said Magnus.
I ran across Celestia, and hugged Magnus on his snout. He was so large one of his teeth was already the size of my body. I feel the warm, rough scales and tears started to come out of my eyes again. “I'll miss you, old man.” is all that comes out of my mouth. “Me too, young one.” said the ancient dragon.
After some time, I finally let go of Magnus and waved as he stretched his wings and slowly flew back up to the top of the tower. Then I turn to Princess Celestia, who had been oddly quiet up till now. “I'm ready.” I said with vigor that I had thought I lost forever.
“Very well.” said the Princess as she started walking towards the balcony, and signalling the royal guards to bring the chariot. “Oh, by the way, I'll be heading off back to Canterlot for something, if you have any problems, just turn to my student, Twilight Sparkle, she lives in a tree, so she's hard to miss.”
A tree? It sounded ridiculous but I smiled. Another ability I thought I had lost. Then I started to climb on the chariot as I added, “Princess Celestia... thank you, I thought I lost everything, but I guess I have another chance, thanks to you.” Then I did a slight bow. “I'll never forget your kindness...”
“Everypony deserves another chance.” said Princess Celestia. “Best of luck to you. And I hope to see you in your best form in the future.” Then she disappeared, teleported away, leaving behind a shower of sparks. The chariot started to move, and I believed that, no, I knew that what the Princess did was right, and I had to do my best if I ever wanted to repay her.