> The Warrior, Necroesphere
>  by Necroesphere
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: One Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Warrior, Necroesphere
Prologue: One Night
By: Necroesphere
*****
The Galaxy was born from the death of another
The next one approaches
A new dawn
Or will it be the darkest end we have seen.



“Necroesphere?” Luna approached the banister, looking out at her beautiful moon. Tonight she had set it full to signal the time to bring in the crops, a harvest moon. Many farm ponies would be busy preparing through the night for a long day of toiling under the sun to bring in their crops.

Luna was distracted by a flash in the night on the edge of the banister. Perched on it was a being that frightened her as well as made her curious about the worlds outside her own. Beyond him, the night was ongoing, nothing truly occurring because there was no celebration.

The being was in midnight purple armor, or so he claimed the color to be. Luna herself believed it to be a pleasant dark violet. But what flashed in the moonlight was the armour’s golden trim that flashed from the pauldron. The symbols that decorated his armor where strange, runes of languages far older than the man who wore them.

“Luna?” Necroesphere turned, his voice a cool whisper, ventilated through his masks filters and systems. Luna had never once heard his true voice, nor did she ever expect to hear his voice. “Can I help you?”

“Why are you up at this time of night? You are always sleeping if you are not needed.” Luna walked up to the banister, glancing out over the city of Canterlot. The lights were dimmed, though many ponies were active at this time of night. Many were going or coming to many of the bars within the city, though some were just enjoying themselves.

“I’ve had a bad feeling in my stomach.” Necroesphere sighed, adjusting his position. Luna noticed that he was actually on the railing, his tattered cape making it look like he had been standing. Luna almost thought he was going to fly off whenever he got the opportunity. It wouldn’t surprise her at this point after all he had done in the past.

“Surprising, given the fact that I have never seen you eat a thing,” Luna gave a slight giggle, staring at the strange being. “Necroesphere, why are you still here?”

“What do you mean?” Necroesphere asked, looking down at the princess. Luna couldn’t gage his reaction, only her own face from the reflective faceplate the warrior never took off. It was great at intimidating his opponents or just making sure nopony ever saw his own fear.

“You came here to find the source of a large power, which you did. The Elements of Harmony, right? But you stayed, though you were away for a long time... As was I.” Luna said, looking at him then looking away. She started thinking of when she had been gone, the lonely nights on the moon without anypony to talk to. Her rage had built during that time, though it also destroyed much of Nightmare Moon's resolve in the end.

“Your point?” Necroesphere sighed, making Luna blink for a moment. She shook her head, snapping out of her confusion.

“Did you ever plan on leaving our planet? I mean, you cannot do anything here and you said that you had other friends and a war to fight back in your space. So... Why are you still here?” Necroesphere dropped onto the actual balcony off the railing. He rose to his full height, standing even taller than Celestia could even stretch her neck.

Luna had found out long ago that his full height outmatched many creatures that she had met. The only thing larger were dragons and their distant cousins, hydras. Both of which Necroesphere never had any problems facing in a duel it seemed. Celestia had claimed that his first encounter on Equestria was with a dragon, who now had three claws and a confused life.

“Luna, would it be strange to say that I am here merely because I no longer want to leave?” Necroesphere asked, staring straight at the princess.

“What about your war? Your friends?” Luna questioned, remembering all his stories. Luna couldn't help but pay attention when he sat down at dinner to speak, though he never touched his food. Every time he came down from his perches, Luna made it a thing to get a story out of him. She had learned that he was far older than the country of Equestria.

“They have either died in my absence or hate me. I came here not because I had a choice, but because... because I could no longer return in the first place. I was cast out of my society. Only because of the power I held and the ideals I followed. Your sister knows this. She learned a long time ago, while you slept.”

“So, you have no home?” Luna asked, unsure if she even phrased the question correctly. “Or you have nothing to even return to.”

“I have a home, but it is here now, Luna. It may not be perfect and it may be strange... But anything... anything is better than nothing.” Necroesphere chuckled underneath his helm. He turned, leaning on the railing though he still watched Luna.

“Don’t say that,” Luna cautioned. “I felt the same way before I succumbed to my... my nightmares. Became driven by my jealousy and rage. Sometimes, having nothing makes us more humble.” Necroesphere tilted his head in thought, humming to himself. He returned his gaze back to the city, looking at the beautiful site.

“I’m staying for this. This is the something I was talking about. I may never take off my armor, but this world has shown me that the universe isn’t so bad.” Necroesphere chuckled to himself. His cape fluttered in the breeze, unveiling his swords strapped at his waist. “Here, I never need worry about anything truly bad happening.”

“What about the incident with Discord?” Luna asked, staring into the garden where the Draconeques was frozen. It had been less than 4 months since the deity of chaos had freed himself. Luna herself had been gone on out of realm business to the dragon kingdom and Necroesphere was wherever he had been.

“His is a natural force that balances out yours. If you could live in harmony with him, all would be fine actually. Balance is a thing of nature, something I’ve strived for...” Necroesphere turned, walking into Luna’s room. “Just like you and your sister balance each others natures out.”

Luna stared blankly at the warrior as he left her room. Where he was off to now, Luna was unsure, yet she couldn’t care as long as he managed to stay out of trouble. Though, for Necroesphere, trouble was the one thing that never seemed to be missing around him.

She turned back to the night sky, smiling as a shooting star flew across, lighting up the sky for a moment. She frowned, not knowing why a shooting star had appeared in her night sky without her consent. She scratched it off as some sort of haphazard accident from her talk with Necroesphere and went back into her room.

Luna walked over to her mirror, preparing herself for a night of court. She floated the crown to her head, something she had been gifted with a long time ago. Her mother had given it to her shortly before she had joined the rest of their ancestors in the ethereal plains. Luna had worn it when she assumed the throne with her sister as a memento of what their mother had stood for.

Though, she had ruined that when Nightmare Moon had been let loose on Equestria. Luna knew that wearing the crown was no longer honorable, but it was something that made her happy to know it was around. Anypony would attempt to steal it if they knew the magical power or the price it would fetch for some rich aristocrat.

“Lulu, are you here?” A voice called from the hall outside Luna’s room. There was only one pony who addressed Luna with such a title, one pony she cared deeply about.

“Tia! Why are you still up at this hour?” Luna called, opening the door with her magic. It took very little energy to do so, especially with the amount of energy that Luna had. It was more taxing for her to lower the moon than it was to do menial tasks.

“I can’t sleep,” Celestia sighed, throwing herself onto Luna’s large and plush bed, spreading herself out. Luna glared at her sister, though Celestia didn’t move at all. “There is still reports and diplomats coming in from across the world, complaining about Discord having gotten loose. Some are demanding we keep him locked up in a better place.”

“And your response to that?” Luna inquired, enjoying the chance to gossip. Though she didn’t really know what the word actually meant.

“That as long as we have Necroesphere and the Elements of Harmony around, Discord won’t stand a chance now that we know his tricks.” Celestia giggled, rolling over. “Luna? Why is your bed so soft? Mine feels like a boulder.”

“Have you actually checked your bed since Discord got loose. Maybe he turned it into a boulder.” Luna suggested, giggling as well.

“That won’t work, silly. You know that Discord’s magic was reversed once the Elements sealed him away again. Besides, Necroesphere confirmed that all his magic was undone. Do you distrust our guest?” Celestia rolled on her side, putting a hoof on her head.

“No... speaking of him...” Luna began, biting her lip.

“He was just in here, right? Did anything happen?” Celestia asked, concern coloring her voice as her brow furrowed. Luna gave a light smile at her sisters concern. It was nice especially after the events leading up to the rise of her darker side.

“Nothing bad happened... Though he told me something very interesting. Celestia, why did you never tell me he no longer could return to his home?” Luna sighed, going to the edge of her bed and resting on the side. 

Celestia’s face froze before her mouth opened slightly as though she wanted to speak. Luna looked at her sister, growing concerned herself. “Say something, Tia.”

“What should I say, Luna?” Celestia asked, looking down at the bed. “I... Nothing happened this time. But what could I say to you? That Necroesphere left and only came here because he had no reason to go elsewhere. The truth is, he only came here to find a place where he was needed. What he instead found was something more. I gave him a home, a place to live.

“I also gave him console and said he could be a part of our family... To let him know that he could stay for as long as he wanted.” Celestia sighed, getting up from Luna’s bed. “I need to go. And so do you. Night Court will soon be in session and I can guarantee there will be diplomats looking for you.”

With that, Celestia left, leaving Luna to contemplate her feelings. For her part, Luna was stumped over Celestia’s reaction to it. She wasn’t going to go nuts again over the fact that Necroesphere was staying, though there was probably more to Celestia’s reaction than just that. Something that Necroesphere had neglected to state.

She soon planned to find out the reason why.
> Chapter 1: Descent into Light
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 1: Descent into Light
By: Necroesphere
Sometimes, the light isn't up
it is located straight down.
In the friendship of those around you.



Necroesphere caught his sword, his opponents falling like stalks of corn around him. Even though he was surrounded, Necroesphere felt no fear from his opponents who could not even scratch his armor. He pulled out a pistol, executing two aliens who were still struggling to stand back up.

Spinning, he discharged the rest of his pistol into his enemies, dropping all but a few. The clouds shifted, one of the two moons casted a bit of light across the battlefield. Smoke drifted in from nearby building fires, the city around Necroesphere crumbling from bombings. More fighting was occurring across the city, squads trading fire with the soldiers of the resistance.

“Surrender, Necroesphere!” One of them called out, aiming a gun at him. “Really, you think we can’t deal with you? You won’t stand a chance in a few minutes.”

“You keep stating that, yet I have not seen anything of note. You are weak compared to my power.” Necroesphere stated, raising his sword to parallel to the ground. The soldier shot at him, a hail of bullets clattering against Necroesphere’s armor. With little motion, Necroesphere closed the distance in an instant to meet the soldier face to face. “I’m giving you mercy. Now run.”

He picked up the soldier from the collar, tossing the alien away. The soldier crashed to the ground, running away in fear of the towering warrior behind him. Necroesphere sighed, checking his gauntlet as more info rolled in on the battles raging across the planet. Nothing was going well for his own forces, yet he refused to give up so easily. It only took one man to shift the tides of a war.



…..



“Luna...” Celestia glanced up at the sky, watching the pink cotton candy clouds float closer and closer. It was the work of the being, Discord, and his chaotic force of nature. Luna nuzzled her sister, her Elements of Harmony jingling around her neck. “If this doesn’t work, you must run. Ok?”

“But what about you?” Luna questioned, tears in her eyes. She flapped her wings to make her point that even were she to run, it wouldn’t be enough. Celestia looked down at her little sister, a small smile on her lips.

“Don’t be afraid, Luna. Mother and Father would be proud of us. For doing this for them, you know. For the ponies they cared so greatly about.” Celestia soothed Luna. Deep down, she knew that her final duty in this world would be protecting Luna, for it was her last promise to her mother.

“Tia, I won’t let you throw your life away!” Luna shouted, stepping in front of her sister. “I cannot lose you too! Not in such a short time since we lost our parents.”

“Lulu, this is of my own free will. Please, accept this as the ultimate thing I can do to ensure your safety. If this doesn’t work, please... go on without me. Do not mourn. Watch the Sun and the Moon wisely and ensure that the ponies grow to be proud of their creations. Unite them as they try and build their new kingdom.”

“Tia, please...” Luna got out through tears.

“Very touching you two. Very touching indeed. I’d be crying, though to be honest, I don’t really care.” A cackle shook Luna to her core. It was the same laugh that had killed her parents. Luna turned slowly, staring at the dark being that stalked forward from where he had just landed.

Discord leered at the two ponies, noticing their new jewelry. He laughed again, popping behind the two and wrapping his arms around them. “Well, what are these new baubles? I hope you don’t plan to scare me with these jewels, because let me just tell you, I am color blind!”

Discord released the two, floating away, kicking in the air as he cackled. Luna gritted her teeth, bracing herself for any magical spell the being of Discord was going to attempt. Celestia stepped forward, her crown lighting up.

“Discord, you will answer for your crimes against all the ponies you have wronged,” Celestia said calmly, floating into the air despite not having wings. Luna floated beside her, energy coarsing through her body. “Your reign of terror ends here.”

“No, I think it ends... never!” Discord shouted, lobbing a sphere of energy at the sisters. The blast consumed them, surrounding them in a hail of chaos, though nothing happened to Celestia and Luna, who were safe inside a protective field.

“Your power does not effect us!” Luna yelled out, her feelings at balance. “Give up Discord. You cannot win.”

“Ha, I am still not scared of those silly baubles. You two are no where in my league of power. You will fail! You will... what are you doing?” Discord froze, his right eyebrow shooting up. 

Celestia and Luna’s eyes were glowing, a bright white in the darkness looming above. A shockwave knocked Discord away, though he was already backing away from the energy. “Hold on, before you do anything, can I have one last word?”

“And what would that be, Discord?” Celestia asked, her voice as loud as thunder and full of strength.

“Well then...” Discord stuck a pose, taking a deep breath. “Yoooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuu’ve been-”

Before Discord could continue his line, a massive rainbow shot from Celestia’s crown, slamming into the being of Chaos. Luna watched as the deity didn’t pay attention as he turned to stone. It was the worst sight she had ever seen and was something that she would never want to happen to anypony who didn’t deserve it.

Once Discord was sealed, still holding his note, a massive blast exploded from the sphere surrounding the sisters. It blinded Luna, who forced her eyes shut to stop the light.


…..



Necroesphere looked up at the ceiling of the great chamber, a massive energy spike registering on his HUD. “Is something wrong?”

“No, not that I think,” Necroesphere answered, turning back to his conversation. Or, his trial. “So, why am I here?”

The Emperor rested in his throne, leaning on his arm as he looked down upon Necroesphere, prepared to cast judgement when he felt ready for it. “Why is Galax still aloud to reign and cause this terror. This war and the losses involved are on you, Necroesphere. My son’s death is on you!”

“No, Emperor! You rushed to this battle and allowed your overzealous son to enter the battle before he had proper training.” Necroesphere responded, gripping the golden bar in front of him. The chamber around him basked in blue light from the fake sun hanging over the chamber.

Many other members of the Council and their pupils sat in waiting, all silent as Necroesphere challenged the Emperor yet again. “How dare you? You have always been like this! I am through! You are banished from this sect, from every sect! Leave in the next hour and never return.”

“Why?” Necroesphere shouted, his rage building.

“You have failed this Empire to many times! Our strongest enemy has been on the end of your blade to many times, yet you allow him to get away!”

Necroesphere didn’t deem a response to that, as he had explained multiple times before on deaf ears it seemed. He merely turned around, stalking through the halls of the ship before finding the hanger.

“Are you really leaving?” A feminine voice asked. Necroesphere turned, spotting one of his battle-sisters, Callin.

“I have no choice. Unless you’d like to ruin the Empire with rebellion. No, I make my choice and that is to leave.” Necroesphere responded, wings jutting out of his armor. “Goodbye. Maybe one day I will meet you on the battlefield again. Until then, stay alive.”

Necroesphere hit a nearby panel, throwing himself out into the vacuum of space, activating his jets. Before long, he was going towards his last notice, the energy signature that had randomly occurred. Towards a planet named Equestria.



…..



“Lulu! Are you ok?” Celestia asked her sister, looking down at her little sister. “Uh... Why do you have a horn? Wait... uh... why do I have wings?!” Celestia looked onto her back, great white wings stretching out. “Just like mother and father’s?”

“Tia, oh... my head. What happened?” Luna looked up, holding a hoof to her head. “Why do you have wings? Wait, me... horn? What?”

Luna stretched her legs, raising herself to a height that was new to her. “Why am I so tall? Why are you so tall? Wait? Where is Discord?!” Luna spun, facing down the Chaotic being. He still stood in his stone prison, unable to move except look somewhat funny in his current state.

“He is beat,” Celestia stated, putting a wing around Luna. “Let’s go, Luna. We are done here. Our duty now is to the ponies and rebuilding. It is what mother and father would want, Luna. Please, don’t let their sacrifice and this victory mean nothing.

“Thank you, for letting me see the error of my way sister,” Luna smiled, feeling her head. She expected a bump from the pain she was feeling, but not the one she had currently. “Uh... is this a horn?’

“I was wondering when you would notice that,” Celestia giggled, ruffling her wings. “I’ll teach you how to keep it clean and how delicate and sensitive it can be. But only if you teach me how to actually work with these wings.”

“It would be my pleasure, Tia.” Luna smiled, watching the sun set in the distance. “And I have all the time in the world now.”
> Chapter 2: The Warrior
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 2: The Warrior
By: Necroesphere
Friendship gathers light to it,
Even with one friend,
Light can pierce any darkness.


Luna watched the night sky, her creation at it’s finest. Yet, ponies didn’t seem to care about the stars or her moon that floated above, giving them light. A star flashed in the sky, shooting across the night in a dazzling flash.

Luna froze, unsure of why a star would move without her command. She turned, looking at Celestia who had frozen as well, watching the same thing Luna had. “Lulu, what was that?”

“Something other than mine...” Luna responded. The guards around them seemed uneasy, having a stronger grip on their weapons. “Do not worry. It is not Discord.”

“I’m going to look,” Celestia said, flaring her wings. “Luna, go to court and calm anypony who wishes to know what they just saw. It will be easier to deal with this without a riot of ponies worried that the sky is falling.”

“Be careful Celestia.” Luna cautioned, turning down the hall and continuing towards the throne room. “I do not want to lose you yet,” She said to herself, no guard able to hear.


…..


Necroesphere shook his head, pulling himself out of the crater he just created. His worst enemy after traveling through space for such a long time was the gravity of a planet. Every being on the planet was aware that something was now on their world, though if they weren’t into a space age, they would just assume the fireball was just a falling star.

The wilderness around Necroesphere was alive with both flora and fauna, something the warrior hadn’t seen in a long time. His helmet’s filters registered that the atmosphere was clean enough for him to breathe, though prolonged exposure without safety would result in some of the more poisonous chemicals in the air weakening him. That and Necroesphere wasn’t aware of any diseases on this planet.

“That energy burst came from this planet... It’s been a while though. Maybe some residual energy still exists. I doubt anything here was alive when the burst happened though.” Necroesphere scanned his area, attempting to create a landmark for himself or spot some sort of civilization nearby.

There was a roar of fury as the ground shook. Necroesphere spun, drawing his two scythes as a dragon attempted to cover him in flames. Rolling out of the way, Necroesphere responded with launching himself forward and slashing at the front legs. He cut clean through the scales and bone, severing the arm completely, causing the dragon to screech in pain. It spun, swinging its tail around like a mace. Necroesphere caught the tail, holding tight as the dragon lifted him up and tossed him away.

Spinning in the air, Necroepshere activated his stabilizers and floated through the air. He launched forward, using his fist to smash the dragon in the back of the head, dazing the massive lizard. “Stop!” The dragon screamed.

“You speak?!” Necroesphere asked, bewildered. His entire journey through space over the years had never caused him to meet a dragon that could talk. “Wait, how are we able to understand each other?”

“How would I know?” The dragon rumbled, running off back into the wilderness. Necroesphere was unsure of what to think about a dragon that understood a language spoken primarily by godly beings.

He launched into the air, scanning the surrounding wilderness for any other signs of life. In about ten minutes, he had learned that there was a diverse amount of creatures, many mythical and from Greek mythology. It astounded him that humans had predicted these creatures actually existed without any proof, yet the universe had proven them right.

Humans it seemed, were better at guessing what was out in the universe than most others. Necroesphere was unsure if anything had yet reached a civilized nature, but with a dragon that could speak his language, it should be possible by now.

Necroesphere spotted something flying towards him, going at a decent speed. He activated his helmets zoom to make an analysis before it arrived so he could be ready for in case it was not a friend.

It was a white pegasus, another greek myth come to life on this planet, though something was different about the horse. A horn jutted from her forehead and she was adorned with golden armor.

Necroesphere flew over to meet the unicorn pegasus, not entirely sure if the beast would prove hostile but some power radiating from her told him otherwise. The horse stopped flying as Necroesphere approached, her horn glowing.

“Stop! Whoever you are, don’t think you can do anything!” The horse shouted. Necroesphere floated to a standstill, less than twenty feet away from her. It was definitely a her with that feminine of a voice.

“I am merely here to investigate a source of energy. Something I felt a long time ago. Would you happen to mind speaking with me? I mean no harm.” Necroesphere asked, unsure of how to address the horse.

“I will listen to you. Come forward, though keep your weapons sheathed.”

Necroesphere put up his scythes, returning them to the astral realm where many of his special larger weapons were stored. He floated forward, stopping a few feet away from the horse, not wanting to scare her anymore. She was nearly as tall as Necroesphere was, though not enough.

“Who are you?” The horse asked, fear on her face.

“I am Necroesphere. Who are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler to Equestria. You are trespassing upon our land. Why?” Celestia charged her horn again, energy building.

“There is no need for violence, Princess Celestia. Like I stated, I merely wish to speak with you. I have no need to harm any of your subjects either.” Necroesphere explained, hoping his diplomacy would put the princess at ease. Her horn stopped glowing and her shoulders lowered and Necroesphere noticed her heart rate lower in his HUD. “Princess Celestia, I am just here to ask some questions and learn what I can from your world. Will you allow me to stay?”

“If you feel like we have something of importance, then yes. But be warned, I will not hesitate to stop you should something go wrong.” Celestia responded, dropping her brow. Necroesphere showed his hands as a sign of peace.

“Shall we return to your home? I am interested to know why I can understand you and you understand me. Though, your accent is different.” Necroesphere asked, straightening.

“As is yours. I am quite surprised you speak Equin. I thought you were just a giant mindless bug looking for you next meal. I still think you are a giant bug actually. What are you?” Celestia asked as she flew a full circle around him, carefully looking him over.

“That is something I cannot divulge. Just know that this is armor, that if I were to remove it, your atmosphere would kill me within a few years.” Necroesphere explained, not very happy over being called a bug. His power was anything but buglike.

“Ok, uh... Nec... Necro... what was it?” Celestia smiled, having trouble pronouncing his name. Necroesphere smiled underneath his helmet, knowing that many had trouble with his long and complex name.

“Necroesphere, remember. It means the Bringer of Death or the End of Fates.”

“What?” Celestia froze, her wings stopping for a second. She quickly caught herself, flapping back to her spot. “Do you truly mean no harm to my people?”

“I wasn’t the one to pick my name,” Necroesphere shrugged, floating closer. “But please, understand, none of your people shall be hurt. I truly doubt you would be one of my enemies. You are too nice.”

“Isn’t there something about nice ones being the true villains in stories?” Celestia smiled, making Necroesphere shrug.

“I don’t read that much. To many battles that need to be fought or preparations. Just never get around to going to my libraries. Though, I am literate.” Necroesphere responded, sensing a surge of energy from behind.

“Watch out!” Celestia warned, dropping. Necroesphere spun, both his scythes in his hands before he finished rotating. He was struck with a lightning bolt of dark energy. His scythes caught most of the energy, redirecting it out of the way.

“What was that?” Necroesphere wondered, no enemy within normal sight. He went through his vision spectrum, nothing showing up on his HUD. “This makes little sense. Celestia, are you ok?”

“Yes, though how did you survive that?” Celestia asked, floating behind the warrior. “And to answer your earlier question, that was a chaos storm. Something that happens from time to time. Me and Luna are able to dissipate them, though they pop up without us knowing. It is a hard task to hunt them down.”

“How many have you lost?” Necroesphere asked, looking down at his smoking armor. Nothing was actually broken, just scorched. He was going to have to do proper cleaning with oils later.

“Too many. Just too many...” Celestia sighed. “But... Why were you able to withstand that magic. That pure chaos.”

“I’ve been around a lot worse. A lot worse actually. That blast was nothing, though it would have been worse if I hadn’t dispelled it.” Necroesphere explained, dissipating his weapons again. “Please, lead the way home.”

Celestia inclined her head, turning. Necroesphere followed after her, nothing else of note to do at the moment.



…..



Luna wanted to bash her head against one of the marble columns nearby, though she had to remind herself that a Princess couldn't do that in court. The royals were aligned before her, complaining about unfair shares of the crops, that the unicorns were being cheated out of their share of food.

Luna had reviewed the report and found the Unicorns were dead wrong, though they were too prideful to change their stance. The guards were leaning on their spears, seeming to die of boredom. Luna could do the same instead of putting on a fake smile.

“Princess, what is your decision?” The head unicorn noble asked, a descendent of Queen Platinum. Luna had to admit, they all were snobs ever since the founding of Equestria and when she and Celestia took all the power from them.

“My decision is to put a stop to this arguing. You got your share of food for the winter. We are all struggling. There was a horrible yield of crops this year after parasprites infested our largest farms. Understand that we are all trying to survive this, but you are not helping by complaining to me.

“Now, Ruby was it? You go tell the unicorns of Equestria that if they want food, they should eat off your table. As I’ve heard, you nobles tend not to share your food with your own tribe.”

“Yes, but...” Ruby attempted to argue. Luna raised a hoof, cutting her off short.

“Ruby, Equestria was founded upon equality among everypony, including the nobility. My sister and I only eat once a day so that the staff can have food for their own family. Isn’t that better, making sure those who help us live our soft and pampered lives can live their own? They can live so we don’t have to work.

“Or, you could go out and work the fields yourself you know. Bring in your own harvest.”

“But my hooves,” Ruby complained, looking down at her bright red coat. “You are actually really good at diplomacy, Princess. I see your point. I will try and direct my family to the right course of action.”

Ruby turned, leaving the throne room. Two guards shadowed her, escorting her out of the throne room. Ruby stopped right before she left, spinning and addressing Luna. “If you ever want to... Oh... Say, go and get a mane cut with me sometime, I’d like that. It would give us time to talk.”
“I’ll consider it.” Luna smiled back, waving at Ruby. ‘Maybe she isn’t so bad.’ Luna thought to herself, glad at the outcome of the meeting. “Send in the next petitioner.”

The next pony to enter was not a pony at all, but a donkey. He wore long robes, dark red with a white lining. Luna was unsure what his affiliation to the donkey hierarchy was, but he seemed important.

“Introducing Duke Bushel’s, second-cousin to King Burrow III.” A guard shouted, giving Luna a better idea of how to address the newcomer.

“How may I help you Duke Bushel?” Luna asked, adjusting herself on the throne. She wondered why there was no comfortable cushions around especially during the longer hours.

“Just one thing really.” Bushel stated, grabbing a cord on his coat. He yanked it, dropping his large coat and rushing forward. Attached to his hooves were two blades and a knife was in his mouth.

The guards couldn’t react quickly enough, nor could Luna think fast enough to cast magic. Bushel was almost upon Luna when he was tossed away, slamming into a wall. Nopony had touched him, yet he now lay on the ground.

“What...? Guards, arrest this donkey.” Luna commanded, standing up.

“Luna!” A voice shouted from the other side of the glass windows behind Luna. She spun, noticing Celestia hovering outside with a massive insect behind her. His hand was outstretched, though Luna couldn’t tell what was going on. Celestia opened the window with her magic, flying into the room along with the insect.

“Are you alright?” Celesia asked, wrapping her wings around Luna. “Necroesphere, thank you for saving Luna.”

“‘Twas not a problem, Princess.” Necroesphere responded, stalking towards the assassin. “Though, I think I can see a problem coming up fast.”

“What would that be?” Celestia sighed, turning her head. Necroesphere picked up the donkey, slamming him against the wall. He put his hand against Bushel’s face. There was a slight flash through the donkey’s eyes before Necroesphere released him.

“He is indeed who he claims to be, a duke from the... Donkey Kingdoms. If we were to arrest him, as he wants, the Donkey’s will go to war. If he had succeeded, you would have undoubtedly gone to war with them. At least, that is what he believes.” The donkey attempted to move, but stopped when Necroesphere glared at him.

“This is just wrong...” Celestia sighed, dropping her head. “We cannot afford a war now. Our people would starve before we could even march and we cannot fight a defensive war. Luna, what do you think is the best line of action?’

“I-I don’t...” Luna stuttered. She was still shaken from the attempt on her life.

“May I suggest something, after your guards stop pointing sticks at me?” Necroesphere responded, poking a spear.

“Leave him alone, gentlecolts. He is a friend, for now.” Celestia told the guards, who reluctantly lowered their weapons. “What is your idea?”

“Allow me to go deal with this little problem of yours. A small change of leadership to a royal more likely to be sympathetic to your realm. Does that work? I’ll be discrete and fast. They won’t even know until I return.” Necroesphere took hold of the assassin, dragging him back up against the wall.

“So, you want to prove that you are going to be helpful?” Celestia asked, glaring at him.

“I just want to protect you and your sister. I have never truly liked those who wish to bring war on a country that would rather not have it. So, allow me to take care of your little problem, ok?”

“Tia, what does he mean?” Luna asked, looking straight at Necroesphere.

“I give you permission to do this, Necroesphere. But please, don’t get carried away. And make sure that the donkey’s cannot figure out this was a part of us.” Celestia cautioned. Necroesphere clapped a fist to his chest.

“I’ll be taking our friend here, so I can find my way. Don’t worry, none will be the wiser on who actually overthrows their current king. Wish me luck, Celestia.” Necroesphere said, grabbing the donkey and walking out of the hall.

Luna shuddered, trying not to think of what could possibly happen with that much power on the loose. She glanced around, checking to see if anything was damaged. Fortunately, nothing had been seriously damaged except the wall that Bushel had been tossed against like a rag doll.

“Celestia, don’t you think letting him go about on his own might be bad?” Luna questioned her sister, nuzzling against her. Celestia smiled down at Luna, nuzzling her back.

“Don’t worry, Luna. I have faith that Necroesphere will be able to control himself. He did not attack me even when I threatened him. I believe he will show constraint.” Celestia responded, drawing back her wings. Luna shook slightly, walking back over to the throne. “Are you ok?”

“I will be fine, I believe. It was mostly just a shock to me. To many things happened in such a short time. I’m not what I used to be.” Luna sighed, taking a seat on the throne. “Now Celestia, why is it that Necroesphere is here?”

“He is here, looking into the power of Harmony. He is looking for the Elements.” Celestia responded, looking out towards the reception area where the Elements rested. They glistened in the afternoon sun, a testimony to Equestria’s past and future. “Do not worry though, Luna. He only wishes to know what they are.”

“I hope you are right, sister.” Luna responded, preparing herself for the rest of court.


…..


“So, Bushel, what was the point of trying this?” Necroesphere asked, throwing his prisoner against a tree. They were in a forest right outside of the Donkey capitol, Burri. At least, that was the name Necroesphere had gotten out of Bushel.

“W-what are you?” Bushel shuddered, scrambling back. One of his legs was broken after having been tossed about earlier by Necroesphere. The Duke was going to pass out from shock, though his use was coming to an end very soon.

“Come now, let’s be civil.” Necroesphere stated, drawing a sword. “Or, I could just be done with you. I have all the information I need for a successful coup. Though, I believe your family would miss you.”

“Please, just let me go! I promise, I won’t say anything. Just let me go!” Bushel screamed, hoping to attract some attention possibly. Necroesphere had placed a noise proof sphere around them, though Bushel never would have guessed.

“Fair enough. But you dare lay a hand on the Princesses, I’ll make sure you don’t return from your vacation. That fair?” Necroesphere asked, his sword tracing around Bushel’s neck. The donkey nodded viciously, scrambling back as hard as he could. Necroesphere smiled under his helmet, glad that his enemies knew to fear him. “Go then. Return to your family and speak nothing of our meeting.”

Necroesphere pulled away, letting Bushel dash off into the woods. He put his sword back, scanning the castle. It was only about 20 feet tall and manned by a garrison of sorely undertrained guards. At least, undertrained in terms of Necroesphere’s skill. The castle itself was easily accessible and eliminating the king would be a matter of pace and skill.

Watching the guard closest to him, Necroesphere quickly scaled the wall and landed on the other side in a pile of hay. He switched his visor to heat seaking, able to locate any guards who were nearby and waiting for him. When he verified that no donkey was searching for him, he poked his head out, charting a path into the castle.

The cover of night worked well for him, his dark armour able to blend into the surrounding world. It may be his size, but everything seemed smaller except for the nature. Most houses would barely allow him to stand inside let alone enter.

With a swift move, he was across the inner yard of the castle and against the wall that would allow him to enter through a window farther up. He kicked off the wall, launching himself up to the nearest ledge, a gutter that lead to a roof. This was about 30 feet off the ground as Necroesphere hoisted himself over the edge, lowering his gravitational force to make sure he wouldn’t make a noise.

He waited, not breathing as he waited for any of the guards to notice his movement. Luckily, nothing was out of place and the guards were continuing along their path. “Now, where is this king likely to be?”

Necroesphere glanced about, finding a window that he gently walked over to and pushed the door open slightly. He noticed a guard standing not that far off in a marble hall, columns dotting every few yards.

“What was that?” The guard jumped, snapping his spear down. Necroesphere kept his position, the guard having turned the opposite direction towards another sound farther down the hallway. “Who goes there?”

“Relax, Slow Foot.” A donkey called out. Slow Foot quickly kneeled, dropping his spear. Necroesphere knew this was a very untrained guard to drop his weapon with no knowledge of any enemy around. “And please, there is no need to bow to me. I may be the crown prince, but I am not my father’s son.”

“Why is that sire?” Slow Foot asked, rising with spear in hoof.

“This war on Equestria? A foolish waste of resources in a time we cannot afford to spare any. I also doubt that the pony kingdom was spared from this famine as well.” The prince stated, rubbing his forehead. “I wish to be rid of him, but I cannot do anything.”

Necroesphere entered the hallway, entering the light of a nearby lantern. “Maybe I may be of use.”

Slow Foot turned, spear pointed straight at Necroesphere’s leg. His eyes grew wide as he took in all that Necroesphere had to offer. The prince backed up, his mouth agape in awe.

“W-what?”

“I offer my assistance. I am an envoy, helping the Princesses of Equestria. Earlier today, Princess Luna was almost killed by a Duke named Bushel. I made sure he will never think of such deeds again.” The prince look scared, staring at one of Necroesphere’s swords. “I did not kill him, if that is what you believe. He is currently running through the forest outside the castle, no doubt on his way back home.”

“Then why are you here?” The prince asked, putting a hoof down. 

“I heard your words, about your father’s plans. I was looking for someone like you who sympathetic towards peace. It seems I did not have to look far.” Necroesphere said, kneeling down to meet the prince and Slow Foot’s eye level.

“I see. You plan to kill my father then?” The prince stated, looking into Necroesphere’s faceplate. “There is no need to confirm that. From the way you act, that is your plan, there is no denying it. My father is in the throne room, discussing plans for war with his generals. No doubt he believes Bushel succeeded with killing Luna. I must thank you for that. An enraged Celestia would be horrible.”

“Why?”

“You work for them. I assumed you would know.” The prince stated, walking past Necroesphere. “Thank you. I will find someway to repay you. My name is Hans.”

“Thank you, Hans. I need no repayment though. Is there anyone else who could contest the throne with your father out of the way?”

“No, my mother died while giving birth to my sisters and my uncle is illegitimate. I am the only one who can now assume the throne. Now go, do your deed and leave. I cannot speak for anypony except Slow Foot here that we will not harm you.” Hans stated, walking farther down the hall.

“You’d best stick to the shadows sir. Also, the throne room is down the stairs at the end of this hall. Be careful though, there will be guards all over the place. Please, don’t hurt them. Somepony special to me is down there watching over the king.” Slow Foot cautioned.

“Don’t worry.” Necroesphere chuckled, launching himself into the rafters and disappearing into the shadows. Slow Foot just stood there, confused for a moment before continuing to watch his post. Necroesphere slinked through the rafters, keeping as silent as possible as he continued forward.

The wooden post were still fresh enough to keep Necroesphere from having to change his gravity again, but they still creaked when he landed at an odd angle that didn’t agree with the architecture. He knew no guard would truly care about a creaking building, he had been through enough security to know that.

“So... We assault from the north in two weeks time, cutting off their larger farms. While their forces are bogged down with the assault, you lead a smaller force and set fire to the East and Southern parts of Equestria, causing trouble across the land.” Necroesphere heard, his super-hearing and enhancements from his armor helping.

“That is the plan as of now. When Bushel get’s back, we begin our march and empty the lands so that when Celestia brings down her wrath, it will be on nothing but a husk.” Another voice stated. Necroesphere jumped into a spot better situated to see what was going on. At the head of a table with a world map sat a donkey dressed in extravagant garb far beyond those around him.

It was this donkey that was his target.

“Alright. It is time for some rest. We will not get anywhere if we do not sleep and rest while we can.” The king stated, rising from his throne. The generals stood, snapping a hoof to their chest before leaving. The king himself stood alone in the throne room, looking over the map and playing with the figures.

“I know you are there, assassin.” The king stated, turning around. From the shadows walked another figure, this one on just two legs. The donkey was small and wasn’t heavily armed. “Daughter, you choose to stand against me?”

“You want to bring more pain to our family, papa! Why?” The daughter asked, tears streaming from her eyes.

“I wish to right what we have lost. Celestia and Luna are the ones to blame for our suffering, they move both Sun and Moon. It is not right.” The king said, walking towards his daughter. “Now, give me the knife. Enough of this foolishness.”

“No, papa.” The little donkey stated, taking a defensive stance, knife in her mouth.

“Then you leave me no choice,” The king sighed, drawing a sword. The princess backed away from her father, shaking. Necroesphere quickly moved, dropping straight down. His landing caused both the royals to freeze up, stopping in their tracks as Necroesphere drew forth two swords, both hooked at the end.

“You shall not harm her,” Necroesphere hissed, aiming a sword at the king. The donkey king backed away, visibly shaking with fear. “This ends now, you tyrant. Not only have you endangered the peace of the realm, but you dare threaten your own daughter. You make me sick.”

“W-what are you?” The King managed to get out, backing away. Necroesphere glanced behind him, noticing the daughter had dropped her knife, mouth agape with surprise.

“Your reaper. Don’t bother saying anything more, just embrace the end I give you now. You have failed, King.” Necroesphere said, his blade entering the donkey’s body. There was no resistance as the blade slid out, flinging blood across the floor.

“W-w-what?” The little girl cried. Necroesphere moved again, disappearing into the darkness again, leaving the princess to question what had happened for the rest of her life. Using his mind reading skills, Necroesphere quickly extracted all the information he could from the king before his memories died with his body.

His job done, Necroesphere slipped silently out into the night, returning to Equestria.



…..


“I wonder how long he will be,” Luna pondered, resting on her bed. Celestia had forced her to retire early and leave the night court to the sun princess. Luna had attempted to complain, though it had been in vain.

From her bed, she had raised the moon and decorated the sky with stars. With nothing else to do, Luna had contented herself with thinking of Necroesphere. Her questions had gone unanswered earlier, Celestia forcing her to retire out of fear of Luna dropping from shock. Though she may be younger, Luna knew that she was just as strong as Celestia.

There was a sound on the banister, a clacking of armor. Luna jumped from her bed with a start, glaring out her window. On the banister was Necroesphere, his cape billowing in the wind. Luna attempted to say something but couldn’t bring herself to find any words or even move her tongue.

“Princess Luna,” Necroesphere stated, opening the glass door between them. “The deed is done. You have no need to worry. All is going to be fine now.”

Luna sighed, sitting back down on her bed. Necroesphere clapped a fist to his chest, moving to leave again. He stopped at the door, glancing back over his shoulder at Luna’s primary door.

“What is it?” Luna asked, annoyed of the strange being’s behavior. Didn’t he understand that he was in her private sanctuary. The door opened behind her, Celestia walking into Luna’s room.

“Oh... Necroesphere, you are back. So soon?” Celestia asked, raising one of her eyebrows. “Normally, it is a two day flight to the border of Equestria and another day of travel to reach the palace. How did you get there so fast?”

“I traveled over 30 Light Years to get here, and that only took me 500 years. It took me no time at all to fix this problem of yours. The crown prince, Hans, is going to be taking over the throne soon. He is sympathetic to the peace between your kingdoms. Also, one of the princesses will eventually start asking about me. Dissuade her if you can.”

“Why?” Luna asked, looking straight into the beings reflective face. “Your entire purpose here is still a mystery to me. And I doubt that Celestia herself knows why you arrived.”

Necroesphere seemed to hum, though it may have been his armor. He sat down on a nearby cushion, nearly flattening it as he became the height of Celestia. Luna thanked whatever pony had designed the castle to think of high ceilings.

“I am going to stay and observe your species, though that sounds a bit mean now that I say it.” Necroesphere started. “I need to ask for your permission to stay and study. I am prepared to accept any guidelines you wish to place on me. I also would be helpful with dealing with your random chaos storms. As Celestia may attest to, I can sense and dispel them easily.

“My services can stretch even further, depending upon the situation. I would however ask to be allowed free roam when I have free time. I will teach you how to summon and contact me when you need me, no worries.”

“Necroesphere...” Luna sighed, stopping the warrior before he could continue. “You can stay. Though, where you would sleep is beyond me.”

“I’ll sleep where I will. The roof looks comfortable for now.” Necroesphere said, chuckling beneath his helmet. Luna shook her head, a small smile spreading across her face. A small glowing appeared from Necroesphere, causing her to look up again. In the warrior’s hand was a small orb that radiated energy.

“Princess Luna, I give you my energy, so that you can control and have power over me should I go bezerk. The chances are slim, very slim. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt you and my energy will be diminished so that I cannot cause large amount of power.”

“Is this something sacred and special?” Luna asked, reaching a hoof out to touch the sphere. As she broke the surface, the energy entered her body as she jumped back, shocked. The sphere was gone and Necroesphere’s armor shifted, changing design and details. “What just happened?”

“It is as I stated. You and I are linked, Luna.” Necroesphere said, patting her on the shoulder. “You should rest though, before I tell you what comes with this responsibility. Make sure you clear your schedule for tomorrow, as there is a lot I must say and it would be best if both Princesses were present.”

“We cannot just...” Celestia started before stopping herself. “You know what, we really need a break, especially after the events of earlier today. It is almost time for the Summer Festival, where we allow the Sun and Moon to cover each other.”

“An eclipse...” Necroesphere said, resting his chin on his... hoof, Luna wanted to call it. Yet, there was nothing hooflike about it.

“Before you go, what are those? They look like hooves, but...”

“Didn’t think about that before. From where I come, these are named hands. It actually makes gripping things easier, due to these separate bone structures called fingers and this larger finger called a thumb.” Necroesphere explained, pointing things out to the sisters.

“Thank you,” Luna smiled. Celestia yawned, reminding Luna of the late hour. “It is best that we all get some sleep. You can explain everything tomorrow Necroesphere, I promise.”

Necroesphere put up one of his thumbs, getting up and jumping off the banister. Luna quickly ran after him before she realized he was floating right below, floating towards a nearby roof. He descended to it and laid down, seeming to go to sleep as his armor 
dimmed in color. “That is one strange being,” Celestia yawned. “I look forward to what he has to say tomorrow. Good night, Luna.”

“Good night, Tia.”
> Chapter 3: Discussions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3: Discussions
By: Necroesphere
In the Darkness, knowledge can live,
But the light fosters and nurtures it more,
Only a person can tell which is better.



Necroesphere woke to a prodding. He opened his eyes, his visor flooding him with information that had gathered over the night. He waved those away as he glanced at his side, noting that birds were now attempting to make a nest out of him. He shooed the birds, picking himself up and wiping off the straw.

The sun crested gently in the Eastern sky, giving Necroesphere a view that nearly took his breath away. “So... serene.” He whispered, the mountain range in the distance attracting a few clouds, making the scene complete. The land of Equestria was covered in plains and forests, lakes and rivers. With his augmented vision, Necroesphere could make out villages and settlements far out in the distance.

He would gladly have just sat up on the roof all day, but he remembered his promise to tell Luna and Celestia all they needed to know. Everything he was permitted to speak about and some details that came with his place. The two of them confused Necroesphere however, especially one statement he hadn’t thought to ask about previously.

He leapt down from his perch, landing on one of the battlements. No guards were currently patrolling the area, though Necroesphere could hear some coming from the hallway farther down. As the approached, Necroesphere slipped silently over them using the marble columns spaced evenly down the hall to move. 

“I wonder where they are...” Necroesphere pondered, not remembering where they had told him to meet. It was early enough though that one of them must be up and about. He decided to best place to start would be the throne room itself then move to the breakfast area. He would eventually just return to Luna’s room and wait for the sisters there.

As he clambered around, the guards below looked up from time to time if they heard a slight scraping, though they just shook it off. Necroesphere was moving fast enough down the hall that if he made a noise on one pillar, he’d be down three pillars before a guard decided to look up.

Within minutes, he had found the throne room with a line of ponies and other creatures shouting on the outside, being held back by guards. They were petitioner’s to Equestria, hoping to visit the princesses on days when they could. Even though the guards told many of the representatives that were up front to leave, more still flooded forward, some shouting.

Necroesphere made his way around to the side and outside using a high up window. He found that right across from where he had slipped out was another way into the throne room, a series of large portals that had been built into the castle. He leapt over to them, scraping his feet against the stone work as he controlled his landing.

Using little effort, he pulled himself inside the throne room for a second time, not using conventional methods as usual. He preferred his shadow methods, normally because it meant that he didn’t have to talk or see those he didn’t want to. Sitting on the throne was Celestia, a plate of food in front of her.

Luna was near the door, conversing with a few guards who had recently slipped in with concerns of the growing mob outside. Necroesphere slid down a column, landing with a slight scraping noise as his armor damaged the pristine floor upon impact. He cursed under his breath, catching the attention of all the ponies in the room.

“I’ll fix that later,” Necroesphere stated, rubbing the plate on his arm. Celestia rolled her eyes, her horn lighting up as she levitated two more cushions out from behind the throne. Luna pushed the guards outside of the throne room despite their complaints. Once the doors shut, the room was sucked into silence.

“So...” Luna attempted to get a word from Necroesphere as she strode across the chamber, taking a seat on the cushion closest to Celestia. Necroesphere walked over to the throne, opting to stand and talk instead of sitting. “What are you?”

“I am a being and master of space. I am lord and savior to those who cannot protect themselves, death and executioner of evil and unmerciful. My blades thirst for blood of the corrupt yet stay themselves against the weak. I am Necroesphere.”

Luna and Celestia looked confused, stunned, and afraid. Necroesphere realized he was holding a sword out, though he wasn’t sure when he pulled it out during his explanation. Probably along the part of thirsting blades, he thought.

“Sorry, I get carried away when anything asks me that question,” Necroesphere chuckled, putting his blade up. “Now, that should answer your question. I have gone by many titles, some such as Lord or Master or even Reaper. What I am, however, is something that is a secret to those who don’t need to know it. That will only bring darkness and suffering here.”

“Are you going to cause trouble for us is the question?” Celestia asked, putting the first of many questions out. “You claim that you will not hurt us, but what if something followed you here. From wherever you came. What then?”

Luna had a look of concern of her face as well, making Necroesphere uneasy as well. It was she who held his powers and ultimately could control his actions if she understood what she held inside. He doubted she had yet to explore her new connection or what she could achieve.

“Nothing. I was never followed. I made sure of that as soon as I left my fleet.” Necroesphere explained, holding an arm out, pointing at the ceiling. “There was no way they could have kept my speed or tracked me after I got out of range. They wouldn’t have followed me anyways.”

“And your enemies?” Luna asked, holding a hoof to her forehead. She was getting visions of what Necroesphere said, he imagined. It was a side-effect of the energy transfer. “What of them?”

“Defeated and sent running before I left. Nothing can find me unless I unleash too much energy, which is why I gave you some. It will give me limits.” Necroesphere explained, striding back down the chamber towards the door.

“You can see some things that I have seen, only things I know, Luna.” Necroesphere yelled from the otherside, leaning against the door. He wasn’t expecting it to be difficult or even hard to convince the sisters he meant no harm at all. Maybe it was just the amount of weapons he wore.

“I noticed. Why is that? There are things that pop into my head that I could never have imagined. Are they yours?” Luna asked, flying over to Necroesphere. “What did you do to me?”

“Like I said, I gave you my energy. Yet, to do so, it requires a bond to be forged between the two. When I saved your life, it was born but not strong enough to hold for much more than a few days. The memories will help you get to understand me, to know why I act. And then, the bond will deepen and the energy will sit.” Necroesphere explained, kneeling before Luna.

“Understand, Princess Luna. You have been chosen above all others to hold this one power. I am now your sword and shield. I can resist orders if I will, but it would not be in my best interest to do so.”

“I don’t want to keep you on a leash!” Luna gasped. Celestia came to the pair as well, a frown spread across her face.

“Is there any harm to Luna, Necroesphere?” Celestia questioned, her care for Luna apparent as the sun in the sky.

“None at all. In fact, I am the one at the most risk in this situation. I have made myself more vunerable to this world, especially your magic.” Necroesphere explained. “My armor can take most basic weapons, even some larger ones such as a dragon’s claw. But magic sometimes will outright ignore my armor. Which is why I can deflect attacks with my weapons. That took me years to learn.”

“Are you going to be rambling for most of this?” Celestia asked, her wings flared out. “I am sorry, it is just that you seem to have so much information and most of it I cannot understand. Not like Luna can, it seems.”

“I am explaining as much as I can. For the reason that you don’t have access to certain memories or visions. You can learn from what I say and even then it will take years of lessons for you to even comprehend most things.” Necroesphere explained. “And I can no longer do energy transfers. I can only do one at a time.”

“Oh.” Celestia stated dejectedly. “Then I guess I should make time for a lesson or two with you, should I not?”

“I’ll make sure you learn well, Celestia. Don’t worry.” Necroesphere laughed, walking back towards the throne. Celestia and Luna followed, taking their seats again as Necroesphere continued to pace around the throne room.

“Why are you willing to help us, Necroesphere?” Celestia questioned, resting her chin on one of the armrests. “Do you expect us to compensate you for your deeds or are you motivated in another way?”

“I preserve the peace on my own, keep the balance of worlds. I came here when a massive spike of energy caught my attention. I normally don’t respond to such things, yet the spike from here, Equestria, was different. It harmonized, not destroyed. Fixed where most energy of that caliber would destroy and ruin. I am most interested in this. Were you two told stories of what caused such a blast?”

Luna and Celestia shared a smile, taking Necroesphere back for a moment. “What? Did I miss something?”

“Necroesphere, how old do we look?” Luna chuckled, standing and doing a spin. Necroesphere was unsure how to answer the question, noting that the two thought his question was funny.

“I’m no master at Equin age and transfer, but you look like you could pass for a young adult among horses. Though, like I stated, I have little knowledge on horses. In fact, your world is strange as is. So, I’m just going to go with 20 years or so.”

The sisters broke out in laughter, filling the hall with their bell like giggles. Necroesphere shrugged, choosing not to read their minds and cheat the answer. He preserved that when he needed data and wasn’t willing to wait for his audience to spill the beans.

“Am I missing something?” Necroesphere reiterated, unsure of why the sisters were laughing.

“You are missing something big, Necroesphere,” Celestia got out, taking a breath. “I am 524 years old.”

“And I 519, though we have not changed in the slightest in those 500 years,” Luna continued. “You see, we became immortal at what may have been the time that energy caught your attention.”

“I may have problems with that... Then again, I’m over 10,000 years old, so I don’t think I have the right to complain about immortality. I assume you can technically die?” Necroesphere asked. He thought about it, thinking of all the times he had been near death and bleeding out. “How about we not test that actually?”

“Uh... right then. No wonder you see to know a lot more than you let on. How about you enlighten us with some of your ancient wisdom?” Celestia giggled, her tone oozing with sarcasm. Luna however looked as though she was having another vision.

“Celestia, he... this is so confusing. That one statement just flooded me with something I could not comprehend.” Luna stated.

“Don’t get caught up on that,” Necroesphere told her, leaning against the throne. “I endure the nightmares. I do not need to know you are having them. In fact, jut keep most of your thoughts out of my memories while you sleep.”

“Uh... Right?” Luna shook her head. “Anyways, you wanted to know about the source, as you have been asking for the past 2 days now. You know the centerpiece in the room outside, where all the ponies are gathered.”

“The one with six gems, correct?” Necroesphere asked, remembering the statue. “Are you saying...”

“That it is the source of the energy, yes.” Celestia finished his sentence. “They are named the Elements of Harmony and they are our ultimate failsafe against all evil. The one to last feel their power was Discord, the deity of chaos.” At this, Necroesphere broke out into laughter. “What?”

“You should know, your Discord fellow is not a true deity. He is not the ultimate being of chaos. Not even close!” Necroesphere laughed. “I’m sorry.”

“He killed our parents!” Luna shouted at Necroesphere, angry and upset. Tears were in her eyes as she walked forward. “My mother held me as she succumbed to him. How dare you laugh and scoff!? Have you no shame!”

“Luna, please, calm yourself.” Celestia stood, sighing. “Necroesphere would never have known this. I am so...”

“Don’t say it,” Necroesphere raised a hand, silencing the sisters. He dropped onto his knee in front of the crying lunar princess, holding her chin. He wiped away a tear that ran down her cheek. “I know your pain, Luna. A thousand fold. Many times I have lost those I loved. Please, accept my forgiveness and hopefully my condolence.”

Luna had more tears streaming from her eyes, though she had a small smile on her face. She pulled Necroesphere in using an unknown force and wrapped her front legs around his torso. He returned the hug softly, using a small fraction of his strength, being as tender as possible.

“Thank you for apologizing...” Luna murmured softly, so only Necroesphere could hear.

Celestia stepped forward, wrapping her wings around the two as she joined in as well. “I guess we all have lost something important to us.” The solar princess stated solemnly, resting her head against Luna’s. “Necroesphere, you are welcome to stay as long as you want.”

“We will help in however we can,” Luna whispered. “But of course, you still have the rest of the day of questions to go through. So, where were we?”

“I believe we were talking about Discord, your problem from the past,” Necroesphere stated. Luna and Celestia pulled back, sighing in sequence. “What happened to him after you blasted him with these Elements of Harmony? Vaporized, change of nature, power drain?”

“He is a stone statue in the garden,” Luna stated matter of factly.

“You keep your most dangerous asset in a garden as a figure piece?” Necroesphere questioned as he stepped towards a window. “I take it is that mutant statue out there right? The one that is a mix of multiple animals?”

“He is located 20 stories down... How can you even see that?” Celestia asked, standing beside the warrior. Necroesphere decided that he would never spot the being with his normal vision, so he had zoomed in and looked for the most chaotic statue in the garden.

“The visor does more than intimidate,” Necroesphere explained, pushing away from the window. “Have you ever thought of putting Discord anywhere else than in the middle of a possible minefield for him to go off again?”

“I have, but...” Celestia started. 

“The two of them had a history,” Luna finished, sighing. “To this day, I still don’t understand what you saw in Discord. You are such polar opposites.”

“I don’t need a history here, especially on a relationship like that. If you wouldn’t mind, I want to go place my own seals on him later. I trust your powers, but a failsafe is just as well for this type of thing. Chaos tends to not like being imprisoned and will break out at times when we feel safest.”

Luna wavered a bit as memories again flooded her mind. Necroesphere could tell that his words were having a much more serious effect on the princess than he had wanted. “Let’s change subjects to you two, shall we?”

“Uh... yes. We can do that.” Celestia blinked, doing a double take. “What would you like to know?”

“You are... a what? Unicorn pegasus? I’ve seen many creatures... except for you two.”

“We are alicorns. The ruling class of Equestria. Luna and myself move the sun and the moon in the sky and make the la...”

“Stop a minute.” Necroesphere interrupted Celestia, placing a hand to his head crest. “You... move the sun and moon. How is that even within the bounds of physics?”

“What is physics?” Celestia asked.

“Other than a dead god? Physics is what keeps the universe itself bound and continuous for all eternity. Breaking it is impossible and bending it is for only a select few who live within it. You claim to move the sun and the moon, yet that makes no sense because your world lies in orbit with the sun. The moon is in an orbit with this planet. They move without stop, thus meaning you never actually move them yourself.

“It is like a gyroscope, which will always spin, no matter which direction it may fall. You can’t control what’s already in motion. I’ve never witnessed such a thing. The effects on the planet should be catastrophic. The gravity field will become warped, tides uneven, time thrown out of synch.”

“Necroesphere...” Luna attempted to stop his rambling, though it didn’t happen.

“The planet’s core will be disformed, tectonic plates destroyed and the end of the planet soon. The sun itself should be feeling something if you are moving it. Possible enhancement of the speed of rotation or a degradation in speed. Maybe an acceleration to the galactic core. And the moon.”

“NECROESPHERE!” Luna and Celestia shouted, snapping the rambling warrior to his senses. “Our planet is actually the center of the system we live in. Our parents and those before them have always moved the sun and moon since the dawning of this world.” Celestia explained. “There has yet to be any true problems to the integrity of the planet.”

Necroesphere stopped moving, thinking over the statement before giving a sigh. “It doesn’t matter. If nothing has yet to happen, then nothing shall happen. What are your culture’s beliefs on the afterlife, now that I think of it. I’ve killed one being already on this planet and it never occurred to me what he believed was going to happen.”

“Well... there is the great beyond, the pasture were all good ponies and beings end up once their life is over. Then there is Tartarus, where all evil beings and souls end up going too. There are demons down there, as well as the souls of the dead sent to that eternal hell.” Luna explained, crossing her legs.

“And Cerberus is the guard dog of Tartarus, am I correct?” Necroesphere stated, getting a nod in response. “The more time I spend here, the more I feel as though humans knew what they were talking about, on another planet. Odd as it may sound, you may be minor gods of the legends that humans created.”

“Uh... What are these... humans?” Celestia asked.

“Bipedal creatures with a similar structure of body to mine, yet they are one tracked in mind and prefer to be violent over getting their ideas across instead of being peaceful and diplomatically talking it out.” Necroesphere answered, the knowledge and answer the same everytime.

“Yet, you stated you have been at war...” Luna reminded the warrior.

“Different type of war. That was to save another race who could not fight for itself. Against our mortal enemies who would rather see the universe burn than anything else.” Necroesphere responded, shaking his head. “So much needless death and bloodshed over the idea of proving who is the strongest.”

“Just how you’ve lost...” Luna began, a memory returning to her. “Oh...”

“That is not what you need to worry about, young Luna,” Necroesphere sighed. “True, my own suffering has come from the wars I have fought, but that is the problem of such things. No need to dwell upon the past. Look forward to the future, right?”

“That seems like a great sentiment!” Celestia stated. A side door opened on the far side of the chamber, setting Necroesphere on edge instantly, sword flashing to his hand. Luna and Celestia quickly jumped in front of him, wings spread out and horns glowing. “Calm, valiant Necroesphere. Tis no problem to you.”

Behind the sisters were two ponies, little fillies who levitated books in front of them and chatted. They looked up at the ringing of Necroesphere’s sword as it left his scabard. “Starry. Astra. There is no need for fear.” Luna waved them forward. Celestia put a hoof to Necroesphere, forcing him to put his blade up. “Meet a friend, Necroesphere. He is here for... research reasons.”

“N-nice to m-meet you,” The blonde haired pony walked up. Necroesphere was unsure if he was speaking to a male or female, put the pitch made him think of a female girl. “I am Astra. Star Pupil of Princess Celestia.”

“And... and... and...” The other, dark purple pony stammered, repeating herself.

“Come on Starry,” Astra whispered, nudging her friend. “I am sorry about her. She can be very nervous. Especially around... uh... giant bugs.”

“I feel like this is a running gag...” Necroesphere sighed, slapping his palm to his helmet, hard enough to produce a ring that buzzed through the room. “I am flesh underneath this metal. This is armor, similar to those the guard wears, just more protective.”

“So... you are like an ancient hero!” Starry burst out. It seemed as though she loved to idolize the pony heroes of history. Or just any hero from the past.

“You could say that, though I’m not ancient. I am here in front of you,” Necroesphere chuckled, kneeling down beside the two younglings. “Now, you two are students in the study of magic? Make sure to always do your homework, young fillies. And never forget, magic is something from the heart, not in the mind.”

The young fillies smiled before running over to their respective teacher. Necroesphere stood back up, stretching his tense muscles as he watched the scene unfold as the two students pulled out books and papers. Celestia and Luna smiled as their students explained what they had been studying on their own in the library.

He seemed to have been forgotten, though he could have cared less as the sisters looked over their students work with smiles on their faces. It was scenes like this that gave Necroesphere reasons to continue fighting, to continue protecting those around him in his war against injustice.

He didn’t realize he had fallen asleep leaning against a column until Starry had poked him awake. The sun was setting in the west, Celestia standing in the window gently guiding it down. He now believed it was highly possible that she was actually moving the Sun, especially given the energy readings she was giving out.

“Er... Mr. Necroesphere...” Starry asked, rubbing the ground. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, you can,” Necroesphere leaned down, getting closer to her height. “What is your question?”

“What is the name of your sword? I like the design of the hilt.” She squeaked, pointing at his sword. Necroesphere drew it, holding in front of the little filly.

“Tis not named. My blade... this one has no name. It has many uses, and no one name fits it well. I’m sorry, young one, to dissapoint you.” Necroesphere sighed. “Tell you what. You get to help me name this blade, what say you?”

“Really!” Starry’s eyes lit up, shining a bright yellow around the irises. “Oh thank you!”

“Get me a list by tomorrow and we can run through them. That good?” Necroesphere smiled behind his mask. “I’ll also throw in a story and a few gems as payment.”

Starry ran off, a giant smile on her face in her glee. Necroesphere watched her go, smiling to himself underneath his mask. He glanced back at Celestia, seeing both sisters smiling at him.

“That was nice of you,” Luna smiled. “You did not have to do that. She can be strange around strangers, yet she warmed up so well to you. I am so surprised she willing approached you without myself or Celestia with her. How do you do it?”

“Great with young ones despite my size...” Necroesphere shrugged, unsure himself. “I believe that you can move the Sun and Moon now.”

“From what you saw just a moment ago?” Celestia asked, a bemused smile on her face.

“Felt the power as well. It is impressive the power you hold underneath the surface. Our meeting may have been more than just chance, Celestia.” Necroesphere thought about it, realizing that everything seemed a bit too orderly. It was a strange idea to him, that the universe may have brought him here for no reason other than destiny. He wondered what lay beyond that he had yet to realize.

“Are you going to fix the floor?” Luna yawned, pointing out the broken area where Necroesphere had jumped in this morning. “You did say something about fixing it.” Necroesphere waved his hand across the area, the stone snapping back to position and looking like nothing had ever happened. The shining nature of the floor also made it seem as clean as the glass that made up many of the art pieces.

“That... was fast?” Celestia shook her head, seeming to be half asleep. “How did you fix it like that?”

“Magic...” Necroesphere trailed off, launching himself out through an opening in the ceiling.

“Wait! We have a place for you to sleep!” Luna called out, flying after him. Necroesphere waited in the sill, watching Luna fly up to him. “I have set out a room close to mine that you may stay in for the time being.”

“Then, would you like to show me the way?” Necroesphere waved his hand out the window, letting her lead. Luna waved down to Celestia, wishing her a good night as she flew out in front of Necroesphere. “So, any personal questions?”

“Just one that has been bugging me...” Luna called back, flying next to him as he glided along.

“Shoot then.”
“Necroesphere... who is Chronis?” Necroesphere nearly fell out of the sky, though he did stop himself. That was a name he had not heard in a long time. “Her name kept popping into my head with every memory I witnessed.”

“Chronis... Why did you have to?” Necroesphere cursed. “She was... we... look, it’s a long story.”

“I’ve got time,” Luna directed him forward, flying to her tower. Necroesphere followed, trying to think of something to tell the lunar princess. He decided it best to state the truth, no matter how painful it was to him.

“So... you going to tell me?” Luna said as Necroesphere landed in her room. Luna had already curled up on her bed, looking ready to sleep.

“Yes... as much as this will pain me.” Necroesphere admitted, feeling mortal as always.

“Oh...” Luna gasped. “If it is-”

“I’ve already said I would tell you. Just let me get through my story, then show me to my room. That is all I ask in return for the moment.” Necroesphere explained, holding his hand out. Luna nodded, looking confused and slightly afraid.

“Where to begin...”



…..


It was many years ago, millennia ago when I was still young and reckless with the powers I held. My rival and greatest enemy, Galax, had torn apart my father in hand to hand combat in front of me. I was afraid.

The city was on fire, humans running in terror away from the stadium where Galax had gone power mad, my father’s scythe in hand. At his side were Zerva and Swarm, his right and left hand who helped destroy all who stood against him. The three had tricked my father and slain him.

My friends and I were afraid, Galax a mammoth of a creature and we just fleas upon his back. I was once weak and helpless, hard to believe now that you look upon the power that I hold now. My power had not even taken grasp of me and I still had no chance to win at my current state.

“Come now, son of Necroes! Fight me! Show me the full power you hold. You are your fathers son, are you not?” Galax roared in his jubilee, blasting away the ceiling above him.

My friends just stared at me, none of them knowing that my father now lay dead. All they saw was a fallen hero before the greatest darkness the world had ever known. Yet, they were beginning to understand the secrets I held to keep them safe. Or so I had thought.

“If you refuse to come forward, then I will just start with your friends!” Galax sneered, pointing out our group in the crowd. Zerva descended upon the group, stealing one of my dear friends and tossing him upon the floor. We watched with horror as swarms of hideous creatures descended upon him, ripping flesh from bone as he screamed in pain and terror.

“Still feel like hiding? Why bother, I know your face. And I know who you hold dearest!” Galax cackled. This time, the behemoth Swarm snatched another member. Using his swarm of blood hungry birds, they tore apart the poor girl without regret or remorse. Still, I stood there, unable to do anything.

Again, Galax called out for me to step forward, but this time, he landed in front of me when I would not move. From my arms he snatched the girl I had been shielding, dragging her screaming into the air.

All I remember in that instance was the anger and desperation to reach out and save the girl. Sad now, that time has rotted the name from my mind. Yet, I was not the one to save her. It was my Aunt, Chronis, who saved her. She was a master of the manipulation of time, which allowed her to save the young girl.

“How dare you harm the innocent, Galax?” Chronis shouted, pointing her staff at the beast. “Have you no shame or honor?”

“Oh my dear Chronis,” Galax laughed, twirling the scythe as though he already had won. Though, to tell the truth, he had. Chronis was no where near the strength of Galax, let alone Swarm and Zerva as well. The three of them would destroy her if she battled them, even with time on her side. “Come to mourn you departed brother?”

“No, Galax. I have come to finish his fight.” Chronis responded, leaping forward. She didn’t last more than a minute.

Swarm’s birds knocked her from the air as Zerva blinded her with his shadow manipulation. As Chronis attempted to recover, Galax tore her armor from her skin and ripped her still beating heart out. It was that moment that I finally exploded. The girl I had loved lived, yet my Aunt died because of my inaction.

It was that moment that the armor I wear now bonded to my skin, the power slumbering deep within exploding forth in a wave of energy that dominated all three of the demons.

The battle lasted for less time than it took them to kill Chronis. Yet, I let Galax crawl away. I was stupid and took pity on him when I should have finished him off without a second thought. Many deaths would be spared now. Yet, Chronis had always said that mercy kept us on the side of peace and protector. Separated us from the heartless killers like Galax, Swarm, and Zerva.

Now, I attempt to have mercy against all, but I understand now that if you show mercy to those who don’t understand it, or have never shown it, they will never stop. They can beg and cry, but I’ll be damned before I let another heartless murderer escape my blade. No matter the rank or station, they all feel the same cold sting of death greet them.


…..


“Necroesphere,” Luna managed. She wiped away the tears in her eyes, the entire memory flashing in her mind as the warrior had told it. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

“Just allow me to rest,” Necroesphere stated, rising from the floor. Luna nodded, ushering him out of the door. She took him two doors down the hall, past her students room to the unoccupied observatory. “Thank you, Luna. I will come find you when I am ready.”

“Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?” Luna asked, her mind still stuck on the girl Necroesphere had been protecting.

“Privacy. And if possible, secrecy as well. Not everyone need know I’m here.” Necroesphere explained, closing the door on the Lunar Princess. She walked back to her room, falling into a fitful sleep over the girl whose name was forgotten.
> Chapter 4: The Garden of Chaos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3: Discussions
By: Necroesphere
Balance shall exist,
Light and Darkness cannot be separate.
Chaos must rain.





Necroesphere opened his eyes, visor filtering through the data for him. His dreams were unpleasant but nothing he hadn’t seen before. He noticed a plate of food next to him, sitting on the black bedside table. It was a nice gesture, but Necroesphere knew it was never going to be eaten.

With a swift flick of his wrist, a holographic screen appeared as the data poured onto it. From what he could tell, the drone he had sent out was still mapping out the world and staying out of sight for the moment. As long as it continued to stay out of sight, Necroesphere would have a full layout of the world within another night cycle of the planet.

“Who are we guarding?” A sound from outside Necroesphere’s room asked. It must have been a guard who happened to be passing through the hall on his rounds. Standing, Necroesphere opened the curtain covering the window. The sun was almost directly above him in the sky, a few clouds floating by daintily. “Princess Luna simply stated the guest was a VIP.”

“Do you believe it is what those guards stated? A mechanical being? Living armor?” Another, higher pitched voice asked. “If so, why does it have a room that requires guarding? What could even damage it?”

“I do not know, but what if it is listening to us now?” The first guard stated. Necroesphere chuckled, finding the idea these two ponies believed funny. At least the guards had been closer to the truth than the sisters. He was technically a living armor, though it was more he lived inside his armor. There was no use in moving him from it, as it provided him better protection than anything else.

“Hello, can I help you?” Necroesphere heard a third voice. He recognized the regal voice as Luna’s. “Why are you two waiting outside this room?”

“Princess Luna? Uh... well, we believed we should guard the room.” The first guard said. To make it fun for himself, Necroesphere activated his visor, gazing through the wall and watching the scene unfold for him.

“Has he come out then?” Luna asked, her brow furrowing.

“No, Princess. We have not heard any noise from the room. Were you planning to enter?” The guard to the right of the door asked. He had a light blue mane with dark blue coat, though his armor covered the picture that most ponies had. 

“No, though Starry has been looking for him. She has a list of names for his weapons, and she if very enthusiastic. I don’t know how, but she seems to be so more open with our visitor around. Come tell me when he leaves. Though, I don’t think you’ll have much trouble finding me. I’ll be in the library with Starry, going over her lessons.”

“Understood, Princess.” Both guards saluted as Luna walked down the hall. Necroesphere stretched out, looking out the window at the city stretching below him.

“Time for some exploration,” He mumbled, leaping out the window. On his way down, he caught a pillar, swinging around it and landing on a roof with a silent thud. Anything below would definitely be questioning what had just hit their roof. Before anypony could stick their head out a window, Necroesphere leapt again.

As he sailed through the city, he made a mental note to try and find underground routes through the city at some point. Landing on a wall, Necroesphere saw that a forest stretched for a good distance out. He had already known this from his trip, but being able to see it was a way to confirm some facts.

“This planet has such a good flow of energy.” Necroesphere stated, sitting down on the wall and looking out into the forest. “Nothing like the ones I’ve been to before. I could get used to the feeling of being here.”

He felt something tugging at him though, a darker force that was taunting him from somewhere close by. Necroesphere rose, jumping from the wall as he followed where he felt the energy coming from. Somehow, it reminded him a lot of pure chaos, something that he had only been in contact with a few times. The unbridled form of chaos was nothing to laugh at, and even more something that was out of place on this planet.

Necroesphere stopped in a garden just outside the palace, statues all around him. Some were of ponies that must have been something special in the past, others of objects Necroesphere had no description for. Only one truly caught his eye. It was a being of mismatched parts, certainly something no artist would make in sound mind.

“Good catch.” A voice taunted. Necroesphere glared at the statue, not thrown off by where the voice was echoing from. The source was the statue, or rather, the being trapped within the statue. “And it can think? My goodness, Celestia has caught a good little creature, now hasn’t she?”

“Why did you call attention to yourself, being of chaos?” Necroesphere asked, not ruffled. There was no one controlling his hand for the moment. If Celestia believed she could use him, she was horribly mistaken.

“You are a goody two shoes, but I sense some chaos in you. The name’s Discord.” The statue laughed. “Anyways, I just wanted to say hello. I feel like you could outlive us all, so knowing that you’ll be around when I come back is a good thing to note. You are taking notes, aren’t you? Never mind. Some ponies these days come around this garden and just sit around, talking about their lives.

“Some days, I just sit here and suffer through their agonizing speeches. On days I feel nice and decide to talk with the ponies and help them sort things out. Most of the time, they just run off screaming about a ghost or some nonsense. Ponies likely think them batty. Others just listen and thank me before going on their way. I never see them again, regardless. It gets lonely here, you know. Nopony really to talk to who understands me.”

“Discord, would you like some company?” Necroesphere sighed, looking up at the statue’s eyes.

“Would you really?” Discord feigned surprise. “Oh, that would be wonderous. It’s been ages since I’ve had something to talk to, besides the birds. Unfortunately, the birds neither care nor talk back, so I’m just a toilet for them. So, what brings you to Equestria… hmm… didn’t seem to catch your name.”

“It’s Necroesphere. As for why I am here, I came to see why there was a giant explosion of pure energy a few centuries back. I came as soon as I felt it.”

“Must have been some trip. Just a blink for you probably. How old are you, anyway? Come on, I won’t tell anypony.” Necroesphere could have sworn he heard winking.

“Uh… a few dozen millennia. I’ve got some time before I’m considered old among my people though. Or wise. As for now, I’m just a powerful soldier asked to serve on the frontlines as a figurehead. Or I was until I pulled a stupid stunt and got a friend killed.”

“Sounds harsh.” Discord replied. “I hate death. Nothing really deserves it. Alas, all must feel the cold sting of its claws.”

“Yet you are chaos.” Necroesphere stated, sitting down next to the statue. “Isn’t death in the nature of chaos?”

“Really?” Discord spat. “I may be chaos, but killing is one thing I’d never do. Or turning others to stone. This really isn’t something anypony should go through. I guess where you are from, chaos can get really out of hand? Here, I just prefer to mess with the peace and have a good time. But I always am careful not to seriously injure others. Don’t tell Celestia or Luna that, or they will think I’m soft.

“Sure, I’ve done some stuff that could be classified as evil, such as harassment, but it was stopped before the pony was injured.”

“Ever think about mental injuries?” Necroesphere asked, crossing his legs and leaning back. “Sometimes that can happen, you know. It’s ugly when someone gets it on the battlefield. I’ve lost many good friends to it.”

“I mean, insanity is what I am. I can’t help but cause it. If you don’t like it, then you can’t like me. It’s not like I really have a choice.” Discord replied.

“You make a good point. I cannot blame anything for a problem they can’t control. Others may attempt to, but I wish to extend a hand in assistance and give them the benefit of the doubt.” Necroesphere chuckled. “Goody two shoes, remember?”

“Certainly, you must be. I don’t mind though.” Discord laughed back. “To be honest, you may be the balance to me. Or at least, to the other dark creatures on Equestria. I am disposed of for the moment, but I feel another rising in the north. A darkness that shouldn’t really be there. I have a feeling this pony is looking for power and other gruesome methods to attain it. Celestia and Luna are not really figuring it out.”

“Shall I tell them?” Necroesphere pondered.

“Is it really wise to interfere in the affairs of a place that you can play a god in?” Discord questioned back. “You have already acted and shown some of that power. You cannot fool me, however. I can see that you are holding back a lot more than Celestia and Luna know for now. A lot more. Do as you wish, but some events must come to pass.”

“And why is that?”

“Because even chaos has a schedule that it follows.” Discord answered. “For this, I say that you don’t get involved. Just let the events unfurl as they may. Celestia cannot argue against your choices while you are a guest. At least, she would avoid asking a favor when she has done nothing much for you. Luna would lean on you, but only if you show a point of weakness. Have you?”

“I told her stories of my youth, but those wounds have long since closed.” Necroesphere answered, standing. “I’ll be going then Discord. I’ll be back soon. Possibly with a brush and bucket to clean you off.”

“If you would be so kind.” Discord said. “Well, ta-ta for now.”

Necroesphere was ready to walk away when a thought struck him from a recent conversation. “Discord… Are you lying to me? About killing others?”

“Celestia and Luna told you their story, did they?” Discord sighed. “Fine, my hands are stained with the blood of others. Are you going to lecture me? You don’t seem like your hands are any cleaner than mine. At least mine was self-defense. How much blood have you spilled just to kill?”

Necroesphere didn’t respond to that question, walking away back towards the castle. “I still expect that cleaning, you know!” He heard Discord shout after him. Necroesphere sighed, jumping into the air as he manipulated gravity to ascend to the roof. He landed, keeping gravity light on him so he wouldn’t crash through the roof.

Walking over to the court, Necroesphere glanced through the window where Celestia and Luna were holding a lesson with their pupils. “Too much. Too much blood, Discord.” Necroesphere whispered, feeling tears rolling down his cheeks. Nopony, however, would ever see his emotions or reactions. Not while he was trapped in his suit.

“This is a fine mess I’ve gotten myself into.” Necroesphere thought, leaning against a support pillar. “I always have to play the hero, don’t I? One would think I’d have learned the problems that happen when I do such things. Foolish. I think I see now why I am still considered unwise.”

“Hey, Necroesphere!” Starry called out, nearly making him fall off his perch. “I’ve got a list of names. Come down so we can give a name to one of your weapons!”

Celestia and Luna both looked up, smiles on their faces as they each waved a hoof for him to join. Sighing, Necroesphere jumped down into the courtroom, using a massive amount of force to stop himself before he smashed into the floor. He landed gently instead, though he felt a bit out of it. His magic wasn’t as full as he liked, though it couldn’t be helped at the moment. He would need to recharge what he had burned to give to Luna and from his trip.

“Did you sleep well?” Astra asked. Necroesphere kneeled down so he was closer to the ground.

“Like a star during the day.” Necroesphere answered with a riddle that he enjoyed.

“But aren’t stars something that Princess Luna puts into the sky?” Astra questioned, looking to Celestia for an answer.

“I don’t think that is entirely true.” Celestia responded, turning to her sister. “Only the Sun and the Moon are objects we move. The stars are more natural, there but always moving. I would think our traveler from the sky would know more about the stars.”

Astra and Starry both turned to look at Necroesphere for an answer now. He chuckled, enjoying the duck-like routine from the two fillies. “Well, girls, stars are actually other suns where many planets exist as well. Some stars though no longer exist. It takes time for the light that a star puts off to reach a place. I know a few in this sky that don’t exist any longer. But, there are always more stars that form, farther away than we can see.”

“Have you been there?” Starry asked? “To the places farther away than we can see?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve never left the visible sight of the places I’ve known. Your star is familiar to me from many places, though I did not know life existed around it.” Necroesphere chuckled in response. “I’m glad to know that there is still some peace out there.”

“That’s a nice thought.” Celestia smiled at Necroesphere, standing next to the warrior. “Though I’m sure there are other places where peace flourishes just like ours.”

“Sure, though none that I have thus visited.” Necroesphere sighed, knowing that Celestia spoke true. There were worlds farther out there, yet untouched by the wars that flourished among the stars. “Anyways, may I watch the lesson? I would rather enjoy a demonstration of magic that unicorn’s possess. The best way I know is first-hand experience of it.”

“I don’t see a harm to it.” Luna answered. “Just be warned that objects could come flying violently at you.”

“I’ll be sure to keep my head down when that happens.” Necroesphere chuckled, taking a seat on the stairs that led to the throne. The fillies turned their attention back to Celestia and Luna as best they could, though they both knew that Necroesphere was watching and possibly judging them.

“So, as I was saying.” Celestia coughed, returning to her lecture. “The proper way of levitation…”

The lesson continued mostly on the lines of a lecture by Celestia on the concept of using levitation based spells. From what Necroesphere began to understand, the spell was simply a way for any unicorn to use magic as a form of grasping. In a sense, the spell just gave unicorns the ability to hold any object, just as Necroesphere could.

Eventually, Luna cut off Celestia’s lecture when the solar princess began to drone on about how the spell originated and other such history lessons that began to bore even Necroesphere. Eternal patience may last for war, but for a lesson, it really wasn’t as effective. Both Astra and Starry perked up when Luna finally cut Celestia’s lecture short. They both smiled as they stretched their legs.

The lesson followed with some attempts to move objects that the Princesses had brought with them or were already located in the room. Necroesphere soon realized why they needed such a large practice area and why Luna had warned him to keep his head down. Soon, furniture was flying around the room in a storm of magic as the two fillies quickly realized they couldn’t control the spell.

“Grav.” Necroesphere murmured, using a small hand gesture to complete the spell. The furniture gained a huge pull of gravity, forcing it to the ground and stopping the levitation spell before it got out of hand. 

“What stopped that?” Starry asked as she stood, shaking slightly.

“I-I’m not sure.” Luna answered, pushing her mane out of her face. She glanced over at Necroesphere, who only waved at them. “I can take a guess though.”

“I doubt you would be far off, sister.” Celestia sighed, blowing part of her mane out of her face. Necroesphere rose, aware that the time was becoming late and that the sun and moon would soon change places in the sky. “Luna, it’s your turn.”

“I know, Celestia.” Luna sighed, turning to a window. Necroesphere again felt the massive wave of magic coming from her as the moon rose to take its place in the night sky. Necroesphere felt his aura change with the difference in the sky, like it normally did depending on the light that hit him. It always felt odd to him that he was one of few beings to ever experience such changes.

“Well, I guess it is time for us to get some sleep.” Starry looked down, seeming a bit sad.

“Or we could play a few games before bed.” Luna giggled in response, jumping to her pupil’s side. “Just because the moon is out doesn’t mean the fun has to end. We can do anything now that we could do when the sun was out.”

“It is true, young one.” Necroesphere said, walking over to the four ponies. “The moon gives one many opportunities to do many things not available during the day. Study the stars, explore areas that change when it is dark. The light can hide stuff just as the dark can. Some of the most beautiful things I have experienced have occurred under the moon, not the sun. Though, the sun has offered just as many fond memories.”

“Thank you for saying as much, Necroesphere.” Celestia smiled up at him. “I’m glad that-” The door to the throne room opened in a loud bang. Necroesphere instantly responded faster than Celestia or Luna could even track his movements as he jumped to a window sill up high. From there, he was able to observe the situation that would unfold.

“Your majesties.” A guard gasped as he fell onto the ground, obviously winded. Necroesphere gripped one of his swords as he felt a dark wind howl through the hall, coming from the north. He turned, glancing towards the direction. “Th-the Crystal Empire. Sombre has taken control.”

“What?” Luna asked, rushing to the guard’s side. “Speak slowly soldier. What has Councilor Sombre done? What happened to the Crystal Empire?”
“Sombra… dark magic.” The guard coughed, obviously suffering from some internal injury. “I was barely able to escape from the realm. H-he… My wife… my son. No. NO!” The guard started to convulse, rolling onto his side as he coughed up blood. Necroesphere stayed his hand this time, knowing that some deaths could not be avoided and he had no right in changing such things.

“Tia.” Luna shook, tears streaming down her face. “We- We must stop this lunatic. I cannot allow something like this to go overlooked.” Necroesphere could feel her emotions as his own, though he knew better than to let his rage explode forth. Discord’s warning echoed in Necroesphere’s mind. ‘Some events must come to pass.’

“I realize Lulu. But we cannot just storm into the Crystal Empire without knowing more information. Guards. Send a scouting party to the Crystal Empire. We need to know what is going on as of yesterday.” Celestia commanded, her voice full of power. Necroesphere saw Starry and Astra glance at the guard who still laid on the ground, obviously dead.

“Luna, get the girls to their rooms.” Celestia sighed, shaking her head. She was obviously stressed and tired now, both obviously not a good pair for the Solar Princess. “Necroesphere, what is your take on the situation as a whole?”

Necroesphere jumped back down to the ground from his perch, rolling as he landed. “Seems like something I am not going to be helping with.” He responded, leaning against a pillar. “I acted rashly earlier when I interrupted the donkey ambassador. However, such things should not be acted upon by a source that doesn’t truly belong on this planet. Also, I am your ally, but I am not a weapon to be used as you pleased.”

“I understand, Necroesphere.” Celestia sighed, sitting down in her throne. A few guards entered the room, grabbing the body and removing it from the room. If they noticed the great warrior in the room, none made a motion to state it. “I would appreciate some assistance in the matter, but you are right. I cannot depend on you. I barely know you and it is not right that I asked of your assistance so soon.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Necroesphere sighed, moving to take a seat next to Celestia. She adjusted so she could look at him as he sat down. “I understand your situation, but I really shouldn’t meddle in the affairs of other planets. I overreacted earlier when I saved Luna. I don’t regret it, but I wonder how things would be if I wasn’t here.”

“Likely it would have been me in court at the time and he would have been disarmed by Luna. We always are together in the court, whether others can tell or not.” Celestia whispered to Necroesphere. “I would not have issued for any aggression against him.”

“And likely the king would have been taken out by one of his family members.” Necroesphere whispered back. “His family was not in support of the idea behind invading Equestria. I actually listened in to a lot of different conversations while there. Very few actually supported the king, though they were terrified of what would happen if they spoke against him. Hopefully Hans can rule the country better than his tyrant father.”

“I’ve heard that one of the princesses claimed a giant killed her father.” Celestia spoke up, her face hard to read. “It landed in front of her and slayed her father. Before he could kill her. You never told us that, Necroesphere.”

“The details of how I do something are rarely needed.” Necroesphere gritted his teeth. “I take no pleasure in killing, though others have disagreed with me on that point. I only kill to make sure evil and bad judgment never come about. What the king was planning to do at that moment… I could not sit by and wait, Celestia. I hope you understand that.”

“I was not judging you, if that was your thought.” Celestia smiled, a small laugh escaping her lips. “I am quite grateful that you were able to protect the little donkey princess without ruining her life.”

“I’m just wondering.” Necroesphere tapped the side of his helmet. “How did word of my appearance already reach your ear? You yourself said even by flying, the trip would take at the least two days. Yet today would be the second after which I killed the king.”

“We royalty have our own special way of keeping in touch, Necroesphere.” Celestia smiled coyly. “I am not going to share all my secrets with you.” Necroesphere chuckled at that statement, having used it many times before himself. Celestia definitely how to use secrets to her advantage. “Anyways, I must go prepare for bed. I must be up before the dawn, to raise the sun. What about you?”

“I don’t know yet.” Necroesphere leaned back, crossing his legs. “I really don’t need much sleep at the moment. I’m able to keep going for a few more days without sleep now, after getting some rest to recover some more energy.”

“Are you planning to explore the castle?” Celestia asked, rising from her throne.

“That would be an interesting plan, but I think not. If you need me, however, just whisper my name into the wind and I will come as fast as I can.” Necroesphere explained. “It’s a certain magic that I know of. It will work, do not worry.”

“Ok, Necroesphere. Have a nice night.” Celestia waved, walking out of the court room, leaving Necroesphere alone to his own devices.

“Good night, Celestia.” Necroesphere whispered to himself, turning to look out the window behind him. “Good night.”