Chapter Eight: Growth And Transformation
~BlackRoseRaven
“How dare they!” Luna muttered, storming back and forth in the main room of the library, and Twilight sighed a little, gazing at her sympathetically as Scrivener Blooms glanced up from where he was sitting grouchily with his back against a desk, a worn book in his claws. “Zecora has stirred up a fine mess now... after all I have done, it will never be enough, will it? By Yggdrasil! By damned and dead Odin! When I became Nightmare Moon I did not even kill that many ponies, why is this still their greatest fear?”
“Luna...” Twilight strode around the desk, walking towards her, and Luna sighed and slumped, closing her eyes and storming over towards the violet unicorn... but then only burying her face against Twilight's mane, making the purple mare blush awkwardly even as she hugged her instinctively with one forelimb. “Let's not jump to conclusions yet, okay? Celestia is out calming everypony down now that they've called a town meeting, and they're probably going to want to talk to you at some point, too. Just... hearing what Zecora said was... I mean...”
She halted, then shook her head as Luna drew back, and Scrivener Blooms added quietly from where he was seated: “Believe me, Luna, I feel how angry you are, but I know we have to stay calm, too. They might remember everything we did, but that also means they remember all their old misconceptions and the stories they told each other about you too... they might remember how you were a welcome citizen of Ponyville, but...”
“Yes, yes, I know.” Luna murmured, reaching up and touching her forehead with a hoof as she grimaced a bit. “They also likely remember how I led so many of their loved ones to a fate worse than death. How the Starlit Knights failed spectacularly and how we were unable to halt Ragnarok. I do not entirely blame them for being wary of me... especially since... thou art... well, I do not have to explain it.”
Scrivener smiled wryly, glancing down and flexing one of his claws before Twilight said quietly: “But look. They liked seeing you today, they all know that you've done... that you've gone really far above and beyond what anypony could be expected to do for everypony in Equestria. We know you're not a monster. We know that you and Scrivener Blooms are here to help us, and to protect us. It's just... maybe it's guilt.”
“Guilt... a ridiculous emotion, usually felt not by the truly-guilty but those who should bear no shame at all.” Luna muttered, looking down and shaking her head slowly, and then she sighed a bit and looked over at Scrivener Blooms, grumbling: “Poet, come hence. I wish to hide myself between thee and Twilight Sparkle. But if anypony asks, thou art both clinging to me for comfort.”
“Luna, I... I really should finish my work first...” Twilight started awkwardly, glancing over her shoulder at the desk. “I mean, I need to make an inventory of everything, and new library cards, and figure out where to get more books and-”
Luna growled and stomped a hoof against the floor, and Twilight winced a bit at this before she sighed as Scrivener Blooms climbed to his claws and tossed his book onto the desk. “Just agree with her, Twilight. When she gets like this, it's better to just go along with what she wants. Fighting it just leads to broken body parts.”
“The poet shows wisdom for once.” Luna grumbled, then she glowered as Twilight shook her head and headed across the room, the winged unicorn saying threateningly: “Thou had best be fetching coffee or chocolate, not trying to run away!”
“I'm getting some of the bedding from storage.” Twilight replied tiredly, and Luna looked mollified before she shot a look at Scrivy, and the male sighed before grumbling as he strode off after the purple pony on Luna's mental orders.
He checked Twilight absently as he passed her while she rifled through a closet, and she winced, then huffed after him as he headed into her kitchen, saying grouchily: “There's not a lot in there, Scrivener. Or maybe I should just talk to Luna, since usually you address the rider, not the noble steed.”
“Is everypony going to call me that now? It's nice that I'm being referred to as 'noble' for a change of pace, but I really don't need any more ways for ponies to infer how much Luna must ride me.” Scrivener mumbled, even as he went about the task of digging through the cupboards, and Twilight frowned as she leaned past the closet door to watch as the male went about the task of putting on coffee. “And actually, Luna and I set up your pantry ourselves. So blame Luna, because like you said, the rider. Not the noble steed.”
“That figures. It's all chocolate, candy, coffee, and those weird-looking things in the fridge.” Twilight muttered, shaking her head, and Scrivener smiled despite himself as the violet pony stepped back, flicking her horn and lifting a bevy of pillows and a folded-up, thick futon free from the closet with telekinesis... and then she softened, looking up at these hovering objects. She smiled a bit at the sound of hooves behind her, and without turning around, she asked Luna quietly: “You set this all up for me, didn't you?”
“Aye, we did.” Luna said softly, and the dark-coated winged unicorn smiled a bit as Twilight turned around with a warm look over the fellow mare. “Thou art important to us both, Twilight Sparkle, and... 'twas horribly, horribly unfair what thou went through. Thou suffered in ways that a... a beautiful, generous, ardent creature such as thyself never should have...”
The violet pony blushed a bit at this, and then she cleared her throat awkwardly as she stepped past Luna, carrying the bedding and the pillows with a smile as she murmured: “I really... I'm not that special, Luna.”
“Yes thou art.” Luna said grouchily, and Twilight laughed despite herself, shaking her head and smiling amusedly over her shoulder as she flicked her horn, the mattress dropping to the floor and the pillows neatly cascading down over it. Then the violet mare winced when the other winged unicorn leapt forwards and bulled into her, knocking her back on the futon before Luna pinned her down on her back and leaned over her, grinning widely as she added firmly: “And if thou denies it, I shall merely pummel thee until thou better understands just how worthy thou art.”
“That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, Luna. Now uh. Can you please get off me?” Twilight winced a bit, then flinched when Luna leaned down, breathing over her face as a blush spread through her features, before the larger winged unicorn laughed and slid off, dropping beside her and lowering her head to nestle her face into Twilight's neck, the violet mare sighing and mumbling: “You are so incredibly abusive.”
“I am.” Luna mumbled comfortably, and she curled herself a bit closer before smiling slightly, adding easily: “And we have a treat. My husband is taking the initiative and preparing those dumplings we stored in thy fridge some time ago. I insist thou tries one. 'Tis why I had them prepared.”
“They're not. Really old, are they?” Twilight asked apprehensively, and Luna huffed a bit, sitting up and glowering down at her as the purple pony smiled lamely. “Well, Luna, sometimes you forget we're not all hardy warrior ponies like you...”
“They are not. Sometimes, when... we came across the Bifrost, Scrivener Blooms and I would stay here, when business... demanded it.” Luna softened a bit, gazing up towards the ceiling of the library, and Twilight blushed as she rolled onto her stomach and looked quietly up at Luna. “So we always had stock kept here, fresh and good, of our preferred foods. I think thou will like it, 'tis venison.”
“Well I'll give it a try... I've never heard of venison before, though, what is it, some kind of spice?” Twilight asked curiously, tilting her head, and then she frowned a bit at the grin Luna gave her. “I'm not going to like the answer, am I?”
“Nay, thou shan't. So let me instead ask thee a question: would thou prefer to know now or later what exactly venison is? For rest assured, I do wish for thee to try this delicious little snack either way. I only fear that if I tell thee now, 'twill result in horror and make it very difficult to get thee to eat... if I tell thee later, thou may attempt to pummel me, but thou will also have already digested the food and, having not died or transformed into some horrible denizen of darkness, thou may be more open to trying more.” Luna replied seriously, nodding a few times, and Twilight looked grumpily at her in response.
“I feel like this is some big joke to you. I guess I get what you mean, though... I mean, once Pinkie brought by chocolate-covered ants and I just thought they were funny-shaped candies at first.” Twilight looked moody at this memory as Luna snorted in entertainment. “I think it was her Pinkamena side acting up back then, to be honest, because she told me right while I was in mid-chew of my second batch. I don't know if I could ever eat them again but... they were good right up until I knew what they were.”
“Well, I care for thee very much, Twilight Sparkle. But I also care for Scrivener Blooms and thou sees how I treat him. Know that it all comes from a place of affection and wanting to share my life and experiences with thee, though.” Luna said kindly, and Twilight grumbled a bit before she glanced up as Scrivener walked out of the kitchen, carrying a tray loaded with three mugs of coffee. “Well, what does thou know? I speak of the monster, and he comes to his mistress, delights at the ready.”
“I'll pour your coffee on you, Luna. Except you'd probably like that, twisted as you are.” Scrivener grumbled, and then he grunted when the tray was lifted out of his claw by a faint sapphire glow, Luna guiding it over to the futon with a slight smile and an easy tilt of her horn before the poet gestured absently back towards the kitchen. “Dumplings are heating up fast.”
“Good.” Luna nodded with a grunt, and then she glanced towards the doorway as there was a single knock before it opened, and her expression soured a little as Celestia strode in. “And look who hast come in time to dine. We require another mug of coffee, Scrivy. And perhaps something for me to hit, depending on the news.”
Celestia only smiled faintly, however, bowing her head and replying quietly: “There's not much I can say yet, little sister. But they're also not rioting in the streets or spreading rumors... they're just confused over what happened. I think if anything's upsetting them at this point, it's that their festival, their... celebration of rebirth, was marred by these events. As it is, a lot of them seem more interested in relieving stress right now and enjoying one-another's company over worrying about things like this.”
Luna grunted, and then she glanced up curiously as Celestia paused and sniffed at the air, the distinct smell from the kitchen wafting into the room and making the ivory winged unicorn smile slightly. “Dinner?”
“Well, a snack at least. I was not even aware of the time.” Luna replied honestly, nodding as Celestia approached the futon, and Twilight half-shuffled awkwardly away from Luna before blushing a bit when the dark-coated winged unicorn firmly wrapped a limb around her and pulled her back close even as she smiled, asking her older sibling curiously: “Would thou like a dumpling as well? Venison, old Nibelung recipe. And as thou saw, they are very good at following instructions, if not much else.”
“Thank you, but you know I've never been as fond of meat. I remember I almost offended the dragons during negotiations with them many, many years ago, because I wouldn't eat either the gemstones or the other foods they offered.” Celestia replied with a smile, and then she glanced curiously towards Twilight as the violet pony gave Luna a curdling glare, and Luna grinned awkwardly in response.
“You tried to get me to eat meat? What is wrong with you? It's not like I didn't already have to worry about Pinkamena trying to share her food with everypony!” Twilight grumbled grouchily, and when Luna gave her a hurt look, she added flatly: “Not this time. You're evil.”
“Twilight Sparkle! Thou hurts me deeply!” Luna exclaimed in an injured voice, but Twilight only grumbled and rolled her eyes as Celestia sat down at the edge of the futon, looking at the two with quiet entertainment... and perhaps just a touch of jealousy. “But come now, even sister has eaten meat before, and I do not mean-”
“I hate you so much.” Twilight interrupted grouchily, but this time Luna laughed and shook her head before the winged unicorns glanced up as Scrivener returned with an amused smile and a large tray stacked with the venison dumplings and another mug of coffee for Celestia, Twilight wincing a bit as she asked hesitantly: “You're not... I mean... that...”
“Oh, hush. Be not so childish. Sister, I demand thou eats one as well, 'twill relax Twilight and convince her that I am not turning into a monster from beyond Helheim.” Luna half-ordered even as she gave Celestia a pleading look, and her older sister grimaced a bit and shifted before the dark-coated pony grumbled and added finally: “Please?”
“Alright sister, but only one, and only because I see you've heated up quite a few.” Celestia said finally, making a bit of a face as Twilight looked up in surprise, and Luna looked delighted as she glanced towards Scrivy, horn glowing as she hurriedly lifted the tray from him to carry it over to the futon and drop it on the mattress in front of Celestia.
She looked meditatively down at the large stack of dumplings before sighing, the top one glowing and lifting up in front of her in a pale-gold telekinetic grip. She almost blushed a bit as Twilight continued to stare at her, and then she said awkwardly: “Things were... different in the old days, Twilight Sparkle. Like I said, I'm not overly fond of it... but I have eaten it before.”
With that, she nibbled at the dumpling, then took a larger bite out if it and chewed slowly, and Twilight looked dumbly over at Luna... before wincing as the dark-coated winged unicorn loudly bit a dumpling in half, grinning widely. Scrivener had one as well, now laying beside Luna and chewing slowly, and Twilight shuddered a bit before she muttered: “I guess it really is a brave new world, isn't it?”
“Aye, 'tis. But that does not make it bad.” Luna tossed the rest of the dumpling into her mouth, relishing the taste of it for a moment before she swallowed and said quietly: “This meat comes from the Nibelung's hunts, and... aye, my husband and I have changed enough that perhaps standard pony fare will not suffice for us. Particularly not for him, as... well....”
She halted, glancing towards the male, and Scrivener smiled a bit... and as if for the first time, Twilight saw his sharp teeth, thought what implications there were to what he had become, before Luna continued softly: “I want thee to understand us. I want to share everything with thee, Twilight Sparkle, and I want thee to glean an understanding that can only truly come through living like us. Through tasting the bounty we feast upon, feeling our joys and sorrows from our angles, seeing the world through the eyes of night instead of day. Come, eat with us, Twilight. Perhaps thou will even like it. And there is a greater crime in wasting what is already gone than in ensuring it is put to good use.”
“I don't know...” Twilight said hesitantly, and she glanced towards Celestia as the white winged unicorn smiled a little, and then the violet pony finally sighed and nodded, looking awkwardly over at Luna and saying finally: “I'll try one. Just... one.”
Luna and Scrivener both smiled as the male picked up a dumpling from the plate, holding it out to her, and Twilight grimaced a bit as she took this between her hooves. She stared at it for a while as Luna and Scrivy continued to eat, and Celestia sat back, sipping slowly at her coffee as she studied the trio.
Finally, Twilight swallowed thickly and took a bite out of the dumpling, chewing nervously... and looking surprised at the taste and texture, shifting awkwardly on the spot. Luna smiled as Scrivener looked up curiously, and Celestia looked almost as if some pang had struck her as Twilight looked down at the food and murmured: “It's... not as bad as I thought. But this was always... you know, forbidden and all that... supposed to be...”
“Aye, Twilight, I know. But many things in life thou must make thine own decisions regarding... others may have good intentions, but ultimately their decisions are oft heavily based upon their own experiences and biases.” Luna said ironically, glancing pointedly towards Celestia, but the ivory pony only sighed and shook her head, giving a small smile to Luna before the dark-coated winged unicorn frowned, then suddenly smiled in return. “I just realized, sister. Thou hast neither plate nor crown... and thou hast not complained in the slightest for lack of either.”
“They're just objects. I have much more important things than those to focus on.” Celestia replied softly, and Luna smiled warmly at this before the ivory equine glanced towards Twilight, adding in a quieter voice: “And my little sister is right. She's wiser than she thinks she is, or ever acts... and she's always been right about you, Twilight. You're smart enough to make your own decisions, come to your own conclusions. Just know that... I'll always be there to aid and support you, too.”
“Thank you, Celestia.” Twilight murmured, blushing a bit as she bowed her head... and silence spiraled out over the next few minutes as Luna and Scrivener continued to eat, Celestia sipped her coffee and Twilight finished her first dumpling and hesitantly started on a second, looking almost embarrassed.
Finally, Celestia looked towards her sister, saying quietly: “If you'll allow me to give you a bit of advice, Luna, I think you should keep a low profile tonight. Let everypony settle down: I am not saying you should fear to show your face, but at the same time, try not to cause any... well...”
“I know, I know. No crashing into City Hall, no hunting down Zecora, no attacking those who disagree with me and my methods.” Luna grumbled, and Celestia smiled a bit before the violet pony looked moodily over at Twilight and Scrivener. “I hope thou art both ready to entertain me for the night. And thou had best be prepared too, Celestia, or I shall make all of thee miserable and suffer for my pleasure.”
“Actually, I was hoping that Scrivener Blooms and I could take some time alone, and go out towards the Everfree Forest tonight.” Celestia said courteously, bowing her head slightly, and Scrivy looked dumbly up as Luna glanced with surprise towards her sister, then narrowed her eyes suspiciously even as the ivory winged unicorn added quietly: “I'd like to see his abilities in action, and to inspect him, sister. And I would like to speak to him, to be entirely honest... I know that you will still be present, in a way, and able to hear everything that is said, but... all the same.”
“Oh, wretched bed-thief.” Luna grumbled, and Celestia sighed and rolled her eyes in exasperation before looking surprised when her younger sibling nodded once with a grunt and muttered: “But 'tis a fine enough idea, and thou hast my approval. Scrivener Blooms, do not flirt too much with my sister. Thou must save thy energies for tonight.”
Scrivener gave the dark-coated winged unicorn a flat look, and then he simply rolled his eyes and sighed, saying drolly: “Then do me a favor and don't molest Twilight while I'm gone. I feel everything you do, after all. That would be awkward.”
“That just makes me want to do it all the more.” Luna replied comfortably, and Twilight glared at her before the dark-coated winged unicorn huffed as she picked up a dumpling, ignoring the glowers from the ponies around her. “Thou art all stuffy.”
Twilight sighed at this as Scrivener rolled his eyes, and Luna huffed a bit, glaring around at them almost challengingly before she dropped flat against the futon, adding disconsolately: “And I am stuck with all of thee. So tell me, stuffy ponies. What shall thou all do to entertain this evil creature of the night?”
Late in the evening, long after the sun had set – without the help of Celestia, who had sat and watched the sunset with a strange almost-longing on her ivory features – Scrivener found himself walking slowly beside the enormous ivory pony: he was almost the same size as her, but Celestia boasted perhaps a few inches over his height still... and more than that, the way she held herself, the natural regality about her made her seem larger still. It didn't help that his own posture tended to be hunched and he kept his head low... which, he realized, probably made him look even more like some drooling monster assistant than anything else.
He smiled a bit, and Celestia's eyes flicked towards him as they strode down the dirt road beneath the shimmering stars, asking curiously: “Something funny, Scrivener Blooms?”
“Just my thoughts, and... well... to be honest, I mean... this is all pretty weird, isn't it?” Scrivener said finally, deciding it was probably best to be open as he could. Celestia, after all, had been pushing herself to be open and understanding with them... and Scrivener knew from both his own experiences and Luna's emotions and memories how hard it must be for her. “I'm... a Tyrant Wyrm thing. You're... Celestia, the Good, the Dragon Slayer. I'm also your brother-in-law and I know that... well...”
“Yes, things are... very different. And I appreciate you taking this time to come out here with me, as well as trusting me. I know it has to be hard for you and Luna... I feel responsible for much that happened in the past, after all. I feel like every time I've stepped into your lives, I've only brought pain.” Celestia said quietly, and she smiled a little, glancing over at him silently. “I can't ever explain what it's like to be unable to help and give good to the ponies you cherish and love, and yet somehow offer complete strangers joy and protection and even faith. I'm glad for what I do for my people, but... after so long of being unable to help my friends, my family, and yet always hearing their applause and cheers... it becomes distorted. It's like being mocked, by both the world and the Norns. It's like being told you can save everypony in the world... except for those you care for.”
She stopped, then shook her head slowly as they continued down the dusty highway, Scrivener looking at her intently as she murmured: “I don't want to be that kind of 'hero,' Scrivener Blooms. I don't want to be a savior to the world only to lose everyone else in the process. I don't want to continue to be the distant messiah that they all stare at adoringly and worship profusely. It's become too painful, too much of a reminder of all the things I want to forget about in the past and all the things I want to avoid in the future.”
Celestia paused, then rose her head and smiled a bit, glancing out down the highway as she added quietly: “Thank you for listening, by the way. I find you easy to talk to: Twilight I... I don't want to make her feel guilty or worried when I know I still have issues to contend with between us, and Luna is... well, you know my sister. You're her other half.” She smiled wider across at him, adding kindly: “I hope you don't mind that I speak to you like this, too, knowing that... this way, I can talk to her in a way, without having to worry about her interrupting me or making fun of me.”
“Funny, you worrying about being made fun of, Celestia.” Scrivener couldn't help but smile in return, and Celestia laughed quietly and nodded thoughtfully in response. “But Luna does care about you. She just... has a funny way of showing affection.”
“I know. I know it well, but all the same, some days...” Celestia gave him an entertained look, then she shook her head quickly and halted, gesturing towards the sprawling fields at the edge of the forest. “This is far enough. Please assume your full form, Scrivener.”
Scrivy hesitated awkwardly, digging a claw lightly into the dirt as he glanced over his shoulder at her apprehensively, but Celestia only bowed her head towards him, amethyst eyes locking with his as she said softly: “I'm not holding who or what you are against you, I promise, my brother. I won't make that mistake again with either you or Luna.”
Scrivener looked at her for a moment... then he bowed his head humbly to the ivory equine, not speaking as he blushed at how... happy her words made him. Then he turned and headed off the road, breathing slowly as he felt a ripple travel through his form before he closed his eyes and said awkwardly: “Alright.”
With that, Scrivener transformed, his size increasing, scales covering his body, his teeth gritting as his eyes blazed with blue light... and less than a minute later, he stood in the field in full Tyrant Wyrm glory, awkwardly turning towards Celestia and looking down at her as he asked quietly: “Now what?”
Celestia studied him curiously, looking slowly over his form before she leaned towards him, saying quietly: “From the conversations we've had, I've gleaned a little about your powers, and how you're... different from other Wyrms in several respects. I'd like to test a few theories, if you don't mind, in order to help me understand the full extent of your abilities. I'm just concerned for you and Luna... I know that not everypony will take as kindly to... what has happened. Both to the world, and to yourselves.”
Scrivener nodded, looking down for a moment before Celestia said gently: “I'd like you to demonstrate your apparent control over the toxicity of your breath. My sister made several... awkward insinuations but I'd like to see how well you can control the effects of the poison for myself.”
“Alright, uh... what do you want me to breathe on?” Scrivener leaned back, clearing his throat loudly before he breathed out a plume of sapphire smoke that floated in the air for a moment before vanishing, and he licked his teeth absently before adding as his eyes roved down to Celestia: “Also, we don't know if I can create... thralls or anything...”
“Let's stay away from testing whether you can or not for now, Scrivener. Even if you can create them, the thralls exist to sate the needs of the Tyrant Wyrm, like programmed puppets. They might not obey your conscious thoughts, but instead seek to feed your subconscious desires.”
“And that would be bad.” Scrivener muttered, rubbing absently at his face with a grimace before he nodded slowly, leaning his head down curiously. “How much do you know about the Wyrms, Celestia? My knowledge of them is...strange, because of how the information was pushed into my head. It's like I know instinctively how to do anything they could do but couldn't describe or explain their abilities to anyone.”
“I know more than I would like. I researched them and analyzed them extensively in every battle we held against them... but that is not important now.” Celestia paused, then stepped forwards and said kindly: “Breathe over me, as if you were attacking me, but concentrate on making the mist harmless. I won't hold any pain against you and I can survive any accidents, don't worry.”
Scrivener looked surprised at this, looking down at her curiously, and Celestia smiled a bit as she said quietly: “You trusted me, didn't you? Therefore it's only right that I show you at least a little of the same trust in return. Go ahead, Scrivener.”
She closed her eyes, bowing her head forwards as her glowing rainbow mane flowed quietly around her, and Scrivy smiled a bit despite himself before he took a slow breath: at first, he concentrated, but as his mind naturally began to wander through memories of Luna, Twilight and Celestia, he instead smiled and allowed it to, even as he leaned down and released a thick blast of sapphire smoke that burst down over Celestia, shrouding her almost completely in a thick torrent as Scrivener's eyes glowed brighter for a moment even as his mind filled with pleasant remembrances.
Then he leaned backwards, a bit of blue mist still rising from his mouth and nostrils as he looked awkwardly down at the ivory equine as the mist cleared, and Celestia shivered before she shook herself briskly, static energy sparking through her mane and tail before she exhaled quietly and licked her lips slowly, murmuring: “Fascinating... you truly are a new breed of Wyrm, Scrivener Blooms. It must be because your soul was mixed with Luna's, among other things... her powers, carried into you, and both modified by your own personality, your own will. The puzzle is piecing together.”
She glanced up at him, nodding slowly as she continued softly: “The Tyrant Wyrms were machines of destruction... as we know now, marionettes pulled by Valthrudnir's maliciousness, guided by his commands and treachery. But you are not destruction incarnate, and nor are you a puppet kowtowing to someone else's commands. You are you, Scrivener Blooms, and your own will and desires – as well as Luna's, most likely – influence your development and your abilities.”
She halted, studying him thoughtfully before she nodded slowly and asked curiously: “Can you fly with your wings?”
“I... haven't really tried very hard to yet. They feel kind of stiff still...” Scrivener glanced awkwardly over his shoulder, flapping them once before he nodded a bit as he returned his eyes to Celestia. “I think if I had to for some reason, I could find a way to take off with enough work. But I'm not exactly a big fan of flying.”
Celestia smiled a bit at this, nodding slowly and responding gently: “I understand that. What about magic, Scrivener? Can you cast spells at all?”
Scrivy shook his head, smiling a little as he replied quietly: “Not even like this, no. Not that I really mind... I'm already plenty powerful as it is.” He paused, then glanced down awkwardly as he realized the field beneath his claws had begun to decay slightly, dark soil pulsating slowly as plants withered and died beneath his feet. “Sorry. Having trouble controlling that.”
“It's alright.” Celestia hesitated for a moment, then she smiled a bit and bowed her head courteously, asking kindly: “Will you honor me with a short sparring session, Scrivener Blooms? I am not as battle-oriented as my siblings but I have also always shared the belief that matching strength and mind in confrontation can teach you a lot about a person. I would like to know you better, and I am curious as to how your powers would fare in mock-battle against my own abilities. I also feel like... I need to exercise a bit, after a decade spent as a Pale.”
“Luna's going to be mad as hell, you know. This is like dating to her, not just flirting.” Scrivener remarked, but he admittedly felt both a thrill and a bit of pride at what Celestia had just asked, before he added awkwardly: “And... I'm not sure how good a choice I am. I'm... not the greatest fighter, even if I might look large and intimidating...”
“Scrivener Blooms, I have seen you before in combat, using both my sister's skills as well as your own. Have confidence in yourself.” Celestia said kindly, and she stepped back, setting herself as her horn gave a faint pulse before her body seemed to almost glow with energy, raising her head proudly and smiling calmly. “And I may have been Queen Freya once upon a time, but I'm very rusty. That, and you using your full powers to attack me, should more than even the odds between us. I do not expect you to hold back; like Luna, I would be insulted if you held back.”
“I get the feeling I should avoid making you feel that way.” Scrivener remarked dryly, and Celestia smiled a bit wider as the Tyrant Wyrm stepped backwards, breathing slowly before he shoved his front claws down against the field, and the grasses rippled before the earth surged and transformed rapidly into dark mire, the ivory equine looking surprised as the Tyrant Wyrm flexed and leaned forwards, feeling warmth and strength flooding through his body, feeding up from the corrupted earth. “Alright. Three beatings from three siblings within the week, why not?”
Celestia laughed at this, seeming to relax slightly before she leapt upwards, flapping her wings powerfully to propel herself higher into the air as her horn glowed with golden radiance before she snapped it briskly forwards, and Scrivener simply stared dumbly at the aurulent fireball before it crashed into his face and exploded with a tremendous enough bang to whiplash his head backwards, the Tyrant Wyrm staggering and wheezing in shock before Celestia called encouragingly: “Focus, Scrivener Blooms, put your abilities to good use!”
Scrivy grimaced a bit as he shook his head out, looking forwards... and then he winced, quickly turning his eyes towards Celestia as she flew in towards his side, her horn beginning to glow as she focused her magic. He swatted at her with one claw, but she easily veered out of the way before turning towards him, and the Tyrant Wyrm grimaced as he flapped one mighty wing as she tried to hover, the blast of wind knocking her swaying backwards just enough to disrupt her concentration.
It gave Scrivener enough time to twist towards her, jaws opening and unleashing another torrent of blue mist, and this time the visions that flickered through his mind were sharper: marshland, swamp, rot, fire, and Celestia grimaced as she flicked her horn, a shield of radiant light forming in front of her. Blue smog clung to this and tried to flood around it as Scrivener turned towards her, leaning forwards as he began to open his jaws... and then Celestia gave a mighty flap of her wings and lashed her head forwards, her horn giving a sharp pulse before the rotting shield of light exploded into shrapnel that pelted the Wyrm's features and skull, knocking him staggering backwards as he shook his head violently back and forth with a curse of pain.
Celestia used his distraction to fly higher into the air, and Scrivener gritted his teeth as he looked up towards her before shoving himself upwards, clawing at her: she gracefully evaded his reaching claws, however, showing off an agility he hadn't expected before she arched her back at the apex of her climb into the skies, her horn glowing brightly, and Scrivener gritted his teeth as he dropped to the ground... then looked down in surprise as golden light spread through the mire beneath him before decaying into gray dust and shale, the Tyrant Wyrm hissing in frustration as he felt his source of energy cut off before he looked up in alarm as Celestia began another spell, cursing her seemingly-boundless amount of energy...
He did the only thing he could think of: far too large a target to run, he swept a claw down into the shale and ash before half-turning and flinging a large ball of this up into the winged unicorn. Celestia was caught by surprise by the childish maneuver as it collided with her, exploding harmlessly but making her wince and cough as she was covered in soot, a few bits of shale bouncing off her and a thick gray cloud of dust obscuring her vision before she flapped her wings to clear the blinding smog away-
Scrivener roared up at her, waves of sound and a blast of sapphire mist washing over the ivory winged unicorn, and Celestia arched her back in shock with a cry of pain, knocked backwards and sent plummeting from the sky by the concentrated wave before she gritted her teeth as she looked sharply towards him, and the Tyrant Wyrm looked back, their eyes meeting for a bare moment before something passed between them, and Scrivener arched his back with surprise at the mix of passion, logic, and memory that entered his mind as Celestia twitched visibly in the air as desires, raw emotion, and a lick of mixed memories twisted through her own.
At the last moment, Celestia half-rolled her body in the air, crashing down on all four hooves with a grunt before she dropped her head forwards, breathing hard, electricity sparking through her mane before she rose her head and looked at him, and he stared awkwardly back at her before she said softly: “You connected our minds. Only for a second, but long enough to trade glimpses of each other... to feed off me.”
“I...” Scrivener began awkwardly... and then Celestia smiled slightly before she dropped her horn forwards as it gave a flash, and the ground beneath the Tyrant Wyrm split violently open and collapsed around his claws, sending him staggering and half-falling before he looked down too little, too late, as Celestia charged forwards, golden flames surrounding her frame before she simply crashed into his chest like a battering ram.
The Tyrant Wyrm was sent rolling backwards with a grunt of shock and pain, his eyes bulging as cracks spread through his chest and he flopped heavily onto his side, groaning in pain and surprise: it didn't hurt as much as Sleipnir's raw physical might had, but with her magic and strength combined, Celestia still packed far more of a punch than he could easily take. He breathed hard as his tail flicked, then he began to climb up to his claws as he rolled onto his stomach... only to wince as he felt a faint burning sensation on his upper back, the pistons of bone along his shoulderblades thrumming slowly as Celestia said quietly: “I'm not foolish enough to believe in absolute victory, with no chance of the tables being turned. But this comes fairly close, I think.”
Scrivener cleared his throat awkwardly as he leaned his head back slightly... and on his back, Celestia smiled, her front hooves plated firmly against his upper spine, her amethyst eyes glowing and rainbow mane and tail both sparking as a golden aura burned around her horn. She breathed slowly... and then frowned a bit, glancing up before looking sharply over her shoulder... but too little, too late, before Luna crashed into her back with a roar of glee and crushed her into the back of Scrivener's neck, the Tyrant Wyrm yelling in frustration and pain more than salvation as his head snapped upwards and he flopped back against the ground.
Celestia released a very undignified shout of frustration as Luna pinned her against Scrivener's back in a straddle, the winged unicorn grinning brightly as she violently rubbed her hooves through Celestia's mane, sending up sparks of electricity as the ephemeral locks of the ivory winged unicorn were ruffled and rumpled messily. “Celestia! I did not realize thou wert so attracted to my husband! And thou tried to spar him without me, how dare thee both, thou art vile, cuckolding cheaters!”
“Luna!” Celestia exclaimed, then she gritted her teeth as she struggled a bit, but Luna only seized her shoulders and shoved her firmly down, and the winged unicorn gave a scowl of frustration as Scrivener moodily twisted his head around on his long neck to glower at the ponies. “Get off me, Luna. You're not even supposed to be here.”
“Oh, aye, but Twilight Sparkle can be so very boring at times, adorable as she is, and thou wert sparring my husband. Joking, engaging in spars, Celestia, thou art a completely different pony than I knew, and I am here to give thee hugs and kisses and pummel thee out of love instead of irritation!” Luna declared cheerfully, and then she huffed when Scrivener looked at her pointedly. “Oh, shut up, great monster. Thou should be happy that I am happy, and honestly happy and proud of my sister.”
“It's very nice that you're proud of me, Luna, I do appreciate hearing your approval, but please get off me.” Celestia said tiredly, and Luna grumbled before she finally nodded and clambered off her older sister, Celestia grimacing as she climbed up to her hooves and cracked her back loudly... then gave Luna a flat look when she grinned and giggled behind a hoof at the sight of the ivory unicorn's mussy, jumbled-up mane as it sparked and fizzled with color. “What?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Luna said innocently, and then she grinned over her shoulder as Twilight clumsily flew in, the violet pony wheezing a little before wincing when she missed her landing on Scrivener's back. The Tyrant Wyrm easily stretched one of his wings out, however, and she bounced a bit before sliding down this and landing in a grassy section of the marred field on her rear, Luna grinning as she said cheerfully: “Excellent, we are all present! Let us have a battle royale!”
“Let's not.” Twilight said grumpily, and then she looked as Scrivener nodded in agreement, leaning down a little before he blushed embarrassedly as the purple pony smiled despite herself and said amusedly: “Same old Scrivy, huh?”
“Oh come on, it was freaking Celestia. I could still kick your flank any day of the week.” Scrivener grumbled, and Twilight snorted in amusement at this before she squawked when he reached a large claw out and picked her up in it, holding her up at eye level meditatively. “Don't forget, you're bite size to me like this.”
Twilight only glared in response, however, fidgeting in his grip before Luna and Celestia both leapt down off Scrivener's back, and the younger sibling commented playfully: “Young love. 'Tis adorable, even when it occurs between my husband and our wants-to-be-wife. Or maybe that is what makes it so cute to me.”
“Luna, you're a very strange pony even to me sometimes.” Celestia said dryly, as both Scrivener Blooms and Twilight glared at the dark-coated winged unicorn, and Luna nodded seriously a few times before the older ivory pony sighed and looked up at the night sky, as if searching for patience before she turned her eyes to the Tyrant Wyrm. “Scrivener Blooms, thank you for the short, if interrupted, session. It was enjoyable. And I would like to discuss more with you when the chance presents itself.”
“The chance presents itself fine now, Celestia, this is as private as one can hope to achieve.” Luna replied kindly, gesturing around the empty field. “The creatures of the night have not yet come out to play, we are alone, Twilight Sparkle hears everything we speak of and I and Scrivy are as one. Thou art only deluding thy surprisingly-shy self, big sister, if thou thinks a locked room alone with my husband will provide thee any degree of privacy... walls have ears and eyes, thou should know.”
Celestia sighed a bit at this, and then Luna softened and reached up to quietly touch her sister's shoulder, saying gently: “And I care for thee. I know I can be somewhat... difficult at times, but I do care. And thou should know by now that if I was being kind and helpful and polite, it is then that thou should be concerned for thy health and what schemes I have in mind.”
The ivory winged unicorn shook her head with a quiet laugh at this, looking a little embarrassed as Scrivener Blooms finally put down Twilight Sparkle and smiled himself at the ponies, and Celestia gazed around at the others before she finally nodded hesitantly, then returned her eyes to the enormous reptile, asking finally: “What did you see when you locked minds with me?”
Scrivener shifted awkwardly at this, Luna looking up with a smile and Twilight tilting her head curiously, and then the Tyrant Wyrm answered quietly: “I felt passion as hot as fire. I saw a thousand complex, interlinked pieces to a puzzle I could never describe. I glimpsed memories covered in blood and time.” He smiled a bit. “I was drawn to what I feed off of, I suppose.”
“It's alright, Scrivener Blooms. I'm not ashamed. As you shouldn't be ashamed yourself of what I caught sight of in return.” Celestia said softly, looking up at him and studying the Tyrant Wyrm thoughtfully. “A field of roses, black, red and white growing out of dark soil... a city, a castle, a temple of onyx... and chains, vines, and... life amidst death.” She smiled after a moment as Scrivener blushed awkwardly and Luna and Twilight both gazed curiously at Celestia. “I'm only glad that it wasn't the Black Verses.”
“Some things are more dangerous than the Black Verses.” Scrivener replied quietly, and Celestia nodded slowly as she gazed at him thoughtfully, and he looked awkwardly back before saying finally: “Thank you, Celestia. I'm glad... I mean, I'm sorry about invading your mind and... the whole, feeding-off-your-mind thing.”
“It's fine. I respect you more now that I know you do possess all the hungers and desires of the Tyrant Wyrm, but do not choose to feed as they do.” Celestia said quietly, looking up at him thoughtfully and seeming as if she was on the verge of asking something else, but then she only smiled and shook her head, turning her attention to Luna instead. “Perhaps we should head back. I'm sure that you must want to say goodnight to Scarlet Sage, at least... and she must be eager to spend more time with her parents, too.”
“Aye, tomorrow I plan to spend the entire day with the filly, no matter what anypony may say.” Luna said firmly, nodding once before she hesitated, then added grouchily as she pawed at the ground: “But yes, 'tis not so late that she will have been put to bed, and the day had been an exciting one. Let us pay a visit to Fluttershy at her cabin, then, to see if our daughter desires to spend the night with her aunt or come home with her parents.”
“You can be a nice pony sometimes.” Twilight said softly, and Luna smiled awkwardly at this remark, glancing at her and then grunting as she nodded before looking pointedly at Scrivener Blooms when he began to set himself. The Tyrant Wyrm grimaced, then he sighed and rolled his eyes, dropping flat, and Luna looked pleased as she flapped her wings and leapt upwards, propelling herself to land on his back as Twilight added meditatively: “You can be a real mean one too, though.”
“Oh, quiet, all of thee, and get on the monster.” Luna retorted, and Celestia looked mildly up at her even as Twilight sighed and awkwardly leapt into the air, flying upwards and landing with a grunt next to Luna before the dark-coated winged unicorn looked almost imploringly at her sister. “Celestia...”
“Sister, again. We're supposed to be avoiding drawing attention to you and Scrivener Blooms, and parading around like this...” Celestia began slowly, and then she was interrupted as Luna huffed and stomped her hooves childishly. “Luna, you're not a filly.”
“Well, I very much feel like one at times.” Luna replied flatly, and then she jerked her head again to Celestia, who finally sighed and relented, gracefully flying into the air and settling herself onto Scrivener's back as she looked moodily at younger sister, who only smiled cheerfully in return. “See? Now we may all enjoy the scenic travel together, 'tis nice, is it not?”
“It's very nice, sister.” called a simpering voice, and Luna's eyes narrowed grouchily as she turned her attention away from Celestia to glower down at a Nightmare standing nearby, Scrivener glancing over his shoulder curiously to see no less than three of the demonic equines standing to one side of him, gazing up with something like adoration at Luna before the center one spoke again kindly: “My sisters and I would like to join you. To know you all better... to spend time with you. You are our leader, and we are all citizens of the night, aren't we? Even you, Celestia... you stand beside us at night, instead of sitting in your lonely throne during the day. We would sorely love to speak with you.”
Luna began to open her mouth, and then Celestia gently touched her shoulder with a hoof, the younger sibling looking surprised before Celestia said courteously: “We have enough time on the journey back to entertain a guest. Perhaps one of you could ride with us and join us in the conversation, then. Don't you agree, little sister?”
“Aye, I suppose I do.” Luna muttered vindictively, nodding after a moment, and the Nightmares whispered amongst themselves before one vanished from reality, only to reappear a moment later on Scrivener's back. Twilight twitched back in surprise, but both Luna and Celestia only looked calmly at the creature before Luna grimaced and said distastefully: “Very well. Scrivener Blooms, march onwards now.”
Scrivy grunted, turning his attention forwards and beginning to stride calmly back down the dusty highway, keeping his pace easy as the ponies looked towards the Nightmare. It bowed its head respectfully to them, closing its glowing eyes as it said softly: “We are pledged to you through honor, sister. But know that many of us, even those who are native to this world, would now gladly follow you for less. You have brought something special to the night... and to be so close to mortals, to be able to touch and linger near them, it is a delightful new experience.”
The Nightmare accented this but looking at Twilight Sparkle, reaching out a hoof to stroke slowly along one limb, and the violet pony winced a bit and drew a little back as Luna and Celestia's eyes both narrowed. But then Celestia shook her head quickly before she asked quietly: “And what about feeding?”
“We hunger, but it is longing, not necessity. Our appetites can be sated by the plentiful wild animals, the other races of Equestria, and perhaps one day, your enemies.” the Nightmare smiled kindly at Luna, who grunted and looked both disturbed and considering, as Celestia shifted with a slight grimace and Twilight frowned. “And now we can linger close to mortals, feeding off their residual energies. We are like plants drinking in the energy of the sun... the sun neither notices nor cares that it feeds the life of entire worlds.”
“Aye, but thy kind are neither worlds nor flowers.” Luna remarked dryly, and then she shook her head slowly before moodily looking over the Nightmare. “Art thou the new Melinda? Here to replace mine last Nightmare secretary after she proved to be naught but a coward?”
Twilight and Celestia both frowned at Luna, but the Nightmare only laughed and bowed its head, replying gently: “Our kind does have a tendency to put self-preservation first, but you know that we are loyal otherwise, and will serve you well. Yes, our mistress, I shall serve as your new... secretary, as you called her who is now lost in Valhalla.”
“You abandoned a Nightmare in Valhalla?” Celestia asked with a slight frown, and Luna grumbled a bit under her breath before the ivory winged unicorn sighed and shook her head. “No, no, it... doesn't matter, I suppose. But Nightmares always do make eager administrators for the other forces of darkness, don't they? Anxious to stay in power, eager to earn a reputation and favor by spreading their master's word.”
“Aye, like religion.” Luna said drolly, and she sighed a bit as she looked at the Nightmare, saying finally: “Show one moment of cowardice and I shall flay the not-skin from thy not-bones, is this understood?”
“I understand.” the Nightmare smiled at her, bowing its head politely before it glanced towards Twilight Sparkle, studying her intently. “You have such powerful allies, mistress... we know your name in Helheim. You defeated a powerful demon once... you channel light and darkness.”
“I... thank you?” Twilight said awkwardly, and the Nightmare smiled as it began to lean in closer... then flinched hurriedly away when Celestia stepped protectively up to Twilight's side.
Scrivener, meanwhile, was listening intently to the conversation even as he kept his attention focused forwards... and then he glanced to the side in surprise as a Nightmare cantered not along the ground, but through the air beside his head as if gravity held no sway over it, glancing at him with a benevolent smile before it said kindly: “You should not resist feeding so much, brother... your hungers will worsen if you do. Right now you may not feel them very clearly... but that is because your symbiotic link with sister provides you sustenance, and you feed subconsciously off the emotions and pain of those around you, just as we do...”
Scrivy grimaced a bit at this comparison, but he knew he could no longer refute it, could no longer say he wasn't like them, as he kept his eyes ahead. The Nightmare striding through the air beside him only laughed, however, saying gently: “We are sentient emotion: we will provide you some energy, when we can. But it is best you feed regularly, before the hungers begin to dig in... a nibble here and there will do no harm to those around you. But if you let yourself starve, become too hungry, too greedy, you may not be able to stop yourself from devouring whoever is unfortunate enough to attract your attention...”
“The Nightmare speaks true, doesn't it?” Luna asked quietly but clearly, and Scrivener glanced awkwardly over his shoulder, meeting her eyes awkwardly for a moment, and the winged unicorn smiled wryly, muttering: “What a difficulty thou art. Tyrant Wyrms feast more off the spiritual than the physical... pushing their pain into the minds of others to better feed off them, absorbing thought and memory, sampling emotions like fine wine... sick creature.”
“Does it hurt?” Twilight Sparkle asked apprehensively, and Luna frowned a bit as she glanced towards her, saying softly: “I mean... Celestia said... something about him feeding off her, and that they traded... thoughts, memories...”
“Yes. The Tyrant Wyrms can link their minds with victims they wish to be especially cruel to, or to specifically feast upon...” Celestia halted, then closed her eyes with a faint blush as she said awkwardly: “I apologize, Luna, Scrivener Blooms, I forgot that... well...”
“No, no, it's fine.” Scrivener said finally, and then he glanced forwards, even as he explained quietly and tried to ignore the Nightmares flitting eagerly around him: “Tyrant Wyrms can inject their memories, thoughts, into something else, like... like the Wyrm did to me with the Black Verses. It forges a mental link and helps them feed, like... poison. And if they force something to feel agony, then they can drink that pain back up and it's... it feeds them. It feeds... us.”
He halted, then shook his head quickly and murmured: “I don't just feed off negative emotions, though, although that's what gives me the most... kick. I feed off positive ones, too... anything with a strong attachment to it. I'm like a spiritual vampire, I suppose, and those memories become a little... fuzzy, the emotions a little... drained. I absorb their meaning and vitality... and in time, it returns, but if I were to feed too heavily off a pony...”
“First comes suffering, which would encourage you to feed more, and eventually their minds would be destroyed.” Celestia finished quietly, and Scrivener nodded as he looked ahead before the ivory winged unicorn glanced towards Twilight, her eyes soft. “I am not hurt, though, and Scrivener Blooms has strong self-control. My mind is a little... fuzzy, but even that I feel receding. It is like a demon's touch... we've been over that, have we not?”
“Or like our own feeding.” the Nightmare standing with the ponies added, smiling benevolently at Twilight Sparkle as the violet pony looked apprehensively towards the hell-horse. “I admire the sense of honor I feel in you.”
Twilight shifted a bit at this, looking away with a mumble, and then she glanced towards the back of Scrivener's neck and said quietly: “Listen. If you need to feed, why don't you feed off me, then? I trust you, Scrivy. Just... don't go peeking into too many of my memories.”
Scrivener smiled a bit at this, and then Celestia stepped in, an undercurrent of concern in her voice: “Perhaps I would be a better candidate. I have thousands of years of memories and experience in... matters such as these.”
“Oh, stop bickering, thou can both sleep with Scrivener Blooms.” Luna said kindly, and this made both the mares halt, then glare at her as she grinned cheerfully as Scrivener only sighed and dropped his head forwards... yet he was admittedly glad for Luna's ability to ruin the seriousness of any mood as she added mildly: “But I wish thou would both ask me permission first before flirting with him. 'Tis rude. I am his wife and right here, after all.”
“Perhaps we should just enjoy the night air and let this subject rest for now.” Celestia replied finally, and Twilight nodded with a grumble at Luna, who only grinned widely at them both, looking pleased with herself as she settled down to her husband's scaled back. The Nightmare sat beside her, smiling calmly, and Twilight laid down herself... but Celestia only continued to stand, looking quietly over the others before she turned her eyes towards the moon and the stars above as she tested her hooves slowly against the Tyrant Wyrm beneath her even as whispers of apprehension scurried through her mind.