Upheaval: Reckoning
Chapter 38: The Throne and its Bearer
When he received Third Squad's report, Terrato immediately sent out orders that the Elements of Harmony be gathered together. He wasn't that confident of their effectiveness as of now, especially with what he had seen of Applejack earlier, but he and his sisters had to push through with their plans.
Preparations had already been done. A necromantic ritual was enough to cleanse the place of all the ghosts that had anchored themselves to the Crystal Grave. He had to give some credit to Captain Shining Armor for holding that spell for a long time.
Then, he and Luna inscribed all the necessary magical sigils around the Crystal Grave while their elder sister supervised. Abjuration was one of Celestia's specialties. It was only when she was completely satisfied with their array did they continue.
Celestia's examinations also revealed a few more things. The seal around the Crystal Grave were obviously Lexarius’. He had discovered this during his reign, and had promptly hidden it away. The Crystal Grave itself did not belong to their predecessor, nor did it appear as the work of anypony in the Eternal Herd. No, this crystal was a construct of Oceanus himself. It was built not just to keep outside forces from getting to Regia Carnifex, it was also built to keep him inside it. Terrato didn't know why Oceanus would outright imprison his lieutenant, but he was more determined now to find out. His next step was looking better.
And that next step was right now. Terrato walked through one more tunnel before he stood within Crystal Grave's chamber. His sisters were already waiting for him. Luna tapped impatiently against the gleaming gemstone floor while Celestia stared into the crystal. Their inscriptions were already glowing, and humming with magic. All they needed now was the actual spell. For what could very well be the hundredth time, the consequences of the situation ran through his mind. He imagined having to fight an enraged, newly-freed alicorn across the skies above Canterlot. How much destruction would ensue? Before it would even get to that, they would have to deal with Regia Carnifex here. He glanced towards Celestia. Would he be able to protect her should any fighting take place?
‘You mean like how you defended her from Black Rose?’
Terrato's own inner challenge was full of scorn. He shut his eyes tightly for a second, as if doing so could silence the doubts.
‘Like how you’ll defend her from Gravitas, from Oceanus, and from any other danger that’s bound to come?’
“Are you ready, big brother?”
At the sound of Luna's voice, Terrato ignored the stinging questions. He took his spot directly opposite her, with the massive crystal between them. He had no answer to himself. None that didn't sound like hollow boasting. All he could do was to keep moving forward until those troubles arrived, then show what he could do. “No, I’m just standing around here wasting your time.“ He snorted. "Of course I’m ready. Let’s begin.” He cursed inwardly when his little sister answered with an even more concerned look.
“Alright,” Luna replied. She intoned the beginning of the abjuration ritual while the inscribed spells around her glowed even brighter.
Terrato followed her lead. The room shimmered with alicorn magic. A faint humming emanated from the crystal. To their side, Celestia walked closer to get a better view. The light intensified, and the humming grew into an oppressive buzz. A drop of sweat trickled down the side of his face.
Finally, they reached the end of the ritual. The humming stopped, and the light faded. The crystal was still there, its hundreds of facets held not so much as a single scratch. Terrato tried to get a feel of how the magic held itself together. He looked to his sisters to see if they found something he didn't.
“We've done it,” Celestia said. There was a faint note of relief in her voice. Hopefully, they had just proved that their magic could dent Oceanus’ if they had to. If Celestia were to recover, all three of them might just match him.
The relief didn't last long. A groan; the sort of groan one would make upon waking up, came from the Crystal Grave. Terrato fell into a fighting stance. Celestia was confident that they had succeeded, but they were faced with Oceanus’ second. Past the crystal, Luna was also ready for a fight.
There was neither great explosion nor a fearsome neigh came despite their fears. Just another groan, this one shorter, and more annoyed.
“Regia Carnifex,” Celestia said. “Can you hear us?”
Another minute passed before an answer emerged from the Crystal Grave. “Etiam…ut’ ius…” a voice rumbled from the crystal. It sounded like ancient tree straining against a strong wind. Luna frowned, and cast a translation spell over all of them. “…that’s my name too…”
Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Your name too?” she asked. Terrato and Luna walked to her side.
“Pardon,” the voice said. “I had gotten so used to being called ‘Starswirl’. It took a while to remember that I am Regia Carnifex after all.”
Terrato let himself smile a little. “Looks like I got it right,” he said.
“But who am I speaking to?” Carnifex asked. “I can barely see through this blasted prison, and I do not recognize your voices.”
“My name is Celestia,” Celestia replied. “With me are my siblings: Terrato and Luna.”
“Celestia…” Carnifex said. “Princess Celestia…oh, yes. I remember now. You’re that little pink-maned filly who kept making off with Oceanus’ special pastries.”
“That was--” Celestia stopped, resuming only when she had restored some dignity in her tone. “That was a long, long time ago, Regia Carnifex,” she said. “We've woken you up for present matters.”
“Of course you have,” Carnifex replied. “I’m not going anywhere, am I? So ask your questions.”
None of them replied right away. Now that they had Carnifex’s attention, the swarm of possible questions made it difficult to pick the first.
“Tell us about the Foul Weapon,” Celestia said. “What is it? What does it do? How is it activated?”
“It’s not for you,” Carnifex replied. “That’s what it is, Princess Celestia. If this is some foalish attempt to follow in the hoof-steps of the pony you all but worshiped before, then give up.”
Luna stomped a hoof. “As if big sister would even consider such a thing!” she said. “All we want is enough information to make sure that nopony gets to use the Foul Weapon, including Oceanus himself!”
“Such a noble goal,” Carnifex replied. “Oceanus said noble things too. He may have even meant them at some point. The Foul Weapon doesn't care. Let no pony ever use it again.”
“You’re sounding more and more as if you oppose Oceanus, Regia Carnifex,” Terrato said. “What’s going on here?”
“You should know, given that you've been prodding my cage,” Carnifex said. “After the fall, and the rise of Oceanus' children, I started to disagree with Oceanus over how he treated his newfound progeny.” Carnifex chuckled. “I knew that he wouldn't take my defiance well, so I had a failsafe ready before confronting him; a created mortal body to retreat into.”
“And that was why you became Starswirl the Bearded” Celestia said.
“Yes,” Carnifex replied. “I had a wonderful time. I would prefer to be Starswirl even if I did had to abandon most of my magical power. These mortals…they are such an interesting lot, aren't they?”
“They were the ones that brought your downfall, weren't they?” Terrato asked. “Your student discovered your actual body, but she poisoned you before you could do anything.”
For minutes, silence reigned over the Crystal Grave’s chamber. Just as when it seemed Carnifex had fallen asleep, his voice emerge from the crystal again. “Clover…ah, it’s coming back now…all that disappointment. Tell me, your highnesses, what happened to Clover the Clever? She left me stuck in my mortal body when she went to salvage something from her Not-So-Everlasting Kingdom.”
“Lexarius destroyed her,” Celestia said.
“Stupid filly…right to the end, she was desperately scrabbling for her precious ‘Deep Father’.”
The tone Carnifex used was all too familiar: regret, disappointment, even a measure of self-loathing. Old aches welled up inside Terrato. He wanted to cut through all the rambling get to what they needed.
“Carnifex, there are others on Clover's path,” Celestia said. “There is another pony trying to acquire the Foul Weapon. This is why we need your help.”
“I suppose I should be shocked,” Carnifex said. “Yet, it’s to be expected isn't it? When his children hear Oceanus’ call, they all madly dash towards his abyss. I've tried to stop them to no avail. The taint they carry leads them to their fall in the end.”
Luna's face twisted, and she looked down on her chest. Terrato opened his mouth to say something, but Celestia beat him to it.
“No!”
Celestia’s voice resounded within the chamber. She spoke so vehemently that Terrato didn't dare add anything. Carnifex didn't respond either.
“I don’t believe it!” Celestia continued. “Not for even for a second!” Her voice softened. “Oceanus did grow wicked, but it was by his choice, not out of any inevitability. His children have that same choice.” Celestia suddenly looked towards Terrato, and smiled. “Even when thrown into the worst of situations, they can still choose harmony over their ‘Deep Father’. I am not giving up on these mortals.”
“You've come a long way from stealing cakes, Princess Celestia,” Carnifex said. “Perhaps the succession is in safe hooves with you.”
Celestia pressed her lips together, and looked down on her hooves. “I am not worthy of the Throne,” she said softly. “Father will have to look to somepony else.”
“You must be,” Regia Carnifex said. “For you plan to oppose the firstborn in this world, and he has found a Throne for himself.
“What?” Luna and Terrato exclaimed at the same time.
“You've convinced me, at least a bit,” Carnifex said. “If nothing else, let me tell you what it is. The Foul Weapon is a Throne.”
“That makes no sense.” Celestia shook her head. “The Eternal Herd only has one Throne, and our father and mother are sharing it! There is no other Throne!”
“I’m sure that Oceanus thought the same thing when he first found out,” Carnifex said. “But there is another Throne, highness, and the firstborn draws from it. Did you think he would dare challenge your father with anything less?”
“You said 'when he first found out',” Terrato's eyebrows furrowed. “That means Oceanus didn't create this thing. Where did it come from?”
“That is a mystery even to me,” Carnifex replied. “Oceanus might know. Although, I’m sure he won’t share. I can tell you that it is an old, old thing. Older than Sanctus Dominus’ cycle. Likely older than the cycles before that.” He paused again. “Through all that time, nopony has ever been able to draw from it. Only Oceanus.”
“Then Black Rose will fail,” Terrato said, mostly to himself. “The Throne will allow only one pony to draw from it, and that pony is Oceanus.”
“The throne can accommodate two more,” Luna said. “A mate picked by the one it has chosen, and an heir from the two. That’s how it has always been in the Eternal Herd.”
“And how is that pertinent to the situation?” Terrato asked. A snap and a glare followed the tail end of that question despite his efforts to control himself. “The only way Black Rose would be able to draw from Oceanus’s throne is if she married him, or turned out to be his--” Terrato stopped. “Wayward children of Oceanus…” he whispered harshly.
“It’s only in the broadest sense,” Celestia said. She put a hoof on Terrato's shoulder. “But we shouldn't ignore the possibility, no matter how tenuous the link.”
“He would still have to choose her,” Terrato said. “She doesn't even know it’s a Throne.”
"I must agree with Princess Celestia,” Carnifex went on. “The likelihood of this 'Black Rose' even catching Oceanus’s attention is miniscule, but would you risk even a miniscule chance when dealing with the firstborn's Throne?”
‘That gambler…’ was all Terrato could think. He tried to turn his thoughts away to calm himself down. After all that had happened, even with the theft of Celestia’s power, Black Rose was his beloved. He didn't want the miserable firstborn to take that away. He tried to console himself with how unlikely the odds were. It didn't help. Not when he was dealing with a mare who seemed able to bend luck itself to her favor. She might just catch Oceanus’s attention. King knows, she’s caught his. The thought made him sick.
“Big brother…” Luna said. She was about to reach a hoof towards him when Celestia spoke.
“Let us assume that she can find a way to draw from the throne,” Celestia said. “Black Rose still needs to get to it. Lexarius and the other stewards have sealed the thing up so that even my stolen power can’t break into it. Assuming that you’re not going to help her, how else could Black Rose get to the Foul Weapon?”
It almost sounded as if Regia Carnifex snorted. “I would certainly refuse if she was actually polite enough to ask first, unlike my faithful student and her friends. I am trapped in this crystal, your highnesses. Black Rose only needs to steal me away, and she can use me as she pleased.”
“She can’t if you’re dead,” Terrato said.
“Terrato, this is no time for your morbid jokes!” Celestia said.
“It’s no joke,” Carnifex said. “He’s right. If I’m slain in my alicorn body, nopony will be able to use me.”
“I will not murder anypony as a precaution,” Celestia said. "Not anymore..."
“Nobler and nobler,” Carnifex said. “But I've been in this world for too long, Princess Celestia, I've seen plenty of it as Starswirl to be satisfied. Killing me would be a boon. I would be able to return to the Eternal Herd, and face judgment for my part in all of this. Who knows? I might even be allowed to rejoin it.”
At that, Celestia actually looked like she might relent.
“You’re lying,” Luna said. “You've been tainted by the power of Oceanus. If you are slain here, you go to where he resides, to be tormented forever at his whim for your part in helping us.” She put a hoof against her chest, and stared at it grimly. “Like me…”
“I would thank you for sparing my life, highnesses,” Carnifex said. “But your problem remains the same. Let me make another suggestion.”
“And what’s that?” Celestia asked.
“Release me,” Regia Carnifex said. “Clover and Platinum have siphoned nearly all of my magic for their rituals. I may be about as useful as an obsolete book on all things about the age I lived in, but I want to do something against Oceanus.”
All three siblings looked to each other quietly. Terrato frowned, and shook his head. There was a lack of power coming from Carnifex, who sounded sincere enough, but he wasn't just going to release a prisoner so soon. Though Luna seemed a bit hesitant, he could tell that she did agree with him.
“Let us think about it first. We will speak some more later, Regia Carnifex.” Celestia motioned to her siblings, and walked away from the Crystal Grave. Terrato and Luna followed suit. It was only when the three of them had reached the Chamber of Elements did Celestia speak. “Where does all this find us now?” she asked.
“If Black Rose is relying on Regia Carnifex, she would have to come to us,” Terrato said. “She must have an alternative.”
“What other magic can match such a powerful seal from the Eternal Herd?" Celestia asked.
“The Elements of Harmony,” Luna replied. She held her gaze steady when both her siblings looked at her. “Think about it, she’s been dead set on trying to break or strengthen them with her agents. I think the Elements could do it.”
“Black Rose would have to get them to use it according to her purposes,” Terrato said. “And lead them to the Blasphemous Rift before that. What could she possibly do to--”
All three of them halted when the resonance of an ominous and familiar presence made itself known. Celestia’s face twisted from shock to sheer outrage. Luna and Terrato could only look to her grimly. “Gravitas!” she said. “How dare he!”
“Where is he?” Luna asked. “And who’s with him?”
Terrato tried to pinpoint the presence. Gravitas had chosen to enter this world, but not to meet Celestia. Otherwise, he would have come to Canterlot. He had also tried to enter it as secretly as possible. The magic they sensed wasn't a gate opening, but Gravitas’s power already being unleashed. His eyes widened as he followed that power's trail. “Sky Mirror Lake,” he said.
“There are two others with him,” Celestia said. “He must mean to secure the Blasphemous Rift.”
“Too fast,” Terrato muttered. “He didn't even bother scouting out this world before coming personally. What could have provoked him to rush his arrival here?”
A series of urgent knocks cut Terrato’s musings short. “Enter!” he said.
A pair of Special Operations ponies entered, and knelt. “Highness,” one of them said. “We've received reports from the ponies observing Sky Mirror Lake.”
“What is it?” Terrato asked. He already feared the worst.
“Several explosions were just seen coming from there. We believe that the changelings are under attack.”
“We have to stop him!” Celestia said. “He’s attacking the changelings without so much as a provocation!”
“It’s General Gravitas, and likely two of his best soldiers,” Luna said. “Big sister, without your power, it would be two against three.”
Terrato snorted. “Unless we bring the Elements of Harmony to bear,” he said. “Which would be bringing Twilight Sparkle and her friends to Sky Mirror Lake as Black Rose would want them to be.”
Celestia shook her head. “The Elements are not ready. Whether it’s going to the Blasphemous Rift, or against Gravitas.”
“Then keep them here until they are,” Terrato said. “I will go to Sky Mirror Lake to negotiate with Gravitas. “I’ll bide for time, maybe even convince him to back off.”
“He’s a brute,” Celestia said. “He could just overpower you, and lock you away before making his way here.”
“I’ll go with you, big brother!” Luna said.
“No,” Terrato said. “This is Black Rose’s ploy. If we both go, she’ll come here, and take Regia Carnifex away. She’s probably the one who convinced Gravitas to come to the Blasphemous Rift.”
“Devious,” Luna said. “But this is likely her last ploy. If we defend against this, big sister can recover her power.”
“Then let’s defend well,” Terrato replied. “I’m leaving this front to you, Luna.”
"Take care of yourself, Terrato," Celestia said. "If you fall, Equestria will follow."
"Nopony's going to fall," Terrato replied. "Especially not me." He left the Chamber of Elements, and had spread his wings when a hoof touched his side. “You need something else, little sister?” he asked.
“Promise me that you’ll run, big brother,” Luna said softly. “When it becomes clear that you’re in danger, run. Don’t try to put up a last stand. Leave the changelings behind if you must, but run.”
Terrato felt an urge to shake off the worry, make some small joke, then fly off. Instead, he turned around, and put a hoof on his sister’s shoulder. “I’ll run,” he said. “And Luna…”
“Yes?”
“I…” Terrato hesitated. This sounded like the sort of thing a soldier would say to his loved ones before putting his life on the line again. He didn't want to invoke that ominous atmosphere, but he wanted to say this anyway. “You know…I gave up on you back then. I didn't think you stood a chance against Nightmare Moon. If Celestia had agreed with what I had set out to do, you’d be with Oceanus right now.”
“I know that,” Luna said. “You don’t need to apologize.”
“It’s not an apology I want to make,” Terrato said. “I just want you to know that I plan on giving Oceanus nothing. Not “his” children, not Regia Carnifex, and especially not you.”
“Thank you, big brother,” Luna said. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“Count on it.”
Huh. Second time "today" that I find an update before going to bed. ADHD FTW.
Well-timed updates all around, well done. I like the direction the story seems to be going.
Black Rose, Gravitas, Oceanus, and The Three Siblings.
Each side is laying its cards on the table, and with the stakes so high I can scarcely imagine whats going to happen next (>_<)
Best. Story. Ever.
O shit, my body is not prepared for this!
Please, continue...
I could not hold out any longer and just read all of "Upheaval: Reckoning" marathon-style. So gooood! Unfortunately, now I am caught up to the present chapter and will have to suffer alongside you poor souls as we wait for more amazing updates.
What I love about Uprising (abridged rant):
Where other authors shy away from addressing the details of out-of-character moments for their protagonists (like mane six fighting, killing, etc.), Visiden Visidane expertly weaves these into long-term character development and world-building by revisiting traumatic events, showing they have real lasting effects, and revealing how the ponies all manage to come to terms with the the choices they've made and the things they've done. Best of all, now that in "Reckoning" we are seeing the ponies' character-defining elements of harmony being put to the test (RD's loyalty, AJ's honesty, etc.) by the Thorns, seeing them overcome each of these challenges while still holding true to their element makes them feel that much more real and in-character than ever!
As I continue to read this fascinating story I feel less like I'm witnessing things that are out of character for the ponies, and more like I'm seeing how the real ponies would react to events that are out of character for the show. And isn't that the ultimate goal of any good fanfic: To tell an awesome story about the characters we love, but one that would never be produced by Hasbro in a million years?
Anxiously awaiting additional adventures...
Stuff is happening! And it's not Twilight being a pony I don't like! I'm always up for things that aren't Twilight being a pony I don't like happening.
Just when we thought the plot couldn't get anymore convoluted it does...
lets see, Carnifex is/was Star Swirled the Bearded, this has been forshadowed though, guess that's the last of Twilight's heroes to have their pedestal broken (Celestia and then Clover the Clever were first).
Thrones that give power? is the King and Queen's one golden? 1.bp.blogspot.com/_9OH6fcEcHeQ/TRJPiEvTRUI/AAAAAAAAApI/ON5RSVnQy3c/s1600/God-Emperor.jpg
Black Rose needs to either become Oceanus's wife or is already his daughter (as are all mortal ponies), but needs to gain his permission to use the power of the foul weapon? well, considering what she's done already, that seems within her reach easily.
and, oh dear Gravitas has shown up already? well, that was fast, guess it's goodbye to the changelings, no one liked them anyway
also d'awww at the image of filly Celestia stealing Oceanus's special pastries
2067329 also you know a fic's good when you're watching the canon show and ask yourself 'hey, where's <insert OC here>...oh right', also I would like to hear your unabridged rant, always can use more ammo in favor of this story to throw at those on the fence about reading it
2068124
see, I told you that something big is going to happen soon
and I like changelings... I chope Chrysalis is going to be ok <_<
the big question now is: what will happen next
lets see...
AJ, RD and Pinkie are more or less ready, Rarity and Twilight... I'm not sure and Fluttershy... it depends how much she learned in the mean time.
I'm also pretty sure breaking any of those seals will count as 8th rebellion... but would this also include whatever Gravitas does?
Terrato goes to confront Gravitas, Black Rose could join in, if she does, Gravitas will probably leave to get back with an entire army. if she doesn't, Terrato might have problems talking some sense to him...
Black Rose could try to get Starswirl and she might be confronted by Luna... and the elements... inb4 Elements vs Thorns :D
she'd still need to have the Elements near the Blasphemous Rift to use their powers to break the seal, but if they are not ready (and I think they aren't she will fail to open it.
there are still so many things to happen... hmm... do you think we're up for a big finale of the part, or is there going to be an "Empire Strikes Back" moment before the big epic third part with a full-out war between Equestria and Eternal Herd?
2068347
Yeah I hope Chrysalis survives too, but if Black Rose obliterated the better portion of an invading Wolven army with one spell...
It doesn't seem likely that the Changelings will stand a chance against an Alicorn General and his two best soldiers (T-T)
2068427
I'm no fan of Changelings and their queen. They got it coming to them.
2068347 and by 'part' do you mean this part of Reckoning, or the series, because everything's up in the air right now, I was thinking we'd have at least 10 more chapters before Gravitas shows up, but that's not the case apparently
I think we're in for at least one more full story (possibly even more), given it took at least 40 chapters to finally reveal the love triangle between AJ-Vanguard-Twilight
I doubt we'll see a full on war given the Eternal Herd is all gods, mortals don't stand a chance
Starswirl, hell yeah. I like that he is senior to the royal siblings.
Hmn, I have a gut feeling that says not releasing him right the hell now is a serious mistake. I wonder if it will turn out to be correct.
For an exposition heavy chapter, that was pretty awesome. So, a Throne possibly pre-dating the Eternal Herd that is apparently unassociated with any known celestial realm. I get some bad vibes off of that, enough to wonder if it contributed to causing Oceanus' original rebellion.
2068684 um, yeah, it's pretty much bluntly stated that Oceanus used it in his first rebellion:
anyway, it's never stated that it's associated with any celestial realm, only it's ancient by the standards of the Eternal Herd and was lost probably because of the fact that there can only be one throne (you can't have two kings for a good reason)
2068640
by part I mean a third story.
yeah, there's a lot of unresolved issues.
as for mortals fighting gods... this might be an issue, but from the story it appears that Terrato does count on his legion in one way or the other. he alone, even with Luna and Celestia(if she gets her powers back) wouldn't be enough to fight the entire army. But we also have the dragons and the other races who might not be too keen on the end of the world. Not to mention the elements of harmony and whatever is left of Starswirl/Carnifex (by the way, my Latin is really rusty, but his name means royal executioner, right?).
But having a full-out war would be devastating for Equestria...
ok, lets wait and see what will happen in next few chapters :D
2069256 I could be misinterpreting, but I was under the impression that the Eternal Herd is not the only celestial realm in the Upheaval universe. I could be totally wrong in that.
2069319 well considering Black Rose wiped out most of the besieging Wolven army at Bastion City with one spell, I'm pretty sure mortals don't stand a chance, not unless they get incredibly smart
also I'm pretty sure the 'great upheaval' after all nine rebellions, when the King comes back to take on Oceanus, just signifies the end of Equestria, not the end of the world:
2069329 yes, there are multiple heavenly realms, they've only had passing mentions, and no detail given on them what so ever, but I'm pretty sure it's safe to say there's a heavenly realm for each sentient species
2069424
I suppose we'll have to wait and see
hopefully the waiting part won't be too long <_<
A third throne, eh? Two thrones for the "gods" and one for the "devil" I guess. Also, that bit about Luna made me sad... (•︵•)
Double space.
Should be a colon.
Seem to be missing returns.
Took me a couple months, but I'm caught up with this story again. And already eager for the next chapter.
Usually, I would not ... well ... screw usually. I have just finished reading last chapter (up to date) of Upheaval: Reckoning, before that, i have read Upheaval: Breaking point. It took me 3 days (it is pretty long ...). And now i am just waiting for next chapter! But i have not wanted to write this here.
I must congratulate author of this FF, because it is simply so good. This fic came with things i have never thought of before (and that really does not happen too often). The whole idea of barrier lands is so far from my way of thinking about things that i just love it! ... well long story short - this fic is, by my opinion, on par with fallout equestria, and i love FoE too. But this is so much more likely then FoE that it is kinda superior. I also lowed Twilights development, it kinda reminded me of Dark Wanderings.
So long story short: Thanks for this amazing fic and i am really looking forward to reading future chapters!
Oh sweet Celestia..,,, I can't believe nobody here hasn't noticed yet. The subtle hints in this chapter not only say something about the Eternal Herd, but also add a bunch of questions. I'm glad I'm back, cause I'm going full theory mode.
Lets think about this. Oceanus is using a throne of power that seems to be nearly as powerful as the one the King uses, since it was said Oceanus did wound the King I think. But if this throne truly is equal to the King, the question everyone here is asking is where did this throne come from. That is the wrong question to ask. No... the question is, who sat on this throne BEFORE Oceanus. This throne is believed to be as ancient as the Eternal realms. So a throne equal to the King's throne exists. But the fact is... thrones are made for royalty. Why make two thrones when one is good enough? So the question I want to know is this... who was the King's equal? Who was the god meant to sit on that throne at the very. And who was said god?
Anyways, in other news, I finally got myself a fimfiction account. I still couldn't have the name Set though. Argh, why do I always disappear and reappear? Ah well, at Upheaval is awesome.
Well damn, I was searching through the internet for some Upheavel fan art and guess what... I found a wiki,. Maybe you guys don't know about, maybe you do, all I know is that the wiki looks pretty empty so far. Not even adding a perosnality section to Black Rose! We need to change that me thinks. Here's a link.
Upheaval Wiki
2155696 So you're saying that there's Always a Bigger Fish? Perhaps a previous rebellion? I could see your theory coming true, I guess only time and future chapters will tell
2155772 oh, yeah, the Wiki, Adalbertus (goes by woytaq here) made that a while back, but it hasn't gotten much use (I've been too lazy to fill some of it out), go ahead knock yourself out
And String, if there was another rebellion, then wouldn't the Upheaval Terrato talked about be closer? If the rebellions began with whoever sat on that throne, and then if you look at it, then perhaps Oceanus is still a pawn. They say Oceanus or Gravtias is dangerous enough, but if there is somepony else behind the strings and is equal to the King, then he would be even more powerful and would be a lot stronger.
Heck, maybe the Upheaval is a battle between the King and this unknown, throwing galaxies at each other.
But sadly everypony knows by now that even this mysterious unknown can't beat the awesome genius that is Black Rose. Black Rose for ruler of the Eternal Herd!
2157374 perhaps this current set of rebellions is simply a different set (or just a sub-set) going by it's own count? the fact of the matter is that we have no idea who created this equally powerful throne, and until we get more details on it, all that we know is that it's at least older then the current King and Queen's cycle, probably even older, and that Oceanus was the only one who could use it (at least in Regia Carnifex's memory), Regia's wording is a little vague, but it seems that Oceanus either rediscovered this throne, or it was somewhere, unused, until Oceanus, I assume, tried sitting on it, thereby activating it, plus we don't know how these thrones actually work, do you have to be sitting on it to use the power contained within? does it simply bind to you, thereby granting it's power to you wherever you are? from what Regia said it seems that he was the one who actually had it, so this lends credence to the first theory (guess this brings new meaning to the term Armchair General)
(also use the reply button, it alerts the person being replied to)
2161537
I guess your right. But still, I think that we are in for another twist soon. Also, I'm thinking about making some stories off of fimfiction about the Upheaval universe, more like oneshot pieces about certain characters. I think this universe is massive, and has a lot of potential.
2161952 I have to agree that the universe has a lot of room for sidefics, you might want to talk to Visiden (if he'll respond) just to see if he has any twists planned for the characters you're going to be writing about, can't wait to read them!
also, another twist? heck, this story has been nothing BUT twists seemingly
Great chapter.
"This sounded like the sort of thing a soldier would say to his loved ones before putting his life on the life again."
I think it should be put life on line.
2161952 Actually It kinda screams to have a video game made out of it. Just the fact that this is just one conflict with one enemy, in one of the directions. There is soooo much that is obviously there to explore, I would pay to explore it. Fighting against the ursans would be fun. It feels just as rich a setting as the fallout world.
2540092 lol I would play as well it would be like playing a final fantasy game only better
2093093 It isn't a third throne, it's a second throne. The Eternal Herd royalty share their throne.