They say that a mother's love for her child is one of the most powerful forces anyone's ever seen and in most cases, it's always been true. This is one of those cases where a mother displayed her love for her newborn son when finding out he has died at birth. She cried and begged for her precious newborn to open his eyes and she held her son's lifeless body in her hooves, continuing to beg death to give him back.
Unbeknownst to her, a mysterious being answered her prayers. This being plucked her son's soul away from death's clutches and returned him to his proper place. Though she was grateful to hear the sounds of her crying infant, this being told her of her son's terrible fate once he reaches his adult years.
Love will make any mother do crazy things for the sake of their child. And in Princess Celestia's case, it's made her feel guilty knowing she had messed things up for her own child. Even so, she still got a chance to raise her son, Eternal Flames, a unicorn with pure white fur, red mane and sapphire eyes into a healthy, strong stallion, who behaved very differently from his spoiled rotten cousin.
Though he was highly respected and respective towards other ponies and other creatures, Eternal still felt an empty space inside him. The proof lies in this locket necklace he wears around his neck. A gift that was made for him by his dear friend. A friend he hasn't seen in almost a decade.
So one day, Eternal Flames decided it was time to venture out and find his old friend. But Celestia told him he won't find her anywhere in Equestria. And not wanting to keep him from his happiness, she took him to Twilight's castle down in Ponyville where the Princess of Friendship showed Eternal the mirror that led to the human world… where his dear friend resided.
Right now, Eternal's 18th birthday was in 3 more weeks. He's about to leap through the mirror, but he stopped to give his loving mother one last goodbye. She couldn't hold back her tears any longer and sniffed in sadness. He reached up with one of his hooves and stroked her cheek.
"No matter where I go… you'll always be my mother," he said softly. Celestia hugged her son, weeping quietly to herself, having to let her son leave her so soon.
"And you'll always be in my heart, my son," she whispered quietly.
Eternal didn't like to see his loving mother cry like this. Since he was almost 18, he was already aware of the curse that was placed on him at his rebirth. Even so, he wanted to make his remaining time last by at least finding his friend and confessing his deepest affections for her. And so, with a heavy heart, he took one last look at his mother and friends before leaping through the portal.
On the other side of the portal, Eternal makes a loud thud when he makes contact with the hard concrete of the sidewalk. Of course, upon arriving, he had passed out since he wasn't used to traveling through such a portal.
“Damn dude.” A voice called out to him, which sounded like a young male’s voice. “Eternal, this is where you been? Your parents had been worried sick, man.”
This voice was unfamiliar to Eternal and made him stir after regaining consciousness. "What… who said that?" Eternal asked, trying to get up, only to lose his grip and stumble to his side. "Ah! Okay what's up with my hooves?" he asked, opening his eyes and taking in his surroundings.
Soon he hears the sounds of snapping coming from in front of him. As his vision finally came back, his sight was then greeted by a strange bipedal creature. “Hey.” It replied with a smile.
Trying not to lose his cool, Eternal takes a deep breath. "Would you mind telling me where I am and what's happened to my body?" he asked. "And how did you know my name?"
Quirking an eyebrow, this bipedal creature looked down at Eternal, confused. “Uhhh are you ok? Are you sure you didn’t hit your head or anything.”
"I'm fine, but… have we met before?" Eternal asked again.
"Hmm, that's strange, could it be you have amnesia? If so, I think it'd be best if you come with me to my house," Inferno said.
Eternal wasn't sure why this creature was willing to take him in, nor did he understand how he knows his name, but with his time limited, he couldn't do much on his own, especially in this strange body he has. "I… I suppose I might as well tag along so I can catch my bearings." he agreed, taking another look around.
“Oookay then,” the creature said with confusion. “Let’s head over to my car…” Then all of a sudden he heard a thud on the ground behind him. When he turned around, he sees Eternal on the ground, groaning in pain and then struggles to get back up. “How did you end up on the ground again?!”
"I'm not used to standing on my hind hooves, or whatever these things are," Eternal says, feeling his legs wobbling again. "I still want to know what happened to my front hooves, what the hell are these things?"
"I'm not sure what hit your head, but those are your hands and feet. Everyone's got them," Inferno replied, helping his friend into his car. "I'm still surprised you don't know me, buddy. But I'll make sure to let your family know after we get to my house."
Eternal climbs inside this strange metal carriage. Inferno closes the door, then takes out his phone, dialing Principal Celestia's number, then brought it up to his ear.
“Hello Principal Celestia, this is Inferno here.” He said, The young man stood silent for 10 seconds before someone replied on the phone.
"Inferno? This is a surprise, is there something I can do for you?" she asked.
“Yeah, I… uhhh, I found Eternal by the school statue today.” He responded.
"You did?! Oh, thank god! Is he alright, did he get hurt?" Celestia asked, bombarding her student with so many questions.
“Whoa, whoa easy! He’s fine, well probably hit his head ‘cause he’s not making any sense, but he’s fine.” Inferno stated.
"Thank god. I was so worried about him. But what did you mean when you said he's not making any sense?" Celestia asked.
"I'm not sure, but I think he has amnesia, so he probably might not know who you are. If it's alright with you, I'm taking him with me to my house so he can recover," Inferno said.
"I suppose it's for the best. But if he's feeling better the next day, can you send him to Canterlot High as soon as possible?" Celestia asked. "And one more thing: please don't tell my husband about Eternal. I still haven't forgiven him for how he disrespected Eternal like that."
“For that I agree.” Inferno said. “Though he’s bound to find out eventually.”
"Thank you. Take care of him for me," Celestia said. "And tell him I love him very much."
"Will do. You have yourself a nice day, Celestia," he replied before hanging up. "Now let's just hope I can find out what's happened to my buddy and why he thinks he's a horse, or donkey… or whatever he thinks he is." he says before climbing into his car. His eyes dart at Eternal, dumbstruck when he sees him sitting in the chair on his knees and fists. "Dude, buckle up or you're gonna end up falling out of your seat and put your feet down."
"Uh… okay?" Eternal said. He adjusted his legs and set them down. Though, on the subject of buckling up, he seemed confused. Inferno sighed and reached over to grab the seat belt buckled up Eternal.
"This'll keep you from falling out of your chair or from flying out the window," Inferno said before buckling himself up. He started up the engine and drove back to his home.
Upon arriving at the house, Inferno glanced at his friend, still concerned for him. 'Whatever happened to you, I just hope it's nothing permanent,' he thought to himself.
'I have no idea what's going on here or why this creature knows me. But I can only hope he doesn't learn of my limited time. I've got to find her before it's too late,' Eternal thought to himself, clutching his chest a little.
"Are you okay? Are you having heart problems? I told you munching down on those chili peppers too much would be hazardous to your health."
'How does he know about my favorite snack?' Eternal asked in his mind. 'Wait… it's best I don't tell him my real reason. I'll just play along with this guy.' "I… suppose you're right about that. I could stand to go without a few peppers or something," he said aloud.
Inferno opened the door to his car and climbed out, along with Eternal. He follows Inferno to the front door of his house where he unlocks the door and lets Eternal inside.
"Mom, Dad, I'm home," Inferno called out.
"Good timing, sport," a male voice called back. Soon a middle-aged man steps out from the kitchen of the house. He smiles at Inferno as he walks over to the young teen and hugs him for a second. “Glad to see your home soon.”
“Honey? Who’s at the door?" a female voice called out. Eternal somewhat finds the voice familiar, but couldn’t place it. Soon the source of the voice comes down the stairs of the house; as the woman sees the three men standing by the front door, a loving smile formed on her face. “Welcome home, Lil’ Furno!” she spoke in a cheerful tone.
“Moooom! Would it kill you to stop calling me that; I’m not a little baby anymore.” Inferno groaned in embarrassment.
"That voice… i-i-it… it can't be! Fleur de Lis?!" Eternal asked in shock.
"Eternal Flames? Is that you" Fleur gasped. She paces down the stairs a lot quicker and soon stood right next to the man next to Inferno. “Inferno, you didn’t tell us Eternal would come over.”
“Yeeeaaah, I… kinda have to tell you a little something about him. Could I talk to you and dad for a little while?" Inferno asked.
“Sure honey.” Fleur replies. "Eternal, why don't you sit down and watch TV while my husband and I talk with our son."
"He's… your son? And… what's a TV?" Eternal asked, confused.
The family of three looks at the young Equestrian-turned-human with confused expressions. "Ooh boy, this might be a lot more serious than we thought." Magnus said quietly. Then the three move into the kitchen, where they can have their conversation.
“Is he okay?” Inferno's father asked.
“He, uh… hit his head; might’ve got a minor concussion.” Inferno explained.
"Minor… concussion? Did something happen to the poor dear?" Fleur asked.
"I think so. I found him outside of Canterlot High in front of the statue, lying on the ground. The guy's been missing for a week now and he shows up out of nowhere. I think he might have amnesia since he doesn't know some of us, yet he knows you," Inferno said, gesturing to his mother.
"That's odd. Maybe it has something to do with all the recent activity going on throughout all of Canterlot City." His dad suggested.
"What do you mean, Magnus?” Fleur asked.
"Do you remember the incidents that took place at our son's school? It's been on all the news back then. Eternal might have suffered amnesia because of this… magic business." Magnus explained. "And let's not forget the incident at Camp Everfree he told us about."
"Oh, I see. But I don't know anyone who's fluent in the magic that's running loose around our city," Fleur said.
"I do. I have some friends at my school who know about Equestrian magic.... Aaaaaand… they kinda, maybe… can also use magic.” Inferno answers sheepishly.
"They what? I didn't know your friends could use magic, why didn't you tell us?" Magnus asked, surprised.
"Because I wasn't sure you would believe me if I told you beforehand. Would you have really believed me if I told you my friends could use magic powers?" Inferno asked.
His parents look at him with expressions that Inferno could not describe. They looked towards each other for a couple of seconds, and soon turned towards their son. “Alright.” they both said.
“Say wha’? That’s it, you’re just gonna be okay with that?" Inferno asked.
"Son, you said it yourself. Your friends might be much more helpful with Eternal's situation. We won't be of much help anyways," Fleur said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right… Maybe they might explain Eternal’s condition.” He suggested.
"Perhaps. But we should probably let him rest for a while, he might be exhausted. The poor dear, and all because of that terrible father of his, no less," Fleur assumed.
"That's true. And I've already gotten his mother's permission," Inferno said.
“Let’s just hope we can resolve this situation,” Magnus said. “And possibly end this day much more peaceful as it were.”
"I hope so too, dad. I'm gonna give the girls a quick call right away, schedule for them to come over here as soon as possible," Inferno said, taking his phone out of his pocket. He dialed the numbers of two of his friends. The dialing tone goes off three times before his friends answered.
"Hello?" Two voices asked in unison.
"Sunset, Twilight, can you come over to my house as soon as possible?" Inferno asked.
"I guess so, but why the sudden invitation?" Twilight asked.
"Remember how Eternal ran away some time ago because of the scuffle with his father?" Inferno asked. “Well, I found him by the statue near CHS; might’ve injured himself cause when I found him, he is not making any sense at all…. Probably something that might be more somewhat up your ally.”
"He's back?! Oh thank Celestia! But how is he not making sense?" Sunset asked.
“Well…” Inferno paused for a second until he had the sanity to give his answer. “I don’t want my parents or Celestia knowing this… But…. I believe the Eternal I found; is actually an Equestrian…. Like you, Sunset.” He stated. On Sunset's end, there was silence… followed by a loud thud. Inferno got concerned when he heard that. "Sunset? Sunset, you alright?" Inferno asked.
"Sunset, what's wrong, are you there?" Twilight asked. "Inferno, I'm gonna go and check up on her and make sure she's okay. We'll meet up with you later to check on Eternal's condition."
"Alright then, I'll talk to you later," Inferno said. Soon, he and Twilight hung up and carried on with their business.
Meanwhile, back at Sunset's house, she was still in shock from the news she heard about which Eternal Flames had showed up here in the human world. Her hand was still close to her ear as if the phone was still in her hand.
'It can't be… can it? Has he really come here to the human world? Why now of all times and what kind of business could he have here?' She asked herself inside her mind. Her eyes turn towards her nightstand and approaches it for some reason. She opened the drawer and revealed a locket necklace. She pulled it out and opened up the locket to reveal a picture of a white colt with a fiery red mane and scars under his eyes.
"And to think I almost forgot about you. But how did you find out about the portal? Did Celestia and Twilight wind up telling you about it or did you find out on your own?" She asked. "Well, I'm not gonna get answers by asking questions to no one. I'd better get ready."
Sunset then gathered all the stuff she needed and was about to head out, but then stopped as she was about to approach the front door. Her eyes gazed down at the locket necklace, still resting in the palm of her hand. She wasn't sure whether to bring it with her or leave it home. Her mind was scrambling more than it was before.
She groaned in frustration, making an ever harder decision. "Come on, Sunset, make up your mind, already!" she told herself. Before she could lose her mind, she took a deep breath and exhaled, clearing her mind. "Okay…" she said, looking at the locket necklace. "I'll go ahead and take this with me, just to see if I can get the right reaction."
Now that her mind was made up, she puts the necklace on and hides the locket under her shirt. Sighing in relief, she heads out and meets up with her friend.
Back at Inferno's house, Inferno put on a movie for Eternal so that he won't be bored. Eternal was only more curious of what kind of sorcery these bipedal creatures used to create these holographic images in these strange boxes.
"I don't understand how we don't have this kind of technology back home," Eternal said.
“Well, welcome to the 21st century, buddy.” Inferno replied as he took a sip from his Root Beer filled mug. Eternal still kept observing the movie playing on the television and Inferno watched in amusement as he tried to make sense of the television. His curiosity, although concerning, was kind of hilarious.
“And if you ask me another question about anything or to change the channel, I will drag you out of my house and throw you back to wherever you came from,” Inferno stated in a monotone voice as he takes another sip from his mug. “The one thing about us and TV; is that we hate people changing the channels while we least expect it.”
"If there's anything I hate, it's my spoiled cousin," Eternal said. "Ugh, that brat doesn't know how a true prince should act."
"Spoiled? How is he spoiled?" Inferno asked.
"He's constantly grooming himself from head to tail, wanting to eat the finest foods, sleeping on the most comfortable bed, getting pampered for his entire life. He's self-centered, narcissistic and an all-around egomaniac," Eternal said, clenching his fists, ready to explode, but then he stops and tries to keep his anger under control.
“Wooooow…. So he’s a real asshole.” Inferno asked.
"Yeah… and a disgrace to our family," Eternal said, more calm this time.
“Yeesh, glad I don’t have any cousins of my own.” Inferno said with relief, “Or otherwise I’d be driven crazy.” Eternal couldn’t help but laugh at Inferno’s reply. Just several hours in this world and he already made a friend. Guess it was a good day for him; but it would be even better if he finds his first friend.
As the minutes passed, Inferno heard another knock on the door. Inferno got up from the couch and ran over, answering the door. His eyes quickly lock on both the lovely baconhead and lavender bookworm friends from Canterlot High.
"Sunset, Twilight, you made it. Just in time too; the “Predator” marathon was about to start.” Inferno said in the most “welcoming” way as he possibly could. After the day he’s been through, he’s got a hard time being calm.
"That's… nice, Inferno. So, I take it, that's Eternal, over there?" Twilight asked, pointing at the distracted boy with long red hair, still focused on the television.
“Yeah that’s him… uh excuse me for a second. Hey! Pause the TV! I don’t wanna miss the marathon!” He called out to the Equestrian turned human boy in the living room. Being a fast learner, Eternal grabs the remote and pauses the movie. "Now come over here, I've invited some friends over and they wanna meet ya.” Inferno gestures Eternal to meet him and the girls by the front door. As he walks out of the living room, he is then parylzed from where he’s standing when he and Sunset met each others eyes.
"By Starswirl's almighty beard, is it really you, Sunset?" Eternal asked.
“Since when did my dad’s boss get involved in this?” Inferno asked in confusion, Twilight simply shrugged her shoulders in confusion also.
"Eternal… is it really you?" Sunset asked, showing her locket necklace. Eternal's eyes widen, recognizing the very same necklace he made for Sunset long ago. He took out his own locket necklace and showed it to Sunset. "H-How… How did you find out about the portal?"
"My mother told me about it and Twilight showed it to me," Eternal said. "Sunset, I thought you were gone and… when I heard you weren't in Equestria, I assumed the worst, but went looking for you nonetheless."
"I… I'm sorry for worrying you, Eternal. I guess I should probably explain to you what's been happening lately," Sunset said.
"We can talk more on the couch. I'll go fix up some more refreshments. You girls thirsty?" Inferno asked.
"Sure. How about a cup of water?" Sunset asked.
"Oh, same here," Twilight added. Eternal turned to Twilight and got more confused.
"Wait, Twilight, I thought you were busy running the School of Friendship back in Equestria," Eternal said.
"Again, I'll explain everything," Sunset insisted, moving Eternal with her onto the couch. Inferno went into the kitchen and came back with two cups of water, handing them both to the girls. Sunset quickly wasted no time in telling Eternal everything he needs to know.
Sunset explained about how she first came to the human world and learned to adapt to its environment and even tried to take over Canterlot High School with an iron fist. She even almost got away with it, but ended up getting defeated by Princess Twilight and her friends, but not the friends from the pony world, but from this world. Surprisingly, she didn't mention that she had an ex-boyfriend, worried that Eternal might take it the wrong way.
She also mentioned how she and her friends started teaming up to fight against more magic forces such as the Dazzlings, or more likely known as the Sirens and beat them in this Battle of the Bands contest. There was also the Friendship Games, where human Twilight was forced to compete or get denied a place at Everton, resulting in her becoming a raging she-demon just like Sunset. Then there was the Camp Everfree incident with Gloriosa becoming Gaea Everfree in order to save her precious camp.
“So uhhh,” Inferno spoke after the majority of the conversation, “If Twilight and everyone we know has counterparts in your world…. Does that mean I have a counterpart as well? I bet he’s kinda of a loser there, due to this “alternate reality” shit.”
"I'm not sure, I've never met your pony counterpart.” Eternal replied.
“Guess your world hates me.” Inferno responded in distraught.
"I certainly hope not," Eternal said.
“Don’t bet on it,” Inferno responded again, while still feeling distraught.
"But anyways, what's been going on with you in Equestria, Eternal? What made you decide to come here in the human world?" Sunset asked.
"Well… I came here looking for you," he replied. "I needed to find you before my ti--" Eternal stops himself by covering his mouth, almost spilling the beans. "Uh… j-just forget I said that last part at all. The point is I found you and that's all that matters. And I was hoping that we could… possibly… hang out like we used to when we were children."
Sunset was thinking it over and Twilight took this opportunity to use her latest invention. She had recreated an amulet similar to the one she made back during the Friendship Games, but worked out the bugs and made it only scope out magical energies. And for her first subject, she used it on Eternal Flames. The results were uncanny, her amulet reacted strongly the closer it was towards him.
But then, it began fidgeting and suddenly got shot back and hit the wall, breaking into pieces and scattering all over the ground. It startled her and everyone else.
"Is that supposed to happen, what was that thing and why were you putting it so close to me?" Eternal asked, quirking an eyebrow.
“Twilight, please tell me that’s not going to explode like the last invention you brought over to my house a week ago.” Inferno asked, anxiously.
“No, it’s not gonna explode,” Twilight stated as she picked up the shattered pieces of her new amulet invention.
“Okay then… Would you mind telling me what the hell was that?!” Inferno asked again, only this time he sounded a bit furious.
"Calm down, it was meant to just pick up magical energies off a person, but not absorb the energy itself and I was trying to see if Eternal had Equestrian energy. I guess his magic was so powerful, it made my amulet break. I wasn't expecting it to do that," Twilight said.
“Jesus Christ, Eternal, what are you? Some type of demi-god?” Inferno asked with curiosity.
“Actually his mother is the ruler of Equestria and she's an alicorn. So technically he's considered royalty, though he's not a demi-god, he's still considered one of the few most powerful,” Sunset answered his question.
“No shit,” Inferno responded in shock.
"Power means nothing to me if it corrupts others. That's what mother taught me when she once fought against Discord and King Sombra over a thousand years ago," Eternal said.
"A prince with principles, I see," Twilight said.
“We can certainly use people like him in our world.” Inferno whispered silently to Twilight, who nodded in reply.
"Now back to Eternal's question, I don't see any harm in catching up with an old friend of mine. I'll even introduce you to some of my friends, how does that sound?" Sunset asks.
"It's a deal," Eternal nodded. He extends his hand out for a handshake, but Sunset hugs him instead, making his heart race a thousand miles.
“I ship it.” Inferno and Twilight thought in their heads.
Eternal then wrapped his arms around Sunset before they let go a few seconds later. "Well, I'd better get back, I still have to do some band practice."
"And I've got to hurry and finish packing," Inferno said.
"Packing?" Twilight asked, before realizing, "Oh, that's right, you and your family are leaving for a family vacation, I forgot! What time will you be back, Inferno?"
“Uhhh… About 7 months, won’t be gone for long. But in the meantime, where’s Prince Charming here going to stay?” Inferno stated while referring to Eternal.
"Prince Charming? There's nothing charming about me, if you hadn't noticed," Eternal said, gesturing to his scar-like birthmarks under his eyes.
“It’s just a metaphor, buddy.” Inferno replied.
"And you know, the human Eternal used to say the exact same thing… before he ran away after getting into an argument with his father," Twilight said.
"I'm not sure how to feel about that. I've never really met my father," Eternal said.
"Trust me, you don't want to meet the one here. But anyways, we'll see you tomorrow. You just take it easy for now, okay?" Sunset asked. Eternal nods in agreement. "See you, Eternal." After bidding each other goodbye, Twilight and Sunset leave Inferno's house to go and meet up with the other girls.
As for Inferno, he headed back into his room, getting his suitcases and boxes all packed up for his big trip. Eternal sat back down on the couch, watching the marathon and studying the whole purpose of the movies carefully on what they were about. Even moreso, he studied the battle scenes to give him an idea on how to fight. For such a non-magic species, humans proved to be a dominant species, capable of fighting impossible battles. Guess this world has more advantages than Equestria does.
That is until… "A word of advice to you, my curious friend. Movies are just people performing in front of the camera. Although there are documentaries, which can be based on real life. Of course sometimes, movie director dirtbags decided to mess with history; trying to give people some entertainment."
"So in other words, the Aliens vs. Predator movie… is all fake? Then how do they look so life-like and can do all that freaky alien stuff?" Eternal asked.
"The movie industry is well-known for its special effects," Inferno said. “Plus scientists have been theorizing, since Earth is the only planet that can support life in our solar system; that there would be a possibility that there could be other life somewhere in the universe. But as of now; you and Sunset are proof that we have been searching in the wrong direction.”
"Huh… that does sound like something my little brother would say as well. I always believed that Equestria was the only life on Earth… but now that I know of this world… I'm glad to know that I was dead wrong," Eternal said.
Inferno chuckled and patted his friend on the back before heading back down the hall, then returned with a pillow and some blankets. Eternal thanked him and made himself comfortable on the couch, wrapping the blankets around himself.
“Goodnight buddy, we all have a big day tomorrow.” Soon after, Inferno leaves upstairs into his bedroom where he slumped down on his bed. "So… an Equestrian just like Sunset. And who knew those two used to be friends once. Heh, well, let's just hope he doesn't get the wrong idea if he meets Sunset's other friend." he says to himself.
As for Eternal, he continues to watch TV, taking in as many lessons as he could from the movie that just finished and a few TV shows. But at the same time, his mind was also focused on his friend as he looked down at his locket necklace.
"Here's hoping," he said to himself. But unknowing to him, a sinister demon watches him from afar in a dark castle, hidden from the world's watchful eye. The malicious demon chuckled, feeling the time draw near for him to soon take him away.
"You may change worlds… but you'll never escape my grasp. I simply can't wait for what these next 3 weeks will hold in store for you… my chosen heir," the demon said.
“A future that’ll never come to be,” An angelic voice calls out to the demon. His expression turns to anger, as he had never heard the voice in a long time.
"What makes you so sure? I did the boy a favor by granting him life. And as long as my blood flows within his body, he'll remain out of your wretched, precious one's grasp. The boy will come to meet his fate, just you wait… Harmony," snarled the demon.
As expected, a beautiful mare walked into the room of the castle with the demon inside. The mare in question had beautiful silver-velvet light fur that matched her sparkling, velvet eyes perfectly and wore a golden crown atop her noble brow. She had taken the form of a humanoid pony, baring a gorgeous body fit for a goddess. She wore a violet and golden yellow, long-sleeved dress with diamond jewels. Like any pony goddess, she had beautiful wings and unicorn horn.
“You wish to expect what is to be in the future, than to expect the choices the boy would make. You believe you have control over his destiny; but you have no knowledge of his destiny, whether you like to admit it or not.” Harmony spoke with words of wisdom.
"His mother was in the right to wish her son back to life. Death should've kept his grubby--" the demon said before getting cut off.
“My grubby what?” A distorted, deep voice spoke out from deep in the shadows of the dark room. A voice that the demon found all too familiar.
"I knew you were somewhere nearby. To make it all clear… you should've kept your grubby little claws off of the boy's soul." the demon finished.
Soon out of the darkness, a humanoid stallion walked into the room. He wore dark silver armor, that looked like it was worn from countless battles; with a black cloak over his shoulders and a black hood covering his head. But it did; however, reveal his face. He had a skeleton skull for a face, with sharp teeth in his maw and small blue lights gleaming in his eyes; which shows how souless they are. And to add it off, he carried a large nightmarish scythe in his hands, holding it straight up on the ground like a staff.
“His time was to come. But my actions were not a crime, as yours were; when you have defiled an innocent soul when you have taken away his chances to rest in peace.” Death scowled at the demon with rage.
"That's your problem, you didn't consider the boy's mother's heartache when you branded him for death at birth. Not to mention the other boy from the human world. Just how heartless can you get?" the demon mocked.
“We did not come here for you to insult us, demon. We came to give you a warning.” Harmony responded to his mockery. “One that you shouldn't take lightly.”
"A warning, is it? I'll quote you on that," the demon replied, turning back to the boy, who's nodding off, trying to fight off the urge to sleep.
"Sire!" another voice called out. The demon's attention is then brought towards a man who's walking in in a black and dark purple armor with wings. "Forgive my intrusion, but is it true the future king is nearly ready?" he asked.
"Yes. Send out one of the mages our one of the elite soldiers to observe him," the demon said.
But before the man could exit, Death swiftly places the blade of his scythe against the demon’s throat, threatening to slit it. “You will tell them nothing, or I will have your soul sent to the hellish bowls of Purgatory!” He growled
"You! Take your scythe away from my master's neck!" the soldier said, running over towards the skeleton stallion.
But soon, 4 figures that bore a resemblance to Death, but had a more warrior look to them, appeared out of the shadows and formed a defensive line around their master. And they raised their twin blades at the guard. Then 2 more of the demon’s guards and 2 mages came in and soon the room turned into a stand off. Until Harmony spoke up in a way that’s more than similar to the Canterlot voice.
"ALL OF YOU WILL STAND DOWN RIGHT THIS MINUTE!!!" Harmony bellowed. The warriors and demon soldiers and mages all backed away, sensing the goddess' immense power. Harmony finds her cool and then her peaceful aura finally comes back to her. “Lets all just settle this like mature adults and not children who fight over candy.” She stated.
Death nodded his head in agreement and then reals back his weapon. He turns to his reapers and gestured them to take their leave. They bowed in reply and flew out of the castle room; and then disappeared. The Demon turned to his followers and gestured them to leave as well, and so they did.
“Now that we have that out of the way, how about we settle this conflict in a more… resourceful option.” Harmony said.
"What do you suggest, dear?" Death asked.
“A wager.” Harmony stated, firmly. “If Eternal and a stallion of my choice; are to find someone to love and they give that love in return; then you, demon, will surrender your plans of conquest.”
"Fine. And to show my generosity, they shall keep their immortality and do with their new powers as they see fit. But… if they cannot find and earn love from their destined ones by the time their 18th year arrives… then they will belong to me whether they like it or not." the demon said with a wide, sharp-toothed grin.
“Alright, but you must never try to weasel your way or try anything to gain favor in this whole wager, or,” Harmony replied.
“Or what?” The demon responded.
“Or its war, and believe us demon. You do not have the numbers or the power to challenge us.” Death explained.
"Which is why if it does come to that, you can bet I won't allow my previous victims to slack off with their training. Do I make myself clear?" the demon said, turning his attention to his Elite 5, receiving nods from them before heading out of the chambers, closing the door and on their way into the training room.
“So, do we have a bargain?… Grogar.” Harmony asked.
The demon, or as Harmony mentioned, Grogar, chuckled deeply before extending his claw and shaking her hand. "A bargain it shall be. This should be most interesting," Grogar said.
And with the deal sealed, the two divine entities disappeared to their respectful dimensions. Grogar, now satisfied with this dispute, turned his attention towards his chosen successor. "It's only a matter of time… Eternal Flames." he said before laughing deeply.
Harmony and Death quickly arrived in their own personal dimension; which they created to have quality time together away from their own worlds. In this dimension, it has a large house, a beautiful massive garden, and a large private fancy pool. A place of relaxation to get away from the stress and hardships they had over the years; and today they really needed it.
As they walk together in the garden to find clarity in their minds, Harmony swiftly pounces on Death and the two fell onto a field of beautiful flowers. Then without expectation, she places her lips on his mouth for a kiss, and then reals back and lays next beside him.
“You were really handsome when you nearly tried to kill Grogar back there.” Harmony said to her lover.
“I wish I’d slice his head off right there.” Death stated. "But… I've been thinking. Was it really okay for me to take a newborn's soul away? I mean, his mother was heartbroken."
“You had no other choice; if you allowed him to live, it’ll break the chain of life and then his soul would be replaced by another, and then another.” Harmony replied.
"I still can't believe Grogar caught me off-guard and took the boy's soul away from me. I still remember it to this day," Death said, placing his claw over a cracked spot on his skull.
“Eternal never deserved the fate that Grogar planned for him. Peace would have been the only solution for his soul, so it would never be tainted and ruined by that foul monster.” Harmony said with disgust.
"I suppose not everything goes according to plan. Now all we have to do is hope his fate doesn't turn out as horrible as we fear it to be," Death said. "I especially hope he doesn't have his heart broken in the process."
"It's in his hands now," Harmony replied. With everything in place, it was now up to the young prince to see to it that his fate was to change for the better… or worst.