Anima Mea Tenebre

by Nixus

A Phyrric Victory

Dante sighed as he looked down on Reiksadler through the window of his room in the citadel before he sat on his bed. The area was spartan, the finery having been taken down and used for whatever way it could add to the rebuilding efforts of the city. Sheets had been converted to bandages, wooden furniture pulled apart for wood and nails, and even the rugs had been taken to be used as bedding for those in the houses that had been converted into makeshift medical stations. In those walls the wounded during the escape from the citadel mixed with the sick citizens who had survived in the wilderness around their citadel. Processing all of them was slow and arduous, resulting in what could only be described as refugee camp in the main square of the city.

It was a bittersweet sight to him and no doubt the populace as well. To the outside eye the city was whole and relatively unmarred, its citizenry slightly worse for wear, but physically there was only a moderate amount of destruction. A few houses would need to be torn down here and there, but for the most part the damage was superficial. Reiksadler’s body was as solid as it had been weeks before the infestation of Shriekers, it’s people working hard to repair what was broken and to root out and purge whatever traces of infection were left. Meanwhile the population had to wait until they were given the permission to access their own homes.

It was a small relief in his mind, only overshadowed by a larger concern. Any competent leader would obviously focus some attention on rebuilding efforts, but the main concern were the wounds invisible to the eye. Griffons had been tortured, their minds violated, and enslaved. Even as the medical teams fought to heal the wounded it seemed that for each one they saved there was another already too far gone. The results were smouldering areas beyond the wall where mass funeral pyres had been erected and subsequently consumed by flame, scattering the ashes to the wind in a ceremony compliant with Griffon traditions. Dante had attended each and every one as they happened, placing himself on the outskirts with spells that cloaked him in shadow. For hours he watched the pyres blaze through the night while trying to avoid notice out of respect. The populace had needed time to mourn as a group without a foreigner intruding.

That had been a few days ago and since then he had confined himself to his room to think and reflect. Occasionally he would write a note or two, jotting his thoughts as they came to him. More often than not, that very note would then end up in the pile that had begun to accumulate on either side of his bed as the desk in his room had been taken to be used a hospital bed. He did not mind in the slightest, instead using a broken piece of board over his lap as a writing surface. He was no healer, but his mind could at least be used to help in whatever way he could manage. Though that was during the short periods he could actually focus.

Like the populace dealing with the demons plaguing their memory, Dante was dealing with the very real one that had taken residence within his friend. The image had embedded itself deep in his mind and he imagined the creature in the corner of his eye, a malicious maw of glowing iron sneering at him through his friends face. The thought unnerved him, sending shudders down his body. Even worse, there was the lingering feeling of a strange familiarity that he experienced as he looked back in the encounter with the demon that had called itself Aedus.

A sudden pang in his chest brought him out of his melancholy and he released a pained breath as he looked down at his writing. The careful notes had grown frantic before letters evolved into the rictus grin inhabiting his mind. Without a second thought Dante ripped the page from the notebook and held it up. Staring at it brought a feeling of annoyance that manifested in a scowl. Smoke wafted from between his fingers as a black hole grew from under them. With a thought the paper exploded into flames and folded in on itself as the air became smokey.

He allowed the ash to fall to the floor, the flames extinguishing themselves without any more fuel to feed them. With a small effort he rose and opened the window, letting fresh air flood in and replenish the smoke filled bed chamber. At the same time a knock on the door sounded and was followed by a purple unicorn peering in looking puzzled as she scanned the room.

“Was something burning in here?” She asked quietly as she closed the door behind her.

“Just doing some practice. I wasn't watching and a stray flame hit a piece of paper,” he lied before he quickly switched the subject. As much as he trusted her, there was no reason to place too much burden on his unicorn companion. “Was there something you needed?”

Twilight’s ears perked and she quickly focused herself back on him. “I haven't seen you in a few days and I was beginning to get worried. Have you just been cooped up in here?”

“No, I've gone out a few times. I met with Sam and Moe yesterday.” He lied quietly then winced as Twilight’s eyebrow raised.”

“Really?” She said. “I saw them both and neither of them said they saw you since…” she trailed off as she frowned deeply. “Have you been out at all?”

“Yes.” Came his curt reply. Not a total lie, but he did not want to delve into his mental state right then and there.

“You haven't just been cooped up in here? For the past few days?”

“No.” Another half truth if he considered bathroom breaks. Even then, his mind had continuously worked itself into an exhausted state.

“Have you eaten at all?”

Dante, at that moment, became acutely aware of the lingering pain within his stomach. A quick glance to the end of his bed revealed a bowl of stale porridge accompanied by rotting fruit that had been growing all sorts of indistinguishable and inedible life forms. Twilight followed his gaze and raised an eye as she saw it. She raised a hoof before he could even attempt to explain, silencing him with her gaze.

“We’re going to get lunch,” She said sternly. “One day out of your room won’t hurt. Now follow me.”

For the first time in the past few days, Dante felt a smile creep onto his face. Twilight had come off as a little commanding, but for some reason he did not mind. Rather he welcomed it.

“Lead the way,” he replied.

*****

They ate lunch in the garden on the citadel’s roof, sequestered away at a table in the shade of a lone pear tree. A few handfuls of teas leaves pulled from the garden, cheese, and bread were all they had managed to sneak from the drained stores of the citadel, but to the famished boy and unicorn they tasted like heaven. Eating in peace was a luxury given all that had happened, but Dante found his mind clear as they switched from eating cheese sandwiches, drinking tea, and bantering without a care in the world. Moments like these, sipping tea and eating small snacks in the comfortable shade, seemed to fade the reality of their situation to nothingness as they enjoyed each other's company.

Twilight sighed contently as she sipped her tea, enjoying the warmth that spread throughout her as the taste and fragrance pervaded her senses. Dante watched her, his own smile masked as he sipped his own cup. It was the same tea the prince had served him on the airship and he savored the slightly bitter mountainroot leaves as it invaded his mouth. The drink brought on memories and Dante began to wonder about the Prince who had introduced him to it.

He carefully set his cup down and gazed over the table at his friend who caught his concerned eye. Dante struggled internally for a few moments and crossed his hands on his lap, but with a quick breath he summoned the words to speak. “I'd rather not kill the mood right now, but I need to ask. Actually, I can't hide from it in my room anymore. How have things been with everyone since we lost…” he trailed off and gritted his teeth. He knew it would be a painful topic, but he didn't realize it would hurt as much as when he first lost control. “I need to know how everyone is.”

Twilight watched him curiously, her smile gone and replaced by a frown. “It's been hard,” she stated quietly. “The girls are devastated, most of all Applejack. It's like losing another family member. We just aren't sure how to process it though.”

“That makes all of us,” Dante sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. He get a headache come on and his fingers went to rub beneath his horns. “What of Sam and Moe? I can't imagine they're too happy with me shutting myself in.”

“They weren't, Moe was angry. He wouldn't calm down until he just exhausted himself. He doesn't say much though now unless it's to Rarity. Even then, it's not much.” She floated the teapot to her cup and began to refill it before she seemed to lose her appetite and gently set it down. “Sam said he understood, he wasn't happy either, but he said he knew you would try and figure it out on your own. I did see him today, he was the one who asked me to check on you. He said you should know…”

Curious of her hesitation Dante prodded. “What's happened? What's going on?”

Twilight shifted uncomfortably in her chair as Dante’s sense of panic began to set in. The purple unicorn was almost never at a loss for words and the sheer fact she seemed intent on searching for something to avoid the topic compounded his fear. When she finally did open her mouth to speak, she was interrupted by the soothing maternal voice of her mentor.

“Twilight, it’s fine. I will inform Dante of the proceedings of the last few days,” Celestia said as Dante turned to see her emerge from the gates that formed the entrance to the garden. She turned to Dante with a mixed expression of delight and seriousness that furrowed her brow. “Dante it is good to see you are in good health. I had visited your room but it seems that Twilight beat me to the occasion.”

“It is good to see you, Princess,” Dante replied with slight trepidation. “I wish it was under better circumstances however. It really does seem we are a cause for nothing but issues this land needs to deal with.”

His words seemed to ease her mind, but the seriousness edge in her voice didn't fade. “You have nothing to worry about Dante, we’ve encountered many issues throughout history but we’ve prospered regardless. I am certain this is another instance of that,” she replied confidently. “However, we must deal with what is currently in front of us and there is no easy way to state this, but that Irontalon is currently bedridden due to his injuries. The physician's report says that his lower spine is damaged and the bones of his wings were fractured far too extensively. As of now, they have determined he will never fly again and will be lucky if he can walk unassisted.”

His heart froze at the news. The king was one of the last bastions of strength for the Griffons. Unable to fly and possibly paralyzed, the news would shatter what little strength the people still had. He slumped in his chair, mind racing as a multitude of scenarios ran through his mind. The nation would survive, but the news of Reiksadler and the King could cause issues to spring up. He did not know the King personally, but he knew anyone who had a sliver of power had enemies willing to take advantage of such a weakness. A rebellion could spring up, dividing the nation and putting even more pressure on the capital.

Dante sucked in a breath as he tried to assess the situation in his mind. They'd done it again, created issues where there were supposed to be none. If only we weren't here… none of this would have happened. It's our fault. He thought solemnly.

Your ability to blame yourself is almost as your magic, Dante. Do you not think you're being a tad overdramatic? I know what happened and it is not only your fault. He heard Celestia’s voice in his mind and looked to see the aura surrounding her horn. The telepathic spell was there, he could feel it's distinct presence, but Celestia had cleverly masked its use with by pouring herself a cup of tea with a separate thought.

Dante straightened and put on his passive face as he and Celestia locked eyes. It is the truth of the matter though. Our presence here has put you and the rest of this world in danger. We can't afford to continue with the risk.

Then what will you do? She countered, a stern tinge added to the voice of her thoughts. Gather every foreign element and banish them?

If that is what it takes…

“Selfish,” Celestia said as she stared at him with narrowed eyes. Her retort brought him out of his haze and he sat still, his crimson eyes returning her stare with defiance. Unconvinced by his silent retort, she continued speaking. “Despite every good deed or aspect your presence has brought, you're so narrow minded that you would tear it all down at the slightest hint of trouble. You are unbelievably selfish, Dante.”

Confused by the sudden change in atmosphere, Twilight spoke up and turned to the Princess. “What do you mean, Princess? Dante hasn’t even said a word? Why would he be selfish?”

Dante ignored Twilight for the moment. His blood had begun to flare, brought to boil by the Princess who would accuse him. What reason did she have to disagree? The ponies last encounter with humanity and it's kind had resulted in wars. She had said so herself that day with the tapestry. Had a thousand years of peace dulled her sensibility, or was she deliberately naive to believe that the presence of the races of his world and the demons could not cause another incident?

“Princess, with all respect, you've seen what has happened to this city. You've seen what Coppa became and what he can do. There's no other solution and I don't understand why you can't see that. This chaos will spread of something isn't fixed!”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, ears flattened as she switched between the two of them. “What are you talking about? What chaos?”

“Go on then, Dante. Tell her,” Celestia said, her heated words probing Dante. He looked at Twilight, soaking in her frightened face and felt a pain in his chest as he did so. She didn't deserve this, but it needed to be done. Celestia however, seemed to think differently. “Tell her then, tell her about your plan. I am not about to let my own pupil be misled by someone she trusts completely.”

“Do not use her against me, Celestia,” Dante snapped, his hand slamming against the table. His mind was in a haze and he knew it, but the feeling of unleashing all his pent up fear and frustration felt too good to pass up. “I would have thought you'd agree with me. That this was something that needed to be dealt with!”

“Dante!” Twilight practically screamed his name and his head snapped towards her. “I am here too. What are you both talking about and what does she mean by being selfish? Am I not your friend, do I not get a chance to hear what has been eating at you?”

Dante was at a loss for words. His heart wanted to tell her, yet he knew the knowledge would hurt her beyond belief and it was something he couldn't bring himself to do. She was his friend and he cared for her beyond any possible measure, but that same affection was the reason why he couldn't bring himself to tell her how he would ultimately betray her friendship.

“He is still holding on to the plans for them all to leave once this is all over. He mistakenly believes that it will solve all the problems caused by their presence here.” Celestial said without hesitation. Dante scowled at her while Twilight's face fell to sadness. “I do not disagree that something is to be done about all this, that there are threats that need to be dealt with, but your sacrifice a few for the many outlook is not the way to go about this. It is possibly the worst route a leader could take and I am surprised someone as smart as you could not see this.”

“Dante… is this true?” Twilight asked. When he did not answer her head fell forward and she slowly got up from the table. “Excuse me Princess, I… I need some time to myself.”

“Twilight, wait…” Dante started as he got up from his chair, but with a quick turn she had already gone. He grit his teeth and with a resigned feeling in his heart went back to Celestial. “Why? Why do this?”

“Twilight will be fine Dante. She just needs time to herself,” she replied. “As to why, it is because while you are seeing a things on a wider scope, you are missing important elements that will affect you. Like I said before, I do not disagree with you. I just see an alternative and what steps need to be taken immediately.”

“Like what?”

“Mostly you are missing the feelings of your friends. You say you all need to go but do they want to? They have the beginnings of a life her, some have found love and others friends for life. You may see things in a logical sense but emotion and attachment is far from the grasps of logic. Think of it like this, do you want to leave Twilight and all the friends you've made here?”

The reply was almost instantaneous. “No.”

“You're a smart man, Dante. You remind me of Alaric almost,” Celestia said and gazed at him sadly. “Both wanting to do what was right, charismatic and caring leaders, and with an eye for the larger picture. You're compassionate like he was, but where you mull over with your mind, he acted with his heart and sense of right and wrong. He put everything behind why he believed was true, but was not afraid to be proven wrong. It was why he captured the hearts and minds of those who were his friends and the respect of those who were against him.”

“And it's why you fell in love with him,” Dante said quietly as Celestia wiped a tear from her eye. Dante sighed and went to embrace her. He had been outmaneuvered by himself, and he knew she was right. Panic and desperation had driven him and he was ashamed to admit it. Yet while he embraced the regal princess and felt the feathers of her wings on his neck, he didn't mind it.

“It was one of the many reasons,” she giggled and let go of him. She nuzzled the top of his head before they separated. “I am glad I got through to you.”

“I've realized that despite my attempts to master it, I still have the capability to overreact. Without, Principle Feinmann around to keep me in check, perhaps you are the best alternative.”

“I will certainly try to live up to the expectation, but you will have to tell me more about him so that I know what I'm getting myself into,” she replied with a laugh. “You and Twilight really are one in the same.”

“Perhaps we are, Celestia,” he said. “I need to apologise to her though. I was unfair and, like you said, not seeing the issues I would’ve been causing. It’s the least I can do, but I feel like she will need some time before she's ready to see me again.”

Celestia tittered. “A smart man like I said. She will be fine in the end, but we need to deal with the issue at hand: the transition of power.”

“What is the plan?”

“Prince Frostfeather will be making an address in the main square. I pushed the idea that he should show solidarity with the people and silence any detraction immediately. It will be a subtle show of force, mainly hinging on his ability to show his honest desire to be one for the people. He made one request which surprised even me.”

“And that was?”

She smiled deviously as if she was waiting for this exact moment and judging by her glee, Dante assumed she had. It was when the Canterlot voice then boomed out that he knew she really was enjoying herself..

“On behalf of his majesty, I Princess Celestia am granted the power to summon thee, Dante, to the aid of the Crown Prince tonight. This power was invested to me personally by the royal decree of Prince Constantinian Frostfeather, heir apparent to the Griffon Throne, ruler of the united lands of the Griffon Empire and its colonies, sword and shield of the people, and ruler of the skies. As such, you and your compatriots will be knighted for your contributions and allowed to speak on behalf of the Prince.”

She finished with an exaggerated flourish of her wings as she cut off her Canterlot voice and gave him a gigantic smile. “Still have it,” She laughed. “You will probably need to prepare now though. I have arranged for you to have time to clean up before the ceremonies. You’d best use it to get ready and prep a speech I am fairly sure you will be expected to present.”

Dante nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

*****

Dressed in a flowing black robe that matched the ones worn by his companions, Dante felt the wind on his face as a breeze blew through the streets, bringing with it a soft howl. The repairs on the city had ended for the day and in the opening hours of the Prince’s address crowds had begun to form in the main square. Even now, the murmuring could be heard streets away as every window and inch of open space was fought for. There was excitement in the air as they formed a jostling circle, crowding around stage with no guards to prevent them from doing so. It was a choice made by Frostfeather himself despite the concerns by his advisors, a method to show his concern and bravery to his people. Stalls served as impromptu stands, children were raised on shoulders, and every window seemed to be occupied as they listened and watched the ceremony.

Despite his enjoyment of ceremony and public addresses in school, both Frostfeather and Celestia had warned him of the notorious amount of pomp and blustering that Griffons enjoyed. He had learned that the titles Celestia had referred to were only a fraction of the nearly forty independent stations the Prince was to be called after his coronation. Even now, as another noble rose to give his support, and began identifying himself by name and title, Dante find a slight bit of dread well up.

Frostfeather appeared interested as he sat in a high back chair, dressed in in a decorated purple toga and waiting on the still blustering noble to finish their speech, but the glazed look in his eye told a different story. No doubt he was silently begging for the ceremony to be over, but the sight of Dante seemed to reinvigorate him. A smile broke across his beak and he brought up a hand as the noble finished, ushering silence throughout the excited crowd. With another gesture he coaxed up the six ponies, their princess and the three men to the stage.

Celestial took a step forward and took position next to Frostfeather as he walked confidently to the podium which they stood behind. To his right were the six elements of harmony, and to his left stood Dante and his companions. Dante spied the six girls waving and smiling to cheers of adoration and thankfulness. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack seemed to enjoy the attention, gracefully accepting and returning the love heaped on them. Fluttershy was her customary nervous self, but in the presence of Sam, seemed to put on a brave face even as her back led quivered anxiously. As for Twilight, her face smiled, but the tight muscles invisible to the crowed revealed just how much she was forcing herself to seem cheerful.

Another tightness plagued Dante’s chest and he forced himself to look away to his companions. In comparison to the girls, Sam and Moe were a more somber affair. Both gave the same small waves and smiles, but there was a tired and worn air about them that he understood. Moe was quick to put on the airs of friendliness, but held a tightened fist to his side. He wore the same forced expression as Twilight, but less effectively. There were obvious signs Moe was in no mood for this, but it came to Dante’s mind that perhaps Celestia had been just as forceful with Moe as they had been with him. It concerned him, but paled in comparison to Sam who seemed as though he were ready to collapse as he was taken by a sudden coughing fit that forced him to take one of the seats behind him.

Making a mental note to check on the two of them afterwards, Dante turned his attention back to the crowd. Frostfeather had put his hand back up to quiet the crowd before he spoke in a loud and confident voice that Dante hadn't known the frightened and doubtful Prince he knew possessed.

“Friends! Brothers and Sisters of our Empire! Lend me your ears and attention!” He began with a clear and authoritative cry. The wings on his back fanned out, drawing every eye to him that hadn’t been pulled from his voice and making him out to be almost twice his size. The golden feathers that had been added to his wings shimmered in the light with radiance and the tassels on his sleeve shook as he spoke. “These past days have been dark for us, filled with bloodshed and terror. We have been attacked, imprisoned, and been subject to all manner of unspeakable injustices that I dare not speak of. Our city was desecrated and we have been freed, only to pick up the pieces once more. Even worse, our beloved king, my father, has been critically injured by the one who put us in chains!”

There was a gasp that ran through the cry, a spark that soon erupted into outrage, wails, and cries for vengeance. Dante recoiled from the sheer change in the atmosphere while Frostfeather smiled at the outright support for his father. The people had loved their king and Dante now saw how the Prince was banking on it. “My people, I too share your anger at this injustice, but the blood debt has been paid. The scoundrel, Ravenn lies dead, torn apart by vengeful blades thirsting for justice. We are left without a foe and we must now turn the feelings in our hearts to new ventures. It is for this reason that I have called you here!

“I know your pain, my people, but beyond the darkness of the present I can see a better tomorrow. The time for pain, for anger, for vengeance is over. Now we must look to better things. We must mourn for those lost, help those injured, and rebuild our city. It is something which I know and accept. I am still filled with honest to the gods anger at what has been done to my father, but I know that my anger will not mend his bones or heal his injuries. Instead, I turn that fiery passion to you my friends as I take the throne as he recovers. I implore you to turn away from anger and come together as one. Together we are strong and together we can rebuild what was broken. Ravenn may have caused great injustice, but we can undo what he sought to accomplish. Our ancestors survived war, disease, famine, and prospered. Who is to say we cannot do the same? Who is to say that this is what lays our empire low? Not I! I will proudly take up the shovel and show the true spirit of our people to those who would say we are weak!”

His words brought out a cheer from the crowd who chanted his name in unison with their fists held to their chests. Frostfeather seemed elated by the reception his words received. Cries of ‘unity’ and ‘rebuild’ resounded throughout the makeshift forum and Dante knew at that moment that Frostfeather had secured the hearts and minds of his people. He presented himself not as their king, but as another griffon who intended to put his heart and soul into benefiting his people. His words from this point on would simply be the icing on the cake he had presented.

“Of course, we are entirely capable of rebuilding and healing on our own, but in the course of these past days I have learned that we are not required to walk the solitary road. I have learned that there is no shame in asking your neighbours for their aid. In fact, doing so is one of the highest forms of bravery I have seen for it takes considerable humility to admit when one needs help.

Our neighbours in Equestria did not need to come to our aid. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna had every right to refuse us and leave us to a harder fate. Yet when called upon, they responded immediately, and sent the very Elements of Harmony and their protectors to aid us! They sent us their bulwark out of the kindness of their hearts and today, that kindness shall be returned!”

With a wave of his arm an attendant arrived on the stage carrying a small lacquered box which Frostfeather took and opened. From it he withdrew a red ribbon that held a four pointed star surrounded by laurel leaves and emblazoned with an outstretched claw. “The Medal of Merit is awarded to those who have assisted in the advancement of our country. I award it to these nine individuals for their efforts in freeing our people and ensuring that Reiksadler still stands. It is my hope that upon bestowing these medals to you, that you accept them as a token of gratitude and with the knowledge that should you require it, all of Griffonkind will come to your aid should you need it.”

He walked over to the six girls and with careful grace, he placed the medals over their heads and around their necks. As he came across to Dante, Moe, and Sam, he began on the far side, placing their medals around their necks and giving them an appreciative nod. When he came to Dante, he did the same, but placed a claw on Dante’s shoulder. “I wish there was a way that could possibly convey just how much I truly appreciate your help my friend. This could not have been done without you.”

“There is no need, I would do anything for a friend,” Dante said as he placed his hand on Frostfeather’s shoulder and grasped the Prince’s arm. “Good job with the speech by the way.”

“It was absolutely terrifying. I swear I am about ready to soil myself,” Frostfeather laughed and raised Dante’s arm as he turned to the cheering crowd. “My citizens! It is with pride that I give you the honor to hear my friend and companion, Dante and his response!”

Frostfeather let go of Dante’s arm and took his seat on the stage. With a breath, Dante took to the podium and scanned the crowd from side to side. A sea of eyes greeted him and he averted his gaze to his friends who looked at him with mixed expressions before he began to speak.

“Citizens of Reiksadler, I must first humbly accept this honor on behalf of my compatriots. I am not the most eloquent speaker so I will say what needs to be said. Like your Prince said, you have suffered a great injustice from an individual who hails from my own world. Alongside the Prince we rectified this and ensured that Ravenn would never have the opportunity to harm another. In this moment, I pledge my support behind Prince Frostfeather’s words. Now is a time for rebuilding, but it is a time for mourning and honor. We all hurt from those we lost, but we will carry their memory of them in our hearts till the end of our days, we will celebrate the joy they brought and cherish the impact they had on us. They are gone but not forgotten; they will live on in the spirit of love and friendship.

It is on those same principles that I pledge, on behalf of my two compatriots, and on the memory of our fallen friend, that we will always be there for the citizens of the Griffon Empire. You may call on us for aid at any time, and we will respond. I once thought of us as trespassers on this world, that our presence had upset the balance of this land. However, my eyes have been opened thanks to the efforts of my cherished friends and that of my hosts. We will always be up to the call to help defend against the darkness because we will not be leaving. I say for all of us that we are here to stay.”

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Twilight’s face morph from the forced smile to one of genuine joy. He smiled at the knowledge that his apology had been accepted for the most part. Of course he knew he would still get blasted for his earlier actions, but it was a start. A start which reinvigorated his hope and words.

“We are here to stay for this is our home which we will defend. That is my solemn oath!”

*****

Had any of the crowd or stage bothered to look up in the sky, they may have seen the small speck that floated free of gravity. Beleth doubted that anyone in that crowd would have paid attention even if they could see him from his position in the clouds. The ceremony had taken an interesting turn since Dante had made his oath and it had slowly changed into a merry mass of revelry. Beleth smiled as he watched it all, content with the knowledge that the painful recourse he would suffer for using his reserves to cross the divide between world and create a spectral image was well worth it.

“Celebrate as they might, this is a purely pyrrhic victory for them.”

Beleth felt a cold chill run through his magical image as he spun around. Instantly, he felt the cold sensation emanate through his body. Looking down, he saw a hand sprouting from his slightly transparent chest, wreathed in black flame. When he returned his eyes to the owner he was greeted with the sight of Dagon’s face sneering at him. The man had changed since his appearance in Ponyville. He sported the same black marks that ran from his eyes down his cheeks and a set of bat like wings had sprouted from his back. The horns on his head had gone from a smooth cylindrical shape to a set of jagged spikes that could rend and tear flesh. As he examined him, Beleth shuddered as he felt a familiar presence within the body.

“How, Belial?” he demanded. “How did you transfer yourself?”

“You ask a lot of questions for someone about the be sent to that wasteland,” Belial said through Dagon’s lips. “You and I both know how fragile a broken man’s conscience is. So is it really a surprise my old companion?”

“Regardless of whether I go back to the void, you are not going to prevail.”

“You can believe all you want, Beleth. That doesn’t mean it will be the case.” Belial said. “Aedus is free and soon the others will be ready as well. It will be a simple matter of making them join me. They followed Acharon, they will follow me. And when they do, nothing will stop me from restoring myself.”

Beleth scowled as he heard the words Belial spoke, hatred swelling in his chest as he tried to keep his image intact. Then a small smile formed and he began to chuckle as he digested Belial’s words. “You are a fool if you think they will be so easily swayed. You don’t know how those three really are.”

“Oh but I do. I will have them even if I must rip the powers out of the bodies they inhabit at this very instant,” Belial spat back. He rolled his hand and a faint light burst from the citadel and shot towards him. He caught the glowing orb and showed it to Beleth. “Dante and his friends are only three now to my four. Ravenn’s body may be lost, but there are other ways to bring him back into the fight.”

“You will never win. I won once, I can do it again.”

“Go back and rot in the void,” Belial spat as he twisted his hand. The flames seemed to catch onto Beleth and began to rapidly eat the spectral image from the inside out. A gasp of pain racked through Beleth and he watch Belial with absolute hatred in his eyes who smiled back. “Once I am finished here, then I will come and get you. But first, I will need to collect our warhound from his host's nest.”

*****

Applebloom loved days where the sun shined and the cool wind blew through her coat, bringing with it the many smells of the farm. The fact that her chores had been done early and now she could spend the day with her friends on the farm was even better. The three of them had gone from scheming up new ideas for their cutiemarks, to trying and failing those schemes, before they had just begun to play in the fields next to the forest. Running through the trees, they chased each other in a game of tag. Each had their own methods, and Applebloom found her strategy of hiding in the bushes on the very edge of the forest had worked out perfectly so far.

Sweetie Belle had found Scootaloo in the early minutes of the game, hanging off a branch like one of Miss Cheerilee's ‘Hang in There’ posters that hung in their teacher’s office. However, they had then spent the next ten minutes turning over almost every movable object in the orchard and field in pursuit of Applebloom. Twice they had come close, but she had managed to avoid them by pressing herself down on the ground where the bush was thickest. She knew by the end of the game she would be a tangled mess and that Granny Smith would give her the dressing down of a lifetime when she saw her, but winning and the bragging rights were worth it.

“Those to ain’t ever gonna find me,” She whispered to herself and let out a quiet giggle. She watched as Sweetie Belle stomped around in the field, pouting in frustration as Scootaloo popped out of a treetop like a groundhog. The two of them seemed to be arguing and Applebloom kept giggling as she saw them. She would reveal herself in a few minutes, but she knew that neither Sweetie and Scoots had a chance in Tartarus of finding her. The Unicorn filly would be too scared and Scoots would rush and overlook her if she even came near. No, she was perfectly hidden and once again, would be the reigning hide and seek champion.

Her giggling stopped when a noise came from behind and she felt herself become rigid. Big Mac had warned her that the forest near the orchard as home to all sorts of nasty critters, but she knew that they wouldn’t come near the edge of the forest in broad daylight. Quietly she gulped and slowly turned her head, only to scream as she saw rows of jagged teeth and glowing red eyes.

Falling back, she saw the thing blur as it turned and bounded off. Stars exploded in her vision as she hit her head on a stone and rolled out from the bush. Clutching her throbbing skull, Applebloom heard the concerned voices of her friends as they bounded to her. She felt a hoof on her shoulder and after a minute felt better enough to actually understand what the two of them were saying.

“What happened,” came Scootaloo as she switched from the bush to Applebloom. “Was it a Timberwolf?”

“Oh no! You’re bleeding!” Sweetie cried as she touched Applebloom’s head. A jolt of pain made her recoil and her hoof shot out against Sweetie’s with a hard smack. “Ow! What was that for?”

“Ah’m fine!” Applebloom snapped as she touched the cut on the back of her head. She winced slightly and her hoof came back with a few specks of red against her yellow fur. A red haze had begun to tinge her vision until Scootaloo stepped forward.

“That wasn’t nice, Applebloom,” She said angrily. “Sweetie was just making sure you were alright. You didn’t need to yell or hit her.”

At the sound of the accusation, the haze lifted and Applebloom looked to Sweetie who was nursing her hoof. A sense of guilt welled in her and she looked down, ashamed of her action. “Ah’m sorry, Sweetie. I didn’t mean to hit you like that. It just hurt and I didn’t want to be touched.” she said apologetically.

Sweetie nodded and hugged her. “It’s ok, I'm sorry if I hurt you.”

“Guys! Look at this!” Scootaloo yelled. She had gone up to the bush and with a shaky hoof, pointed to the tree behind it. Large scratches adorned the the bark of the tree, the edges of them smoking as if something had burnt its way through. A deep sensation of dread went through each of them as they slowly backed away. Despite their age, they had seen the monsters that lived near their small and quiet town and each of them knew that none of them could do this.

“All in favor of getting Big Mac?” Scootaloo said quietly. They all nodded and like bullets, shot back towards the barn as fast as their legs could take them. Even as they did so, Applebloom took a quick glance over her shoulder and then redoubled her efforts. She didn’t know if it was her imagination or not, but she could have sworn she saw a giant metal claw tear off an entire branch filled with apples before pulling it back into the forest. Whether or not it was true, she was not about to go back and find out.

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[SOG AVENGER 225]

Will Coppa ever return to normal or is he forever changed?