> The Great Gray Alicorn > by The Fluttershy Guy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Vault Guardian > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chaos. They very word sends shudders down my spine, it makes my blood run cold with a mix of fear and hate. It was over six thousand years ago that the whispers of the dark god Slaanesh began to corrupt my brethren. I still despise myself for not realizing it sooner, for not being to stop the madness that was brewing in my beloved Equestria...for not saving the Alicorns. They marched...seemingly from no where, yet from every where. Alongside the twisted legions marched the demons,depraved hateful beings from the Warp. Chattering maniacal hordes of cultist ponies, possessed Alicorns and blood thirsty demons marched upon their own brothers, their sisters...their very families. Fifteen years...fifteen blood soaked, fear fueled years I led what was left of us against the dark hordes of Chaos. I still wander how those infernal beings managed to find Equestria, as shielded as it is from the predations of the accursed Warp. In the end, I was forced to drastic measures, for all of Alicorn kind, save for the foals Luna and Celestia, had fallen to the taint of chaos. I created an army of steel and stone, an army that would not falter, that would know no fear...one that could not be corrupted nor tainted. The golems. With the golems at my side, I clashed against the forces of chaos right on the fields outside Canterlot. After seven days and seven nights of fighting the demented hordes of the fallen, I knew that I could not wipe out the chaos horde. So, I charged straight for their strongest spell weaver, my own brother... Uldric the great crystal sorcerer and killed him. My own brother... sweet Equestria forgive me after all these years it still stings like a fresh wound. After the foul deed was done, I fled to the back of the fighting and prepared a great spell. I prepared a tomb for these depraved creatures and then sealed the blood thirsty hordes of chaos away inside. Upon this vault I weaved a great many more spells, so many enchantments that even now, I still cannot remember some of them. But the greatest...every millennium, the vault is transported entirely to a new, remote location. Great wards fly out, masking the very presence of it. But I knew one must stay with this vault of the damned, keep it sealed...keep it shut...it would be a thankless duty, but a much needed one. So I stood guard at the vault of Chaos. And here I stand six thousand years later. I am Alrdic, the Great Grey Alicorn, the silent guardian against chaos, a secret protector of Equestria, and this is my tale. Heed well mortal, for chaos can consume all. … I stood upright, the sand sucking in my hooves as I gazed across the desert. Celestia's sun scorched high above, pounding me with its unrelenting waves. With a wave of my horn I opened another scrying portal to check up on each of the elements of harmony and both Celestia and Luna. All were milling about their daily lives...all safe. I gave myself a congratulatory grunt and closed the scrying portal. I trotted around and scowled at the vault that has driven me away from my kind for so long. It stood thirty feet high, brass and iron double doors wrapped from top to bottom in chains. Intricate golden runes were carved in seemingly random places. They weren't random, I put each their as an enchantment to bolster its defenses. The door was by itself, nothing behind it or below it, it simply hovers in mid air. A sudden gust of wind blew more sand into my face, forcing me to scrunch my eyes. I hate this bloody desert. A bright glow pierced the thick clouds of sand being blown about. I allowed a well earned grin to plaster my face, I could already feel the air pulsing with ancient magics. The very air itself begins to hum as the ancient enchantments I weaved so long ago prepare the vault for another hop. A sharp bark of laughter escaped my throat as the humming grew to a roar and a flash of light exploded out from the door. … The tingling feeling of teleporting dissipated almost immediately upon arrival. I slowly stood up on all four hooves and glanced up. The vault's teleportation left a smoking crated in the earth, a good five feet deep and twenty feet in diameter. “What is the meaning of this?” My eyes shot open and I glanced at the lip of the crater. There stood Chrysalis. Ah yes...the changelings were launched into the Everfree. I glanced up at the changeling queen and sneered. “Leave this place weakling queen.” Chrysalis's scowl turned into a furious snarl, “HOW DARE YOU ORDER ME! GET HIM!” A small group of changelings, about ten, surged forward from the lip of the crater. I sighed, fools rushing to their deaths. My horn glowed and with an audible pop, the one thing that has never failed me flashed righti n front of me. My faithful hammer. It was a massive hammer, bigger than myself, the head weighed about three hundred pounds by itself. The head was ornate too, solid silver and carved all over with intricate runes cast with the intent of breaking apart magic barriers. The handle was a dull bronze and was a good six feet long. My hammer...my faithful hammer 'Righteous Fury'. The changelings charge ground to a halt about fifteen feet away as they stared wide eyed with fear at the massive hammer. With a grunt I clenched the handle of Righteous Fury in my mouth, and with a roar I jumped the distance between me and the group of changelings. The lead changelings eyes grew wide with terror as the sight of me filled its vision and with a slam.... a puddle of blood oozed out from underneath my hammers head. With a flick, I spun the hammer around slamming it into two more changelings. The satisfying sound of bones crunching echoed throughout the small clearing. The others turned to flee, screaming in utter terror. I grunted as I hefted the hammer in my teeth and spun, with careful timing I launched the hammer at one of the changelings. With a splat the hammer slammed dead on with the changeling as the others fled behind into the small changeling army. Murmurs of panic swept through the ranks of changelings behind the queen. Chrysalis herself went slack jawed, her eyes wide with fear. I slowly trotted up to my hammer, every changeling, even Chrysalis shrinking in fear. Stepping further and further away from this damnable gate. With a grunt I hefted the hammer up in my teeth, and without turning around slowly stepped back towards the gate. The eyes of the changelings grew wide in utter surprise as I neared closer and closer to what I was guarding. “W-what are you doing?” Chrysalis ventured cautiously. I said nothing, and dropped my hammer to the ground. I sat on my haunches, only now realizing that blood stuck to my coat, matting the fur of my coat. I grunted, and raised a single hoof, towards the forest. Chrysalis spared a fearful glance in the direction I pointed, and with a quick turn back to me began to bow. Without raising her head, the queen backed away slowly, the rest of her changelings followed suit. Minutes later, I was alone again. … “Did you feel that Luna?” Celestia asked her sister, her unflinching gaze never leaving the EverFree. The Princess of the Sun could feel her sister nodding. “Do you have any idea what is was sister?” Celestia blinked, she knew what it felt like but couldn't believe it. “It felt like Alicorn magic Luna. Really powerful Alicorn magic, more so than what it takes for us to raise the sun and moon.” Luna stepped from hoof to hoof nervously, “Alicorn magic sister? More powerful than ours? Should we investigate?” Celestia nodded slowly, “I already sent a letter to my faithful student. We leave immediately to meet her and the other elements. We may need them.” Celestia could feel her sister nodding in understanding. The sun goddess herself gulped, whatever caused such a massive influx of magic, she desperately hoped it was friendly. …. This was extreme cause for worry. I slammed Righteous Fury down, completely annihilating the corrupted Diamond Dog that was once there. “BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!” another diamond dog jumped forward to meet me. The creature had the symbols of chaos etched into its very flesh, its mouth was foaming and its eyes blood shot. With a spin I slammed my hammer into it, sending it flying. I silently prepared myself for the next charge, but when I turned I found a crater littered with the corpses of several dozen cultists. I glanced from side to side, this was unbelievable. How could I not see these cults forming? I continued to survey the carnage. At least fifty corrupted diamond dogs had emerged from the surrounding forest, screaming their guttural praise to dark gods. I studied each corpse...well what was left of each corpse anyway. Righteous Fury did a wonderful job of making a mess of everything. I decided, I was going to instill fear into whatever came close to this clearing. I would make it very, VERY clear, to steer away from this damned vault. With this goal in mind, My horn glowed with magic as I lifted several dozen blood soaked corpses and trotted into the forest. … Celestia wrapped a hoof around her beloved student as Twilight let loose another torrent of her lunch. She wasn't the only one as each element hurled forth their lunches at the sight before them. A diamond dog was impaled on a branch of a tree with its lower half smashed, an eye ball hung loose from its socket and strange unearthly markings were carved into its flesh. Blood drenched the ground beneath it and continued to drip from the corpse. Underneath it, was a simple carving in the tree where the corpse was impaled on. Leave. Was all the sign read. “Wh- * wretch * who or what would do something like..like this?” Twilight asks cautiously, waving a hoof at the carnage before her. Celestia shook her head, unable to understand or even comprehend the violence that occurred here. The sun goddess trotted around the tree and froze. “Closer your eyes, each of you, You too Luna and Twilight grab hold of my tail. Each of you line up and grab a tail in front of you.” The sun goddess barked. The elements balked. What would make the Princess practically shout orders like that? They looked to each other and silently agreed they didn't want to know. The seven simply did as ordered. When each element was ready, Celestia steeled herself and slowly began to walk forwards. She shuddered at the site. Blood soaked the very earth in puddles and she took very careful detours to avoid stepping in any. Bodies were hung from the trees, brains and organs spilling out. Bone showed. So many diamond dogs impaled on trees, seemingly in a pattern... a circle around...something. Celestia shivered despite the warm, humid summer air. Why? 'Why' was the only question the princess could ask herself as she skirted around yet another pool of blood. Celestia blinked at the sight before her as she passed the last hanging corpse. “Alright you may open your eyes, DO NOT look behind you and come up here.” Celestia barked. “Sister, what troubles...you?” The night goddess began to ask, but trailed off at the sight that greeted her. They were on the lip of a humongous crater, and at the center...was a massive door. The door was bound in chains and seemed to float in mid air. Strange glowing runes were scattered all over the massive brass door.The air cackled and hummed with magical energy around it, and seemed to invigorate the Princess's and the elements. And right in front of the door...was a massive hammer. It was easily larger than both Princess's and stained red with blood... fresh blood. “Stay here, I will investigate.” Celestia ordered, her voice was barely a whisper. Every pony was too struck with fear to deny any of the orders. The Princess took one step forward, and the moment her hoof touched the ground of a crater, an ear splitting roar reverberated throughout the clearing. Celestia looked around for the source and nearly balked in fear when she saw it. When she saw the alicorn. The Alicorn was humongous, dwarving herself and her sister. The Alicorn was a pure, unfiltered grey yet its coat was stained with fresh blood. It's eyes were icy blue and filled with rage. It had...one wing, tattered and filled with holes, its body was coated in scars that were easily seen, even at that distance. The massive Alicorn was standing one the opposite side of the door, glaring from just to the right of massive double doors. The Alicorn growled low and mencingly, but loud enough to be heard despite the distance. And then it leaped. The Alicorn easily cleared to distance to the side of the door. When it's hooves touched the dirt it immediately jumped again, flaring its only wing as it thudded right next to the hammer. Close up, the group could very clearly see its cutie mark... it was a crown with a massive hammer, the handle for the hammer went through the rim of the crown, as if the crown were an ornament, dangling around its sheath. With another roar, the gray Alicorn hefted the hammer in its teeth, with a slam the alicorn slammed the hammer into the crater, easily breaking apart the earth. The nameless alicorn spun around in a circle, clearing every bit of stone and dirt easily with the swipe before bearing the hammer up. And with that, the alicorn simply stared, a blood soaked hammer in its mouth, ready to strike at a moments notice. … My nostrils flared. Damn. How could I forget to scry? If I had remembered I could have seen this coming and prepared for it. I had never, and I mean NEVER show myself to either of the Princess's or the Elements of Harmony unless I absolutely needed them. My heart pounded in my chest, seemingly about to bust free of its fleshy prison. I continued to stare at them, hopefully fear would scare them off, although I doubted it. “Why...why would you hide yourself? Why would you slaughter these innocent Diamond Dogs? What has possessed you to slaughter anything that comes near this...this treasure?” Celestia managed to ask, each question began to drip with more and more venom. Her eyes glared at me accusingly, like daggers cutting into my flesh. I slowly lowered my head and dropped my beloved hammer. And with it free of my mouth, I began to laugh and laugh and laugh some more. The princess glanced worriedly to her sister, the elements shrank in fear. “Protect it? I do not protected THEM from you. I protect you from them...Celestia.” I stated. Celestia blinked, “How do you know my name?” “Because I held you in my hooves when you were but a new born foal. Because I've have stood guard over this accursed vault for over five and half thousand years and have constantly watched all over Equestria every day and night. I know all about you...Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy...Rarity.” Each of the elements in turn shirked in fear at the mention of their names. Celestia balked at the revelation, disbelief written all over her face. “Held me when I was foal?” Celestia started, unsure of what to ask. I nodded solemnly, “Just leave Celestia. Take the elements of harmony and your sister and leave this place. Never return...forget you ever met me.” “No!” Celestia barked, determination painted on her face. “I do not even know your name. What is in that vault?” Celestia continued to rant. I sighed, “I am Aldric, the great grey Alicorn, as I was once called. I will say nothing of the vault but to tell you to leave.” Celestia clenched her teeth, “Aldirc I demand you tel-” “DEMAND! YOU DARE MAKE DEMANDS FROM ME INSOLANT FOAL! YOU ARE BUT A FILLY COMPARED TO ME!” I roared at the top of my lungs. Celestia balked and trotted back, fear painted into her very eyes. I sighed, “Leave it be Celestia. Go. The path back to Ponyville with the least carnage is over there.” I dejectedly pointed a hoof at a spot in the clearing. Celestia bowed her head down, and slowly began to trot over to where I pointed, each Element in tow. Luna stayed behind though and continued to stare. “I know not what it is that plagues you Lord Aldric...but I can tell it eats away at your very soul. You are not alone.” And with that Luna trotted off to meet with her waiting sister and the elements. To Be Continued... ZOMG im having so much fun with this one. Teehee...hope you enjoyed as much as I enjoyed writing. Aldric was inspired by a particular boss, props if you can guess which one. Also at the time I typed this up I was in china. I dont know when Im posting this, but my family has pretty good wifi so il upload when I have free time > The Seeds of Chaos Are Sown > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The group followed silently behind Celestia. Every pony was lost in their thoughts, including the Princess. Celestia was more...depressed than anything else. Yes, Aldric slaughtered those Diamond dogs, but if what he said was true...why hasn't he been there with them? Why wasn't he there for my sister and I when we needed him? What was so important about that damn vault? “Princess?” Twilight's voice shattered Celestia's small amount of concentration. “Yes my dear Twilight?” Celestia replied without looking over her shoulder. “What...what do you think Aldric meant when he said, 'I do not protect THEM from you, but protect you from them'? And why has he kept hidden all this time?” Twilight asked rather timidly, quite out of character for the curious unicorn. Celestia thought for a moment without stopping, “I don't honestly know Twilight. But I DO intend to find out.” Celestia was determined....far more determined to get to the bottom of this particular mystery. She WOULD find out what was in this vault that would cause an Alicorn to guard for it for so long and ignore the rest of the world. The group continued the silent trek, each lost in their thoughts as to what Aldric was doing. What was in the vault? What was in that vault that would drive the Alicorn to abandon Equestria? Why was he so hell bent on keeping them away? Why? …. Luna's words echoed in my head. “I know not what it is that plagues you Lord Aldric...but I can tell it eats away at your very soul. You are not alone.” Why? Why would she say that to me? I grunted after thinking about it. I had no idea why she would say that but I turned back to the vault. “About you...the enchantments should have warded EVERYTHING away from here.” I said aloud. The thought of the diamond dog cultists pried itself into my mind. Where on Equestria did they come from? Is Slaanesh whispering again? Or is it another one of those damnable gods? Has any pony else fallen? Equestria forgive me! I have become to lax. I quickly scryed all the areas in Equestria where chaos had reigned, the depths of Ever Free, the wastelands to the far west. Every where chaos had waxed strong. But...nothing. How did the diamond dogs even discover chaos? HOW HOW HOW HOW? WHO? WHAT?WHEN? WHERE? WHY? The questions burrowed into my skull over and over. They drove out every other thought, every sensation, each question demanding an answer that I didn't have. Then a realization struck me. Of course. How could I have been so blind? I whirled around and galloped right up to the vault. After five minutes of close astute investigation, examining each and every individual seal it was perfectly obvious. DAMNIT! My questions...every single one of them answered in an instant. There was a weakened enchantment allowing small slivers of magic through the vault door. Slivers of magic a lot like...whispering. I gritted my teeth. Sidric the quicksilver Alicorn...chosen son of Slaanesh....brother...How did you get around my wards? Why did my other enchantments not warn me about the weakness in defense? There was only one thing I could do. I needed to prepare Equestria for the return of Chaos. “Celestia.” … An Unknown shack... The room was dimly lit by an eerie purple fire. The scene inside was...gruesome to say the least. Zebra's...griffons...ponies, countless beings were chained to the wall. On their bodies...the star of chaos had been painted in blood. Each corpse, has a gaping hole in their chest...right where their heart once lay. A low guttural laugh shatters the silence and the purple flame flares, casting an eerie glow over the blood soaked floor of the room. “Yessssss my master Sidric. The seeds...have been planted. There are few that serve us, serve you! Serve Chaos!! It is hard to gather believers!!! Yes, yes, yes! For the great gods of chaos it SHALL be done! We swears it! The Elements will be killed! We swears it!” … Gather the Elements. The voice shattered Celestia's sleep. “Wh-” QUIET GIRL! Fetch the Elements of Harmony, do as your elder bids if you wish to know what lays within the vault I guard. Aldric's voice rings throughout her head. “Ho-” GO NOW!!!! THE ELEMENTS!!! … Twilight poured over another book, quickly throwing it over her shoulder with an audible grunt of frustration. Spike gently tugged on her fur, tearing her from her concentration. “Twi...is everything okay?” Twilight sighed, and sagged deeper into her chair. “No Spike, nothing's okay. I wish I could say they were. But they're far from okay. In The Everfree today we met an-” CRASH! “By the will of chaos...you must die Twilight. May the blood god find your skull worthy of his throne.” A voice hissed. Twilight and Spike stared at the entrance, both of their eyes wide with utter terror as...something stomped into their home. It was clearly a griffon once, but its hide was covered in...stars. Eight pointed stars were carved into its flesh. One eye was blood shot red, the other had the same star etched into it instead of a pupil. Saliva dripped from the Griffons beak, and low guttural laugh escaped its maw, “We promised Sidric all the elements will die...and die you shall!” The griffon pounced and as it began to descend on Twilight...a golden aura encased it, trapping it in mid pounce. “Twilight, hurry! We must gather the other elements.” Celestia barked from the doorway. And in another flash of golden light, the griffon vanished. … Fluttershy dove to the right. With a thunderous crash, the corrupted minotaur barreled past her. “CHAOS CONSUME ME!” The beast roared. Fluttershys pupils dilated with fear as the minotaur stalked towards her. It had an eight pointed star burned into its flesh, and pierced into his flesh were chains complete with...pony skulls. Fluttershy whimpered as the minotaur stalked forwards, each step rumbling the whole cottage. When the minotaur reached her, the beast raised its meaty fists and prepared to strike, right as his eyes made contact with hers...Fluttershy, out of fear, used her signature 'Stare'. The minotaurs arms dropped to its sides as it became lost in the gaze of the peagasus. “G-go to sleep if you wouldn't mind that is...please.” Fluttershy squeaked. The minotaur did as it was told, laying down the beast quickly began to snore. An eerie bluish glow surrounded the minotaur, and with an audible pop, the minotaur vanished. Fluttershy practically jumped out of her coat. “Fluttershy. It is I, Luna. Come we must gather the other Elements of Harmony. Our sister has already gone to fetch Twilight Sparkle.” The familiar voice boomed throughout the cottage from the doorway. … Pinkie launched another cake at her assailant. “RUN!” The party pony shouted to the cakes, who immediately made a dart for the door with their foals. The nameless zebra, with an eight pointed star seared into its hide, dodged the cake and zoomed towards his target, a blade gleamed in his mouth. Pinkie's Pinkie sense kicked in, and Pinkie Pie soon began to dodge and weave through stab after stab...that is until Pinkie slipped on a cake. A hoof slammed into the party mare's chest, knocking the wind out of her. The zebra laughed, “You are just about done, for tonight I will have a little fun!” The knife came sailing down, Pinkie's eyes snapped shut... and nothing happened. Pinkie dared to open an eye and found a pan had smacked the zebra upside the head. Twilight peeked over, “Come on Pinkie. We've got to get the others. Luna's already after Fluttershy.” A golden aura enveloped the unconscious zebra and he vanished with a 'pop'. Pinkie's head bobbed up and down, completely speechless for once. … Applejack gave the critter another buck. The...thing...what ever it was howled in pain. And Big Mac gave the thing a second buck. “What in tarnation is that thing Big Mac?” Applejack drawled, unable to contain her disgust. The thing reared back up, the multiple maws all over it dripping with saliva, fanged teeth clacking together unevenly. “Ah don't rightly know sis...but what ever it is..it sure is ugly.” Big Mac gave it another buck. The thing reared back..and struck with a tentacled limb. Big Mac sailed through the air until he smacked into an apple tree. “Big Mac!” Applejack cried out, terror constricting her voice. Big Mac groaned. Good. He was alive at least. Applejack whirled around to the monster gurgling towards her, a sickly glow to the eight pointed star etched into its flesh. Applejack bucked it again to no avail, the creature simply ignored her and wrapped its tentacles around her. The monster raised the struggling farm mare above one of its gaping maws and began to lower her into its maw... “UNHAND MY FAITHFUL SUBJECT FOUL MONSTER!!!” … “Get back you ruffian! Out! Out! Out!” Rarity screamed desperately, using her magic to throw...hair brushes at her assailant. Said assailant cocked an eye brow, “You throw hair brushes...at a servant of chaos?” The griffon reared back and prepared to strike. “WHY ARE YOU YELLING?” Rarity whined. The griffon blinked in surprise, the eight pointed star burned into its chest rippled as if alive. “Why are you trying to kill me?” Rarity continued to whine. The diva whined and whined, making the griffon cover its ears with its claws. “KHORNE PLEASE, MAKE IT STOP!!” The griffon bellowed before taking off through the window it crashed through. The door to Rarity's room slammed open and Twilight glanced around the room in surprise. “Wait...no weird guy going on about chaos?” Rarity shrugged, running a hoof through her mane. “He simply couldn't handle the complaints of a lady I'm afraid.” … Rainbow Dash veered to the left, flapping her wings as hard as she could. The mare spared a glance behind her. How in Celestia's Equestria with these guys able to keep up? Three Pegasai chased right behind her, easily keeping up. All three had blood red eyes, and eight pointed stars etched into their sides and their cutie marks...were ripped off. Where they once were was a brand of the same star. “Come Rainbow Dash. Allow us to feed your very soul to Slaanesh! Chaos commands us and we do as we are bid.” One of the pegasai cackled menacingly, his voice carried into her ear...like a whisper. It unnerved the mare and she flapped her wings even harder, terrified for all her life. Rainbow faced down danger without even thinking about it, but something about these guys...it just scared the shit out of her. “THOU DARE ATTACK OUR BELOVED SUBJECTS!?!?!? PREPARE TO MEET THY DOOM SCOUNDRELS!!!” … Where are they? They should be here by now! I paced back and forth in the crater, unable to contain my impatience when a voice shouted at me, breaking my concentration. “ALDRIC!!! I DEMAND ANSWERS!!! MY PRECIOUS PONIES WERE NEARLY KILLED AND I DE-” “SILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLENNNNNNNNNNCEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!” I roared at the top of my lungs, my own shout making Celestia's seem like a whimper. “I called you here to give you answers and you dare order me to give them to you?” I growled, facing the Princess in question. Both Celestia and Luna eyed the ground, embarrassment in their faces. The elements of harmony behind them all looked disheveled and terrified. “Come here little ones.” I ordered softly. The princess's blinked in surprise and, with the elements in tow, trotted down the slope of the crater and over to me. When all eight of sat down on their haunches in front me, I turned to the vault and began to walk closer to it. “What did you do with the assailants?” I could feel Celestia blink in confusion, “I banished them to the moon why?” I grunted, “Bring them here. I have need to speak with them.” Celestia blinked, “No.” I stopped mid stride, “You think I was asking. Bring...them...here...NOW!” I barked. “Not until we get the answe-” “CELESTIA YOU ARE TOO FOALISH FOR YOUR OWN GOOD! LET ME INTERRORGATE THOSE CREATURES NOW! OR MORE OF YOUR PONIES MAY DIE IF I DON'T GET THE INFORMATION I NEED!” I roared, spittle flung from my mouth and I could feel Celestia flinch even though I wasn't even facing her. A minute later, eight creatures plopped down in front of me, hooves and talons locked together with golden cuffs. The lead griffon began to laugh, the chaos emblem on his chest blazing with life, “The little Aldric thinks he can stop cha-AHHHHHHHHH” The taunt became a roar of pain as I slammed Righteous Fury on his legs. I could feel the ponies behind me flinch at the cruelty. “Who is your master?” I seethed, dropping the hammer from my teeth. “S-sisdric the quicksilver alicorn whispered to me. He told me of all I could have if I just killed Twilight Sparkle.” The creature cried, tears streaming down his feathered face. I grunted, “It as I suspected. Now tell me how many of you are there?” “There are only a few dozen of us, but more flock to the truth that is chaos every day.” The griffon wheezed the lie, I could feel the discomfort of our audience behind us. “I've already used my magic to extract the locations of your accursed cults. Too bad they're empty. You're the only ones. Now I have plans for each of you...” I began to say, and with a grunt I hefted my most faithful hammer. The griffons eyes grew wide with terror, but before he could scream...I killed him. I pounced on the others quickly killing each with one blow of my hammer. I could hear the ponies retching behind me. I didn't care. This would not be the worst thing they see soon enough. “Come.” I called over my shoulder, trotting up to the vault until I was but a mere few feet from it. The eldritch energies that permeate it crackled with life, seemingly beckoning to me. “What do you see, Celestia?” I asked. The princess of the sun pondered the question for a moment. “I see a mysterious door, that has...something...trapped inside. Something that you keep telling me you'll reveal, but have yet to do so.” I sighed, “The young are always so impatient. Very well. I shall tell you.” I turned to face the eight ponies that served as my audience, and with a somber tone filling my voice, I began my tale. “Chaos. The very word sends a chill up my spin, and makes my blood run cold with fear.” To be continued... Eeyup. I am having a lot of fun with this story. Still in china, still typing when I'm not hitting the town with my family or at “school”. Catch ya later. Oh, I've also been doing proofreading and boy...WHOO HEEE, if you think this was crap, you shoulda seen what it was before hand. > Chaos Awakens > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It was during that battle that I realized, that there were simply too many. The golems each individually killed dozens of depraved followers of chaos, but for each one fallen a dozen more would take his place.” I continued the story of the fall of Alicorns, looking each pony in the eye. I could see in all their faces, a new found respect for what they have in their lives and for me. I sighed, “I knew I needed to seal them away but as long they had their scion of tzeentch, I had no hope of using the magic with him there to simply dispel it. So I did the only thing I could...I charged through their ranks and killed Uldric The great crystal sorcerer...my own brother.” I stared off into space as a collective gasp was released from my audience. Thankfully no pony asked any questions. I laughed bitterly, “You see, today Equestria is ruled by two sisters, in my day it was ruled by five brothers. I was one of the five.” This elicited more gasps from the eight gathered before me. “I will tell you about that later but allow me to finish my original story.” I cleared my throat before I continued, “After I slew my brother, I retreated behind a line of golems and began preparing a great spell. After a full day of channeling, as the golems began to fall apart under the never-ending waves of chaos, I let the torrent of magic loose. The forces of chaos were pulled into a different dimension entirely via a portal, which I then sealed with the vault door.” For emphasis, I waved a hoof over to my greatest achievement in magic, “ After the way was shut I layered spell upon spell on the vault until I was absolutely sure they would be unable to break free. With that done I put the greatest enchantment on the vault, one that would teleport the vault and its keeper to a completely random and remote location every one thousand years.” “With the vault created and sealed, I gave my last order as Equestria's king. I instructed that the vault and the outbreak of chaos be never mentioned again. One would think that a stupid idea, so as to not let Equestria's guard against chaosdrop. But it was one of the wisest things I've ever done.” “How was it in anyway wise?” Twilight rudely interrupted the end of my story. I chuckled at her, “Because the very name of chaos attracts certain creatures to it. If I had let the name of chaos be written down in the history books, some pony or thing would have gone looking for the vault to free what's trapped within, or attempt to anyway. Or worse, they would attempt to raise an army of chaos on their own.” Twilight gave an apologetic blush which brought another laugh from me. “Now that that's out of the way... I brought you here because, some how, one of my brothers has managed to erode my wards to a point that he could whisper into the ears of the weak minded much like his patron, Slaanesh.” Rainbow Dash's hoof shot up and I cocked her an eyebrow. “ Whose this Slaanesh guy? And which brother?” I laughed, of course. I had never explained any of that to them. They must be so confused. “Ah, there's a different....dimension if you will, called The Warp. And in The Warp there are four terrible, despicable gods. The four brother gods of chaos. Each has an entire realm in The Warp and thousands upon thousands of demons that obey them.” I paused, looking each of the ponies in the eye, “They are thus and in no particular order: Slaanesh, The dark Prince of Excess. Slaanesh is the youngest of the four and is a trickster through and through. He can take any form, and any gender. He is so silver tongued, he can turn a priestess into a whore, and a hero into a traitor. I don't know how or why, but Equestria caught his attentions. Here is where I tell you of one of my brothers, Sidric the quicksilver alicorn. Sidric heard the whispers of Slaanesh and was the first of my brothers to fall, nay the first pony to fall. It was he who corrupted many of pony kind. Slaanesh's followers reveled in excess you see. They sought and ate forbidden fruit. Greed...lust...gluttony, slannesh's followers gave in to them all. The many servants of Slaanesh, for there were MANY...its hard to describe but they became hideous..but at the same time so alluring. They were by far the fastest too. Their every sense increased, their reflexes enhanced ten fold they became speed freaks.” I had trailed off, staring into blackness recollecting those days with hate. “Nurgle became interested in Equestria as well, seeing Slaanesh stricken as such. He is the god of all things pestilent. He actually isn't evil in the sense of the word you think. He knows very little of hate, except for his brothers, but has a strange adoration of all living things. He loves and adores all of his followers, so much so that he calls them his 'children'. The disease that he spreads, in his eyes they are 'gifts'. His followers, in turn, call him Grandfather Nurgle and keep tally of every disease he's ever inflicted upon others. They also had a knack for being unfeeling to pain in the slightest. It was my brother Ulfric The Giant Alicorn who succumbed to Nurgle. What became of him was...disgusting. When one embraces Nurgle, they embrace every disease he's ever created and their bodies become a living host of filth and disease. Pus drips from every pore of their bodies, and their very skin takes on a sickly green tint.” Rarity gagged, “W-what? They became a vessel of...disease? They ooze Pus?* Gags*” The fashion diva desperately tries to not throw up at the image I placed in her mind. I couldn't blame the poor child. I cleared my throat, “ Next is the patron of the brother I killed, Uldric The Great Crystal Sorcerer, Tzeentch was his patron. Tzeentch was THE god of magic. He is a schemer, laying down plots that span tens of thousands of years and delights in seeing his plans unfold. Tzeentch immediately became interested in Equestria when he noticed Slaanesh having so much fun. Uldric always wanted to know more magic, so when Tzeentch made his offer...” I visibly shuddered before I continued, “Tzeenches servants are all magic users. Each and every one of them has a vast fount of knowledge...forbidden knowledge that Tzeentch has given them.” I blinked, steeling myself for the next wave of bitter memories, “And last, and very probable, the mightiest of the four gods is Khorne the blood god. Khorne sits atop a throne quite literally made of skulls offered to him. His wrath is never ending and his blood lust knows no bounds. I have no idea why the blood god became interested in Equestria, there is so little violence here. It makes me wonder....” I trailed off a bit, before an impatient cough shook me back into reality, “ His followers...are depraved berserkers that seek only to kill others. It is his followers that often fall upon themselves spilling blood in his name. They often sacrifice many victims. I remember, they...they would cut out the hearts of foals.” Every pony cried in absolute disgusted shock. Disbelief and outright rage engraved on many of their faces. “Ya'll can't be serious. They KILLED foals?” Applejack slurred, absolute outrage painted her face. “And ya'll didn't do anything?” My eyes flew open and I was on all four hooves in a split second, “YOU DARE! INSOLENT LITTLE CUR! HOW DARE YOU!” Applejack cowered back, her face contorted in fear as I continued to shower her with my utter rage, “YOU DARE ACCUSE ME OF DOING NOTHING? I GAVE UP OVER SIX THOUSAND YEARS OF MY LIFE JUST TO CONTAIN CHAOS! I FOUGHT TOOTH AND HOOF AGAINST CHAOS FOR THE ENTIRE FIFTEEN YEAR WAR! I LED ALL OF PONY KIND IN THEIR MOMENT OF UTTER DARKNESS AGAINST THEIR OWN TRAITOROUS KIN! I EVEN KILLED MY OWN BROTHER! I STILL HAVE THREE MORE TO KILL!” My snout was a mere inch from touching Applejack's, and her fear was palpable. I could even smell it in the air, drifting into my nose. My voice lowered to a mere simmering whisper, “ Never doubt me when I say that I tried and did all I could. You seem to forget that families tore each other apart and I had absolutely no pony I could trust to not defect or try to stab me in the flank. It was after all, the one brother I haven't told you about that was the last to fall...the one who ripped off my wing while my back was turned to him.” I blinked back tears, falling onto my haunches as my rage was utterly spent.“My brother Alfric the Honored Alicorn fell into the service of Khorne. He was tempted into chaos because of...me. He was so very jealous of my fame. His name was ironic in that sense since I was the strongest of the five of us, and he walked in my every hoof step. But over the years, no pony paid him any mind but me. When chaos whispered to him..they whispered that it was all my fault no one paid his prowess in battle any mind. And his mind became lost to unending rage. He simply became The Berserk. So lost in fury was he, that the others of chaos had to chain him down so he wouldn't butcher his own hordes.” I sighed dejectedly, each and every one of the ponies leaned in closer with baited breath for me to continue,“Behind those sealed double doors, my three remaining brothers gather their strength. They have some how managed to weaken the barriers from the other side, and I have no doubt in my mind that the will shatter the enchantments all together before too long.” Each and every one of them grew wide eyed with fear, but I cut off the panic with a hoof, “I knew this day would come and have spent every second of every day for over five and half thousand years preparing for it. When chaos breaks free, I WILL be able to stop it. But I NEED your co-operation to do so. Do I make myself clear?” All eight heads bobbed in utter unison. I couldn't help but smile at the good fortune that they don't doubt me. I looked both of the Princess's eyes, bringing the full power of my gaze onto them. The two seemed to shrink inside themselves as I speak, “I will give you both a stone, instead of your royal duties, you will train under my instruction. The stone will allow me to teach you despite the vast distance. Do I make myself clear?” Both Princess's nodded vigorously, terror shone clear as day in their eyes. I smirked, I see my royal gaze from all that time ago was still just as effective. I still found it hilarious, these two had their silly 'Royal Canterlot Voice'. We five had our 'Royal Gaze'. I turned to the six Elements of Harmony, setting the Royal Gaze upon them. All twelve eyes grew wide, rapt with attention to the transfixing stare, “You will go about your daily lives. But be ready. Be ready any day for the time to come. It will be VERY clear when the time has come. Do not worry about the minor cults of chaos, I will keep them far away from all civilization now that I know their hide outs. Do you understand?” All six heads bobbed furiously, all six too scared to even so much as whimper. My smirk widened, by Equestria do I love the 'Royal Gaze'. I rose to a stand and addressed all of them at once, “Now begone with you, I have work to do keeping chaos contained as long as I can while bolstering the defenses for when they break free. And here, Luna. Celestia. Take these.” I tossed them both a different stone, each caught theirs with magic. “L-lord Aldric?” Luna spoke tentatively, her voice barely audible as she stared at the ground. “Yes Luna?” I proceeded cautiously, I truly hope she wasn't going to say what I thought she was...not at a time like this. “How will you do all this...while training mt sister and I? You'll have to stay up all day and all night. Some pony had to take care of Equetria. Who will lead in our absence?” Luna asked, a sliver enough of courage straightened her up enough to look me in the eyes. I broke out into laugh, grabbing a startled look from all of them. “My dear, when you become as old as me, you realize different ways to get the energy you need besides sleep. Leave Equestria's leadership 'problem' to me.” Luna blinked...and bowed her head, “I wish you luck Lord Aldric...the Great Gray Alicorn. Equestria knows we need you.” I allowed a small smile to grace her, she really could be charming when she so desired. The realization crashed through my head not a moment after that thought came to me. I just barely caught Luna blushing as she turns to leave. Oh no... … A maddened howling echoed in the deep darkness of the cave. An Alicorn, a splendid looking Alicorn, regal in every sense of the word looks up from his meditation. Sidric grunts in displeasure, the roaring...again interrupting his much needed meditation “Oh dear brother Alfric, how many did you kill this time?” The silvery alicorn rolls his eyes as not a moment later a breathless earth pony cultist approaches the carved circle Sidric sat on. “My * pant * Lord Sidric * pant * Lord Alfric managed to get loose again. He managed to butcher seven of us before we restrained him. We wrapped in even more chains than before, each peg driven even further into the rock lord. We even have several demons holding the chains my lord.” Sidric shoots a hoof out, faster than the earth pony can think, sending the stallion flying. With a loud crack, the pony lands several feet away. “Do not dare presume to come to me with this again worm. Bug dear Ulfric with this non-sense If we desire to ever leave our little prison, I need absolute concentration. NOW LEAVE!” Sidric huffed and turned back to his work. His horn glowed purple as he prepared the next piece of magic designed to free him from this damnable hole. The mare's here were beginning to feel the same and he needed some new mares for his orgies, his parties...his feasts. Sidric licked his lips, he so very much desired another taste of foal, but it had been months since the last one was born. The mares seemed to be all worn out of eggs for mating. What a shame. Whats this? “Oh dear brother Aldirc, have you felt me worming through your defenses? Yes you have it would seem. But...why are you not rushing to seal the whole?” Sidric wondered aloud. Sidric squinted his eyes, “Oh dear my brother, what ever is your game?” Sidric began to think and think as he questioned his eldest brothers motives. Sidric hoped these incantations he managed to... bargain... from that infernal Night Mare Moon were enough to bring down this accursed gate. The Alicorn, as glorious as all the kings of the world combined, felt so very proud that he managed to...separate Night Mare Moon from the child she was stuck to. She proved to be a valuable ally. “Soon...Dear Brother...” Sidric hissed at the mention of his 'brother', “Soon you shall fall. And your beloved Equestria shall burn.” The laughter of the chosen son of Slaanesh rang through the enormous cavern that served as a prison for chaos. … I rolled the spell through the stone, diving into Celestia's innermost thoughts. The Princess felt me instantly and immediately began preparing a magical defense. I rolled my eyes, I had my work cut out for me teaching this one to fight. I easily swat away the pathetic attempt at defense and invade her mind further. Admirable... in attempt, but we have far too much work to do and too little time to work with. Come. Lord Aldric? Celestia thinks timidly. I can't just leave... some of the counci- Set the stone on the ground. I grunted in her mind, I had no time for this...shit. My horn flared further with magic as I added onto the spell. I grinned when a small cloud of fog appears in front of me...with the current scene of Celestia's throne room on its fluffy white surfcace. There were a dozen, elegantly robed stallions surrounding the room and all clamored in shock at the sight of the illusion of me, now standing in front of Celestia. I smiled as I began to command the illusion, “YOU DARE DEFY ME! I WAS AN ANCIENT WHEN YOU BUT A SNIVELING FOAL YOU WRETCH! IF I WERE KING...AS I ONCE WAS MILLENIUM AGO, YOU WOULD BE HANGED FOR SUCH INSOLENCE YOU WRETCH!” I watched with extreme amusement as my illusion stormed about the room glaring swords into the eyes of the now terrified council members. “You will not do anything for the next week. Celestia and Luna both have far more important things than to listen to your ill disguised plans to become richer while the poor stay poor. When our truly important business is done...I will take care of you.” My illusion hisses, shoving my snout mere inches from one council member who shirks back in utter horror. Come Celestia, follow my directions. The illusion of me trots around and out the door with Celestia at its heels. Lord Aldric where are w- Celestia's question gets cut off as I teleport her from Canterlot Castle to my little crater, the massive vault doors still humming with magic. Celestia blinks, looking about. “Lord Aldric, how did you teleport me all the way here?” The alicorn gazes to me, her face plastered with a mixture of shock and awe. I grin despite myself, “I'll tell you the secret to how I have so much power at the end of our little 'one week to prepare for the invasion of chaos training camp'.” Celestia blinks again, confusion prominent in her sharp features, “One week? How do you know this?” I outright laugh, “Because I'm only allowing Sidric to worm his way through my wards that will take a solid week. The most time I can milk out of this. You see, he WILL get around my wards. At this point I'm just slowing him down.” “But Lord Aldric, why do you seem so...calm about all this?” Celestia continues, her face etched in complete worry. Geez, the mare switched faces often doesn't she? “Because over the past five thousand years I have stood guard, I have layered together so many defenses over Equestria, that this army will have no other option but to go straight to Canterlot, where they WILL be defeated. Mark me Celestia, with your help and the Elements, combined with all the speacial...surprises I have prepared for these traitorous curs, they will fall.” Celestia's face brightens with a smile. I sigh, causing Celestia's face to scrunch up with worry again, “There is one thing. It has terrified me to no end. I do not know how many of us will survive. I do not know if even I shall live, but know this...if I do fall. Chaos WILL fall with me. I swear it Celestia. Speak no more of this bleak subject...we have too much to do and too little time.” With that, I rise to all four hooves and smirk over to my new apprentice. Oh, she and her sister both are going to be in for one hell of a week. To Be Continued.... Oh hohhohohohoho I am having too much fun with this stuffs! I need honest opinions, has my writing improved throughout my stories? I'm trying my damned hardest to paint pictures in your heads, vivid scenes filled with details, am I doing this? Comments and such... ( China is AMAZING btw, when I get back home to America, I will NOT be able to fall back into rhythm, especially with driving. PEOPLE HERE ARE UTTERLY INSANE DRIVERS!!! LIKE OMFG!!!!) also sorry I havent put out any updates, I'm trying to make it so that I'm ALWAYS a chapter ahead so I can type a new one up as I let the few of you who enjoy my crap dont have to wait long! But chapter 4 is by far the longest chapter I've ever typed up in my short and terrible carreer. peace! > Free Of Chains Pt 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Authors note: This chapter is REALLY long, and is entirely to set up for the next chapter. I slammed my faithful hammer in the ground, it just whistles by Celestia's cheek a fraction of an inch. The princess is panting heavily, struggling to get air into her choked lungs. Before she can react I slam the back of the handle into her side, I can hear a resounding crack as the rib shatters. The ear spitting scream the sun gooddess lets loose shatters the tranqul silence of the training ground. I sigh as I trot over to the whimpering goddess, and for the umpteenth time my horn horn shines with magic as I heal her body completely. Celestia bats an eye lid close, humming with relief as her pain ends. She rasps in my ear, "Lord Aldric this is the thirty-second time you've easily healed wounds that should've been the death of me. How?" I look straight into the princess's gaze, "I told you that is a tale for another time. Now get up, you have to learn to dodge. So far your max dodges in a row is three. It's been three hours. That's pathetic little Tia." Celestia's face droops, "But Lord, I am trying as hard as I can...maybe if you stop being so rough..." Celestia trails off, finally noticing my gaze turning to anger at her suggestion. I very slowly step closer and closer to the princess, with each step, my gaze catches her eyes in an unyielding duel. I finally get close enough where I can feel the breath from her snout tickling my own before I let out in a low growl, "Never doubt my teachings Celestia. This is how I was taught, and this is how I've taught thousands of others. Its not the training, its you." I take a step back, releasing her from my unflinching gaze before I continue, "I know exactly why its so difficult to you. Alicorns are naturally strong, and you have never been pushed to your limit, so when I started making you truly work for the first time..." I trailed off, casting my magic out to take a look at the time. I couldn't keep the grimace off my face. Celestia looked at the ground, shame in her eyes. I gave her a small smile, "Do not fret Tia, I will be able to prepare you. Have faith in me, and continue to try to the best of your ability." I spun around and trot towards the damnable vault I guard so closely. "I will transport you back to your chambers in Canterlot. Rest. You need it. I will lower the sun, raise the moon and bring your sister here." I didn't even allow Celestia to respond before zapping her off to her chambers. I grimaced up at the vault doors, I could feel my brother Sidric laughing in there. I could feel him, he thinks he'll simply storm through Equestria...no, not this time my dear little brother. Not this time. .... Sidric groaned in pleasure as did the mare beneath him. He could feel, the utter bliss rushing through his limbs. He found it exhilarating and there was only one thing that could push him over the edge. So, with a sickening squish, he plunges a dagger right into the mare's side as he dismounts her. The chosen son of Slaanesh whispers into the ear of the panting mare as her blood pools beneath her, "Was it good for you too?" Sidric laughed as the light left the mares eyes. Oh well. He had work to do anyway. "Messing around * gasp * instead of working again? * wheeze * It's a wonder any work gets done, little brother." The familiar rasp of his older brother fell upon Sidric's ears as he left his tent. Sidric glanced at his brother, the giant was easily three times the size of him. The little scraps of armor Ulfric wore were rusted and falling apart. The only whole piece of amrour was the helmet that hid his entire head, save for the horn, which was cracked and discolored. Pus and black blood oozed out of his sickly green body, maggots writhed in his flesh and flies swarmed around him. Sores and boils covered the massive Alicorns body and even his wings were not spared, as tattered and torn as they were. Sidric rolled his eyes at his older brother, "Oh come my dear Ulfric, what's the point of work if you don't take a break every now and then?" The chosen son of Slaanesh giggled as he trotted past the massive Alicorn. Ulfric grunts and flares his wings, sending a cascading shower of pus and maggots all around him. The disgusting shower stops just short of Sidric's luscious coat and deviates at the last second. "Break through the accursed barrier Sidric. We children of Grandfather Nurgle grow tired of waiting. All of Equestria needs to embrace Nurgle's great gifts." Sidric rolls his eyes despite the fact his back is turned to the giant, "Patience brother, Aldric is responding to my attempts to break through and is purposely allowing us to get through. This concerns me greatly, for I am no rush to dive into what ever trap dear Aldy has set for us." Ulfric grunts and begins to trot off, "Tread carefully little brother, I would hate for someone else to kill you before I can kill you. Especially Aldric." Sidric smirks and in a barely audible whisper he retors, "Oh how I long to carve into you dear brother Ulfric. But fortunately for you, I have need for your brutish strength and inability to die." After Ulfric leaves Sidric, the fallen alicorn turns to the vault doors he is far too familiar with for his liking. He scrutinizes the double doors that have trapped him for so long, analyzing every detail as he has done for countless hours before. "What do you have planned brother? I see you have blocked all sight for me past here, as well trapped my lovely voice. But why do you still allow me to burrow out? What's your game Aldric? What's your game?" ... I slammed Righteous Fury in the ground only for Luna to expertly dodge for the umpteenth time in a row. The princess of the night pants, sweat drenches her coat as the moon kisses us both with its light. I grin like a fool. Luna has proven to be a genius at this. She has adapted and learned what I've taught her so quickly...I don't think I've met any who learned that fast apart from my brothers. "Take a small break Luna. You deserve it." Luna lets loose a sigh of relief, the young princess lowers herself to the floor still panting. With a quick spell, I summon a small sphere of water right before her. She blinks in surprise as the small sphere of liquid hovers there, seemingly of its own accord. But thirst wins out over curiosity and she presses her lips to it and sucks the water in. In a minute the whole sphere is gone. "Thank you lord." She pants out, still out of breath. I trot around her, examing every detail I can. The young alicorn begins to squirm at my examination, as if I were violating her with my gaze. "Be calmed Luna, I'm merely examing muscle mass." I circle around, drinking in the toned muscles with my eyes. Yes. She is quite strong for one so small and young. I give her a congratulatory nod, "Good news Luna, we can advance further along with you. I need not worry about muscle training with you, you seem to have it under control." Luna beams at me and she barely contains her mirth, "Thank you Lord, I do try my best to stay in shape." I chuckle, "Alright Luna, break's over, now come over here." Luna quickly gets up and trots to me. My horn glows with magic and I summon forth three...weapons. One of them is a massive, ornate great sword. The blade as long as Luna herself, while being her size in width. The monstrous blade was silver, the hilt was an aged brass, simple yet effective. The grip was beautfully ornate, a solid black lined with gold. The second was an elegant rapier. The hilt was an exquisite silver...in the shape of crescent moon. The blade itself was long and sleek, perfect for stabbing through exposed chinks in armor. I smirk, already knowing she'll choose it. The last was...a simple wooden staff. There was nothing seemingly speacial about it. It looked like you could get it from a second hand pawn shop, being shoddy, worn out and having a few small cracks in it. Luna glances between all three of the weapons. There was no need for me to speak, it was obvious what she was supposed to be doing. Luna glanced between all three weapons, nodding her head as she looked between each one. Luna slowly raises her hoof and with a grin she points...at the worn out staff. I cock an eye brow at her in utter surprise. But then a devilish grin plays on my face. "Dose this look like a regular staff to you?" Luna nods, "But considering its company and keeper, there must be something special about it. Besides...it reminds me of myself." Luna gets a sad look in her eyes, as if remembering some distant painful memories. With a grin, my horn glows gray with magic. The other weapons vanish leaving just the staff. "Allow me a demonstration as to why this simple staff is...speacial." With a grin cocked, I use magic to hold the staff horizantally in the air in front of me. And with a soft chink a humongous scythe blade slides out of the top, and a mirroring blade slinks out of the bottom. The left blade is facing up, since I'm holding it horizantal, and the right blade down. With a savage smile, I begin to whirl about, the moonlight dancing off the blades of the odd weapon as I weave through imaginary enemies. With a roar I leap into the air...and the scythe blades retract, only to replaced with massive spikes. The spikes run in a straight line around the top and bottom hooves of the staff. Each spike is about three inches and sharper than daggers. With a might slam, I bring the staff down into the dirt creating a small crater. With another chink, the spikes retract and I hoof Luna the weapon. Her eyes wash over it, absolute admiration in her eyes, but I say one last thing, "The staves speacial quality...with the right pressure of magic, and the proper speel, will take on any additions you wish it too." Luna's eyes grow wide with shock...and then shocks a grin with a mix of approval and admiration. "I like this weapon. Normally, I would be opposed to violence...but this staff feels right with me" I nod knowingly, and with a glance to the sky...I groan. " * sigh * It's time for you to change places with your sister. Leave the staff here, I need you sleeping, not fawning over it." Luna's face turns to a pout, but before she can rebuttal, I send her off with a quick teleportation spell. I let out a groan as I begin to lower the moon, "Now it's time to deal with Celestia. Ho boy, I wish she was as fast a learner as Luna. But beggars can't be choosers." ... Twilight sighs, "I just don't know girls. I can't just sit here and do nothing. I NEED to have something to do to prepare for this invasion." "Ah understand how yah feel completely Twi. Ah can't even focus on my farm work!" Applejack exclaims in her familiar drawl, slapping a hoof on her face to emphasize her discomfort. "Yeah. I can't even focus on making parties! DAMN YOU AUTHOR!!! Curse you The Fluttershy Guy for using us as filler!" Pinkie Pie shouts, waving an enraged hoof at the sky through the window of Twilight's library. All six of the girls cock an eye brow at the party pony, but decide it's better to not ask. Rarity turns to Twilight, "Well what do you suppose we do dear? It's not like we can simply march up to Aldric and demand something...he's a gentle colt that positively scares the manure out of me." Every pony's eyes grow wide with shock at both the confession of the fashion diva and the language she used at the end. "Wow Rarity. Never thought I'd hear you say 'manure'." Rainbow scoffs, to which Rarity simply shrugs her shoulders. "Well...I...I uhmm say we do go Mr.Aldric and ask, nicely of course, if he has something we can do to help." Fluttershy adds to the converstion, albeit very meekly. The group collectively gasps in shock, utterly surprised that Fluttershy, of all ponies, made the suggestion. No pony said a word, huddled in Twilight's library as they thought. "Yeah, we're going to Aldric. He's giving us something to help with." All six of the ponies say in complete sync...which incites laughter from all six. And with that, the six best friends gather themselves up and head out towards the Ever Free forest to bug the manure out of Aldric. ... I scowl, absolutely no progress in Celestia's training at all. And we've been at it for over a few hours. I've only got six and half days to train her! And she's TERRIBLE! I wish I could invent a new word to describe how bad at this she is, but alas! I am not creative enough! I squint at Celestia, she glances every where but back at me. She's drenched in sweat, coated with dirt and grime...and has almost no muscle mass. She blushes as she continues to refuse meeting my gaze head on. Wait a second... an idea worms its way into my head. "Celestia." I bark, making her jump out of her hooves. "Do as I command. Now try to throw me with magic." Celestia blinks. She furrows her brow in concentration and her horn alights with magic...and I can feel the immense magical pressure attempt to tug on me. Yet I would not budge, the little armor that I wear is enchanted to deflect all but the most powerful magic. I grin, "Stop." Celestia does as she's bidden, her blush deepens and she looks away ashamed. "Finally. Something you can use in combat." Celestia blinks utter confusion reigning over her, "But my Lord Aldric, I failed to throw you" I cut her off with an upraised hoof, "Silence Tia. Your are incredibly talented in magic. I've been trying to train you for the eventual use of weapons. But I realize my folly, you are far more suited to combat as a sorceress than warrior. Apologies." Celestia raises her head, a smile crosses her face and she looks me in the eye for the first time today. "Thank you my Lord." I chuckle, "Now if I'm going to teach you combat magic, I'm going to start with teaching you the secret to my own power. I'm a warrior and not so good at magic but when I teach you my secret...your own magic will dwarf all others." Celestia's eyes shoot wide open in complete and utter awe. She's speechless and I laugh, "Do not think you'd easily defeat me Celestia. I would still crush you in a fight. You're too inexperienced. But follow." I move over a good spot, under a break in the canopy where the sunlight bathes us in it's glory. I point a hoof at the sky, "Look Celestia, what do you see?" The princess squints her eyes, staring at where I'm pointing. "I see a bright light in an over whelming dark." I guffaw, " A wise and optimistic answer, but not what I'm looking for. I see, the sun. Now tell, me where do unicorns and alicorns draw their magic?" Celestia shoots almost immediately, "Why from the excess magic saturating all of Equestria of course." I nod, "Good, but if that's the case, then there'd be unlimited energy right? Now why do unicorns and even yourself feel tired after using a lot of magic, or a really powerful spell?" Celestia blinks, "I...I don't know lord, we've been researching endlessly, but when ever we think we know something, we discover a new piece of data that over turns our previous findings." I laugh despite myself, and Celestia gives an indignant huff before sticking her nose in the air. "The answer is simple Celestia. Those who can use magic, have 'limiters' throughout their bodies. These limiters, as the name implies, limit the amount of magic in our bodies. This is to prevent an overload of magic and thus, kill yourself." Celestia's eyes shoot open, "But how do you such powerful magic? The magic you perform regurlarly should have surely killed you by now! And you don't even break a sweat" I bark out in laughter, " Before I tell you that, let me ask one last question. What is the source of all life?" Celestia pauses in thought, and after a moment of thinking she replies, "The sun." "Perfect! Now the reason, I can use such powerful magic without over loading and killing myself... I trained to expand my own magical limit. Simply put, I've honed my body to be able to contain more magic." I say smugly, and Celestia balks. "But that's so simple!" "Then how would you train to increase the amount of magic that your limiters allow through? How would you increase the amount of magic your body allows you to put into a spell?" I ask, cutting off the fit of laughter that had overtook the sun goddess. Her face straightens out instantly, a sheepish grin takes its place, "I wouldn't have the slightest clue Lord." I smile. "The answer is also simple Celestia. You simply repeat a very simple spell over and over until you would reach your magical limit. Then, despite your body's urging you not to, you cast the spell again. And then a few more times. I must be present when this has been reached, because you can very easily kill yourself." Celestia nods along knowingly, "I understand lord Aldric, but what I don't understand, is why you kept asking me about the sun." I smile right up at the beautiful yellow orb in the sky above the canopy of the dark trees. "Because I'm going to teach you how to draw the power for your magic from the source of all life." ... "You six can come out now." Aldric's voice rang throughout the clearing. The mane six each trotted around the bushes they were hiding behind nervously. Each with a big, fake smile plastering their features. They were scared manure-less. Celestia looked up for a moment but continued to raise and lower the boulder as she had been for an hour and half straight. Aldric glared down at the six trespassing elements of harmony. "And pray tell, little ones are you doing here? I gave you explicit orders to stay in Pony Ville." Aldric's deep voice boomed out over the clearing, sending a wave of fear through the six best friends. Twilight blinked. Why was she scared? Aldric needed them to fight chaos, and they needed...no DESERVED to be trained too! With a new found courage the librarian didn't know she had, the lavender unicorn stamped a hoof and stood upright. "This is OUR Equestria too! We'll be fighting chaos alongside you anyway, so don't you think it's prudent for us to prepare too?" The mane six each stared at their friend in utter shock. Even Celestia paused in smashing her boulder on the ground to look up at her most faithful student, a look of pride plastered on her face. But then Aldric looked her way, and the princess sheepishly smiled before continuing with the slamming of the rock. Aldric turned back to Twilight and her friends, his brow furrowed in thought. Aldric cleared his throat, "You make a valid point. You will be using the elements of harmony on three fallen and corrupted Alicorns. You will need to be doubly prepared. Celestia, do not stop slamming that boulder." "Yes Lord." Celestia replied tiredly, the familiar sound of a boulder slamming rang throughout the clearing, and every pony stared at Aldric in shock. Did the ruler of Equestria just refer to Aldric as Lord? All these questions rang through the minds of the six friends as the massive Alicorn continued to trot around the little ponies. The only sounds to be heard, was their own breathing, theslamming boulder, and Aldric's trotting as he circled them again and again. Everypony save Celestia and Aldric, begins to fidget. "Lord Aldric, why are you just pacing around like this?" Twilight asks, impatience lining her voice. Aldric snorts, "Shut up. I'm inspecting you, so I know who gets to train in what and how they're trained. Celestia, how do you feel?" Everypony glances at Celestia, the princess is drenched in sweat and struggling to stay upright. "I'm...I'm at my limit Lord, three thousand two hundred and seventy three slams. All while keeping the boulder in tact too." Celestia gasps, pride lacing her voice. The smile that plays across Aldric's face scares the manure out of Twilight and her friends. "Good, very good Tia, now the real fun begins. Instead of training you six, you get to observe your princess become immeasurably more powerful. Twilight take notes." The great gray alicorn, didn't think Twilight would actually take out a quill and parchment, but when she did...the old alicorn simply shrugged his shoulders and trotted to the sun goddess. ... I sniffed at the air, more specifically, at the sweaty mess that is Princess Celestia. Her legs wobble as she struggles to stand on her legs, all four were threatening to give out at any moment. "Now this is what we wanted. You've reached your limit, now do as I say." Celestia nods to me. I look up at the dark canopy, bathing us in shadow and with a roar of magic and completely destroy the surrounding trees. I incinerate all the trees for half a mile, leaving not even a trace. The ponies, and Celestia glance around in shock as the warmth of the sun bathes us. "Feel the sunlight Celestia. Relax." I watch as Celestia inhales deeply, after a about a minute her legs stop wobbling and she eases up. "Good, now look at the sun." I order. Celestia looks up, eyes wide open. "Okay, now extend a tendril of magic to it." Celestia cocks an eye brow at me, but her begins the spell. "Okay Lord, I'm connected, there is a tremendous amount of energy." Celestia states blankly, eyes shut in concentration. I snort, "Nice observation. It's not like the sun is a giant ball of gas and energy or anything. Nope not at all." Celestia frowns, eyes still closed in concentration. "Now that I've been training with you for over a day, I realize...you really like sarcasm." I guffaw, "You're right. But back to the task at hand. I want you to start searching the sun, look over every square inch inside and out." Celestia grunts, "Lord, I do not mean to sound rude and ungrateful, but why are you having me do this? I've explored the surface of the sun many times and have found nothing of importance" "Twilight take a note, apparently it's a students job to question her mentors ways." I grunt out...and Twilight's quill actually scurries across her notes. I can't help but laugh. "Okay, Celestia you said the surface of the sun. But why has it never crossed you to look at the core?" "Oh but I have Lord Aldric. There's nothing there, except something hotter than the surface." Celestia says smugly, a smile on her face. I snort, "Wrong. Take a nice long look at the exact center of the sun. Look very, VERY closely and tell me what you see." Celestia's brow furrows in concentration and for a minute nothing happens. And then her eyes fly open and a gasp follows shortly after. I grin. "So...do you believe me now?" I ask, my grin growing wider. Celestia wordlessly nods. "Good, now strike a deal with her." ... Celestia blinked at the scene. If Aldric had told her earlier she wouldn't have believed him in the slightest...but seeing it for herself...seeing her... It was definitely the oddest thing the alicorn princess had ever seen. It was a small room. No larger than Twilights and in the center was a massive bed. It took up most of the room and...was completely ablaze. The whole room burned furiously, constantly kissing everything, everything being the bed as it was the only thing in the room. And on the bed was the weirdest creature Celestia had ever seen. It was bipedal, and had a roundish head. It had two long arms with weird...digits at the end of its appendages. On it's chest were two giant...things the likes of which Celestia had never seen before. It's hair, what would be its hair, was a living flame, writhing and dancing about. And it was laying down. On its side from the looks of it. The thing lazily blinked an eye open to look at where Celestia was. Which is odd considering how Celestia was there as a tendril of thought rather than physically being there. And then an extreme burning pain erupted throughout Celestia's entire body. The burning was so intense, Celestia could feel nothing except for this mind numbing reality. In desperation Celestia tried to cut loose the connection. "What do you think you're doing cutie?" The creature asked, in an unmistakably female voice. And filled with lust too. "I'd get up, but there's too much effort involved to do that. The creature lazily batted burning eye lashes. "I am so very thankful to you sweet, sweet Celestia. After all, you do spare me the trouble of having to move myself everyday." The female thing cooed at Celestia, and in an instant the extreme pain vanished. Celestia would've gasped if she were actually there, "You're the sun?!" The sun laughed, "Yes and no. I'm the spirit of the sun made manifest. And it's you dear, sweet Tia that saves me so much trouble every sun set and every sun rise." The creature rolled onto her back kicking a leg up, showing Celestia her...nether regions. Celestia balked and the creature laughed, "Do you like this form? My brother, a sun in a far away galaxy, watches a race of creatures called 'humans' all the time. He showed me what they look like and I found them aesthetically pleasing so I took on their form. This a female body, or a woman as they call them." The sun cupped the things on her chest with both of her claw like appendages, "Do you like these? The human's call them breasts, they're very...sensitive." The woman practically moaned the last word. Was the sun flirting with the sun goddess? How oddly...appropriate. "Listen, Lady Su-" Celestia began but was cut off abruptly by the sun, "Oh pish posh no need to be so formal with me sweet Tia." The woman slowly lifted herself up onto Celestia assumed were her knees, "I'm assuming 'Ol Aldy sent you to strike a contract with me? He's such a handsome stallion...but so stiffy and grumpy all the time. Always 'chaos this and chaos that'." The sun rolled her eyes. Celestia just then noticed her eyes, a deep yellow with a fiery pupil that seemed to burn like a living flame. Celestia smiled sheepishly, despite her not physically being there, "Actually, chaos IS about to break free again..." Celestia trailed off as the sun rolled her eyes. The sun stood up, and Celestia silently drank in the sight of the bipedal form. The sun was tall, towering over Celestia. Her skin seemed to be burning with ever living swirling flames. And the sun took no notice of the fact that her genitals were showing. Either she didn't notice or didn't care. The sun seemed to notice Celestia eyeing her, which was odd because, again, Celestia wasn't physically there. The sun grinned, "I already have my terms. You continued to raise and lower me every day, I am VERY lazy if you haven't noticed, and I have on other condition." "Wait, slow down, conditions for what?" Celestia back pedaled through the conversation as quick as I could. Thr sun chuckled at the alicorn, "You originally came here to try and convince me to let you draw the energy for your magic from me right? Well I'm convinced and I'm laying down my conditions." Celestia nodded along, "And what's your second condition?" The sun practically purred, "Well I don't want you to think I'm a slut so I'm gonna have to make the second condition be a few dates. A couple romantic dinners perhaps?" If Celestia could make a face, it would be one of utter confusion. To Be Continued... I decided this chapter would be too long if I did just one part, so I split it into two, no one wants to read a giant wall of text thats rather unappealing. Plus its going to take AWHILE, I want to give what few readers of you there are, something to keep you entertained. Catch ya on the flip side. > Free Of Chains Pt 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Yes, very good you seven. But remember, the safest place to be in a fight is within you enemies minimum range. There's only so much one can do with a weapon when their opponent is in their face.” I huff out the compliment, slamming 'Righteous Fury' into the ground with my front hooves. Luna and Rainbow Dash, who had been there not a moment before vanished in the split second before my beloved hammer cracked the ground. The moment Luna reappeared to my left side she used her front hooves to swing the beaten old staff square at my head. With a flick of my hooves, I bring the butt of the hammer up to catch the stick...only for a blade to quickly dart out of the staff straight at me. In a rush of adrenaline, I swerve out of the way and kick a fore hoof right into Luna's gut, hanging onto my weapon with the other hoof. A glob of spit erupts from Luna's mouth as she gasps in pain, eyes shooting open as the wind was knocked from her. As the Princess staggered back, all six of the elements of harmony close in for the attack from a circle around me. The girls all shout, the fake elements of harmony around their necks glowing as Twilight's magic fills them. I couldn't hide my grin, they still have much to learn. As each of them fire a beam from their respective fake elements I launch myself into the air. I can't lie, it was quite....entertaining watching from the air as all six rays of magic manage to hit each of the friends rather than me. With a loud thump I land amongst the seven groaning forms. I chuckle, “ You came much closer that time than in any of the other rounds. But you would have gotten me if you had fired while I was exposed after disposing of Luna.” My criticism is met with a chorus of groans. Pinkie's hoof shoots in the air, “EQUESTRIA DAMN YOU THE FLUTTERSHY GUY!!!! DAMN YOU FOR USING US FOR COMIC RELIEF DURING AN OTHERWISE BORING CHAPTER!!!” I cock an eyebrow at the pile of party pony. It was as if Twilight could sense my inability to comprehend, “Don't ask Lord Aldric. It's better for your sanity's sake.” I chuckle at the lavender unicorns statement. I gaze up at the moon overhead, “Alright time for daylight. You know the drill Luna, rest all day. I'll take of the rest. As for you six...” I turn to the heaping piles of sweaty fur that were the Elements of Harmony right now. I'll cut you some slack and give you an hour of sleep, you'll wake up as refreshed as if you slept a week.” Almost immediately I can hear snoring come from Rainbow Dash and sighs of relief from the rest. I couldn't keep the laughter from bubbling out. … Sidric took a sip from the golden goblet in his hoof, looking on the scene before him with a bemused smile. In the middle of the camp an orgy was happening amongst the followers of Slaanesh. Moans of ecstasy and pleasure rang throughout the camp, the sound of lust was music to the fallen Alicorns ears. His smile deepened, he knew what was going to happen next, it was always the most entertaining part of the spectacle. Sidric glanced happily at a stallion mounting a mare not five feet in front of his table. The stallion slammed continually in the nameless mare beneath him, both groaning in utter delight. The mare had drool leaking from her mouth and her eyes lolled as she was continually pounded from behind. Juices sloshed and splashed upon the ground between the two, as they continued to fornicate without a care in the world. As were so many other ponies in the camp right then. To Sidric's right was a mare with two stallions, the two had mounted her rather oddly. One was laying as his back while she pumped down onto him, driving his cock deeper into her mare hood. While the second stallion pounded into her ass. And to Sidric's left was another very entertaining show. Two mare's on one stallion. One mare took the whole of the stallions shaft all the way down to his ball sack. She gurgled happily on the stick of flesh as the other mare lapped at the stallions testes. And then started the screams of orgasms amongst the orgy goers, specifically the stallions. And Sidric's grin became a smile of anticipation...here it comes!!!! The stallion directly in front of Sidric began to slow as goblets of cum began to splash around spattering the ground in white. In the threesome to his right, the stallion mounting the mare's ass pulled out and quickly trotted around to her front, using both hooves he shoved the whole of his member down her throat. Sidric chuckled as white fluid dripped out of her mouth and pussy. And on the left, the stallion cried out as goblets of sperm showered over the face of the mare, she cried out and quickly took him in her mouth again, no doubt wanting to feel the seed pump down her throat, while the other settled on continuing to tease the stallion. All around the camp, the same thing was happening. Stallions moaned in utter bliss as they reached their peak, pumping their seed into unknown mare's or otherwise showering said mares in it. And then the mares began crying out as they reached their peaks, all simultaneously... and all of them began to shift and morph. The stallions that were moments ago riding the mares as if their lives depended on it, were not struggling weakly as their bodies began to wither to husks. With soft muffles, each stallion fell to the ground, looking like a decade old corpse. And where there were once mares, now stood ponified daemonettes of Slaanesh. The daemons each happily licked at their lips with forked tongues, all staring at Sidric. “We thank you for a most delicioussss meal Lord Sidric. Would you care to...join us?” The front most daemonette purred at Sidric, the voice dripping with honeyed lust and pure perversion. Sidric chuckled, “It was nothing at all good ma'am but I'm afraid I must decline your offer. I like my soul where it is thank you very much.” The daemonette pouted, “That is no fun Lord.” Sidric shrugged before speaking again, “Now tell me, is everything set?” The daemonette frowned, “Yes Lord, the legions are already beginning to break camp. They will be formed up and ready to march tomorrow.” “Very good. Leave me.” Sidric practically purred himself, he glanced over to the damnable vault door. Soon, dear Brother, soon all of Equestria shall know the truth of the word of chaos. And I'll make you watch it all burn before I finally kill you. Oh, and I'll rape both of your beloved little Princess's too! Maybe I'll force you to have a little 'fun' with their bodies when I slice their throats over you face so you can bathe in their blood! Sidric chuckled like a mad stallion at the idea. Oh what fun the prince of Slaanesh would have when he finally got out. Only one more day left dear Aldric. Only one more. … The fireball hisses by, just barely missing me. The intense heat was enough to cause slight burns from the foot distance between me and the raging inferno. “Very good Celestia, but you have to be quicker to fire or else your enemies will simply dodge it.” Day six. Tomorrow Chaos will break free. Celestia acknowledges me by hurling an even larger inferno straight at me. I grin and my own horn lights up with magic. With a great leap, I hurl myself...right into the center of the massive inferno. “Lord Aldric!” Celestia gasps out in utter terror. I laugh, re-emerging from the inferno. I raise 'Righteous Fury' above my head and slam it down. With an audible pop, Celestia simply teleports to the other side of the crater. The Princess and I simply stare one another down from either side, neither one willing to make a move. Until I stand upright, “Alright Celestia that's enough for today. There are some last minute... preperations... I need to make for our guests tomorrow, gather the Elements and simply await me in Canterlot Palace.” Celestia's mouth opens as if to speak, but gets cut off with a sharp wave of my hoof. I nod my head to the still sleeping Elements, “Leave Celestia. I need to set some...surprises to make sure that Chaos goes straight to Canterlot. I can't have them raiding anywhere on the way and I have the perfect enchantments in mind just for this.” Celestia nods understanding, a glint of approval in her eyes. Her horn lights up with magic and she with the six sleeping ponies vanish in a flash of brilliant light. I turn around and stare down the vault door, “Come along my little brothers. I was weak back then, I couldn't bring my self to kill any of you no matter the dozens of chances I had. But tomorrow...tomorrow I redeem myself for my failures to Equestria, your onslaught shall wither out before it even starts. I vow it, I vow that not a single hair on any pony's mane will be so much as touched by you heretics. Come, my Brothers, come unto the death I should have given you oh so long ago!” At the end of my speech I'm practically screaming at the vault doors. With a huff I turn back to face the direction of Canterlot, and my horn begins to glow as I begin to weave new spells. Just try to detour anywhere else Chaos. Just try it. … Sidric stands in front of the vault door. The alicorn's face is scrunched in concentration as he works feverishly at the runs holding the assembled legions back. No pony dares utter a word, lest they draw the ire of either two of the chaos lords. “Hurry * gasp * little Sidric * wheeze * Our legions grow oh so very desperate to spill blood in the glorious name of chaos.” Ulfric's form towers over his younger brother, the massive alicorn is still wheezing in Sidric's ear. Sidric sneers in response, “I'm trying dear brother, but Aldric is utterly destroying any attempt of me speeding this process up. I simply can't, whenever I try, his magic annihilates my own.” Ulfric grunts, “Magic is so * wheeze * useless sometimes. Sidric's scowl deepens as he scrunches his brow in further concentration. No pony speaks, save for one chained down form towards the front of legions, screaming obscenities in the air in the glorious name of Khorne. … I race through Pony Ville, every pony stops and stares at me. But I ignore them, throwing up ward upon ward around town. My hooves dig into the air, sending a cascade of earth behind as I race through the quaint town. It's almost nightfall. Damn. I need to push harder, no time! NO TIME! I pick up speed, throwing wards around and all over the town as fast I can make the enchantments. I race along, my hooves stampeding upon the earth as I race towards Canterlot. … As usual, it was another boring night of guard duty for Shining Sword, a new member of the royal guard. Nothing. Ever. Happened. Of course the guard didn't let any of his boredom register on his face as he stood watch over the main gate of Canterlot. The royal pegasus guard struggled through his boredom as he did every night. His partner slash brother, Shining Lance, stood at the other side of the massive gate of Canterlot wall. “PSSSSSSSSSST.” Really Lance? Shining Sword face hooves. His brother was trying to whisper to him from twenty feet away...and his whisper was practically a shout. “Hey Shining Sword. Wanna hear a joke?” The royal guard keeps a blank face despite his childish request to his brother, Shining Sword shakes his head vigorously. “No Lance. We're on duty.” His brother visibly pouts at the rejection and Sword rolls his eyes, “Come On Lance, We're royal guards, don't show any emotion ever.” Lance immediately shoots straight up...and blinks, once, twice, thrice. “Hey Sword...do you see what I see?” Lance squints in the distance of the night. Sword shakes his head and looks into the black night and begins to retort against his brother's childishness...until he sees a rapidly enlarging grey blob. The Pegasus guard pony blinks to make sure he's not seeing things, only to find...a massive grey Alicorn with only one wing, a tattered wing at that, standing right in front of him. “Celestia is expecting me.” The massive Alicorn growls the one sentence. Shining Sword did a double take, this was an Alicorn. The LARGEST, alicorn he had ever seen. Should he let the alicorn in, he might be a changeling. The guard gathers his wits and is about to squeal protest in a high pitched tone when a voice cracks the night, “Ah, My Lord Aldric. I was wandering when you'd arrive.” Princess Luna gently lands right in front of the gate, in between the grey Alicorn and the guards. And then she bows. What? A Princess...bowed? To this stranger? Shining Sword quickly gathers his wits and flops down onto the ground in an awkward bow. The pegasus prepares to hiss at his idiotic brother when he hears another body flop awkwardly onto the ground. Everything is silent for an agonizing slow minute, until a deep voice chuckled. “Now those are quite the bows there aren't they little Luna.” The Princess of the night giggles, “Indeed my Lord. Alright, you two stand at attention.” The princess of the night orders. The two fumbling brothers shoot straight up and stand at attention. Both looking straight ahead. The giant grey Alicorn snorted with contentment as the massive gate to Canterlot opened up. The princess and the strange newcomer trotted into the darkened city and both brothers let out a sigh of pent up tension. Shining Sword looks at his stupid, younger brother. “Don't say a word.” The Pegasus practically hisses, before turning back to face the pitch black, praying that nothing else strange happens. … I kicked the door open and six ponies yelped in surprise as I stormed into the room. I glanced over to Pinkie Pie the closest one, and yanked her by the mane onto my back. The party pony 'squued' in delight as she flew in the air. I quickly gathered up the other five before any of them even uttered so much as a word. I spun around and began to sprint through the castle, the elements of harmony bouncing along on my back. “My Lord Aldric, let me lead the way to Celestia's chambers.” Luna asked, desperately trying to keep up with the pace of my gallop. I grunted through clenched teeth, “I ruled in this very castle for ten thousand years. Do you really think I don't know the palace like the back of my hooves?” Luna yelped, completely caught off guard by the sharp retort. I rounded the corner, and increased my speed further. The two guards standing outside Celestia's room yelped in surprise and just barely managed to leap out of the way before I slammed through Celestia's door. Celestia shot up out of her bed, alarm painted on her face. I skidded across the room, stopping mere inches from her hoof board. “Get up.” I bark. Celestia doesn't say a word and does as I say. With a glow of magic I throw the bed across the room. “My Lord wh-” Celestia starts to ask but I cut her before trotting up to the wall behind where the elegant bed once stood. I shrugged my back and all six Elements slumped onto the floor, Rainbow Dash began to start a verbal assault before Applejack shot a hoof into her mouth. With a wave of my horn, the wall began to shift. Stones moved, each rolling over the others in a sequence they hadn't been order to for time immemorial. And there it was. I grinned, and reached out a hoof, stroking it to make sure it was as clean as when I stored it. I took the helmet in my hands and fit it right upon my skull. It fit perfectly. Good. I set about taking each piece of the armor, the ponies behind me watched in silent awe as I dress myself in the armor of the Equestrian King that I once wore oh so long ago. I turned around the armored plates on my hooves clanging against stone as I did. “Come Celestia, I need to set up our defensive formations within the inner city wall, and get the outer wall defenses ready.” Celestia blinked, “But my Lord, there is only one city wall.” I grinned, “Your right, there is only one. But that's not how it's always been. Follow me.” I trotted through the shattered door, the guards once again regaining their composure they began to trot alongside the Princess. “AUNTIE TIA!!!” A voice careened down the hallways. Around the corner skidded a young pink alicorn. I recognized her immediately. The alicorn glanced around in confusion at the procession. “Ah, it is a pleasure to finally meet you young Cadence, but I have much work to do, so we shall have to have a proper introduction later. Come along, Celestia, Luna.” “As you will, Lord Aldric.” Both Princess's said simultaneously. I couldn't help but chuckle at the look on Cadence's face. … The procession stood on the wall of the gate of Canterlot over looking the humongous plains that were set out in front of the mountain city. Yet no pony paid any heed to the beautiful site before them. They were too busy drinking in the splendor that was Aldric. He wore a glorious golden helm, carved with the most intricate runes throughout the rim. His hooves were clad in exquisite golden horse shoes. His whole body was covered in a golden plate armor, the moonlight danced off of it, sending down a cascade of light onto all who surrounded him. Then his horn began to glow, his brow furrowed in concentration as he worked some powerful magic. The whole earth itself, seemed to rumble as if their were an earthquake. Every pony looked around frantically, unsure of what was happening. “O-over there!” Twilight barely managed to yell over the now over whelming rumble. Light's flickered on in the city behind the group as the rumbling began to shake the entire mountain. About a hundred hooves in front of the wall, the ground began to split perfectly around the city, completely encircling the city and the mountain itself. And from the massive fissure, a humongous stone wall began to emerge. For over five minutes the ground shook violently as the massive wall erupted from the earth, circling all of Canterlot and the mountain the city sits upon. When the ground finally stopped trembling every pony stared in complete and utter awe at the massive barrier. All except Aldric, who had a look of pride on his face. “I present to you, the old wall of Canterlot.” The gigantic wall was at least half a mile high, and seemed to be a few dozen hooves thick. All along the top and bottom of the wall were intricate letterings carved into the stone. As the group, and now most of Canterlot, drank in the new marvel, Aldric's horn began to glow again and once again the city rumbled, though no where near as bad as just moments before. At the top of the mountain a massive statue began to unearth itself from the rock and stone. In a minute, the rumbling ceased and all of Canterlot glanced up at the humongous statue that had emerged from the mountain. It seemed to have been carved into the shape of the upper half of an alicorn. And then the statue flapped its pair of stone wings and flung its hooves out. A massive sphere of gray magic exploded out from the statues hooves, encompassing the entire city and the mountain in a huge bubble. Aldric turned around and faced the awe struck citizens of Canterlot, all of whom were staring up at the glowing statue on the peak of the mountain. Aldric cleared his throat, his voice carried over the entire city by his magic. “Attention citizens of Canterlot, I must ask that you re-enter your homes. For your own safety, enter your homes now.” Every pony glanced at the massive and regal Alicorn, and soon began to file back into their homes, wandering what was going on. “What are you doi-” Aldric cut off Celestia with a great roar. Aldric's horn grew alight with magic and the street leading to the gate of Canterlot began to rumble. The wide street split directly down the middle revealing a massive stone staircase leading down into utter darkness. And then the whole ground shook with what felt and sounded like rhythmic...marching. “Did you really think I would fight this war with the under trained and ill-equipped royal guard and only ourselves? Come now Celestia, I would figure you would think me more prepared than that by now.” Before Celestia could ask what he meant by that, a massive bolt of energy shot straight up into the air, with the sound of a far distant thunder. Aldric's face dropped and he shot a look straight over to the Ever Free Forest, and he muttered only one phrase, “ And so they come.” … Sidric laughed in utter delight as the vault doors began to crumble to nothingness right in front of him. The legions behind the alicorn began to chant praise to their dark gods as eldritch energies split the air with sound of thunder. The very air surrounding the vault swirled with cackling magical energy as the doors fell apart revealing a crater surrounded by a forest. And then for the first time in over six thousand years, the feel of the wind blew across Sidric's face, and he inhaled the very scent of fresh air. “We come brother. We come.” Was all he mad alicorn cackled into the air. To be continued... Sorry about the wait on this one, I've been very busy. I got a lot going on right now and will try to write when I get the chance. Catch you guy's later. > The Long March Of Chaos > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sidric laughed. The alicorn laughed and laughed and laughed some more as he pranced about in the sunlight. The fallen prince hummed happily, bathing in the sunlight that he once took for granted and never thought he would miss. Sidric's eyes opened as he danced about in the throes of freedom when his eyes fell upon hundreds upon hundreds of glowing runes. All surrounding the crater and receding deep into the forest beyond. All forming one path down the forest...the path was only about seven ponies wide. Sidric swore, immediately suspicious of the glowing marks. The massive alicorn reared about scaring the shit out of a hapless group of cultists. “You five. Run past those marks!” The alicorn barked at the trembling earth ponies. The group gulped and made a mad dash for the forest, eager to escape the ire of the infamous prince of Slaanesh. The moment their hooves tentatively touched the runes, the five erupted in white flames. Screams of utter agony tore through the tranquil silence of the clearing as five cultists were burned alive. Sidric glared at the runes, as each flickered back to life, looking as if nothing had ever happened. And then an all too familiar voice boomed around the clearing. “Do you like them, dearest little brother?” Sidric whirled around to face the voice. There at the entrance of the path stood a swirling mist in the form of his eldest brother. The being glowed faintly and had no face, yet very clearly resembled his brothers form. The fallen alicorn scrunched his face in hatred and the illusion merely laughed. “I take that as a 'no' little Sidric. Just know that each of those runes have one hundred charges. There's thousands of them surrounding your clearing. Millions surrounding every town and city along your...pre-determined route. Oh and each will only ever burn the soul of those tainted by chaos.” Sidrics scowl etched deeper into a look of pure rage as his brother LAUGHED at him. Sidric opened his mouth to usher in a string of insults to his eldest brother but Aldric cut him off. “Come little brothers. Come to me so I may finish what should have ended thousands of years ago.” “ALDRIC!” The overwhelming roar of Alfric tore through the forest as the blood red Alicorn slammed through the dozen of earth ponies that held onto his chains. The red prince literally frothed at the mouth as he charged at Aldric's illusion. The red alicorn slammed a humongous black battle ax, trimmed with brass straight through the misty illusion of Aldric. The ax, predictably, simply dissipated the swirling mist of the illusion for a moments only for it the repair itself. The ax continued to swing through Aldrics image, over and over again, accompanied by the maddening howls of Alfric. That is until a massive rusted and corroded looking chain was flung around the enraged prince. The chains writhed around Alfric, as if they were alive, and began to tug him back. A swarm of flies gathered up the ax and hefted it into the air. The massive form of Ulfric tugged on the binds of the youngest of the brothers, dragging the unwilling alicorn back towards the lines of the legions. The misty alicorn seemingly looked at all three fallen alicorns, Alfric still screaming and thrashing against his binds. The illusion simply shook its head, as if disappointed. “Come to me little brothers. March with full hast to me, to your deaths, that which I should have given you all at the very beginning.” Sidrics mouth opened to spout a hate filled retort only for the misty figure to simply dissolve into nothingness. Sidric swore and reared up on his hind legs, swinging his front hooves onto the back of the neck of a nearby cultist. Don't worry Aldric, you won't have to wait long. I'm coming for you, I'm coming for you and your precious Equestria. …. I gazed upon them, absolute pride in my eyes. The greatest army that all of Equestria had ever seen. The Golden Alicorn Golems. Thousands upon thousands of golems stood in formation on the inside of the outerwall, utterly silent. I trotted along the front lines, the elements, all three princess' and the captain of the guard following close behind, each had a look of absolute awe painted upon their features. I stopped to inspect the nearest golem. It was a massive thing, easily dwarfing Luna or her elder sister. It's entire golden form gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, the intricate runes dancing along its chest glowed an eerie, otherworldly green. Its wings were tucked against its sides and resting to its side was a massive claymore. And the best part...it looked exactly the same as the rest of the massive army. I looked to either side, basking in the glow of the golden army, pride painted on my face. “Over three quarters of this army was destroyed in that final battle right outside these walls.” I waved a hoof over rows of golems. “But while I was guarding the vault I used my magic to steadily repair each and every one underneath the grand city of Canterlot. I even managed to build a few thousand more.” I finished, an almost arrogant pride in my voice. Celestia blinked, drinking in the sight and splendor of the Great Golem army. “My lord this...this is incredible. I've never seen an army so large and...so intimidating.” I chuckled, “Well if you think this is large, the golems are outnumbered at least three to one by the forces of chaos.” Every ponys eyes grow wide with shock and I laugh before any of them can utter a word. “ But they outnumbered my golems ten to one before the battle of Canterlot. And I've added a few thousand more golems to the army.” I turn and start a steady trot over to the outer wall, “Come along then, I have a few finishing touches to the defenses of Canterlot that need to be done.” I clamor up the stairs, I could see in the back of my head Chaos beginning to march, squeezing together to avoid burning to a crispy pony. After a few minutes of climbing I make it to the top of the wall and set my gaze over the wall. After a minute of waiting I feel the elements and the others trot next to me. I smile at the gasps of wonder brought out by the view. I say nothing, allowing the ponies to bask in the beautiful view from atop the Canterlot walls. I close my eyes, feel the familiar tingle of magic beginning to start up in my horn. I smile at the gasps of surprise from my small audience. I open my eyes and drink in the sight of the pride and joy of the wall...the sentinels. Every fifteen feet or so of the wall was a raised circular platform. And from each one, the circle had parted for the sentinels to emerge from within the wall. Each sentinel was the upper half of an alicorn, ten feet tall, with massive wings spread out. Each sentinel had a ball of energy in its hooves, that they continued to swirl around with their hooves. Each sentinel appeared to be carved straight out of stone, and looked as new as the day they were carved. “These sentinels can see for hundreds of miles, they can already see Chaos marching from the crater deep within Ever Free. Observe.” I call over my shoulder. With a smirk, I trot up to the nearest sentinel, “Open fire. Cease fire when ordered.” I order the one sentinel. The sentinel immediately lifts the sphere of energy over its head and hurls it towards to the Ever Free. Not a second later, the sentinels wings furl around it so the wing tips are touching. A small sphere of magic forms and the sentinel circles its hooves over the magic ball, enlarging it and after a minute of recharging the sentinel immediately hurls it the same way it had before. I peek sentinel, and beam with pride as I notice all three hundred and fifty sentinels atop the wall had been throwing spheres of magic deep in the forest. I let the sentinels continue the barrage for another five minutes before my voice booms across the wall, “CEASE FIRE!” I turn to the stunned Princess' and smile, “Did you enjoy the fireworks?” … Sidric was utterly furious. Out of nowhere familiar massive spheres of magic had begun to tear through the ranks of chaos. He had lost two thousand warriors from a minute barrage. A minute! The only reason it had been so heavy in casualties was that the army was forced to march squeezed together and the magic had simply torn through the packed together warriors. The barrage was halted when Sidric erected a barrier that fizzled out the sniper shots on contact while the barrage continued to hammer the barrier. Sidric has only lowered the barrier an hour after the surprise barrage. And now the Slaaneshi prince was silently fuming in rage. No pony in the entire chaos legion dared utter a word, especially after he had ripped the heart of out a cultist who had coughed. Sidric narrowed his eyes ahead, he could see... something moving in the distance. Sidric glared at it, his brow furrowed in concentration as he erected a barrier. The thing grew larger and larger until Sidric could finally it. But before he could do anything to stop it, a massive ball of pure white fire exploded behind him, completely over shooting his barier. Chaos cultists screamed in agony as the searing white fire spread through the ranks, burning those caught in the blast alive while the fire danced to and fro, spreading deeper into the ranks. Sidric scowled and set up another barrier, one over head before he looked at the writhing flames that quickly spread deeper into his army. Sidrics scowl deepened when he noticed that the fire didn't burn anything besides the chaos troops. Sidric erected a third wall of magic, this time separating the rest of the army from the few hundred that were writhing in a white flame. Sidric watched in annoyance as a few hundred more of his troops were burned to naught but ash over the course of ten minutes. Sidric glared ahead into the path. “Fuck you Aldric. Fuck you.” …. I roared in mirthful laughter. “Fantastic job Celestia, you killed about three hundred blood thirsty warriors with a single spell!” Celestia looked torn, I could see she felt conflicted about taking life in her eyes. I put a comforting hoof onto her shoulders, “Little Tia, those monsters would gladly rape, kill and eat all of your ponies. Do not feel bad about taking the lives of monsters.” Celestia blinked, “They would dare...cause harm to my little ponies?” Anger laced the question as Celestia growled into the depths of the forest. Her horn glowed brilliantly as...three massive orbs coalesced into exist, only to be flung into the depths of Ever Free. “No pony dares, NO PONY DARES HARM MY LITTLE PONIES!” Celestia screamed as another barrage of lethal magic formed above her head, only to be instantly flung into the depths. Celestia turned towards Aldric, “How long until they reach here?” “A little after noon they should arrive.” I blink in surprise at the venom dripping in the normally calm Princess. “Good, when they finally reach here, I'll burn them. I'll burn them all!” ... Sidric grimaced as continued to trudge through the forest. Those orbs of magic...who created them? They had outright shattered the Slaaneshi princes barriers, was it Aldric? No, the fires would have been gray. Sidric was lost in thought, contemplating who in their right mind could have cast such powerful magic. That is until he could see the break in the trees that marked the edge of this accursed forest. … They poured out of the break in the trees, they immediately began to hurry into formation. I grimaced, there was one of my brothers....Sidric. As if on cue the brilliant white Alicorn turned his head to me. Chaos continued to pour out of the small path in the trees as I locked eyes with my brother. “Well hello dearest brother Aldric!” Sidrics voice boomed out amongst the quiet of the Canterlot Wall. I inclined my head, “I was beginning to wander if you'd ever make it little Sidric.” The happy facade immediately turned sour on Sidrics features. I could feel the intense hatred that Sidric poured into glare. Out of the corner of my eye I see the all too familiar bulk of Ulfric leading...Alfric... I close my eyes in a prayer of mercy. Even from here I could see the rot that stuck to Ulfric, could hear Alfric screaming my name as he, attempted to, lunge at me. I close my eyes and sigh, “Tia, you'll have the honor of fighting Ulfric. Luna, Sidric will be the one you fight. Alfric will head straight for me when his binds are released. Let the golems and sentinels worry about the small fry.” I allow a glance to the heavens, “Faust protect and guide us.” To be finished soon... Sorry I haven't updated in so long, I'm reaching the closing stretch of my trip to China. Only a couple more weeks left. Right now ( as in when I typed this) five in the morning at a motel 8 right near the Xiaolin temple. ( They can do some crazy ass shit btw) ANYWAY.... Next chapter will be the last...I'm aiming for around 10,000 words and I think it'll actually be easy considering what happens... dun-dun-dun! Catch ya later. > Chaos and Order > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sound of magical artillery thundered in my ears, threatening to deafen all else. The familiar clang of steel against steel reverberated throughout the plains as chaos warrior fought alicorn golem. The golems formed a single line, brilliantly gleaming in the sun as the foul waves of chaos set in. Even amidst the chaos that was war, the brilliant machines refused to break their formation. An ax whizzed over my head, I just barely dodged in time. “ALDRIC!!!!!!” Alfric screamed at the top of his lungs, rearing back for another swing. That is, was preparing to swing considering how I slammed the butt end of my hammer square in his jaw. I slammed 'Righteous Fury' into the ground as Alfric barely managed to scramble away in time. A massive ball of white flame surged right across my vision at least twenty hooves in front of me. In the corner of my vision I could see Ulfric struggling to fight Celestia. I couldn't help but smile as Alfric charged me once again. … Celestia grimaced, utterly repulsed by the sight of the oldest of Aldrics youngest brothers. If Aldric was a giant, then Ulfric was a mountain. His very innards spilled out of his armor and little...things....were playing in the squalor. His armor was rusted and falling apart, the massive scythe in his hooves was jagged and rusted as well. But the worst part about him was the smell. His stench burned her nose and threatened to make her gag. The swarm of flies following him didn't help at all. Celestia prepared another inferno of a fireball, throwing right as the massive alicorn began to charge forward. Celestia remembered what Aldric had told her right before the army of chaos began to charge: 'Little Tia, you MUST be the one to fight Ulfric, only your magic, or mine, will be enough to end him. He will simply ignore physical injuries and most magic is useless as well. But he cannot stand FIRE. Burn him Celestia. Burn him with the very fires of the sun you hold so dear. Ulfrics speed was belied by his size as he nimbly side stepped the massive inferno, galloping straight for him. Celestia stood still and waited as the slime oozing Nurgle Lord came straight for her. The moment Ulfric raised his scythe with his magic was when she struck. Calling on the sun herself Celestia fired a wave of stored kinetic energy straight into the Nurgle Lord. Despite his weight, the sheer force of the sudden spell sent Ulfric flying in the air, before he could right himself. Celestia calmly fired three massive inferno balls one right after the other right at him. In a brilliant cascade of white light a humongous pillar of flame engulfed where the flaming orbs struck, burning the cultists surrounding their little dueling ground. Celestia allowed a small smile of pride to grace her features. She only hoped her little sister was doing as well. … Luna whirled her staff around deflecting three quick jabs that before she had trained with Aldric, would have been impossible to even see. Luna stared down her opponent. There was no other words for him than: Divinely Gorgeous. Sidric had a brilliant white coat that seemed to glow, his mane flowed much like her own, but was a perfect midnight black. The armor he wore was nothing short of perfect and the elegant rapier he held in a single hoof matched the look perfectly. The Slaaneshi prince flashed a smile of perfection before sending another successions of quick jabs with that accursed rapier. Luna could barely deflect in time, she struggled to repel the onslaught of attacks, already being driven onto the defensive. Come now, Lulu, no pony appreciates your night, not like I do. Luna grimaced, noticing Sidrics lips were barely moving. Aldric had warned against this, and that warning rang fresh in her thoughts: Luna you must not allow Sidric to confuse you. He will...whisper...directly into your mind. He'll promise you everything you ever wanted, he'll try to seduce you. He will try ANYTHING to get you to lower your guard. The moment you lower your defense, is the moment he sticks his rapier down your throat and kisses the blood the spurts out. Come now Luna, join me I can give you...so much. Luna grimaced, trying to block out the annoying voice in her head. Sidric stabbed again and Luna knocked the incoming strike to the side and...closed the distance. Time seemed to slow down for the Princess as Sidric scowled and began to pull his sword towards her. Luna struck the butt of her stuff straight up at his chin, only for Sidric to pull away laughing as if it were a joke. But then Luna smiled, and a spike surged out of the staff, Sidrics eyes grew wide as he frantically dodged to the left just barely dodging a fatal hit. A little trickle of silver blood flowed down his neck where the blade had missed him. But Aldric's training rang through her ears, and blade shot out of the staff, connected to a chain that she whirled around herself like a whip. Sidric lost his smile as he struggled to not get caught in the whirlwind of death as the bottom of the staff detached another chain with a blade. Luna didn't smile, her eyes were locked with Sidric's...and it was obvious that he wanted to rip her head off. … Shining Armor trotted along in front of the royal guards. The whole regiment of royal guard stood in formation and each had a spear in one hoof and a shield in the other. Each guard looked from one to the other, uncertainty in their eyes. No pony has fought in a war for over a thousand years. And in a single day there was a massive battle going on right on Canterlots front door step! Shining Armor looked each guard in the eye as he trudged along, “I know many of you are scared, I am too. But listen...” The guards paused to listen, praise to dark gods rang in their ears and the shouts of the mad echoed in their ears. “I listened as Lord Aldric explained a little about these... chaos... ponies. They make sacrifices out of new born foals, they rape married mares and cut out the hearts of their victims. They pillage, they burn, they kill and they are all monsters. Right now, both Celestia and Luna are out there fighting. Right now, the elements of harmony are out there fighting. Right now, an Alicorn king who was been lost to us for over six thousand years is out there fighting!” Shining armor looked each guard dead in the eye, “I will not allow these monsters any where near my kingdom, my friends and my family! If they think they can come to Canterlot and just burn it to the ground they have another thing coming! They have to deal with us, the Royal Guard! It is our duty to our Princess', to our families, to ourselves and to all of Equestria to fight these monsters back! Now whose with me!” The two hundred strong Royal Guard, both Solar and Lunar, shouted in unison, slamming spear butts right into the ground. “Forward.....March!” … I swung 'Righteous Fury' only for it to be stopped mid swing by Alfrics accursed ax. We both grunted against the others massive strength. Alfric glared into my very soul, his own red orbs filled with an undying hate...for me. I finally managed to push Alfrics ax away and immediately followed up with another swing. Alfric barely managed to deflect and managed to jump away with a flare of his wings as I slam my hammer down on where he was merely moments ago. “I failed you brother.” I seethe through clenched teeth. “I failed you and now I must put you down like the rabid dog you've become.” Tears threatened to pour out of my eyes as Alfric screamed out my name with utter hate lining his yell. Faust forgive me. …. Celestia stared at the scene in front of her in utter shock. That manic giggling... Ulfric stood there, his armor reduced to ash...GIGGLING. The stench smacked Celestias senses, forcing her to gag. The smell of putrid, rotting flesh was far too much for her to handle. Ulfric continued giggling, slowly walking over to the sun goddess. His armor was entirely gone, burnt to nothing in Celestias sun fueled inferno. Pus and other viscous, rotting fluids dribbled onto the ground like a sickening waterfall. One of his eyes was outright gone, in its place a swarm of flies nestled in the socket, while the other appeared to be dead and utterly useless. The mad Nurgle Lord continued his slow and steady approach to Celestia, who could do nothing in the wake of such an overwhelming stench . Celestia gagged, her eyes smarted as she struggled to contain the contents of her stomach. Celestia opened an eye, the massive scythe was raised in the air and Ulfric was still giggling. Celestia desperately flung up a shield of magic as the filth ridden Alicorn slammed the scythe into the magic barrier. Celestia winced with every blow as the shield cracked worse and worse with each and every hit. Everything went into slow motion as the scythe smashed through the shield, only to be raised for the killing blow. So many memories washed through the sun goddess, memories of her and Luna, memories of her and Twilight. So many memories of so many loved and dearest ones flowed through the Princess. And these chaos monsters would dare take it all away. These chaos...freaks... would dare try to hurt HER little ponies. You can't die yet...you and me still got a few dates left. A familiar golden aura of magic caught the scythe blade as it descended. …. Luna danced through the sky, sparks flew as her beaten old staff deflected stab after stab of Sidric's rapier. Luna rolled to the side and rose higher into the sky, Sidric quickly gave chase. Luna spun around quickly, her wings hiding her staff and right as Sidric began to stab Luna's staff erupted from in between her wings. Sidric dodged his head to the side, making the movement seem slow and clumsy. That is until a scythe blade stabbed out forcing Sidric to dodge to the side again. Luna slammed the now scythe into Sidirc, who blocked it a magic enhanced rapier. The moment Luna felt the rapier touch the wood of the staff, she willed the top half to break into three parts connected by chain. The three staff bits encircled Sidric and the scythes momentum carried it right through him. Luna grinned as...the scythe blade passed through thin air. Luna's eyes grew wide as she felt the rapier of Sidric stab straight at her. Luna briskly dodged away, only a small trickle of blood dripped down her face as she faced her opponent. Luna's eye grew even wider, this time with fear as she looked upon Sidric. His once ice blue eyes were now solid black orbs and a long snake like tongue licked his lips. “Oh what fun we'll have together little Luna! I'm going to put my dick in your organs and skull fuck your corpse a couple of times, go home, and masturbate! I'm looking forward to it, how about you?” Luna couldn't help but shudder, as that long tongue extended out even further and licked right above his eye. Faust help me, was all the night Princess could think of. … “Hold the Line!” Shining shouted as he shot a magic missile from his horn, halting the cultist mid leap. “Hold this line!” The unicorn ordered, the line of golems had parted to allow the royal gaurds to squeeze in beside them. A fresh wave of cultists galloped full speed straight at Shining and his regiment. “Hold your ground!” Shining barked, “ Do not falter! Send them back, SEND THEM BACK!” Shining slammed his front hooves into the ground, sending a wall of magic at the incoming wave. The front line of the charging chaos was flung back as they came snout first with the purple wall of magic. Yet more of the maniacally cackling cultists swarmed around the wall, blood lust increasing their charge. “BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!” “Stand your ground!” Shining reared on his hind legs, already preparing the magic in his horn... a handful of golems landed right in between the two. All three held their massive claymores in their teeth. The chaos ponies seemed uninterested in the new development, instead, they opted to leap at the newcomers, brandishing jagged blades. The golems each raised their blades and swiped to the side, catching the entire group mid leap. A fountain of gore erupted from the ponies and the golems leaped back to their spots in the line. Do you see that altar Shining Armor? Make it disappear. The voice of Lord Aldric rang through Shining's head. Shining looked up, in the sea of chaos there was a massive stone altar with symbols painted over it in blood and the symbols seemed to be....glowing. The altar was on a palanquin being carried by four massive minotaurs. “Royal Guard! We have new orders!” … Celestia reveled in the power flowing through her veins. Come on then cutie...lets burn him to ash. The all too familiar flirting of the sun echoed throughout Celestia's skull. The Princess of the sun chose not to respond, instead, she willed a massive wall of flame into existence. The massive pillar of flame must have been a mile high and Ulfric was caught dead in the center. Giggling. There was still that incessant giggling. Ulfric popped his head out of the torrent of swirling flame, still giggling amidst the flame licking at him and the screams of dying cultists that were caught in the spell. The flames lapped at Ulfric, but as quickly as he burnt, new flesh seemed to simply grow where he had lost some flesh. The still giggling alicorn slowly emerged from the torrent of fire, still dragging his humongous scythe, “Come little Tia, Grandfather Nurgle has told me, yes he has, told me to give you his precious gifts!” The rotting and wheezing Alicorn cackled in utter delight. Celestia fired another massive inferno straight into the hulking Alicorn. Ulfric disappeared amidst another torrent of sun fueled fire. Celestia smiled... only for it to vanish just as quickly as Ulfric emerged from the fire, still cackling like a mad pony. Celestia grimaced, you know, after we finish with tubby over there you owe me a back rub...maybe a kiss? The sun's thought echoed in her mind but Celestia opted to ignore her, she had a major, giggling dilemma on her hooves. The sun pouted in her thoughts, Oh you can be so boring, just like 'Ol Aldy. Celestia's horn glowed with magic but before she cast the spell, Ulfric leaped at her. With a flare of his wings he landed right in front of her and punched her in the throat. While Celestia gasped for breath, Ulfric let go of his scythe and took Celestia's muzzle in both of his hooves, bringing her face right in front of his. Ulfric inhaled deeply, and with a sickly, green tint of his own horn... a humongous, rank cloud of gas erupted from his mouth. The sickening gas swarmed around Celestia, forcing her eyes to smart and her breath to come short. The stuff was foul and the sun princess almost puked. If I wasn't in here playing around with your cute flank, you'd be flank deep in who knows how many diseases. I burned all the toxins the moment they entered. Come on, Get up! The sun whispered in her ear, Celestia's horn glowed with magic and a wave of fire erupted from her horn, sending the hulking monstrosity flying from her. Celestia gasped and sputtered, barely managing to hold down the contents of her stomach. The sun princess glanced up, Ulfric was standing up, still burning, still laughing. Faust above, Luna I hope your alright. … Luna panted for breath, little cuts zig zagged her body where Sidric had managed to actually cut her with that accursed rapier. Luna grimaced at her opponent. Sidric simply smiled at her, his bulbous black orbs seemed to be staring straight into her soul. Luna shuddered and raised her staff above her head with both hooves, she reared up onto her hing legs and positioned her staff so she could more easily and readily defend. Sidirc disappeared in a blur of motion and in less than a second was thrusting his rapier straight at her throat. Luna nimbly dodged to the left, barely managing to dodge the stab only for Sidric to give three quick jabs right to her gut. Saliva jettisoned from Luna's mouth as the wind was knocked out her by the sudden barrage. Sidric laughed as Luna continued to cough and wheeze, the princess struggled to even stand on her hooves. “So my dearest brother thinks he can use a foal to fight me? What an idiot!” “Nope, wasn't my plan at all.” Sidirc's eyes shot open, and before anything could register in his head Lord Aldric slammed the butt end of his hammer right into the back of Sidrics head. As the quicksilver alicorn began to drop, Aldric punched his brothers throat five times, rapid fire before nimbly leaping away. The moment Aldric took to leaping, an enormous brass ax slammed into the ground, barely missing Sidric. “ALDRIC!” Alfric screamed before rearing the ax for another strike. “Luna...use it.” Luna looked up at her opponent...and smiled. Oh Faust this was gonna be good. … Eldritch energies pulsed and rippled around the altar, the red vortex atop had a continuous stream of hideous creatures pouring out it. Daemons. Aldric's voice left Shinings thoughts as quickly as it had come. “BRING IT DOWN! BRING IT DOWN!” Shining Armors yell pierced the sounds of two armies clashing around him. Shining dodged an overhead slash from a cultist earth pony only for Shining to fire a bolt of magic right in the stallions face. Shining raised his voice again, “BY ALL THAT YOU HOLD DEAR BRING THE ALTAR DOWN!” One of the daemons leaped at him, knocking Shining Armor sprawling in the dirt. The creature was blood red, and hideous to look upon with a pony sized blade in one of its claws. Said demon raised the blade above its head...only a spear tip to bury into its neck from the side. A Lunar pegasus guard started pulling Shining Armor up, “Come on Captain, we've got an altar to break.” Shining Armor shakily rose to his hooves, “Reform the line!” Royal guards, both solar and lunar quickly reformed formation, cautiously eying the continuous stream of daemons pouring out of the altar. “How are we going to destroy it captain?” A solar guard asked to Shining Armors left. “Faust help me because I have no idea.” Was the only reply the captain had. … I blocked the strike with my hammer, the mere momentum from the blow forcing my hind hooves to dig into the earth. I grunted, my brother locked eyes with me, out muzzles only a mere inch apart. Only for me to slam with my full might knocking Alfric back. The enraged alicorn roared, brandishing his battle ax in both of his front hooves. I grimaced, now was the time. Okay Twilight Sparkle, deploy the Elements, rid us of dear Old Sidric first. There was only a tentative shudder in response to my mind brushing with hers. I didn't dwell on it as Alfirc leaped at me, only for my hammer to catch the ax in mid swing. I certainly had a lot of work in my hooves right now. … Celestia grimaced as Ulfric advanced, his guts spilled out and a water fall of pus continued to dribble out. The sun princess narrowed her eyes, with a casual flick of her horn the spell began to weave. Almost immediately a fire surged to life right inside Ulfrics belly. The massive alicorn looked down, still giggling at the sight of his innards burning. Celestia chose this moment to take the skies with a single flap of her powerful wings. Celestia glanced downwards still expecting to see Ulfric giggling with glee at the sight of his burning insides. Instead she saw he was quickly catching up, giggling in utter delight. Celestia flared her wings, the magic coursing through her as she cocooned Ulfric in a swirling orb of white fire. An earsplitting roar resounded from within the prison of flame and Ulfric barreled out, his whole body still aflame. Ulfric laughed as his horn glowed with a sickly aura of magic and Celestia found herself amidst a swarm of flies. The creatures seemed to attack her eyes, flying haphazardly into her ears, nose, mouth. Every opening they could find, the insects flew into. All Celestia could see was the black of the flies as thousands of the things engulfed her. Celestia exploded with fury, sending a cascading shell of white fire to shoot out in all directions burning the swarm of flies in an instant. She did it just in time to see Ulfric with his massive scythe raised above his head with both hooves. The Nurgle Lord had disturbing smile of utter glee plastered on his features as he brought the scythe down with an inpony speed. Celestia's horn flared with magic, willing a barrier of white flame into existence. The scythe blade made contact with the shield, Ulfric laughed and laughed as the scythe finally broke the shield, sending a brilliant flame in all directions, sending both Alicorns flying. Celestia righted herself and looked up at Ulfric who simply cackled at her. “ Oh, I am so going to enjoy giving you Grand Father Nurgles gifts! I wander how...what's her name again...Twilight Sparkle will enjoy his great gifts. I think I'll have a little...fun with her first.” The sickly alicorn wheezed in between his constant giggling. Something inside Celestia snapped. Twilight wasn't just her student, Celestia loved Twilight like a daughter, as if she were her own foal. And this monster had just threatened to... Celestia's face twisted into that of rage and she snarled, feeling something...overwhelming stirring in her. Celestia's wings turned from brilliant white feathers, into living, dancing flames. Her teeth elongated into fangs, and her mane flickered in a writhing inferno. Celestia roared at the heavens, an unfamiliar power surging through her veins. Ulfric whistled, impressed at the sight. “And just who might you be?” The Nurgle Lord laughed. Celestia narrowed her eyes at him, “Call me...Nightmare Sun.” … Luna laughed and laughed, causing Sidric to cock an eyebrow. “What, may I ask, is so funny little bitch?” Luna continued laughing, her sides heaving as she struggled to breathe. “Oh * laugh * nothing much.” Luna continued to giggle like a little school. “You know, Aldric figured out it was Nightmare Moon who helped you worm your way out of his vault. So he decided it'd be beneficial... if he taught me tame her rather than just lock her in my mind and throw away the key.” Luna giggled as she opened the door in her head, like Aldric had taught her so many times before. “I've only ever sparred with Aldric when I'm like this, and I'm oh so desperate... for a new dance partner.” Nightmare Moon hissed at Sidric. Sidric let a bemused smile cross his features, “Well okay then, why don't you make the first move then dear?” The moment Sidric said these words, Nightmare Moon disappeared in a flash, like Sidric had done so many times. A moment later a long, blood red line appeared from Sidric's neck all the way to his cutie mark, well what was once his cutie mark. “Your move.” Nightmare Moon flashed a brilliant smile at Sidric. … Ulfric slashed at Nightmare Sun with his massive scythe, only for the blade to pass harmlessly through her. The Sun Goddess laughed menacingly...as her body began to bloat and explode. Ulfri was sent hurtling through the air, groaning as the first wisp of pain shot through his body. Wait. Pain. It...actually...hurt.... Ulfric began to panic. The alicorn hadn't felt pain since his last clash with his older brother, Aldric. When the mountain of an alicorn managed to right himself, he was startled to see Nightmare Sun piecing herself together, all the pieces writhing like a flame. Only her front half was pieced together when Ulfric became engulfed in flame for the umpteenth time. Ulfric giggled, waiting for Nurgles blessed magic to begin healing him, for it to block out the pain...it didn't. Ulfric writhed in utter agony as the white flame incinerated his flesh quicker than he could regenerate. With a heave, Ulfric desperately flung himself out of the inferno only to come snout to snout with Nightmare Sun. A maniacal smile plastered the burning alicorns features, Ulfric wasted no time, exhaling a humongous cloud of disease right in his enemies face. Ulfric began to giggle again as he prepared the spell, and as predicted Nightmare Sun emerged from the noxious cloud completely unharmed. The moment Nightmare Sun's lips began to move, as soon as she began to taunt him, Ulfric struck. Only twice in his entire stretch of life had Ulfric ever used this gift that Nurgle had blessed him with. The second time was this very moment. “Nurgles Blessed Rot.” Ulfric barely wheezed the name of the spell when its effects started. A bulbous cloud of gas surged out of his horn, quickly spreading everywhere. Down below, droves of ponies fell to the ground, their flesh and skin rotting off faster than their hearts could beat. In mere moments, hundreds of ponies, mostly chaos cultists, were naught but piles of bone dust. Ulfric giggled, utterly confident that his opponent was dead. But from the silence within the black cloud of death came a giggle. NO!NO!NO! That's NOT possible! From the cloud she emerged, Nightmare Sun. The accursed mare flashed a vicious smile at him, “Is that all you got, my dear lord Ulfric?” … Nightmare Moon laughed, toying with her new little plaything. Sidric barely managed to dodge another blow from her staff. The mere force of the blow created a small crater in the ground. Sidric grunted as he barely managed to dodge yet another blow. Nightmare Moon smiled at her plaything, “I can see it on your face my little plaything, you're wondering to yourself, 'How is this possible? She's but a foal compared to me!' Well the answer is simple little Sidric...” Nightmare Moon lowered her snout to face him more directly, her eyes narrowed as she locked her gaze with his, “ I'm fighting for something besides myself you selfish little wretch.” Nightmare Moon casually let her glance slide along the gathered elements of harmony, intent on keeping Sidric focused on her. Sidrics gaze turned into a hate filled glare, “You filthy little peasant you think you're more powerful than me! I am a living god!” Nightmare Moon laughed. She laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed some more. Sidric roared in anger, “You think this is funny you little slut!” Nightmare Moon lazily cocked an eye open to gaze at the Slaaneshi prince, “I don't find this funny.” She paused her gaze drifting to the elements of harmony, each was in position, already floating and glowing with eldritch magic. “I find the mess you're in to be amusing.” Sidric peeled his gaze from Nightmare Moon and looked at what she was staring at, and his eyes grew wide with fear as the elements fire at him. The magic hit Sidric square in the chest. The alicorn gaped down in horror as he began to turn to stone from the hooves, the imprisonment inching its way up his body. “Lord Sidric, for the crimes of betraying all of Equestria, pillaging, raping, murdering and so many other crimes...I sentence you the death.” Nightmare Moon breathed into Sidrics ear. The male alicorn began to laugh...until a blood spattered spear tip emerged from his throat. Nightmare Moon pulled the spear from the corpse, painting the ground silver with alicorn blood. The moon goddess sighed, “I am sorry you had to witness such a horror Twilight and friends...I-I am going to have trouble sleeping for a while. But enough wasting time, we must aid our sister.” … Shining jabbed his spear right into the face of another cultist. The cultists body immediately went limp and flopped to the ground, blood oozing from his face. “ALMOST THERE! KEEP GOING!” Shining roared over the sound of battle. Another daemon leaped at them, only for more blasts of magic from within the royal guard to annihilate it. Cultists and various daemons literally threw themselves at the slowly advancing line of golems and guards. Those golems easily ripped whatever was assaulting them, leaving bloody chunks in the dirt. Only a few more hooves until they reached the portal. Daemons roared and charged, only to skewered by magic and spears. Behind the portal is a stone, break it and the altar is useless. Again, Lord Aldrics voice vanished from his thoughts as quickly as it had came. Shining furrowed his brow, the daemons were pouring out of the portal at an alarming rate, all sorts of vile creatures spilling out from the tear. Shining broke from the line galloping straight at the altar, the stallion poured magic into his horn forming a massive wall of magic that slammed into the daemons. The unicorn heaved himself onto the altar. Shining tiredly dragged himself around to the back of the portal, only to be jumped by a few cultists. Pain. It registered in the unicorns thoughts and he looked down, to see a dagger in the flesh of his chest. The unicorn blotted out the pain and threw bolt after bolt of magic straight into the small group of cultists. The unicorn tiredly dragged himself up to the glowing stone. Shining raised his head preaparing the magic... and fired. The stone exploded in a brilliant cascade of light, spewing eldritch energy everywhere. The shock wave sent Shining Armor flying through the air. The light started to fade from the unicorn, he could feel the blood pouring out of him at an increasingly alarming rate. But he didn't care, his beloved...his beloved, both his beloved wife and little sister would be safe. Shining landed, his back on the ground with a dull thud. A cultist loomed over Shining, a wicked smile on his lips. “Blood for the Blood God.” The cultist stallion raised a curved dagger above his head... Shining closed his eyes, awaiting the inevitable death...yet nothing happened. The captain of the guard slowly cracked an eye open, to find a massive claymore cutting through the cultist vertically. A royal guard appeared in Shinings vision, and the golem kicked the corpse of the cultist to the side before raising its massive claymore in its golden hooves. Shining couldn't hear a word the Solar guard was shouting in his ear. The captain of the guard blacked out with a smile on his snout. … Nightmare Sun laughed, the massive scythe of Lord Ulfric whizzing through her body. Ulfric slashed and hacked furiously at Nightmare Sun, his weapon of choice harmlessly slicing right through her body. Nightmare Sun rolled her eyes, her horn erupted with light as she created yet another inferno, this time around herself. The mare darted to Ulfric, locking all four hooves around him, the mountainous alicorn attempted to break free but Nightmare Sun was simply too strong. The flames lapped at Ulfric, actually burning him, actually causing visible pain. The Nurgle Lord howled at the sensation, he hadn't felt pain in thousands of years, not since he discovered Nurgles blessed gifts. Nightmare Sun was cleaved in two, from the tail up to her head. Ulfric made a mad dash out of the writhing inferno. Nightmare Sun simply laughed, her two halves collapsing upon themselves reforming her. Nightmare Sun smiled up at Ulfric, who shot her a bewildered look, when a massive spear tip emerged from his throat. Nightmare Sun laughed, “About time you showed up dear sister.” Nightmare Moon lunged over Ulfric and flew next to her sister, giggling as the flesh in Ulfrics throat simply regrew itself. “I couldn't let you have all the fun now could I Tia?” Ulfric had a look of sheer panic on his face, “If you're here then that means...” The Nurgle Lords voice trailed off. And Nightmare Moons smile deepened, “ Your brother, Sidric, is...gone.” Nightmare Moon sighed, “By the way...Elements of Harmony.” Ulfric blinked in confusion, her turned around. Right behind him were the mane six, each held in the sky by a lavender aura. The moment the Nurgle Lord turned to face them, he was blasted by a humongous beam of magic. Ulfrics flesh...it started to wither away in chunks, leaving a regular looking coat beneath it. All the filth, all of the corruption was simply washed away by the beam of magic. Ulfric opened his mouth to speak... Nightmare Moon whizzed by, and Nightmare Sun zipped by shortly after. “As the Ruling sovereigns of Equestria, I Princess Celestia...” Nightmare Sun began. “And I Princess Luna, judge you to be guilty of crimes uncountable and crimes to horrific to describe. As such...” The night princess trailed off. “ We sentence you to death.” Both Princess's finished as one. Ulfric blinked, and his head slid off of his neck, coagulated blood slowly seeped out and then...a massive fire began to voraciously eat away at the corpse. In a few moments...there was naught but ash left of the Nurgle Lord. … I slammed 'Righteous Fury' downwards, deflecting the incoming swipe from Alfrics ax away. The raging alicorn raised his ax above his head with both hooves... And a worn, beaten staff slams into the side of Alfrics neck. Alfric howls in rage, swinging wildly at Nightmare Moon. The Night princess dances away, staff in hooves and Alfric turns to face the new comer. “Fine, I'll kill you both.” The blood red alicorn snarls. A massive tornado of white fire engulfs Alfric, scorching the very earth as the swirling vortex swallows Alfric whole. Nightmare Sun lands next to me, a look of pride on her face, “How fares the fight for you my lord.” I simply shake my head, not wanting to speak. A throwing ax pierces the swirling vortex of white flame and passes right through Nightmare Suns head, cleaving it in two. The vortex dissipates and Alfric glares right at Nightmare Sun, whose head reseals itself back together. “MAGIC. A COWARDS WEAPON.” Alfric roars at the top of his lungs. Nightmare Moon disappears in a flash of speed and begins to hammer Alfric repeatedly with blows from her staff. The enraged alicorn howls in frustration as he tries to lop Lunas head off. I leap over to the two, slamming my hammer downwards, forcing Alfric to leap out of the way. The moment Alfric defenses are wide open, Nightmare Moon is on him, raining blow after blow on him with her staff. Out of the corner of my eye I see Twilight and her friends slowly creeping into position, surrounding the enraged Alicorn. I sigh, and Nightmare Moon leaps away with a great flap of her wings. “I am so sorry little brother.” I whisper, Alfric simply snarls at me, raising his ax above his head. The elements are charging... “I failed you. Forgive me.” I barely speak as Alfric charges right at me... The magic from the elements of harmony hit Alfric square in the back, forcing him to collapse onto the ground in an ceremonious heap. I watch in amazement as the blood red color seeps out of Alfric, leaving the dull gray coat he had before turning. Nightmare Moon and Nightmare Sun both take a step forwards, ready to finish what was started but I waved them away with a single hoof. The sisters and the elements watch silently as I trot up to Alfric, he opens his eyes slowly, “I am so sorry Aldric. Forgive me.” Tears begin to flow freely from my own eyes, my own emotions overwhelming. “No, it should be me pleading for your forgiveness. I failed you Alfric.” I grasp my youngest brother in my hooves, a steady stream of tears flowing from my eyes. Alfric smiles up to me, “No, you tried your hardest to stop me from falling brother. Its all my fault for allowing Sidric to poison me with that silver tongue of his.” I look to the heavens, praying to Faust for mercy from what I was about to do. “As much as I missed you dear brother, I cannot offer clemency from what you have done.” I choke out the words. Alfric simply closes his eyes, an expression of peace on his muzzle. “I do not blame you brother, do it. I must pay for my crimes.” Alfric lowers his head to me and I slowly lift 'Righteous Fury' above my head... tears flow in waterfalls, “As former King of Equestria I, Aldric the Great Gray Alicorn, find you guilty of innumerable and horrible crimes. I sentence you to death.​” With a sickening crunch, I smash my youngest brothers head. I wordlessly drop the hammer, I turn and slowly walk off, tears still freely flowing while the rage of battle continues to swirl around me. Faust be thanked, neither the Princess's or the Elements of Harmony follow, instead leaving me.. ...To Grieve. The End. There will be an epilogue. Should be up by the end of tonight. > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- King Aldric. Yes, yes. Later on that wretched day both Celestia and Luna approached me...and practically begged me to retake the mantle of king. I said no. They came the next day, and again I had said 'No'. For FIVE years, BOTH Celestia and Luna would ask me at least once a day to retake the throne. The Elements of Harmony would bug me about it too. As did the captain of the guard and his wife. And pretty all of Canterlot. Eventually, I gave in. Not because of their never ending nagging. Not because of some inclement catastrophie. Nope. It was because Luna...managedtoactuallyseduceIknowwhatyourthinkingshutTHEHELLUP. I...I couldn't stop it, every night after that damnable victory she would console me. She would sit there silently and listen to my tales of my little brothers. One of those nights we just sort of...happened. And three years after that fateful seduction I took on Luna as a beloved wife. I remember, all of Equestria was in celebration for a month. Pinkie Pie wouldn't.Stop.Throwing.Me.Parties. It was driving me insane, yet Luna had found it hilarious. And that brings me to today.... I couldn't stop pacing. By Fausts teats I hoped and prayed nothing would go wrong. I could hear Luna in the operating room screaming in the agony that was bloody childbirth. Oh sweet Faust let it be over soon for Lunas sake. I stop only to wipe some sweat from my forehead, only to immediately begin trotting back and forth again. And then I heard it. A single foals cry. A colt's cry. .................................................. Yeah it was a short epilogue I'm sorry. :P I've been busy today and have a certain idea rolling in my head...