Everfree Forest
Castle of the Two Sisters
Most of the group blinked and stared at Dusk, not sure they had heard that correctly.
"Princess Luna?" Twilight asked, "I thought Princess Celestia was the only one, besides Cadance."
"Doesn't surprise me lass that you wouldn't know, it's not something she likes to talk about." Dusk drew in a breath and slowly released it before looking at Dragonfly.
"Tell me lad, what is it they say about 'istory?"
"That it is written by the victors, and so it is full of lies."
"Exactly," Dusk turned back to the group. "A thousand years ago, Equestria was a very different place than today; Even after the 'Earth's Warming the three original Tribes barely got along and a war between them was always a very real threat, it was only through the efforts of the six Founders that kept it from ever breaking out. Things changed when they disappeared; Soon after, disaster struck. The first was the Griffin 'ordes, lead by a Warlord that wanted to wipe Ponies out completely. Celestia and the original tribes tried to settle it peacefully." He snorted. "Problem is; That only works on those who are willing to listen, and this Warlord was bent on our extinction and would not 'ave stopped otherwise. This is were my kind, the Thestrals, come in. From the very beginning we realized that the time of talk was over, that violence was the only option, that or extinction."
He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing.
"It was one of the darkest time for the Thestrals, we stood shoulder to shoulder, 'olding back the 'ordes as best we could, by the time it end over twenty million Thestrals had died. But we 'ad succeeded, the 'ordes had been 'eld back as the Warlord than made a grave mistake: He killed a Western Kirin 'atching that had been visiting one of the attacked villages, beating it to paste. Those of us that know the Kirin would also know that they consider the killing of their young an act of war. To the Kirin, killing one or any other young that live with them and they raised, means that the enemy will show no pity or remorse, so the Kirin will give none in return. That was what ended that threat, the four Kirin races moved as one showing no mercy, until the surviving Griffins fled beyond the reach of the Kirin at the time."
Blades blinked, a look of understanding coming over her face.
"That's why the Griffins have never attacked Equestria since, they fear the Kirin finishing what they started."
"That's right Blades, even though the Kirin are more inclined to peace now they are still very strong and will protect Equestria as despite living in separate lands, they still it as part of their homelands. That and they 'ave never forgotten what started it."
"But where do the Thestrals fit in this?" Sparks asked.
"I was just getting to that next lass: Even though the Thestrals had 'eld the line, we were still not viewed in a good light. At the time Ponies would avoid eatting meat entirely, seeing it as wrong and unnatural. We Thestrals consumed it on a regular basis, we 'ad to. But I'll get to that soon. At the time due to the 'orrors Ponies had seen at night, it 'ad become seen as something to fear and 'ate, and the same for creatures of the night as well, Thestrals included. This is were Princess Luna comes in; as the Princess of the Night she saw us as beautiful and events led the Thestrals swearin' an oath to her. That was when things went downhill, badly."
He paused, taking in a few breaths.
"The first was when Luna turned, Celestia was a far different Pony to the one we all know today. She was no better than the worse Nobles, she was blinded by the praise and love while Luna was shunned. That went on for years, until something in 'er snapped, and she became Nightmare Moon. I wouldn't go over what 'appened but I will tell you that another war, one that lasted for two years, 'appened, ending when Luna was sent to the moon. That was only the start, the next thing was the rations for those in the Guard, they 'ad to switch to these blood packs so as to not freak out other Ponies. It took sometime, but we began to see something was wrong. At the time the Thestrals 'ad sworn off eating meat, instead consuming those blood packs, at first things were well, but after a few years things changed."
Dusk paused again as he looked at the floor, teeth shown as he let out a low growl.
"The first thing we noticed was that we seemed to be weakening, that we couldn't do things we used to. Then we were told that we suffered from a "Blood 'Unger" that was 'ighly addictive and it would turn us into savage beasts if we ate meat. Three generations when through that, than the stillborns came."
The group's jaws dropped in shock, while Grace placed her hooves over her mouth and Dragonfly closed his eyes with a deep frown.
"That was the point we started to look into it, Celestia was in morning over Luna so we couldn't take it to her, so we did our own investigations, and what we found... I don't even 'ave words. That whole thing about the Blood 'Unger, was a lie. In fact, it was found though later investigations that Thestrals were no more likely to turn that other Ponies. And those blood packs, nothing but SWILL! Not even half of the vital essences of real blood or meat, and mere traces of those... stirred in with a potion to suppress the appetite. it was nothing but colored water that would not nourish a starving weasel! Sure it proteins, vitamins, amino acids... And sawdust, vegetable fiber! We had been betrayed, Malnourishment had started to kick in, those lying SOBs would have doomed the Thestrals to slow extinction."
It was clear that even though he hadn't been born during that time, Dusk was still effected. Grace was immediately at his side wrapping him in a tight hug, which he returned by wrapping a wing around her as he continued.
"That was the breaking point, we Thestrals chose right then and there to just abandon Equestria. It 'ad do nothing but 'arm us, so why should we stay to protect it if the Ponies there would not welcome us. We fled to the only place we could still call 'ome: 'Ollow Shades. A mountainous region that was easily defendable and full of creatures for us to 'unt."
He than let out a bitter laugh.
"At first the Equestrians were 'appy to see us go, the Nobles of the time telling all sorts of lies. But than, The Great War happened. After 'olding the Griffins back we Thestrals gained a reputation of being great warriors and soldiers, second only to the Kirin."
There was no doubt to that, among the group that were Guards, they had seen Dusk fight and knew that it was true.
"But after we left, the Yetis attacked. Now at the time, they were the savages, for they would no problem with eating the dead, theirs or others. They have abandoned those ways nowadays, so they have a different mindset. The Ponies of Equestria found themselves unprepared to fight such a war, and even though the Ponies won in the end their victory 'ad come at a very great cost; over a hundred million had died, most them being eaten by the Yetis so their bodies couldn't even be recovered. During the war the Ponies came to the Thestrals, begging for us to come back. We sent a single message: "Why should we defend those who 'ave done nothing but 'arm us? Including trying to doom us to slow extinction." In the aftermath the Ponies suffered something else, as in their defeat the Yetis inflicted one final blow; a terrible famine that last for years. Most of the eatable plants quickly died and no matter now 'ard the Earth Ponies tried they could not grow anything, the plants that did survive became more valuable than any riches. Thousands starved and soon they 'ad no choice but to 'unt and eat meat to survive, all of that served as a gigantic wake-up call to Equestria and Celestia, who started to change into the Mare we know now. It took six 'undred years but eventually she got us Thestrals to come back, but we 'ave not and will never forget what 'appened."
It was quiet for a few minutes as what Dusk had said sank in, finally Grace spoke.
"That's why Thestrals are rare in Equestria, they don't trust that things wouldn't go back to that."
"Indeed me lass, even the ones 'ere will only take rations from 'Ollow Shades, not trusting the ones from 'ere among others."
"Considering there is still some racism towards Thestrals, it makes sense." Blades said, Grace spoke again.
"But wait... you've been over at my parents' place many times and you ate everything my parent's gave you." She looked at her coltfriend with her head tilted to the left. Dusk gave her a small smile.
"That's because of a number of reasons; One, I trust them as they trust me with you. Two, you 'ave a Thestral as your Grandfather on your dad's side of you family. And three; I know from the smell and taste alone that they are giving me real meat."
Grace nodded her head, now understanding. Twilight then spoke up
"That... is a lot to take in Dusk, but I don't understand something; I've looked at the reports and archives and never found anything regarding this Blood Hunger."
"That's because lass after everything 'ad 'appened the ones who came up with the whole thing were greatly discredited and all their work was labeled as nothing but ego-boosting lies and removed and erased from all records."
"Now-a-days Ponies don't even bat an eye at others eating meat as while it still is not very common, it still is eaten once in awhile and it is well known now that it actually has health benefits, for example Unicorns getting healthier horns." Dancer said, tipping a hoof against her own to emphasize as Belle added something of her own,
"There was a group a few decades ago, the name escapes me, but they were like the Ponies of that time. It was a group of supremacists and racists that hated any creature that wasn't a Pony and by that I mean the three original Tribes. At least they now completely gone and will never come back."
"How so Belle?" Dragonfly asked, curious as he had never heard about this group.
"They would make repeated efforts to get themselves in trouble near the borders between Equestria and other lands, and then make themselves out to be the victims. While they had done it a few times before, they shot themselves in all four hooves by making the mistake of trying it with the Valley Kirin. Most of that group had falling to truly agonizing deaths within a month from the poison in their systems."
It was well known that the land the Valley Kirin called home was a breeding ground for many highly toxic plant life and other poisons not found anywhere else. The Valley Kirin were immune to these and were masters at Jungle, Marsh, and guerrilla warfare, making their home all but impossible to invade and hold. There had been only one try by the Yaks long ago but the land had never seen anymore afterwards. Belle continued.
"The group itself soon after died out after the Eastern Kirin took out their backers."
"I'm gonna assume that doesn't mean talking them down." Sparks said, a frown on her face.
"One thing to know about the four races of Kirin, if they are threatened, they wouldn't stop until they have made sure that threat will never come back." Dragonfly said, it went unsaid but it was well known that Eastern Kirin, while peaceful, had a well earned reputation of being the world's best assassins and special operations units, even Celestia had use their services more than once. That reputation had lead to Eastern Kirin military units being call "an army of ghosts", and for very good reason. He than clapped his hooves.
"But we need to move on now, we have some elements to find."
They started walking deeper into the castle, staying close to each other. The castle's dark halls and corridors gave a sort of feeling of hopelessness and it didn't help that there had been no sign of Nightmare Moon which put all of them on edge. Dragonfly was at the front with Sparks at the rear, the others slightly spread out, the horns of those who had them lighting up the area as they walked. It was clear to them they were likely the first creatures to walk these halls in a thousand years, the fact the castle was still as intact as it was had shown that the magic here was still strong. Glancing behind over his shoulder Dragonfly noted that the Guards were on full alert, walking with their bodies full erect and their heads constantly turning like that of an owl, searching for any threats. With his Emotion Sense he could tell they were quite unnerved by everything around yet at the same time they didn't show it as they walked, the normally shy Indigo Patches included. Dragonfly allowed a tiny smile to appear over his face, he knew that Rhino would have been proud.
A small wimpier reached his ears and he glanced at Grace, who had made the sound and had pressed up against Dusk, who didn't even pause his watch as he lifted a wing and placed it over her back, then pulled her right next to him, shielding most of her from the outside world.
Before Dragonfly could dwell on that however he sensed something ahead, it wasn't Nightmare Moon. Rather... it was something else. He slowed to a stop as the others noticed and stopped as well.
"What is it?" Indigo asked.
"I sense something... hold on..."
He looked around, quickly spotting some exposed pipes sticking out of the wall of the ruined corridor they were in. Walking over to them Dragonfly paused for a second, as if waiting for something, he then leaned down and pressed an ear to one of the pipes and stood there for a few seconds. The others watching with clear confusion, with Rainbow asking;
"Dragonfly... what are you doing?"
He didn't say anything for a second, then pulled back and stood up.
"They know we are here..." He looked back at the group, who looked more confused than before.
"Come closer to the pipes and listen." He said waving a hoof at said objects. "Just don't stay for too long."
None of the group moved, not sure if they should or think he had gone crazy. Then Indigo trotted forward, hesitantly leaning down and pressing his ear to the pipes as Dragonfly had. He listen for a few seconds before suddenly leaping away, shock visible on his face.
"Indigo?! What's wrong?! Rose asked, the others staring at the young Unicorn is surprise.
"I... I... I heard... laughter. Foal laughter! But... that's impossible!!" Indigo said, his voice shaking from shock.
None of the others were sure what to make of that, while Blades and Sparks went over to Indigo to try and calm him done the others looked at Dragonfly for answers.
"I've encountered that before, not here though, in another long abandoned place, back when I was a Colt."
Indigo looked at him and asked what was that sound.
"No creature really knows for certain; some say its the "Voice of the Pasted", others consider it to be a form of "psychic influence".
"Like... ghosts?" Fluttershy asked, shaking like a leaf. Dash and Applejack shook their heads with a light laugh as Twilight spoke.
"There's no such thing as ghosts Fluttershy."
Dragonfly merely raised an eyebrow at her.
"Are you sure about that. Let's move."
Before Twilight could answer Dragonfly turned and walked forward, gesturing for the group to follow. They looked at each other, then collectively shrugged and did so. As they walked Dragonfly turned back to them.
"Be careful here, this is a dangerous area. Keep you lights on and stay close, or else we might stay here forever."
Dash as about to sarcastically say "You don't say." When Dragonfly suddenly stopped so fast that Belle bumped into him with Dancer bumping into her sister, either got to say anything before said;
"Freeze! And look forward."
Right after he said this a bright white flash suddenly appeared, blinding them for a split second. Once it cleared the group followed his hoof to where it was pointing, and saw something they couldn't believe or explain;
Sitting ahead of them in the middle of the hall, next to the web-covered skeleton of a Unicorn Stallion, was a black and slightly transparent shape that on a closer look resembled that of a Unicorn Mare. They couldn't make out any other features, just the shape. They could hear faint but definitely audible sobbing, like the silhouette was morning the skeleton.
"I don't think the word "who" is applicable here." Dragonfly said, his tone grim.
Nopony said anything, too shocked at what they were seeing. As they watched the silhouette, still sobbing stood up with its head lowered. It stood like that for a few seconds, then its ears and head shot up, apparently looking deeper into the dark hall ahead. It stood like this for a second, then let out a fearful scream as it quickly backed up to the wall opposite of the skeleton, the group's eyes following it. A second split second white flash appeared and disappeared with no sign of the silhouette. The group wasn't focused on that however; in the spot were the silhouette had backed up to was another web-covered skeleton, one that they had missed the first time.
A skeleton of a Unicorn Mare!
Dragonfly started walking forward again, saying as the group warily followed;
"We need to go around it. Don't touch the silhouettes."
They past the spot where the silhouette had sat, feeling a very cold chill and hearing a faint whispering to quiet to make out any words. Sparks looked back trying to wrap her head around what they had just seen when she heard the sound of metal snapping under her. Her head snapped to look at the floor, the broken handle of a badly rusted spear under her hoof. Looking up Sparks saw more rusted-far-beyond-use weapons and skeletons wearing rusted and broken armor. She looked over at Rose who was standing next to her, and met a look of unease that matched her own. The group continued on, carefully stepping around the minefield of bones, weapons, and armor.
It was a few minutes later when Dragonfly suddenly said quietly "Concentrate."
The group stopped as another flash filled their vision, when it cleared they heard yelling and bats attacking something. Then another silhouette, one of an Earth Pony Stallion, appeared running towards them, stumbling and falling several times as small silhouettes of bats swarmed around him. Right as the silhouette reached the space in front of Dragonfly the flash happened again and the silhouette was gone, but the group had been following the path it was taking and saw a skeleton sitting on its flanks, leaning sideways on a pile of rubble. A shudder ran through the group expect for Dragonfly, they didn't know what the hay was going on but they didn't like it at all!!
They moved onward, stopping as they reached a set of large doors the were stuck open enough for them to get through one at a time. Dragonfly walked up to it and poked his head in, looking around. He soon pulled back and looked towards the group.
"This isn't a good place... stay close to me and do whatever I say."
"Dragonfly, wait." Belle said placing a hoof on his shoulder, he looked at her.
"Yes Belle?" He asked gently.
"What's going on? You clearly know something about this so why haven't you said anything?" The others voicing the same question. Dragonfly gave a nod.
"I do, but we need to move through this part quickly. I promise I will tell you all about this when we reach a safe spot. For now just trust me, alright?"
Belle paused, looking back at the others. It was true they all wanted answers, but with the exception of Twilight, they knew him well enough to know that Dragonfly wouldn't hold information unless it was for a good reason or if it would take too long to explain in a dangerous area. So Belle took her hoof off his shoulder and nodded.
"Alright, but once we reach a safe area you will tell us, or you sir are sleeping on the couch for the rest of the year after Dancer and I move in." She said firmly. Dragonfly nodded his head and even Pinkie Promised. It had been decided awhile ago that it was time to take the next step in their relationship by having Belle and Dancer move-in with Dragonfly, to all but a certain number this meant the two Mares moving into the Cozy Rest, but to those that knew Dragonfly's secret it meant the Mares moving into the Hive. Now, while they had made some plans they still have several things to go over that thanks to the Summer Sun Celebration had to be put aside for now.
Dragonfly than moved through the gap, the others following behind him.
"And so it hits the fan..." Blades muttered.
"Like it didn't already..." Sparks added.
Once they were all through they moved on, walking in silence for a bit with only the sound of their hooves, or in Blades' case claws, clicking against the dust-covered stone floor. As they entered a room that was once a crossroad of four hallways for lack of better word, though the hall to their right had collapsed and the one to their left was flooded. They continued walking down the only mostly clear path, small splashes sounding off from the thin layer of water on the floor. Sparks, who was at the back of the group, looked around uneasily. While nothing had attacked them yet her Guard instincts were giving off all kind of warnings, it didn't help that the dark halls reminded her all to well of a traumatic Foalhood experience back when she was nine years old. It had started as a simple shopping trip with her second mother (we'll get back to that in a second), a Unicorn named Flame Flower. While they had been walking through the Market District a sudden minor riot had kicked up and in the chaos Sparks was separated from Flame, and the next thing she knew Sparks had been suddenly grabbed from behind and before she could scream she was hit by a Stun Spell.
Sparks didn't know how long she had been out but when she had woken up Sparks had found herself locked in a small cage, a heavy iron shackle around her neck. It hadn't been long until she found out what had happened: Sparks had been Foalnapped by Unicorn Purists. Even though most of these types of Ponies had been "removed", there were still a few groups around Canterlot, particularity among the Nobles. Sparks had been targeted because her birth mother was a Griffin and her father was a Dracony Wyvern, both married to each other and her second mother Flame Flower. Sparks had been very terrified at the time, as the Unicorn Noble who had done this when on and on about "maintaining purity".
With him was a second Unicorn who just stared with an impatient frown, soon asking if the others were coming as they needed to finish this as it wouldn't be before the Royal Knight came down on them. The Noble had turned to him saying it was just them, the Royal Knights known as "The Nine" and Black Death had already caught and "took care of" the others, finishing by saying it was just the two of them. The Noble then turned to Sparks, saying that now they had to make sure that, in his words; "This abomination's genes will not corrupt any more of the Pure." before readying a spell. Sparks had shut her eyes and covered her head with her hooves while crying out in fear, screaming for her parents as the Noble gave a sadistic smile as he prepared to fire the spell at her.
Before he could however, there was movement behind him.
Next thing Sparks knew, there was a scream that was not her's, and a thud as something hit the floor. She had opened her eyes to see the Noble lying on the floor in pain, his horn sliced clean off!
And behind the prone Noble was the other Unicorn, with a red partially serrated, double-edged butterfly knife held in his hoof, blood dripping from the blade. Roses were engraved along the blade, and a symbol of an encircled rose was imprinted on the handles. He walked over the side of the Noble how was both in shock from having his horn cut off and raging about something Sparks didn't catch, though she did hear the Noble call the standing Unicorn a traitor. In response the standing one just smiled, than a green-colored flame went up from his hooves, fully covering him for a split second. When it disappeared it revealed that the Unicorn hadn't been one at all; rather he was a Pegasus with a Congo brown coat, blue eyes, and temptress (color) short mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was a butterfly knife similar to the one he was holding. He wore a dark gray cavalier hat with red ribbon, edging, and large feather on his head with a red ski mask with diamond patterns adorning the sides and neck of the mask and a light red/pinkish pom-pom on the top (though that was hidden by the hat). Over his left eye was a single-lens magic night vision goggle attached to black strapping under the hat, each ear had a small red earpiece with a coiling cord of a lighter shade going down into his outfit. Gripped in between in his teeth was a straight red and white candy cane.
Around his neck was a long, red and dark red striped scarf with fringes at each end over a red turtleneck, a small black microphone visibly sticking out on the left side of the chest under his dark red overcoat which had an upturned collar, eight buttons on the front, and red belt with silver buckles around his waist and forelegs. On his left shoulder hooked on the overcoat's epaulet has a black magic-powered device with red wires attached to the battery, a small switch, and a small red dome in the center of the device. The dome was emitting a red hologram of a Mare. A red rose bud was worn on the left lapel of his overcoat and his rear half had a pair of dress pants the same color as the overcoat with a pair of knee high black leather boots with red belts held on by dark silver buckles.
The Noble's eyes went far wider than Sparks ever thought possible and he tried to stand, only for the pain form his horn stump to fare and he fell again. The Pegasus then said; "I'm no traitor, after all and truth be told: I never really was on your side."
The Pegasus than stuck the Noble in the head, the pain flaring to the Noble passed out. The Pegasus then looked up at Sparks, sympathy filling his eyes yet there was also relief. He reached up and pressed a button on his left earpiece, saying: "Mission Accomplished, the target is down and captured." He paused as he listened to an unheard voice, "Yes Flame my dear friend she is safe, scared out of her wits but alive and more or less unharmed."
After that Sparks had been freed by the Pegasus who was very gently with her, telling her he was an old friend of her parents, even pulling out a picture of her dad and Flame together with seven other Ponies. Sparks was soon reunited with Flame Flower who immediately took and hugged her, both of them crying their eyes out. It was then that Sparks learned that the Stallion who saved her was named "Hidden Blade" and indeed was an old friend of her parents. Hidden had been working undercover for several months, bring down this Purist group from within. After that Sparks found out she had been targeted not just for her mixed parentage but also because the leader of this group had, through a leak by a double agent, found out that Sparks was the daughter of two of The Nine, the same Royal Knights that had been dismantling his group and he wanted revenge.
It was decided that it was not safe for Sparks to stay in Canterlot until they were absolutely sure she wouldn't be targeted again. The Western Kirin Ambassador had offered that she stay with a friend of his, who was taking care of his own foal alongside his wife. Through very reluctant, Sparks' parents agreed and gave her over for their daughter's safety. That was how Sparks met Blades and the rest was history.
Sparks shook her head, burying those memories back down. Taking a calming breath as she looked ahead, hearing Dragonfly say; "These bones have been here since the Nightmare War." He told the others gesturing to the armor-clad skeletons around them. Sparks looked uneasily at them as Dragonfly continued.
"This place is filled with despair. Do you smell it? Do you sense the evil lurking about? It is always were suffering is."
Twilight spoke up, her voice trembling.
"What happened here? What happened to these Ponies?"
"From the armor, at least what I can tell, these Ponies were Nightmare Loyalists." Dusk said examining the rusted armor closely. "Best guess is that the 'alls collapsed, trapping them 'ere as they waited for 'elp. Waited for salvation that never came. These poor lads and lasses probably never even knew that Nightmare Moon was banished and the Castle abandoned, and them with it."
Indigo spoke up next, his voice shaking as he talked.
"Looking at the bones, I can see marks. Teeth marks, I think they must have turned on each other as their rations ran out."
"A truly terrible fate for anycreature, evil or not." Blades said, stepping carefully around broken weapons, pieces of armor, and bones.
The group moved on quickly but carefully, not wanting to disturb the bones any further than they already had. It was awhile after that, with Dragonfly telling them that they were getting closer to a safe spot. They moved down the only they could, walking carefully around and over skeletons and broken weapons and armor as they went, trying not to disturb their rest. Dragonfly at the front could easily feel the unease and tension from the others, we wanted to tell them what was going on but he knew that it wasn't safe here, for Nightmare Moon was not the only threat down here. The Castle of the Two Sisters had been abandoned after Nightmare Moon's banishment from the damage the battle had inflicted on it, the Everfree going out of control, and Nightmare Moon's final blow; Dark Magic.
And the castle was filled with it, which was why he wanted to get the group to the safe spot he had detected, and there he would tell them everything. He was debating with himself if he should reveal what he actually was to those of the group that didn't know, he knew it had its risks but if it did happen during the battle with Nightmare Moon it could be disastrous.
Sparks looked around, staying close to Blades as they moved. Her fear was starting to kick up as the memories refused to stay down, along with some tears. She jumped as something gently brushed her cheek, which was Blades' tail as she looked back at her friend and fellow guard.
"It's okay Sparks, you're not alone. We're here." She said with a gentle smile, Sparks gave a small one back, after which Blades nodded her head and turned to face forwards. Sparks took a calming breath, trying to cool her fear, when her vision went dark for a second. Sparks blinked as it returned, only for her eyes to go wide and her ears to fold back against her head.
She was alone, there was no sign of the others. Fear in her voice she called out.
"Guys?... Blades?... Dragonfly?... Dusk?... Somepony?... Anypony?...