//------------------------------// // Canto VIII: Approaching the Gates of Dis-Cord // Story: Twilight's Inferno: A Brony Comedy // by The Young and Free Dragon //------------------------------// TWILIGHT'S INFERNO BY THE YOUNG AND FREE DRAGON There is no greater wealth than family Let him wend back his foolish way alone; See if he can; for thou with us shalt stay That through this nighted land hast led him on.” Reader, do but conceive of my dismay, Hearing these dreadful words! It seemed quite plain I nevermore should see the light of day. ~Dante: The Divine Comedy 1: Hell, Canto 8, Lines 91-96 CANTO VIII: APPROACHING THE GATES OF DIS-CORD It was soon found, beyond the watchtower The murk continued on seemingly forever Though only because the light, the darkness did devour A dock set against the tower, held them above those tortured below And Twilight looked down upon them anxiously, as Celestia Lit the light in the watchtower, by some means Twilight would never know As the light was cast across the murk, it cut the darkness in half And made way for a boat which came immediately for them And distantly opened the airs to Lucifer's evil laugh “Is Lucifer on the other side of this treacherous river?” Twilight asked her guide as the boat drew nearer. “Soon, to Heaven, Spike's soul we might deliver?” “Neigh, you still have much to encounter,” Celestia replied as she stepped on to the boat “Much more before Hell's founder.” Twilight stepped on to the boat, excepting that she still had much to see But froze as the boat did not move, by some unknown force holding it so She looked down into the murk, into the face of the great and powerful Trixie “Trixie!” Twilight cried in disbelief. “Why do you hinder our path?” Trixie smiled and replied; “You put me here, in this circle of begrudging, “You will not go anywhere until you have felt my great wrath!” “You reserved your own place here,” Celestia stepped in “You drowned yourself in hate for Twilight in life, “And now you suffer in your own churning sin.” “Leave her to us, she is more guilty than we,” Trixie hissed to Twilight's guide “See if she can, swim this horrid sea!” “Back to your torment, sinner!” Celestia cried. And brought her hooves down on Trixie's Pushing her back, 'til she was caught in the hated tide. The old foe was swept out into the murk, and the boat began to move Quickly, it did so, across the river of pain Giving Twilight only a moment to wonder what of the past was behooved “You saved me,” She said to her guide. “Despite my sins? Was this an unknown part of our deal? “I thought I must fend for myself, and you would only guide me through, “What made you, dear guide, favor me over Trixie's retribution appeal?” “I still harbor love for you, fair student, despite that you lost your way,” Celestia replied, smiling the only smile in this damned place “That bond, even after death, shall never die, and never decay.” Twilight smiled slightly, the first in a long time Though this time was cut short as they were rocked with a tremor The boat running aground on the other side of the river of slime Twilight stepped down off the boat, looking up in awe at the city ahead The large gates were forged of a shiny yellow and black metal Tipped with wicked spikes, upon which was a dragon's head The walls stretched endlessly in each direction Fire climbed up the walls, steadily burning Giving a heated air of evil perfection They approached the gates, which stood open to let sinners in But as Celestia's present became known among the creatures She had to recoil as the gates slammed where her face had been “What is this?” Celestia called angrily to the gates. “Under who's orders do you throw the doors closed? “Under what authority, ill and wicked fates?” There was no reply and Celestia's brow furrowed in anxiety A look which greatly disturbed Twilight Sparkle And brought to her more emotions of great variety “Dear, Celestia,” Twilight addressed her ruler. “What is the matter? Why do they wish to keep us out? “Do they regard you as some intruder?” “They know of your quest,” Celestia explained. “They know what you intend, “And I'm afraid these creatures were set here to hinder your path. “Under no rule to be fair, are all these souls condemned.” “How then shall we save Spike?” Twilight cried in woe. “Will he forever stay in the clutches of Lucifer? “Neigh, this is a fate even in death I will never know!” “Your determination is refreshing, my pupil and not all is lost, “I may not be able to open these gates alone, but I may call upon, “My sister Luna. Together, we've no foe that can't be fought.”