//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 Part 1 - Regnum Animarum et Mortis // Story: The Twilight Reaper // by Arceaion //------------------------------// Please read the Author's Notes at the end, it has some information on this world. Twilight groaned as she slowly awoke and sat up rubbing her eyes to get the last of the sleep out of them. As she sat in the bed she slowly became aware that she was no longer in the room she had spent the last few days in and looked around to see a large room that was sparsely decorated but what was there made it seem like the room was meant for a king or queen. The bedroom was large, with the massive bed she lay in pushed to the far right corner and as twilight got up and looked around she was surprised by what was inside the room. Across from her bed and tucked into the opposite corner was an ornately carved desk and a big fluffy chair that she approached and looked over finding the desk topped with writing tools and other objects one would see on a desk. Between the desk and the bed set into the center of the wall was a large window letting in the cool light of the moon and below it was a window seat that was covered in a cushion that made it a perfect spot to read. As Twilight turned to the front of the room she saw that in the front left corner of her room stood several book cases, most not even half full of books but the ones that were on them were the ones Death had brought her to read while she was locked in the room as a spirit. With a small smile she turned to the other corner to see a door right before her bed and an ornate silver mirror in the right corner. Twilight walked to the door and pushed the door open to peer into the room finding a massive bathroom. Twilight entered the bathroom and looked around finding that the floor looked like marble, the wall beside the door was lined by a counter that contained a sink and several cabinets and as she looked around she saw that the bathtub was actually set into the floor with steps that lead into it like those found in a pool. Twilight looked down at the bath to see water already inside and steaming like a hot tub. Twilight frowned and turned back to the door to return to her room where she went to examine the mirror. As she neared the mirror she froze at the person reflected in it hesitantly reached a hand out seeing the figure in the mirror do the same. Slowly Twilight raised a hand to her face and the figure did the same and Twilight walked closer to the mirror and looked at herself closely. "So I really was reborn in a new body..." She said, her voice trailing off as she examined her new body. Her skin was now a bit paler than what she'd had before and the tips of her hair had turned gray while the purple in it had lightened to become a more gray purple, there was also now a stripe of silver in her hair alongside the magenta stripe she had always had. Calmly she stepped forward more to look closer at herself and she noticed her eyes had changed from purple to a slate gray as well. As Twilight examined herself and looked her body over she slowly began to become aware of a strange sensation that she had been feeling since she had woken up. The sensation came from her back and as Twilight focused on the feeling she felt something stretch and she stepped back in shock as something flared from her back, slowly she turned her head back to the mirror only to see a set of wings extending from her back that glowed silver in the moonlight coming from her window. Twilight stared in shock at the wings before she slowly tried to move them; they felt completely natural and for some reason she just knew that if she wanted to she could fly, it was as if she always had wings but even more confusing was that she seemed to know how to use them. As Twilight examined the wings a quite knock was heard at the door causing her to jump in surprise and turn to see a strange being. The being looked like a human however their eyes and the inside of their mouth glowed with a cyan blue light, their flesh seemed to be decomposing as well with holes around their mouth revealing the light inside even when their it was shut. The being appeared female was dressed in the attire of a maid and as Twilight remained frozen the maid calmly approached the air growing chilly as she neared and bowed. "Greetings Mistress, it is a pleasure to see you have awakened." she said snapping Twilight out of her trance. Twilight shook her head to clear her thoughts as the maid rose and smiled kindly. "Who- what are you?" Twilight asked as her mind worked to catch up with what was going on. "And why did you call me mistress?" She asked causing the maid to tilt her head in thought before responding. "My name is Whisper; I'm a type of undead known as a Wight. Master Death raised me from slumber to attend to you as your personal maid." The being, now identified as Whisper, said in a calm voice. Twilight nodded slowly as she looked back at her reflection, "Okay... so what do I do now?" She asked as she placed a hand on the mirror as if to confirm it was there. "First I will assist you in getting dressed." Whisper replied with a smile. "Afterwards Master Death suggested I take you to the dining hall to eat." Twilight nodded as she looked at her reflection one last time. "Whisper, you don't have to call me mistress, please just call me by my name." She said as she looked at the Wight. Whisper nodded. "Very well mistress, I will call you by your name..." She said trialing off before looking at Twilight in confusion as if to ask what her name was. Twilight sighed and looked at her reflection. "Aeternum Rest, my name is Aeternum Rest." Aeternum said sadly. 'Even though I was Twilight Sparkle she died, I can't use the name of a dead person.' She thought her wings drooping in sadness. Whisper nodded and bowed. "Very well, do you wish me to address you as Lady Rest or simply Aeternum?" "No lady, or miss, or mistress, or anything like that till I'm at least older!" Aeternum said in a huff. "I'm only seven!" She said causing Whisper to suppress what looked like a smile. "As you wish, Aeternum." She said as she took Aeternums' hand. "Now, come with me and I shall aid in get you dressed." She said a she pulled the young Aeternum. For Twilight getting dressed was the most embarrassing thing she had ever done mostly because Whisper was forced to help her with most of the clothing because Aeternums' body was still weak from its reconstruction. This left Aeternum feeling as if she were simply a doll and no amount of apologies from the distraught servant could alleviate the young girls’ embarrassment. After the change of clothing was done however Aeternum followed Whisper out of her room and down the halls of what turned out to be a massive estate. Twilight looked around in wonder at the decorations that lined the halls, from ancient banners and tapestries to ornately carved statues and ceremonial weapons of old; the halls were packed with the odd bobble and trinket most of which would make even the most dedicated of collector and prestigious of museums green with envy. At last Whisper came to a stop at a set of ornate dark wood double doors that she calmly knocked on before opening to reveal a large dining hall with Death sitting at the head of the table his bony hands clasped as he simply sat quietly watching. Aeternum hesitantly followed Whisper into the dining hall and as she entered Death looked up at her, his gaze directed directly at her. Aeternum shifted uneasily as she followed Whisper to a seat on the left right next to him and pulled the chair out for her, Aeternum took a deep breath and climbed up onto the chair. "I am glad you are finally awake Aeternum, you have been asleep for quite some time." Death said calmly as he turned to fully look her over, his bony face showing a mix of relief and enjoyment at her presence. "Sorry, I guess me being reborn was really taxing on my new body... I still am really weak thought." Aeternum said shyly and with a hint of embarrassment. Death nodded. "I imagen it will be like that for some time." Death said calmly as he raised his hand and gestured to a servant who bowed and left before returning quickly with a cart with food on it. "After you have eaten you will be taken by Whisper to purchase new cloths." He said as he looked to the Wight maid that stood behind her mistress. "There is a Tailor by the name of Riso Alsharai that I have commissioned to make some more clothing for Aeternum, she is an Arachne so do be careful around her." Death said as he took a bite of the food. "Next you will need to meet your new tutor Adrarea; she is strict but fair and will be working to teach you everything I will be unable to. I'll look into acquiring you more specialized tutors on other subjects when you are ready. One thing I've learned over my long existence is that there are times it pays to be death, especially when I can often go directly to the source to get my information, second hand accounts can be troublesome and more often than not are completely incorrect." As Death spoke a hint of disdain escaped into his voice and Aeternum giggled causing Death to at least look slightly embarrassed and he cleared his throat. "In any case your final stop for the day will be to meet my librarian, Tigira Amerehet. She is an excellent records keeper and quite wise though both factors are most likely helped by the fact my library contains all recorded works since the first writings appeared on cave walls, I might even have some rare or lost tomes in there..." He trailed off before shaking his head. "Finally you will meet with me every day to learn how to use your new magic." He said calmly. "You will also be meeting with my Guard Captain, Noreis Sterling for training in weapons as well as physical fitness and basic exercise. She will be helping you get readjusted to a body." Aeternum nodded in understanding. "So I have a lot to do, is there be anything else I need to know?" She asked. Death tilted his head in thought. "Oh, I did almost forget but seeing as you are bound to both the Mortal and Spirit Worlds you’ll be spending some time in both. For now you need not worry about such things but I do plan for you to stay in the Mortal World on occasion." He explained. Aeternum nodded as she finished eating. "So I need to get new clothes, meet my tutor, go to the library and then meet up with you and a guard captain?" She asked slowly trying to make sure she got it all right. "You'll be meeting with me today, next week you'll be meeting and starting your training with Captain Sterling." Death clarified. Aeternum nodded. "Okay!" She said happily as she looked at Whisper. "Do you think you could help me remember all this?" She asked. Wisper nodded with a smile. "I have a list Mistr-Aeternum." She replied causing Death to nod. "Excellent, Whisper I'm placing Aeternums' protection in your care." He said as he looked at the Wight who bowed her head in understanding. Aeternum pushed her chair back and jumped down with sigh as she stretched. "So when will I be leaving?" She asked. "We will be leaving as soon as you are ready." Whisper replied and Aeternum nodded as she turned to leave, death watching her as she hurried out the door. "She has a long way to go before she is ready for the duties of a Reaper but she truly does have potential." He muttered as an old Oni slowly entered the room. The Oni had deep blue skin with two horns growing from his forehead, he wore the black suit of a butler and as he entered the dining room he bowed. "Forgive the intrusion Master Death but your Sister is here to see you and she seems rather... angry." He said in a measured tone. "Death frowned before sighing. “Well let's not keep her waiting." He said as he leaned back in his chair. "I assume she is just outside?" He asked receiving a not from the butler. "Well, let her in Marnolan." He said with another sigh. The Butler nodded and turned to the door opening it and bowing to the women who entered. The Women wore a glistening white dress with gold trim and with the appearance of a stunningly beautiful and motherly woman however the image was ruined as soon as one looked into her eyes. It was these eyes that Deaths met, tired eyes locking with one that only showed pure spite and hatred for everything around her. "You have broken the pact brother." Life spit as she glared hatefully at Death. "I did no such thing Sister." Death said calmly as he clasped his hands together calmly. "You created life; you’re not supposed to do that!" She screamed at him as she stomped her foot like a toddler. "That’s my job, mine and no one else’s!" She screamed in anger." Death sat quietly as she screamed at him not even looking the least bit interested. "You were the one who threw her away Sister; I took her and made her mine." He said calmly. "Furthermore she is not yours to play with, she is bound to my realm and as such she is my child to tend to." He said calmly causing Life to grit her teeth as her hand s curled into fists. "I don't care if that thing is bound to your realm or not I will not have her existing!" She spit in hatred. "And if you do not kill it then I will." She said as she turned to leave only to find Death standing before her. Life froze in fear as she saw Deaths glare, his eye sockets glowed with an ethereal light as he seemed to grow taller before her and loom over here. "You enter my domain, scream and threaten me and then think you can order me to kill my daughter?" He asks his voice as cold as a frozen tomb. "Life, I will tell you this once and once only, if Aeternum Rest, my daughter and your niece, comes to harm and I find you had a hand in it be it either direct or indirect I shall open the gates of my realm and let the dead wash over the world like a tide unending." He said in a dark tone. "I have sat back and let you do as you please for a long time; I've watched as you’ve unleashed plagues upon the mortals, I've watched as famines you've wrought destroy entire civilizations. Each atrocity and abuse of your power I've bore witness to and never once have I interfered or stopped you but this is the line in the sand, cross it and you will learn just how great my wrath can be, little sister." He said as he loomed over her his form appearing as a mass of darkness, normally white bones appearing as pure black, the hood of his cloak falling way revealing his blackened skull in all its glory and star like eyes that bore into the terrified immortal before him. "Remember Little Sister; I am Death, the Guardian of the Veil, the bringer of Eternal Sleep, the Pale Horse." He roared as his shadowy appearance writhed in rage. "All that exists will meet me eventually, the trees, the grass, and all of nature shall wither and die. From the the smallest of insects, to the mightiest of dragons, and the most ancient of immortals, all of them will on day meet me; you are no exception to this rule." He said as he stepped to the side. "Now leave my domain and do not return; you are no longer welcome here." He growled as Life ran for the open door Death watching as she left in terror. As Life fled his sight he began to take deep breaths and slowly he shrunk down and his bones lightened back to their white state. After a moment ne took one more deep breath and pulled his hood back over his skull. After calming down he exited the dining hall to see Marnolan standing off to the side of the door. "Marnolan, find Captain Sterling and inform her that I will be moving Aeternums' training up." He said calmly as he headed down the corridor. "As you wish sir, may I ask where you are heading?" Marnolan ask as he walked behind death at a respectful distance. "I'm heading to the Veil to retrieve the soul of the Masamune; I have need of his talents as a Blacksmith." He said as a portal opened and he walked through it.