//------------------------------// // Chapter two - Spectre // Story: Blood of the Phoenix // by Violet_09 //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle is scared, she is face to face with a ghost of an alien. An alien with unknown intentions, an alien that might attempt to kill her. Out of fear she slowly grabs the vase holding the flowers and throws it at the ghost, unfortunately the vase phases right through it and smashes against the wall. “There’s no need for such reaction.” The spirit of Asurmen said to Twilight. “I only ask a simple question, one that you shall answer right now. How did you break free from my control?” He asked with sternness. Twilight Sparkle was about to commune with the entity but then the door burst opened by a security guard. “Alright who’s making that noise!?” The security guard interrogated. He then noticed the cause of the noise which was a broken vase that was shattered against the wall with flowers scattered around the general area. He then sees Twilight Sparkle with a frightend look, like she has just seen a ghost. “Oh you’re awake.” He says with surprise. He then pointed to the shattered vase and asked. “Ma’am did you do this?” “Yes, I did.” Twilight admitted. “B-but only because I saw a ghost!” Twilight stuttered with panic. “Ma’am, you probably just woken up from a nightmare; I’m sure it’s nothing.” He tries to comfort Twilight. “Or it could be that head injury making you see things, I don’t know. The doc will check on you in the morning.” He tells Twilight. “Besides there’s no such things as ghosts. Now good night.” He says as he closes the door gently. Maybe that security guard was right, There’s no such things as ghosts. Twilight begins to relax a bit and tries falling back to sleep, but suddenly a voice told her. “You know he can’t see me right.” Asurmen begins. “Only you can see me and commune with me. Because you wore my armour.” “I don’t care, you are not real. You are just a figment of my imagination!” Twilight tells Asurmen. “You are a product of my injury, my injury is causing me to see things like you!” She tries to rationalise. Asurmen give out a light chuckle. “Oh foolish creature, we both know that’s not true.” Twilight tries to ignore him by covering her ears with her pillow. "If I truly was formed by your mind, why is it that you remember the events that took place two days ago? How come I took control of your body? And how were you able to defeat an entire army all on your own?" He questions Twilight. "And these are questions that prove that I'm no mere manifestation of your mind. Now answer my question Twilight Sparkle!" He commands Twilight. “I’m not answering your question Asurmen because I don’t know the answer!” Twilight tells Asurmen. “Why can’t you just leave me alone? Why are you here? Why can’t you leave me alone?” Asurmen paused for a moment, just staring at her with a blank expression. “I can’t leave you alone even if I wanted to.” He speaks. “Our souls are linked. When you put on that armour I was supposed to take control permanently with my soul taking over your very own.” “So you want to take over my body for your own purposes? Why?” Twilight asks with disdain. “What purpose will I serve?” The ghostly figure looks towards the nearby window and looks at the stars, reminiscing the past before saying. “War.” Twilight looks at the figure with slight discomfort. “You shall be used to protect my species from extinction, we shall protect them from extinction. The fate of my kinds future depends on them fighting enemies that you couldn’t possibly imagine, and if you don’t march to war, it shall come to you like a tidal wave. There is no avoiding it.” “What if I just don’t put on the armour anymore.” “It’s too late, the aeldari and the dark gods know that I’m still around, especially she who thirsts.” Asurmen finishes the sentence with scorn. “And as I said our souls are linked, so even without the armour you have some of my skills; and some of my memories.” “Memories?” Twlight questions with confusion. “I don’t have your memories.” “Oh really?” He then asks. “Then you wouldn’t happen know the name of my adopted daughter?” “No I don’t, I wouldn’t know the name of Faraethil... Wait.” Twilight is shocked that she knows the name of Asurmens daughter. “How did I know that?” “Like I said you have some of my memories and skills. Now do you believe me Sparkle?” Asurmen asks a hypothetical question. Twilight panics for a moment and says. "Oh sweet Celestia." She puts her hands on her head with a dreadful feeling, her heart monitor starts beeping faster slightly. "How didn't I notice sooner?” "You were in denial. Not only that but the transfer of memories is very seamless and hard to recognise weather they’re truly yours or not." Asurmen explains. “Now will you become the Phoenix lord? Will you protect my kind?” Twilight doesn’t speak, it is a lot to take in all at once. First the battle at Canterlot and now this, it just gives Twilight more questions that need answering, questions that she won’t like the answer too. What will happen once she agrees with Asurmen? “I’ll think about it.” She says. “I suppose that will have to do for now.” Asurmen says. “But I expect a proper answer in the morning. He then begins too look at the stars through the window and notice that the galaxy has changed whilst he was gone, for instance there is a great rift splitting the galaxy in half. If he was still alive his heart would be racing with fear, for he knows that the chaos gods are winning. To distract himself from this revelation he tells Twilight. “You still haven’t answered my first question. How did you break from my control?” Twilight sighs and answers his question. “I don’t know honestly. Maybe it was sheer willpower that made me break free.” “Perhaps, or maybe your soul is just as strong as mine. But I can’t say for certain.” Asurmen concludes. “Best that you go back to sleep Sparkle, you’ll need the rest after what you’ve been through.” Twilight then slowly tries falls asleep with a ghost in the room. Once Twilight fell asleep Asurmen begins to stare at the great rift again and whispers to himself. "So much has changed, what has happened with this galaxy?" Around seven in the morning Twilight Sparkle slowly opens her eyes, she didn’t get much sleep last night and she’s still a little tired. She rubs her eyes and yawns and sees Asurmen still staring through the window, this confirms that she wasn’t dreaming last night so the entire conversation she had with him last night was real. “There’s a rift separating the galaxy.” Asurmen speaks knowing that Twilight is awake. “When did that appear?” He asked. Twilight stretches her arms and answers. “It appeared thirty years ago, before I was even born. Scholars, scientists and philosophers who attempt to study the rift always end up insane to some degree.” Asurmen gazed at her intently, listening to what she’s saying. “Some speak unknown and dead languages, some start rambling about gods and demons whispering in there heads, while others believe this is the beginning of the end times. And we still don’t know what it is or how it appeared, all we know is that it’s dangerous to stare at it for too long.” “If your kind believes this is the beginning of the end times then why are you so calm about it?” Asurmen questions “Ponies weren’t calm thirty years when it first appeared, in fact they were terrified.” Twilight explains. “But now ponies are sort of calm about it, but there are ponies that are really scared of it. Why did you want to know about it?” It took a moment for Asurmen to answer, it was hard to tell how he was feeling due to how stoic he looks however if you look into his eyes you might be able to tell that he’s very afraid. “Twilight, I need to get of this planet as soon as possible. My kind needs me, especially now more than ever.” “I will gladly take you off this planet if it means you get out of my head.” Said Twilight “I’m afraid it’s not that simple. My kind is scattered throughout the galaxy like jewels on a pall of velvet, they could be anywhere throughout the galaxy.” “So how am suppose to get you of this world.” “There are many ways to attract a craftworld to this location, they either already know I’m alive and they’re coming here right now, or if they have a reason not to come we may have to drag Altansar out of the warp.” “The warp?” Questioned Twilight “Most species in the galaxy call it that but it has other names like Hell.” “You’re joking.” “If I was joking you’d know, however I am very serious.” “Well how are we gonna drag this Altanseer person or whatever out of the warp?” “It’s Altansar and it’s not a person, it’s an entire Craftworld.” Asurmen corrected. “Think of it as a vast, planetoid-sized spacecraft that’s populated by millions of Eldar. And it will be extremely difficult to drag out without attracting daemons or she who thirsts. So I am hoping for the former than the latter.” “But if what you say is true then isn’t there people in the Craftworld?” Twilight asks. “Don’t you want to save them?” “I doubt anyone could survive in the warp for so long. And besides even if they were still alive in the immaterium I don’t think we’re able to get them out, because if my species failed to save them the first time we may not be able to do it the second time.” Twilight sighs with sadness. “So they’re dead then. All of them just gone?” “They’d be lucky enough to have their minds unscathed than to die in that twisted place. So unfortunately Altansar is most likely a dead and barren Craftworld.” Both of them stayed silent for a while after that. Twilight lays on her bed doing nothing but wait for the doctor to come; and Asurmen stared out the window looking the innocent world of Equestria as the sun rises. About an hour later a doctor comes in along with Nurse Redheart to check on Twilights health. They run a couple of tests, eye tests, blood tests, and they check if her motor functions are good. Theses tests are there to make sure she has no brain injuries after having her horn ripped off and so far Twilight seems almost perfectly normal to the physicians. Nurse Redheart and the doctor go out of the room for a moment, most likely to finish writing down their health examination on Twilight. Then Nurse Redheart comes back into the room. “Well miss sparkle the tests are done and the doctor says that you’re well enough to leave the hospital.” She informs Twilight. “Really? that’s it?” Twilight says in surprise. “Yeah it seems so, you just need surgery to get a replacement horn but apart from that you’re free to leave when ever you’re ready.” Redhearts says as she carefully removes the heart monitor. She then opens the door to leave Twilights Room, however she notices some ponies nearby. “Looks like you have some visitors here to see you.” She tells Twilight before she leaves the room and allows the ponies to enter the room. Suddenly a pink blur zooms into the room with speed that could rival Rainbow Dash in a race. “Twilight!” Pinkie Pie screamed happily as she hugged Twilight tightly. “We were so worried about you, I couldn’t stop baking for two days because of how worried I was.” Says Pinkie “By the way have you decided what flavour cake you wanted?” “It’s nice to see you too Pinkie, but could you not hug so hard? I don’t want to stay in the hospital because of a broken rib.” Twilight told Pinkie Pie nicely. “Sorry, I just missed you so much!” Pinkie apologised with a smile on her face and she lets go of Twilight Then Rarity and Rainbow Dash walked in the room. But there’s no sign of Applejack or Fluttershy, there’s something wrong. “Hey guys how are you?” Twilight asked. “Oh we’re fine darling.” Rarity spoke. “We should be the ones asking you that question.” “I’m feeling good, the nurse said I’m well enough to go home.” “That’s great Twi.” Said Rainbow Dash. “Glad you’re feeling better.” “Thanks Dashie, where’s Applejack and Fluttershy?” Twilight changed the subject. “Oh Fluttershy isn’t able to make it today.” Pinkie answers. “She’s been seeing a therapist for the last two days, I think it’s because she’s traumatised after what you did to those changeling.” “What!? Oh no, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t in control over my own body, I didn’t mean to harm her.” “Darling we know you weren't in control that day.” Said Rarity. “It’s not your fault and you don’t need to apologise, It’s that Asur whatever his name was that needs to apologise.” Asurmen felt offended but he ignored her. “And as for Applejack, she’s was supposed to come and visit you but she say’s that she’s too busy.” Rarity tells Twilight. She seems extremely disappointed with Applejack. Applejack promised that she’d come visit, she’d promised that she would talk to Twilight about what happened. It’s as if she’s avoiding Twilight like the plague, It made Rarity feel sick. “Well she does live on a farm Rarity, there’s gonna be a lot of chores to do.” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “I know but that’s not the point.” Said Rarity. “She made a promise that she hasn’t kept.” “Anyways lets change the subject.” Pinkie chimed to avoid an argument. “Twilight I was gonna throw you a get well soon party, however since you’re feeling better already I’m gonna throw you a glad you’re feeling better party.” Pinkie says excitedly. “That doesn’t roll of the tongue very well, how about a welcome home party instead.” Twilight giggles with a smile. “That would be great Pinkie.” Just then Celestia enters the room. Her royal presence causes Twilights friends to bow before her, her royal guards wait outside the room, not letting anypony enter without the princesses permission. While everyone else sees her as this all powerful leader the spectre of Asurmen sees other wise. He thought of her as weak; And why shouldn’t he? She couldn’t even defend her own kingdom let alone herself, it’s not that Asurmen is mad at her for her incompetence, it’s just that he knew she could do better. He can sense that she is a very powerful creature yet she doesn’t use her power to protect her kingdom, It’s as if she’s holding back her own power. “My little ponies, would you kindly leave the room, I wish to speak to Twilight alone.” Celestia orders Twilights friends. They all reluctantly did as they were told. Once everyone left the room and far enough so they wouldn’t hear the conversation Celestia was about to speak. However out of fear Twilight panics and speaks first. “I’m sorry for what I did, I-I had t-to fight back, I-I had save my brother, my sister in law and you.” She begins to stumble over her own words. “I couldn’t j-j-just stand there and do nn-nothing while everyone I know is suffering.” “Twilight.” Celestia Tries to speak again but she was interrupted “I just-just thought that ww-wearing a-a-a suit of armour would help me protect everyone,” Her eyes begin tearing up. “I-I-I’m sorry if I did something wrong j-just don’t punish my friends, they did nothing wrong.” Celestia suddenly embraces Twilight, holding her tightly with care and affection. “Twilight you did nothing wrong, I’m the one at fault. I shouldn’t have put you in danger in the first place, I should’ve kept you safe.” “You was the one in danger.” Twilight told Celestia. “I had to stop her from killing you.” “And stopped her you did. That armour controlled you to do those things, you saved Canterlot and its citizens.” Celestia praised Twilight. “Unfortunately I cannot let you wear that armour again.” “What!?” Both Twilight and Asurmen say in unison. “It’s for your own good, you were possessed Twilight by a creature that inhabits the armour. And that creature is too dangerous, what if it possesses someone else and it broke free. I’m going to have to destroy it, it’s the only way.” “No, if she destroys my armour it will both kill me and you.” Asurmen warns Twilight “Convince her not to.” Twilight tried to think of something to stop her, but she knew that she may not be able to change Celestias’ mind. The only thing that she could do is tell her the truth. “Celestia please don’t destroy the armour.” Twilight begs. “I’m sorry Twilight, but you know I’m doing this for you. Why don’t you want me to destroy it?” Celestia asks “Because I can feel that I’m still connected to the armour, it’s like my soul is part of it now.” “So you’re saying your soul is trapped in the armour.” “Not trapped but connected, what I’m saying is if you destroy the armour I’ll die with it.” What Twilight said made Celestia rethink her plans, it made her feel irritated with the armour because it has been nothing but trouble ever since it was found. “How do you know this?” Celestia questioned with scepticism. “There’s no way you would know without someone telling you. “I don’t know, I just know. I just feel that the armour and I are connected.” Twilight tells a half-truth. Celestia sighs. “I suppose I’ll have to find out how to separate your soul from the armour, but that will take months maybe years to figure out.” Asurmen is impressed, he thought he’d have to make Twilight steal the armour but no, she managed to convince of this world. However he also notices that Celestia seems very suspicious of Twilight, as if Celestia knows that she’s not telling the whole truth. Yes she definitely knows somethings off but she won’t say not until she’s absolutely sure. “So can I keep the armour so I can study it?” Twilight asks “Normally I would however I think it’s too dangerous for you to be around it.” Celestia expresses her concern. “So for now it shall stay in the Crystal Empire where it will remain.” Asurmen felt anger boil in his veins as he heard those words, but he doesn’t matter, he knows he’ll somehow get it back eventually. Celestia left the room for a moment and came back with a fresh set of cloths for Twilight to wear. She bought in a t-shirt, a pair of trousers and some underwear. “I suggest you get dress before you leave.” She tells Twilight. “And I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have allowed this to happen to you.” She says with sympathy before she leaves. Twilight looks at the small pile of clothes in front of her with distain, the reason why is because these clothes are feminine. Tight jeans, pink top, and feminine underwear. if Twilight goes out in them she’ll feel so anxious she might get a heart attack in the middle of the street. And she feels angry, not Celestia; but at herself. She said something earlier, she should’ve told someone, she should’ve done something to avoid this outcome; and that’s all she can hear in her head. But rather than wallow in self pity Twilight reluctantly put on the clothes, she can’t exit the hospital without clothes. Once she got them on she felt uncomfortable, it’s a good thing she has to wear them once and that’s it. “You look stressed.” Said Asurmen. “Is there something wrong?” “You wouldn’t understand.” Twillight tells Asurmen “Try me.” “Lets just get out as fast as possible.” Later Twilight got home safe and sound yet she looks depressed and anxious, nothing bad happened to her she just felt like ponies were staring at her and judging her. However that couldn’t be further from the truth, everyone was just worried for her, after all she almost died by the hands of chrysalis and lost her horn in the process. Despite this she’s glad to be home; and now that she’s out of the hospital she can finally see Spike. “Spike I’m home!” She calls for Spike. Spike hears Twilight calling for him and with a joyful smile comes running up to her and he gives her a hug. “Twilight! Oh thank Celestia you’re alive!” Spike says. “I heard what happened and I thought you died.” “Spike there’s no need to worry, as you can see I’m still alive.” Twilight comforted spike. Spike then noticed that Twilight is wearing feminine clothes. He finds it very odd because she doesn’t normally wear these types of clothes, she normally wears hoodies and baggy jeans. “Why are you wearing girly clothes? I thought you hated wearing them?” He questioned. “Oh um, Celestia gave them to me. She probably assumed that I wear clothes like them.” “And your horn is missing.” Spike pointed out. Twilight touched her broken horn with slight sorrow, she feels like a major part of herself is missing from her soul. Without her magic she might no longer be Celestias’ student, in fact she could be replaced by someone else but that is very unlikely to happen at this moment in time. “Does it hurt?” Spike asked with concern. Twilight shakes her head and says. “No, it doesn’t hurt any more.” “That’s good, but can you still do magic?” “I don’t know. I haven’t tried, I’m too scared to try.” “Well it doesn't matter now, I’m just glad you’re alright.” Spike said as he gives Twilight another hug. “So what will you do now that you’re out of the hospital?” “First I’m gonna get out of these clothes and second I just need time to relax” She told Spike. “Alright then, you need to relax after what you’ve been through.” And so Twilight went to her bedroom and put on a change of clothes. She is now wearing her t-shirt and hoodie along with baggy trousers, she now feels more comfortable. While she was up there she started to think about Spike. She almost died two days ago and Spike would’ve never see her again if she did. However thanks to Asurmen she didn’t, in fact she defeated Chrysalis and the changeling army by herself. She was like a predator that day. And so she has finally made her decision. “Asurmen.” Twilight called quietly. The sprit of Asurmen appeared before her like a ghost. “Yes Sparkle?” “What are you really? What is a Phoenix lord?” Twilight asked “I am an Exarch so ancient I have no home, I wonder from world to world driven by the fires of war. And in times of great desperation I will be there to protect my people.” “So you’re a hero.” “Some call me that yes.” She paused for a second before saying. “I’ll do it.” Asurmen lifts his brow. “I’ll become your Phoenix lord.” “Then we have a lot of-” “On one condition, I’m in control. I shall be the one speaking, I shall be the one fighting unless I say so; and if you ever try to take control over me I won’t wear your armour ever again. Are we clear?” Twilight proposed her terms. “This is acceptable, for now.” Asurmen agrees. “I too have one condition. Do not hesitate, next time you face an enemy you must show no mercy, no pity, no remorse and kill them where they stand. And if you hesitate for one second I shall forcefully remove your soul from your body and replace it with my own.” With Phoenix kings terms on the table Twilight asks herself ‘Is this really worth it? I’m going to risk loosing my body for a new purpose in life.’ It feels like making a deal with the devil, yet having said that this isn’t the devil. “Okay.” Says Twilight. “I accept the terms and conditions.” She holds her hand out to him and he shakes it. “Your training begins now Aspect warrior.”