It had been a few years since Celestia and Shakespeare founded the Scholars of the Supernatural. Members, some fascinated with the magic and monsters they shared the land with, some, former hunters no longer able to battle, and some were unlucky orphans, victims of the monsters and their need for human flesh.
"Hard to believe we're almost two hundred strong." Shakespeare said, looking over the group at their base of operations, a refitted, formerly abandoned farm.
"Well, when we support people's interests in the supernatural, people tend to flock to it." Celesta pointed out. "And…being an orphanage also helps garner support."
"Yes, a shame the church and Vatican don't share that belief. Something tells me we might have stirred a hornet's nest with that one. Still, at least here nothing supernatural can get in and thanks to your magic the walls are as resilient as stone so it's sturdy and strong."
"It's the least I can do to protect the innocent." Celestia nodded.
"The fields are growing the herbs and plants we need for spells and potions, barracks are being set up properly and soon we will begin making copies of the spells you have given us. While we won't directly aid Hunters on the battlefields we will supply them when needed."
"And give any being seeking sanctuary a place to rest and see a new point of view." Celestia smiled. "Just need to finalize the contract magics though…a lot harder than I thought it would be in some parts." She grumbled.
"I guess not even a divine one such as yourself is all powerful." Shakespeare said with a laugh. "So, what are our goals short term and long-term?"
"Short term is to try and create a safe environment for the people, and monsters if they need…but the long term would be considered pure lunacy by many." Celestia shook her head.
"You are a celestial being of unknown origin adopted by gods angels, raised in heaven and now come to earth in a human shape. Lunacy is a norm for me at this point."
"Then how about a world of peace where humans, monsters, angels and demons can all coexist in peace and harmony? Where the lines dividing each race are blurred to nonexistent?" Celestia asked.
"Well, it's a good thing you are so long lived. Such a dream would take more lifetimes than even the monsters to fulfill."
"I'm surprised you're not saying that's crazier than what we've already experienced." Celestia said honestly. "But yes…it is a good thing I'm so long lived, it'll take a long time of hard work and determination."
"I suppose the first step in a goal like that is somehow curing the monsters' needs for human blood or flesh. Overcome that and many will likely see your cause as viable."
“That’s…sadly true…” Celestia sighed. “I’m still trying to figure that out…but it’s not coming along well.”
"Well, you said the Monsters were made by this Eve entity, makes sense these Tablets wouldn't have the means of them being able to live off something other than blood, they were not of God's making. Still, if Eve and possibly other pegan' gods can create, maybe you can too."
“I mean…that might be possible, but I have no idea if I’m even strong enough to create life.” The mare said nervously.
"Maybe. Maybe not. You'll never know unless you try."
“True.” Celestia nodded. “Just wish things would be a lot simpler than they are right now…”
"Most things worth while rarely are. For now, things are progressing well it seems. The Hunters pay well for our help, and research is going just as good. With luck we can begin creating a proper archive and buildings."
“And hopefully things will keep looking up.” Celestia nodded.
The years passed and the Scholars grew larger in numbers and mightier in power. Thanks to the tablets they possessed archives of spells, weaknesses and abilities, potions, spells and knowledge that will take years of practice and preparation to achieve.
In the time since, they made enemies. The church, Chatholic and Christian both. Mostly religious institutions, but they were weaker, less organized but violent. Easily avoided or detained.
"Many of our members are considering heading to the New World when the British begin their colonization." Shakespeare said as he went over letters. "They believe given Spanish descriptions of some natives and tribes there, there is likely rare or undocumented species of Monsters."
"Plus, it's best if we get there first so we can make a good first impression to them…or at least mitigate any problems." Celestia brought up
"Knowing most of the civilian travelers relate to church extremism, most will make enemies with them. The Scholars will have to work on clean up and damage control. Not to mention they likely will bring illnesses these natives have never had before. The Spanish did already."
"So let's stop that before it gets out of control." She said readily.
"Supplies and manpower won't be much of an issue, it's the travel. Getting there too late, damage will be done and sailing with the new colonizers will be risky."
“So we better get there first then.” Celestia pointed out.
"I'm guessing you have some trick up your sleeves to get there faster than the boats?"
Celestia smiled.
“We’re gonna go flying.” She said warmly.
“Flying?” Shakespeare asked.
"Please, take my hand, and I'll show you a whole new world." She said in an almost sing song tone, bringing up her hand for the man.
Shakespeare shrugged, taking Celestia’s hand. He had become used to the effects of the amulet she wore, and immediately felt the hoof the illusion hid.
In a blink he was suddenly on a coastline, large sandy beach as far as the eye can see. Trees taller than the tallest churches stood proud for miles inland, and the sun was in the early rise over the horizon when it had set not a few moments ago. “By god.” Shakespeare said. “You mean to tell me you’ve been able to do this the whole time?”
She couldn't help but giggle at his reaction. "Yep, it's wonderful."
“And, more than just people can travel like this?”
“I, or other angels, cause use our flight to travel anywhere we want within reason.” She said honestly.
"And 'within reason' means?"
"Anywhere in this universe." Celestia answered.
Shakespeare was silent for a time before sighing and rolling their eyes. "Of course it does…" He groaned as Celestia laughed.
By the time the colony ships from the British arrived upon the soil of the new land, The Scholars already were traveling, exploring, and setting up hidden dwellings, bunkers really, all across the new world.
Many of the natives, despite their best intentions and efforts, made enemies with the scholars. Those that didn't, quickly made their alliances as culture, knowledge and partnerships were formed.
As Celestia walked through one of the many native camps, she felt something… familiar, around her. Something she hadn't sensed in years.
She followed it, finding herself at a large tent guarded by a rather tall, well built native man. Clearly, she saw, he was modified. Magic and methods not yet close to even most of the scholars top magicians abilities to perform.
“Hello.” She said politely to the augmented native.
He said nothing, eyeing her with a mix of respect and suspension.
"Let her in." A voice, very much not in the natives tongue or even accent spoke.
The man obliged, moving aside as Celestia walked inside.
She was met by a fairly hefty, curly haired human, white and even so, she knew the angel inside the body all too well. "Hi Tia." Metatron said, embracing the hug his niece rapidly gave him.
"It's great to see you again uncle!" Tia said happily.
"It's great to see you too Tia." He replied with a smile. "I know I shouldn't be on earth but, I needed to hide. Everything back home is… not good."
Celestia immediately looked worried. "What's wrong in Heaven?"
"Simply put, Politics." Matatron stated. "You know, well, after the whole thing with Lucifer nothing was quite the same but recently it's gotten worse. God left long ago but we just now found out, Gabriel left and no one knows where he went, Michael has just been keeping himself secluded on Pluto. Won't talk to anyone. And Raphael has appointed himself the head honcho in charge. And he's acting like a tyrant."
Celestia grimaced. Raphael never did like her. In fact the only reason he never acted on his dislike of her was because his three equals, Micheal, Gabriel and Lucifer all adored her.
"Well…this is all sorts of not good." Celestia said.
"Your Dad, Castiel has been working to try and mediate the fears the other angels are all feeling but so far the vast majority are just accepting Raphael as the new leader and the few that aren't are being hunted to either forcefully join or… well, if worst comes to worse then Castiel and the remaining angels not working for Raphael will probably be here on earth sooner or later."
"Well…never thought we'd start a religious civil war at this point…" Celestia sighed out. "But hopefully father is doing well during this, Raphael's probably running him ragged."
"Yeah. I left soon as the water started boiling. He wants the Tablets but I gave them all to you so I knew he'd go after the next best thing, the guy who wrote them." Metatron sighed.
“Well, if you need help hiding we can give you support.” Celestia said. “The Scholar’s might not be that big, but we can still aid you in hiding.”
"That… could work. Even without our links to Heaven we're all still angels and capable of a lot of magic and miracles. Plus with our knowledge of the tablets we could make safe spots for each of us."
“Plus, if possible, we could rally support for our cause if we literally have angel’s siding with the Scholar’s, stopping, or at least stalling, any unwanted violence between us and the church.”
"Oh I doubt it, if the Churches knew just how wrong their Bibles were compared to the actual events it would be a riot." Metatron said with a chuckle. "In any case, I guess I should ask how your work has been going? Wasn't able to keep tabs after leaving heaven."
The two spent time catching up, Celestia informing all her plans for the Scholars, her goals and hopes for the organization. Metatron just listened and smiled. For the first time in years, he felt… better. Happy again.
"Are you sure this is going to work?" Castiel asked Metatron. He, Celestia and Metatron all stood at the doorways to the final Archival Bunker of the Scholars.
One by one, country by country, the Scholars over the years grew and built large, complex bunkers housing knowledge, artifacts and much more all within heavily enchanted and fortified walls, runes and all complete with a refuge Angel, acting as a magical satellite/battery for the complex. It hid them from Raphael and kept members safe when needing to rest, resupply, or research.
"It's worked with all the others, this one is bigger, needs more power but also comes with not only me to power it, but the Tablets and some other artifacts the Scholars found over the years." Metatron said with glee.
"You're just happy it was in America so you can have close access to all the books, comics, and whatever TV and Radio media they produce." Castiel stated.
"Guilty but who cares!"
“Uncle being a turbo nerd aside,” Celestia came into the conversation. “This is going to be our most ambitious bunker yet, and I have been running myself ragged making sure this is going to work.”
"Right, your Monster Species research and such." Castiel said. While he personally didn't believe much could be done, he didn't voice his opinions on the matter. It mattered to his daughter and that was enough for him to work on it with her if she needed.
“Yes, and I’ve been making leaps and bounds with it thanks to all the research many others have done.” Celestia smiled. “With this Bunker made, we might finally be able to get my plan’s in full swing.”
The three entered the Bunker, hidden at the geographical center of the American Continent. They had been building it since the colonization. Digging, reinforcing and modifying as time went on. Now, it was ready.
Many American Scholars chapter members walked down the ever ongoing halls and rooms. The Scholars all kept to the organization, going out when needed and staying within their many bunkers when not. Still, outside recruitment wasn't too rare, mainly retired Hunters or White Witches.
Of course, this Chapter of the Scholars also held with them a prominent member and leader. A David Winchester, who was born to the Scholars after his father was taken in as a boy, victim of a Wendigo.
"How goes it David?" Metatron asked.
"As well as can be sir." David said with a nod and a slight bow. "The Bunker is fully operational, production of all magical herbs and ingredients is going well. Storehouses for them, food, tools, parts and ect are all working properly. The cafeterias are all stocked and the Farm is producing swimming results. And as for you Miss Celestia, your Wing is all set up for you to begin your trials. All that remains are… test subjects."
Celestia sighed out, knowing that will be the hardest part of this. “I’m sure that, if I can offer them a way to live without being hunted, they might come around.”
"That's a big 'might'." David sighed. "If I may recommend, please try and not to bring in a vampire, werewolf or anything of that until we have sure fire means of appeasing them or restraining them."
"What would you recommend?" Castiel asked.
"Perhaps a Ghost?"
“Hmm, well they can probably see it as their soul finally able to move on if their in the presence of an angel…” Celestia said with some thought.
"I was thinking something more… useful, to the Scholars Miss Celestia." David said. "For example, if a member or useful asset were to pass, but remain as a Spirit, if they could maintain their humanity while as a ghost, abilities and all-"
"Ah! You need a Holy Anchor." Metatron said. "Ghost Tablet chapter 97. A Holy Anchor can bind a spirit to it and keep them from losing their humanity."
"That would be great." Celestia nodded.
"How many of those Tablets are there?" Castiel asked.
"One for every species of Plants, Animal, Human and Monster." Metatron said. "They all are here, in this Bunker."
"Isn't it a bit dangerous to have everything in one place." Celestia inquired.
“It’s alright. The tablets are within a chamber protected by every rune God himself told me about, the Chamber itself also acting as a battery for the Bunker and reinforcing the power of the runes themselves. The only way anything can get in there is if it was God himself.”
“Alright.” Celestia nodded. “That’s very good to know.”
“So, guess we just need to find a ghost. Should be… easy enough.” Castiel said.
“It should be yes.” Celestia nodded. “But…sometimes ‘easy’ isn’t going to happen…”
“If I may, I might have a few locations where Spirits may be in mind.” David Winchester spoke up.
“Please, where would some of these Spirits be David?” Celestia inquired.
“So far given America’s history there are many locations where possible spirits could be located. One in Texas comes to mind. The forest and terrain alone has claimed lives over the years and there was even reports of murders during a railroad construction in the 1903 would be an ample source of enraged spirits.”
“Sounds as good a place as any.” Castiel said.
“Then let’s go with that plan.” Celestia said readily. “Texan Style Ghost Hunting.”
“David!” One of the scholars yelled, rushing up to the group. “Ah, Castiel, Metatron, Miss Celetria. Good, you will all want to see this.”
“And word’s can’t do it justice?” Celestia asked.
“Trust me, you especially will want to see this Miss Celestia.” The scholar said. The group followed him to the main atrium. Many members were taking photos, asking questions and writing in notebooks. It was as if they had become paparazzi. With the group's arrival, they all quickly went silent and then moved aside. Soon, they revealed what the commotion was about. Standing on the floor was, to the group's complete shock, a pony. Unicorn it seemed, almost as tall as Celestia without her amulet hiding her true form. A very light pink coat with a darker pink mane.
“What in the absent God above…” David said. Metatron turned to look at them before both shrugging.
Celestia blinked, in absolute shock at what she’s seeing. “Uh…”
“Um, hello?” The tall unicorn asked. “I was told I’d be safe here? Who are you people?” She asked.
“Uh, hm.” David coughed, regaining some sense of composure. “I am David Winchester. You are with The Scholars of the Supernatural. We study, archive and learn all about magic and things unexplainable by science. Um, tell me, who are you?”
“I’m Amore.” She replied.
“It’s nice to meet you Amore.” Celestia said politely. “My names Celestia.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“Um, where did you come from?” Metatron asked.
“Well, at first I was with a nice family in Utah, but… then these creatures came.”
“Demons.” The scholar that brought them over spoke.
“Right. They looked human but their eyes were pitch black. They killed them… and tried to take me, but then your group showed up.”
“We sensed their auras while traveling. By the time we got there the Family was dead and the Demons were swiftly dealt with.”
“Well then…” Celestia frowned. “Do you know why they were trying to capture you?”
She shook her head. “No, all I know is that they seemed excited when they found me. Something about their boss going to be thrilled to see me.”
“Well…that’s not ominous at all.” Celestia rolled her eyes. “But don’t worry, you're safe now.”
"So there are more. I wasn't expecting them to differ from you Tia but, clearly you aren't the only one of your kind." Metatron said with fascination and joy.
“It is rather fascinating to know that there are more of my kind, even if they only have a unicorn horn.” Celestia pointed out.
"How did you arrive here?" Castiel asked, walking up to the unicorn and kneeling down to meet Amore at eye level.
"I… don't remember? I remember… waking up in the woods. I was stiff and cold but I… tried to remember things, but all I could recall was my name and a few basic spells. I don't know how I came to this world, what I did before or anything before the waking up in those woods."
Castiel frowned. He found Celestia when she was just an infant, meaning not all these other God's creations are arriving here so young. It did make him wonder why that was the case though.
Celestia woke up feeling ill in the middle of the night. She had never felt ill before in all her years, but now she knew. The wave of nausea, a sense of dread and a deep, deep rooted sense something was gone.
"Celestia-" Castiel asked before he too felt the same wave of negative illness. "What is… what is this?" He groaned, his body and host of many years feeling the effects and falling apart.
“Something…something very important is gone!” Celestia coughed, trying to keep the bile at bay.
As Celestia hit the ground she watched in horror as her father's body, host body was taking the effects poorly. Time seeming to catch up as rot, decay and age all hit the host body at once til only dust remained.
For the first time in eons, Castiel would need a new host body.
Metatron fared only slightly better. His host body was that of a mentally ill person, and he was a weaker angel than Castiel, as his hosts body only spasmed and produced some minor bile as a result.
When it all faded he rushed to Celestia's room, seeing his niece looking at the ashes of what was once Castiel's host body.
“What…what happened?”
"I… something vital to the universe, and us angels especially just got cut out of creation." Metatron said. "It looks like Castiel's host body wasn't strong enough to handle the backlash of what was removed."
“So…there’s only three thing’s that come to mind.” Celestia gulped. “First, Heaven itself is suffering from a magical curse so our connection to it is weakened or hurt, someone found an ancient artifact…or God himself is…is…”
"We don't have much of a connection since we left Heaven to begin with. No artifact could do that… and if God was… removed, the universe would be falling apart right now and so far, I think everything is stable."
“But…then what in Heaven’s name could cause this?” Celestia asked.
"I have no idea…" Metatron said, the surprise was clear in his tone. He was the Scribe of God. He knew almost everything from his time writing down God's words, and for once, he was clueless. "Let's… let's wait for Castiel to get back with a new Host body and then, then, then we'll call a meeting. Make sure the other Bunkers and their Angels are still working."
“Yes, we should make sure everyone else is safe.” She agreed. “We…need to wait for father…I just hope Raph isn’t going to be doing something more stupid…”
"That's asking too much of your uncle…" Metatron sighed.
“I know…” She sighed out. “Can’t blame me for wanting to hold onto some hope for the better.”
The following days were hectic. While all the bunkers were alright, every angel also felt the same illness. Some, like Castiel, needed new hosts, and quickly Acquired them as well as returned to their respective bunkers.
Castiel returned with a new host body, Jimmy Novak. A father to a young daughter and married. Religious.
"Well, how do we do this?" Castiel asked. Their new Hosts voice and body feeling different but he would adjust.
"Well, Scholars Protocol states that when an angel needs a new host and the host has family there are several options." Metatron said.
“And thats either erasing the family’s memory, having them join in, or cloning the host if at all possible.” Celestia explained.
"Erasing their memories would be easiest, but it will still leave them in a bit of a mess. Especially in the early weeks." Castiel started.
"We can try cloning but without a mind to agree to be the host body it's just a meat suit." Metatron said.
"Well, Joining us is the last option but, his Wife Amelia will likely be against the idea, though I suppose I can let him take control so the two can be together. At least until we figure out this whole situation. One of the few things I envy about demons is that they don't need permission. The body can even be dead." Castiel sighed. "His daughter Claire is two, easily indoctrinated. Many of the current members of the Scholars are young orphans. Having her mother and on/off angel possessed father would be best for her."
“Alright.” Celestia nodded. “So father, did you see anything in Heaven while you were looking for a new host?”
"It's a mess. Seems whatever has happened, Raphael is scared. And seeing an ArchAngel scared is honestly quite terrifying to me." Castiel admitted. "Whatever he has been planning I have a feeling he might start accelerating it."
“We need to stop him before he causes anymore problems.” Celestia frowned. “You’d think something that scares even Raphael would either make him stop or at least pause to think…”
"We set one foot in heaven, his army will hit us harder than we can take. For now, we wait on that front. We need to focus on our current work." Metatron said. "We've been dealing with a handful of friendly monster tribes, the appearance of more ponies among other creatures that are similar to both the ponies and native monsters, and the experiments. You're really close to finally making a replacement for monsters that need human flesh to survive."
“And the closer I get, the better things will become.” Celestia said with a smile, glad her hard work is paying off. “I’m so close to solving the monster’s food problems…and when it’s done, the world will be changed forever.”
"Hopefully." Castiel sighed. "I'll go pick up his family."
“Alright.” Celestia noided, lightly rubbing her temple. “Why did thing’s have to get so complicated right when I was about to make the breakthrough of the century?”
"Seeing as there is the possibility that God is no longer in the picture, perhaps the universe itself has a cruel sense of humor." Metatron stated.