“A-are you a...”
The princess could not finish her sentence as she moved from her spot in the grass and backed away a safe distance from me. I doubt she could find the strength to say it aloud much less hear it from my own voice. The word that I wished I wouldn’t have to remind myself of, it represents everything that I try not to become. The secret side of me. But I reluctantly chose to finish it for her. I picked my body up as well and stood directly towards her. My demonic eyes were still showing as blood continued to escape from them.
“Demon, yes.”
There was a long silence in the air, torturing, yet soothing. Noisy, yet quiet.
I was afraid, afraid that right here and now, that I would be forced to attack the alicorn princess. I had little to no knowledge of my own power, but even I knew that I was threatening. I’m sure Celestia would agree with me, but right now, I couldn’t determine what she was thinking. I was begging for one of us to break the silence. I could see it in her tense eyes that she craved the same thing. Finally, to my relief, it was her that broke this prolonged, agonizing silence.
“Eclipse, I want you to please hear me out. We do not have to fight, it doesn’t have to end that way. You are still the pony who’s filled with compassion. I know you want to be good, I can feel it in you. All I ask is that you please hear what I have to offer.”
There was still tension in my body, there were many questions going through my head. She knows what I am now, why should I trust her? What kind of an offer? Is she telling the truth? Is she afraid of me? Should I kill her?
The last one was out of the question, she has shown me kindness when others merely shunned me. For that reason, I trust her. I hope I don't regret this. I nodded, but stayed silent. She visibly relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief.
“This is a very serious offer Eclipse, so if you refuse I understand.” I could sense her emotions running wild, she indeed looked very troubled. In all of her years that she lived, I feel like this “offer” of hers is something that she’s never done before. I was curious to find out what it is.
She closed her eyes briefly, almost as if what she was about say would determine the fate of Equestria. In a way, she may be right. She opened them as magenta locked on to black and red.
“I want to take you under my wing, as my student.” She said, causing my whole body to freeze in place. Did I hear her right? Did she just offer me to be her pupil? Just like with Twilight Sparkle? I tried to scan for any signs of deception on her features, but deep inside, all I could detect was honesty. She was actually serious about this?!
I stared at her in disbelief. “Why?”
She gave me a warm smile. “Never did I think nor believe that something such as yourself could possess a kind heart. But you have proven me wrong, it makes me believe that maybe, there is hope for you.”
I couldn’t help but feel happy with her words, It helps me believe that perhaps there maybe some future to look forward too.
“This is where my offer comes in Eclipse. If you accept to be my pupil, I promise that your identity will be kept hidden from Equestria.” She paused for a moment and frowned. “I... will have to notify my sister about this, maybe even Twilight, but do not worry. I truly believe that they will accept you for who you are.” Her smile always helps me feel safe, but most importantly, I could really trust her. I couldn’t refuse this. I closed my eyes and opened them to reveal my emerald green yet again.
More tears continued to stream down my cheeks as I smiled gratefully. Without thinking, I ran up and hugged the sun princess. I’ve no doubt that she was surprised by this as much as I was, but in the end she gladly returned it as we stayed this way for what felt like hours.
“Yes, I’ll do it. Thank you princess, thank you so much.”
Many hours have passed after that, I was beginning to think that everything would be just fine. After Celestia found out what I really was, she decided it was best to cancel the morning activity. I couldn’t agree more, it wasn’t exactly the most subtle area to show off my abilities.
Instead she has been planning, I knew the first thing she wanted was knowledge. Sadly, I didn’t know much about my origins so there was little I could offer her. However, the Princess was recording everything I could possibly share, so at least it was something.
She decided that tomorrow she would have Twilight go to the Canterlot library with me and find some information about me or my father. I’m not surprised, considering how much of a bookworm Twilight is. She will probably be thrilled to meet me. Ugh, I can see it now, the princess of friendship torturing me with endless questions. Nonetheless, I am glad that I will get to see her, and also to thank her for what she did for me.
“Eclipse.” Celestia’s voice awoke me from my thoughts as i find myself back in the castle balcony. The moon has show its radiant glory across Equestria. I looked towards her and smiled sheepishly.
“Apologies your majesty, there’s just so much going on in my head, It feels like a staggering force is crushing my mind.”
The princess gave me a look of sympathy as she wrapped her left wing around my back. This comfort certainly made me feel at ease. But there was something missing and I needed to tell her this.
“Um... Princess, I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me so far but I think it’s time I go. I need to see my mother.” I said looking off into the direction of my home. A stirring darkness lured in the back of my mind but I shook it off.
Celestia nodded. “I understand, it will be good for you to see her, especially on such a special moment like her birthday.” She gently placed a hoof on my cheek and turned me so I was looking at her eyes. “You can stay with her just for tonight, but I want you back here early in the morning. I’m sorry but what we need to do in the morning is very important.”
I frowned, but nodded slowly. I understood her reasons for having me return so early. This must have been her first time in all her years to encounter a demon, or even having said demon becoming her student. I knew she was taking a serious risk, but I want her to know that she can trust me.
“I know, don’t worry. I promise that I will follow your guidance and not place any harm towards you and the citizens of Equestria.” I said causing Celestia to smile gratefully.
”Harm? You will do more than harm my child. A life is at its end, fire melts the skin and sears the bones. I can hear a beautiful song play loudly throughout the silent night. You will understand.”
A scream started flooding my mind, the pain in its voice was unbearable. Suddenly I could feel an overwhelming heat, as if a roaring fire had seared my body to a crisp. I fell to the ground and placed my hooves on my head.
“Ugh... no.... NOOOO!!!”
Celestia was horrified, she tried her best to comfort me but nothing that she could do would stop this.
My eyes suddenly opened as I finally discovered this unforeseen event. I knew exactly what has occurred but I prayed that I was somehow wrong.
I quickly picked myself up off the floor and gave the princess a quick glance. Her eyes were filled with confusion and fear.
“Do. Not. Follow me.” My voice was utterly monstrous, I’ve never once used such a tone towards anypony. It seems that she got the message and gave a quick nod.
“Whatever it is Eclipse, just please be careful.” I ignored her completely and teleported deep into the dark forest that I’ve grown up in. It wasn’t long before I could smell the thick scent of scorched wood.
Following shortly after was an orange hue in the distance. It lit up the night like a bright beacon. My face paled as I immediately sprinted but treaded carefully, making sure I didn’t run into anything in this blinding darkness. After a few moments I finally gazed at the sight before me.
There it was, the home I grew up in. The very place that shaped me to become what I am today. The only peaceful dwelling in this world that made me feel happy, like I was a real pony. Now to see it burning before me... all these years taken away.
I boldly ran straight into the house and effortlessly broke through the burning door as it shattered into pieces. The intense heat hit me like a wave, but it didn’t faze me. “Mom!” I shouted loudly as I frantically looked around at the chaos inside.
It... wasn’t long before my mind cracked like an egg. Laying just below me was a figure sprawled across the floor. It was completely unrecognizable, the fur was gone and the skin was blackened to a thick crust. The smell was absolutely horrid.
I didn’t want to believe it, but I knew exactly who this pony was. Her most special day in her life, she didn’t deserve this!
My eyes showed their monstrous appearance once more as a new feeling plagued my heart. Pure merciless rage. An indescribable bloodlust, an undying thirst for decimation.
”Now... you shall know the truth.”
Four tentacles covered in flesh and bone erupted from the ground and grabbed firmly at my legs. I didn’t bother resisting, what’s the point now?
I breathed slowly, silenced the rest of the world around me, and closed my eyes.
I was pulled beneath the earth and was greeted with nothing but the endless sight of the abyss. It was so cold, I could feel the darkness leeching into my heart. Perhaps death has finally accepted me. The familiar presence has revealed itself in my head yet again. Only this time, I felt warmth inside me.
”Welcome home my child.”