Chapter Fifteen: Different And Dangerous Discoveries
~BlackRoseRaven
Zecora and Applejack sat together at a table in front of Sugar Cube Corners, the earth pony grimacing a little as she picked up a muffin and said moodily: “I think Pinakmena gave me all the burnt ones on purpose. Can that half-demon ever hold a grudge.”
The zebra sipped slowly at her tea as she smiled a little, and then Applejack sighed and shook her head, saying finally: “Thanks for agreein' to talk to me, anyway, Zecora. I know you got other business in town today, but this whole mess has got me all riled up. I mean, sure, I ain't no fan of them Phooka or anything... but killing one like that, and leaving it suffering, making Fluttershy go through that, that was just wrong.”
“Whatever did such a thing must be a wicked creature indeed... or a pony very angry with Luna and her creed.” Zecora replied calmly, nodding slowly and then looking pointedly at Applejack as she tilted her head. “Not that... I believe the rumors I have heard... but out on the streets, among suspects is the word...”
“Yeah, I know. I know... a good few ponies think I did it. I been scorned and I been congratulated and I don't know which group of ponies made me angrier.” Applejack replied tiredly, nodding grumpily before she took a bite out of the muffin. “I wouldn't ever hurt Fluttershy like that, though. I wanted her safe. Not a crying mess, and now clinging all the tighter to those so-called 'friends' of hers. Passing by the cottage this morning, I saw Nibelung building her up some kinda enclosure for the Phooka... she really likes 'em, I guess.”
“Well, either way today I'm supposed to talk to Luna of the Night... between us, I think, she wants to make things right. So the timing of what happened really couldn't be worse... all the same, though, I hope that our argument we can reverse.” Zecora shook her head moodily, sipping slowly at her mug of tea again as she added in a quieter voice: “I certainly don't want an enemy in that winged unicorn... too many to her have their allegiance sworn.”
“You sound a little... cold... Zecora. I don't mean nothing by that, just don't seem like you're your usual self today.” Applejack said hesitantly, and the zebra looked up in surprise, then shook her head with an awkward smile. The earth pony mare smiled back, then she said in a gentler voice: “I definitely ain't about to defend Luna and what she's done, Zecora, and I sure as hell don't trust the two of 'em right now... but my brother, Big Mac, said to give 'em a chance. I still don't exactly want to, but I'm giving them at least a few more days... and besides, I got this feeling, too. I feel like one way or another, with what's just happened, ponies are gonna begin to really wake up and take notice of what's going on. That either I'll be proven wrong – and even though I don't usually like being proven wrong, this time I'd be happy if I was wrong about Luna and Scrivener all along – or I'll be proven right, but either way, something's going to give.”
Zecora frowned a bit at this, tilting her head as she looked over her shoulder towards Ponyville... but to the zebra, it seemed like there was only the natural bustle of activity. Ponies looked a little flightier than usual, there was a visible tenseness... but it otherwise seemed relatively normal, as the zebra turned her attention back to Applejack and asked slowly: “But just what are you talking about, Applejack? Everything here looks the same, not out of whack.”
“That's only because you didn't see what happened last night.” Applejack shook her head slowly, smiling faintly. “Must've been just after that Phooka was killed... Luna sent her nasties out across Ponyville, spying on everypony, and not all of 'em were exactly subtle about it. The unicorns got it the worst, apparently... for some reason or another, they're convinced it must've been magic that helped take that fella down.”
Zecora nodded slowly, grimacing a bit as Applejack said softly: “So sending out demons to invade the privacy of everypony in the village... that don't sound to me like the act of a good pony, now does it? And ponies are beginning to realize she didn't do everything she could have... both for your people, and for Equestria itself. That she's... got something wrong with her.”
Zecora nodded again, sipping at her mug of tea before Applejack sighed and shook her head a little, murmuring: “One way or another, Zecora. Ain't gonna be long now before she either goes over the deep end entirely or... she doesn't. So if I were you, I'd be careful... I'd hate to see you getting hurt trying to negotiate with her.”
“Don't worry about me, Applejack my friend... this time I plan to be courteous until our conversation's end.” the zebra replied with a small smile, and then she shook her head and sighed, putting her empty mug down and slipping carefully out of her seat. “But if you shall excuse my leave, I have a winged unicorn to deceive.”
“I like that.” Applejack smiled wryly despite herself, nodding and raising a hoof to Zecora as the zebra smiled a little over her shoulder at the earth pony. “Just watch yourself, huh? No doubt things are gonna be antsy around there.”
The zebra only nodded in return, then headed out into the street, letting her eyes rove back and forth as she took in the atmosphere of the town. Now that she knew what she was looking for, she could see the nervousness that tainted the once-utopian town, saw the anxiety and exhaustion prevalent most in the eyes of harried unicorns.
As she strode towards the library, she passed a knot of gossiping ponies outside a cafe, one of them whispering loudly with a hoof half-raised and eyes filled with worry: “-heard that the demons possess ponies and read minds... and I mean, sure, I can almost understand that if maybe a pony had been killed, but it was one of those monsters...”
The others nodded in agreement, and Zecora grimaced as she turned her eyes forwards, shaking her head slowly as she murmured: “Luna, I hope this is just all idle chatter... but truth be told you've been acting as mad as a hatter...”
The square in front of the library was mostly vacant, as if ponies were trying to avoid the scene of what had happened last night, and Zecora's eyes lingered on a dark stain as she approached the library, halting by this distinct black splotch and looking down at it quietly as she muttered: “I have to say that I still feel such surprise... that Fluttershy was so hurt by a monster's demise. In my homeland we had plenty of monsters to deal with as well... but whether dangerous or not, for them we never rang a funeral bell...”
Then she shook her head slowly and strode calmly over the stain, heading to the library door and knocking twice, rolling her shoulders to try and throw off the anxiety that was tickling along her spine, as if she had been infected by the worries of the town. She breathed quietly in and out, then glanced up with an awkward smile as the door finally opened and she found herself face-to-face with Celestia, who frowned down at her in surprise. “Celestia, it is good to see you here... would your sister be around to speak with, dear?”
Celestia nodded slowly, stepping carefully backwards and glancing over her shoulder as she called calmly: “Luna, Zecora is here and wishes to talk with you... do you have a moment to spare?”
“Aye, I suppose I do.” Luna glanced up from the rectangular table, looking surprised as she cocked her head, and Scrivener Blooms and Twilight both looked up dumbly as well. “Strange to see thee here, though... I sent a messenger to thee last night, but never received word back despite my instructions, so I was unsure if thou wert... in a mood to meet or not.”
“That is strange indeed, since the Nightmare wasted no time in reaching me... I told it last night how glad to meet with you I would be.” Zecora replied with a frown, striding carefully into the room and surveying the table slowly: three Nibelung Artificers sat at it, and Spike was standing nearby with an armload of books, looking apprehensive. “If the timing is bad to our meeting later we can attend... I thought I would come and meet you here as a gesture of amend.”
“Nay, nay, Zecora, thou art not interrupting anything serious...” Luna shook her head quickly, rising from the table and striding around it with a smile as she suggested: “But perhaps let us adjourn to the back room... let the Nibelung continue to argue with one another over their designs and ideas.”
The zebra nodded, and both she and Zecora headed towards the open archway at the rear of the library, passing through into a smaller, circular room of shelves as the others looked after them, but Celestia only shook her head when Twilight half-stood up from the table, the ivory winged unicorn striding over and saying quietly: “Don't worry, Twilight. Sister can be perfectly diplomatic when she wishes to be, and at least for the moment it seems like she's more interested in making allies than burning bridges.”
Twilight nodded hesitantly... and in the next room, Luna sat down and smiled awkwardly across at Zecora, her starry mane betraying her nervousness as it flitted back and forth behind her. “So my messenger did make it to thee?”
“Yes, last night; a Nightmare if I recall right.” Zecora replied seriously, nodding once before she hesitated and added: “Not among the greatest of dark might, and I extend my gratitude to you for wanting to help my clan's plight.”
“'Tis an honest wish, Zecora, I... I do want to help.” Luna said softly, glancing away and nodding slowly before she looked down with a frown, murmuring: “But the messenger had specific instructions to return to me before daybreak... I fear the worst now. I knew the creature would not have hidden from me, even wert thy response unfavorable...”
“Are you sure that you can trust in these creatures of the dark? How can you know that to your instructions they would so assuredly hark?” the zebra asked after a moment, and Luna looked up with a wry smile at her, shaking her head slowly, starry locks twisting quietly backwards.
“Because, Zecora, they are bound by their word, and the laws of the night. 'Tis not like the promise of a pony, easily given and even more easily broken; when my... my subjects, my citizens make a promise, to break their word is to risk destroying themselves.” Luna explained quietly, smiling a little at the zebra. “And they are... eager to impress me at the moment. 'Tis perhaps not something I should be proud of, and yet I am all the same. I admit that.”
The zebra nodded slowly, looking apprehensively over the winged unicorn before she sighed a little and said finally: “I do not approve of your methods, Luna, my old friend... but... perhaps I have been a little unfair, perhaps I misjudged your means to the end. And if you're willing to give it, I would honor and cherish your aid... but what I require now isn't healing, but for something else to be made.”
Luna cocked her head curiously, and Zecora hesitated, mulling over her words before she said slowly, bowing her head politely: “The worst of the damage has been healed by my clan... but on how to get home we are still without plan. But perhaps with your help we could power a portal of complex design... it would be the safest and fastest way to transport to our new home myself and mine. It would also let us move the still-injured safely and with ease... otherwise the journey will be taxing, and their survival without any guarantees.”
The winged unicorn cocked her head at this, then suggested thoughtfully: “Well, aye... Greece is an Artificer and Ten an engineer, both are present here... I could have the dwarves build this portal for thee-”
“No, no, worry not, my clan can attend to the portal's creation...” Zecora began hurriedly, and when Luna frowned at her, she blushed and rose a hoof. “No offense to you or them, but we are protective of our clan's traditional delineation.”
“I... understand. But then I suppose I fail to see where my help comes in.” Luna said slowly, looking curious. “How am I to help if I am not permitted to help?”
“But Luna, didn't you hear what I said before? We can build it fine ourselves, but we cannot power this special door.” Zecora shook her head, smiling a little. “But between you and your sister Celestia, it should be only a small task... I hope that you don't think this is too strange or much for me to ask.”
“Nay, not at all. Well, strange, aye, but not too much by far, Zecora... although I find it odd that thee and thine have the plans for a portal of such magnitude but not a means by which to power it.” Luna replied, smiling a little.
Zecora smiled in return, however, shrugging and looking oddly relieved as she answered: “Well, it's not as if we can't power it given time... but it would require many materials and perhaps weeks to prime. This method is much faster, and perhaps better for us both... if you help me Luna, never again will I cause you trouble, on my oath.”
“Well, I hope thou causes me a little trouble, Zecora, and this isn't thy way of leaving... I... was angry with thee, am still very bitter, but all the same... thou art a friend and they are very fond of thee in Ponyville. 'Twould be a great loss to lose thee.” Luna replied quietly, looking honestly over at the zebra.
The black-and-white mare leaned back in surprise at these words, then blushed a little and glanced down, fidgeting awkwardly for a moment before she finally smiled, replying softly: “No, Luna, worry not, I have no plans to leave Equestria... I have come to feel at home here, and cherish allies like yourself, Twilight Sparkle, and Celestia.”
“Then know that I am glad to hear it.” Luna replied quietly, nodding firmly once, and she and the zebra studied one another for a few moments before the winged unicorn asked finally: “Is there anything else I can do for thee? And how long will it take to assemble this portal... art thou sure I cannot lend thee the assistance of either my own servants or the Nibelung laborers? I am sure many of thy people are anxious to return to the spot thou plans to make into a new home.”
Zecora only laughed, however, shaking her head. “I appreciate the gesture, but it's perfectly okay; construction of the portal is already underway. What you speak is true though, many are anxious to be home... I only hope the place they find is half as welcoming as our old roam.
“As to your other question, about when the portal shall be complete... it will not be very long, my clan's work has always been strong and fleet.” Zecora continued, looking meditatively towards the floor. “I would say it should only take a few days, as long as nothing interferes... but nothing in the near future has irritated the senses of our seers.”
The zebra hesitated, and then added in an almost-embarrassed voice: “And this is a very... awkward... subject for me to breach, but I figured it would be best to ask if this was within your reach; the presence of your dark servants around our camp worries my superstitious clan: is there any way you can make them stay away from that region's span?”
“I would not call your tribe superstitious, Zecora... thou has always struck me as being too wise for that, and thy people seemed very self-assured and confident.” Luna replied kindly, nodding once, but the zebra only smiled wryly before the winged unicorn nodded musingly. “Aye, 'tis a fair enough request, though, and one that I shall do my best to fulfill. I cannot speak for every spirit and entity of the night, and especially not every creature that lurks within the forest, though... for the Everfree Forest is alive with magic and vitality all its very own, after all.”
“So I have felt for myself in the grasses and the trees, a presence as vast and as powerful as any of the world's seas.” The zebra glanced up, rubbing at the underside of her muzzle musingly. “All the same, though, even if your servants mean to protect... instead their presence makes my clan feel very suspect. My concern is never that through them you would mean us any harm... it is rather because in my people their shapes and presence cause such alarm.”
Luna sat back at this, her mane swaying backwards as she said kindly: “Then know this, Zecora, tonight I shall give them instructions to give thy camp and thy lodgings a wide berth. It is the very least I can do and I hope it does help you understand that... I am not here seeking to bring tyranny upon the heads of anypony or anything, I am not here solely for my own gain and to enhance my own power... I am here to help as much as a creature of darkness myself can. I know that... my aims, my loyalties, and much else have all been questioned, but I am not ignoring the suffering of those around me, nor do I wish to see them hurt or at risk. I and my husband both only desire the opportunity to help. I only fear that... judgments have already been made against us that cannot be so-easily reversed.”
Zecora glanced up at the winged unicorn as she lowered her head quietly... and then the zebra sighed a little, reaching a hoof up and grasping Luna's shoulder gently as she said finally: “Try not to worry yourself, Luna of the Night... in the end I believe that wrong will make itself clearly known from right.”
Luna nodded hesitantly after a moment, and then the zebra smiled and stepped back, saying courteously: “But for now I should take my leave, as we have spoken of much... although I feel I must say I truly appreciate your unexpected diplomatic touch.”
“Blame that upon the years I have spent at mine sister's side.” Luna said ironically, giving a grunt and a short nod. “Thou hast my thanks, though, Zecora. For the compliments and the gesture of goodwill in coming here to meet with me. 'Tis appreciated and 'twill not go forgotten.”
“The honor was mine, Luna, to come here and make amends... I am very glad that in spite of everything, we can still be friends.” the zebra responded kindly, and she half-bowed to the winged unicorn. “Then until the next time we speak, may you never fear feeling weak.”
The zebra turned and headed back through the archway, giving only a small smile over to those gathered at the rectangular table even as both Celestia and Twilight half-rose, but she simply bowed her head to them on the way to the door, calmly pushing her way through and back out into the bright daylight of late morning. Twilight began to circle around the table, but Scrivener reached out and grasped her shoulder, saying quietly: “Don't bother. I'm sure she's already gone.”
“That was a little weird.” Spike said finally, still standing by Illyria with an armload of books, and then he winced when the Architect grumbled and tossed another onto the pile in the dragon's arms, almost knocking him over as he wheezed and staggered a bit. “I'm going to go put these away then.”
“Aye, thou hast no idea of just how strange it was, though. Amiable, pleasant, almost humble... either she is afraid of me or something else is at hoof.” Luna grumbled as she walked through the archway, shaking her head slowly as her eyes flicked towards Celestia. “Sister, she wishes for us to provide power for some kind of portal device for her clan and kin. It gives me an ill feeling in my stomach, as she denied requiring further aid for her people.”
“Well, when I was there yesterday, it did look like there were fewer injured...” Twilight said hesitantly, shaking her head slowly and grimacing a bit over at Luna as Spike carried the armload of books past her even as the dragon glanced apprehensively towards them. “And with all those zebras constantly working, applying salves and medicine as well as whatever other remedies Zecora has...”
Celestia nodded slowly, looking towards Luna with a frown, studying her younger sister before she said quietly: “Something else is bothering you, isn't it?”
Luna shifted a bit, looking awkwardly towards Scrivener Blooms, who looked pointedly back... and for a moment, the two only studied each other, thoughts and images swirling back and forth between them before Scrivener sighed and leaned back in the chair as Luna grunted, and the male said quietly: “It's something Luna and I talked about this morning, when the Nightmare didn't show up... what if a zebra killed the Phooka? It would explain why the Nightmare is most-likely dead as well... it wouldn't break a promise to us – especially when it might have expected to be rewarded for coming back with such good news – and Zecora and her people obviously have their own methods of dealing with the supernatural.”
“She does not want my subjects near the encampment or her clan, either... says that they make them nervous.” Luna muttered, looking meditative. “Her eyes, her tone... disturbed me.”
She shook her head slowly, then glanced over at Celestia as the ivory winged unicorn gave her a meditative look, and the younger sibling huffed before grumbling: “Oh, 'tis not just paranoia, that is exactly why I did not wish to get into this subject. I know what it sounds like, believe me: accusing the zebras of slaughtering my servants and that Zecora may have some wicked scheme in mind, since we all understand 'tis not in her nature to run scared from a problem.”
“I don't want to think that a zebra could have anything to do with this. But if she did want to hurt you, why would she ask both you and Celestia to power the portal... why would she involve you both?” Twilight pointed out, glancing up and trying to look positive even as she visibly grimaced at the worries surfacing in her mind. “We just need to... be careful for now, I think. Take this one step at a time.”
“We need more information before we act, Twilight is right.” Celestia said quietly, nodding once before she glanced towards Scrivener Blooms as the male shifted back a bit, before he looked up in surprise as she added: “Come, Scrivener. You haven't fed yet today.”
Scrivener smiled awkwardly as the Nibelung glanced towards them curiously, but Luna only grunted and nodded, striding towards the table and adding moodily: “Aye, 'tis true, and it will settle us both some, Scrivy. Go ahead with sister, I'll resume laying the groundwork with the Nibelung.”
“No, I can do it.” Twilight spoke up quietly, and Celestia glanced over at her with both surprise and a hint of concern before the violet pony smiled awkwardly as she looked back and forth. “It's no big deal. Besides, as much as I hate to say it... I'm not very useful here.”
“Don't worry, we all already knew that.” Illyria muttered, and then he winced when Luna flicked her horn irritably and sent a book shooting off the table at his head, the dwarf barely ducking beneath this as both Ten and Greece leaned awkwardly away from him.
Twilight only smiled a bit, however, shaking her head quickly as Scrivener climbed up from the table, looking a little embarrassed before Celestia sighed and sat back down, nodding slowly. “Alright. If you're both sure, then, but please, Twilight, don't feel that you need to.”
The violet mare only smiled awkwardly at the ivory winged unicorn, however, bowing her head respectfully before she and Scrivener Blooms both made their way towards the back room, and Luna grinned slightly as she turned her eyes to her older sister, asking teasingly: “Art thou jealous, sister? And if so, is it of Twilight Sparkle or Scrivener Blooms?'
Celestia only gave Luna a sour look in return, however... and in the back room, Twilight blushed a little as she lowered her head and Scrivener glanced awkwardly towards her, rubbing absently at his chest as he said finally: “I really do appreciate this, Twilight, but you know that Celestia...”
“Well, maybe... I don't want Celestia to do this. Maybe I want to do this, I don't just... want to help you but...” Twilight shifted embarrassedly, smiling a little as she glanced up and Scrivener looked at her softly in return before he walked forwards, their eyes locking together before she reached a hoof hesitantly up and touched his shoulder gently. “You... you don't have to hold back with me. I know that even with Celestia... you hold back. I know that you're... you're scared a little sometimes of who... of what... you are... but you don't have to hold back with me. No matter what, I care about you, and you make me...”
She quieted, bowing her head forwards... then she smiled when Scrivener reached up and stroked a claw gently through her mane, brushing it slowly back as he looked down into her eyes. Their gazes locked, the two breathing softly as they studied one another for a few moments before Scrivener's eyes took on a faint glow as Twilight sat back, gazing almost longingly up at him as she felt his other front claw grip her side.
They stroked along her body, digging gently against her skin, and she shifted a bit before he leaned forwards, nuzzling her slowly. It made her blush as she bowed her head forwards but didn't break eye contact, then she winced when he squeezed his claws testingly against her side, making her fidget before he dug them lightly forwards.
He could feel her pain as a bit of her breath whispered out of her jaws, and he firmly but gently dragged his claw against her side, Twilight's eyes half-closing as she gritted her teeth but didn't tell him to stop even as he left thin scratches against her. She was shivering a bit, and he slid closer to her, the mare sliding back and then grunting as she bumped back into a wall... before Scrivener leaned forwards, eyes intense as he pinned her with his strong body, claws grasping against her as he bared his teeth and loomed over her.
She arched her back, gasping quietly, eye contact breaking as she flushed deeply and a shiver of fear, of pain, and strange excitement ran through her before Scrivener leaned down, his misty, blue breath washing over her neck, making her feel like her skin was sizzling before she arched her back and her eyes bulged in shock when his teeth bit into the junction of throat and shoulder, a shiver running through her as they first bruised, then punctured skin. She whimpered weakly, her eyes almost glowing as rivulets of blood spilled slowly down Scrivener's chin and along her body, mixed with his saliva as steam faintly rose from the wound... and even though the pain was intense, she didn't pull away... not only because she couldn't, but because she didn't want to.
His jaws drew back after a moment, licking his lips as his eyes flashed and he looked up to meet her eyes, her physical pain feeding him along with her wild emotions, her feeling of being trapped and caught adding to the feelings of power and control before his eyes locked with hers as she looked up, a tear spilling down her cheek... and then her head rocked back with a gasp as she felt that spark in her mind, and the pain was gone, whiffed out by a flare of pleasure so strong it made her body fall limp.
Scrivener's claws held her safe, his body pinned her back and kept her up against the wall as her jaw fell slack, only able to support her head and stare hungrily up into Scrivener's eyes. Their minds locked, and images played back and forth, agony became ecstasy and Twilight felt every buried, subconscious, primal urge in her being yanked towards the surface as she gasped. Drool formed at the corners of her mouth as she shivered once, and Scrivener grinned widely, his eyes glowing, his mind filling with her memories, her thoughts, her hungers as he pushed his own into her...
Twilight smiled dazedly as a powerful image rose to the surface: her, safe and comfortable, in the embrace of Luna and Scrivener, forever, wrapped in brambles and chains, symbiotic, an endless stair formed by bodies curled each over the other's. And then a moment later, the image vanished as the link broke, and Twilight reared back, staring up into this eyes of the Tyrant Wyrm as the glow faded slightly from them and his grin began to tone down as the primal instincts were satiated and the poet's mind came back.
He began to open his mouth, but Twilight tried to whisper something, shoving her hooves against his chest, and he allowed her to push him back. They looked at one another, and then Twilight slowly slipped forwards, pushing Scrivener onto his back, crawling overtop him and straddling him as she pinned him by the shoulders, her own eyes still glowing, alive with thoughts and images and desires from the Tyrant Wyrm as she licked her lips slowly, blood dribbling from the open wound but only feeling pleasure, no pain, as-
“Oh god sorry!” Spike gave a strangled shout, and Scrivener looked dumbly backwards as Twilight looked stupidly up to see the dragon staring at them, the color draining from his face as he spun around, books and papers flying from his arms as he yelped and bolted away. It woke Twilight up from the almost-trance she had fallen into as she winced and shook her head quickly, then flushed deep red as Luna cackled loudly in the other room and Scrivener blushed deeply, grinning up at her embarrassedly.
The violet mare shook her head quickly, then she glared down at him... but all the same, she couldn't find the will to be angry at the male. Instead, there was a hint of desire still, other wants, and a need to be part of the world that he and Luna were making as the bite on her neck throbbed weakly before she closed her eyes and muttered: “I feel fuzzy. It was a lot more intense than last time and... god, you bit me, you jerk.”
“You... looked tasty?” Scrivener said lamely, and Twilight glared down at him before she blushed when the male reached up and stroked her face quietly, murmuring: “I'm sorry. Instinct took over, and I could... I could feel my claws on you. Not just your pain... but every touch, it fueled me. But one thing led to another...”
He smiled awkwardly as Twilight looked down at him quietly, then she sighed and blushed a little, carefully pushing herself off the male and mumbling: “I... I had better go check on Spike, anyway. I...”
“Wait.” Scrivener said quietly, and Twilight glanced towards him as he carefully stood up, then stepped towards her before she closed her eyes and arched her back with a shiver as he licked up the wound in her neck, tingling pain and pleasure rolling through the winged unicorn before the poet breathed softly over the injury, and Twilight winced and glanced to the side in surprise as she felt static sizzle along the wound as it steamed with blue mist, numbing the area. Then Scrivener drew back with a bit of a smile, meeting her eyes and murmuring: “Thank you, Twilight, for letting me feed. For being my friend. For... being here. You will always have a special place with myself and Luna. You'll always be... ours.”
He reached up, touching her face even as Twilight dropped her eyes with a deep blush, not wanting to admit how that made her feel as she closed her eyes... then finally nodded awkwardly, murmuring: “I know.”
She began to walk forwards, then halted in front of the archway leading back into the main room, hesitating before she looked over her shoulder as Scrivener gazed at her softly. “I know I shouldn't want this... but I do, anyway. And it scares me so much... just... promise me that you'll always be there for me, Scrivener. That I'm not...”
Scrivener smiled as he strode up beside her, reaching a claw up and pulling her firmly forwards into a quick but passionate kiss, and Twilight's eyes widened before slipping closed as she returned it almost greedily, her mind filling again with bliss and delight before her eyes fluttered as the male pulled back and met her gaze, saying quietly: “You're Twilight Sparkle. You are our most-trusted friend and adviser, our most loyal, our most loved. Don't ever worry that you're anything less than that to myself or Luna... don't ever undervalue yourself.”
Twilight smiled warmly up at him, nodding firmly once before she turned and strode quietly out into the hall, and Celestia glanced up before her eyes sharpened at the wound still visible on the winged unicorn's neck, and the dried blood that speckled her violet coat. Greece also looked up awkwardly while Tenochtitlan hurriedly cleared his throat and looked back down at a sketch he was working on before Luna said kindly: “I would recommend freshening up a little, Twilight. 'Twas twenty minutes thou wert gone for.”
“Twenty minutes?” Twilight looked stupefied at this as Scrivener stuck his own head out of the back room with a dumb look at the others, before his eyes locked with Luna's as she grinned widely, trading thoughts and images back and forth before the poet groaned and dropped back into the room, covering his face as the dark-coated winged unicorn laughed.
“Yes, twenty minutes. Luna said it was 'nothing serious,' but, my sister being my sister...” Celestia looked moodily towards the dark-coated winged unicorn, as Luna shrugged cheerfully and winked at Twilight, leaning forwards with half-lidded eyes. “Yes, Twilight. And you have a... mark... on your neck. May I heal it?”
“No, no it doesn't hurt, I'll... heal it myself while I...” Twilight broke off into a mumble, then shook her head hurriedly before heading to the back stairs, blushing deeply again as she muttered to herself: “This is all their fault... I was a good girl before I met them...”
Celestia frowned a bit after Twilight Sparkle, but before she could speak, Illyria slammed a book closed and straightened, declaring grouchily: “My job is done. I am heading out to the work site to organize the Nibelung laborers and prepare to break ground. Engineer Tenochtitlan can handle the rest of designing the tower.”
“I'll walk with you.” Greece smiled a bit, raising a hand, and Illyria sighed and looked almost pleadingly at Luna even as the artificer smiled. “Oh come on, don't be so hostile, friend Illyria. Besides, I must speak to the Strange Ones anyway.”
Luna nodded thoughtfully, then she rolled her eyes as Ten glanced up, saying flatly: “Oh, very well, if our company is so abhorrent then thou may also leave, dwarf. Accursed creatures.”
“No, no, it's not that at all, fancy-corn!” Ten winced and rose his hands as Greece carefully pushed away from the table and Illyria only grunted. “But all the same, I need to write a letter to Babylon and... we're really just getting in the way here...”
“Fine, go.” Luna grumbled and nodded, then she hesitated before saying quietly, looking slowly over the three Architects: “But be careful, friends. I do not want to see any harm coming to any of thee.”
The three nodded, Greece smiling and Ten bowing his head respectfully, and then the dwarves made their way towards the door as Luna shook her head grouchily and Scrivener returned to the table. Celestia looked at them, the three alone for the moment before her eyes roved to Scrivener Blooms, locking gazes with him as he smiled embarrassedly... but surprisingly, Celestia didn't say anything, only shaking her head slightly before she turned her eyes to Luna and said softly: “We should take this moment to examine you, sister. You promised, after all.”
“This goes to show that making a promise is the act of a fool and an idiot.” Luna grumbled, but she nodded after a moment all the same, sighing and looking moodily up towards the ceiling. “Very well, though, but only because 'twill be one less thing hanging over my accursed head. Where shall Scrivener Blooms and I sit then, sister?”
“No, for this, we only need to examine you.” Celestia replied gently, and the dark-coated winged unicorn cocked her head and frowned slightly at this before the ivory equine smiled a little in return as she said quietly: “Well, we already know what's... changed... with Scrivener Blooms. It's not exactly hard to see, after all... no offense intended, brother.”
“None taken. It's kind of true.” Scrivener glanced down at his claw, nodding slowly before he glanced at Luna, trading thoughts and images and memories with her before he looked back at Celestia and said softly: “You're really worried about that elixir she drank. What effects it had.”
“I am. Especially after... what I just saw.” The ivory winged unicorn kept her tone soft, however, and her eyes glanced hesitantly towards the back stairs before she shook her head and looked between Luna and Scrivener as the ponies gazed at her intently. “Your hungers... your willingness to feed and your desires... have increased exponentially in only a few short days. And Luna... you took very visible pleasure in the process.”
Luna began to open her mouth to make some joke, but when she met the concerned amethyst irises of her big sister, she only grimaced and then said finally: “Well, I do feel what my husband feels...”
“It was more than that, and we both know it.” Celestia said quietly, and Luna grumbled a bit and glared at the enormous equine before Celestia shook her head and said in a gentler voice: “I'm not saying that it's not entirely... wrong. I understand that you feel one another's pleasure and emotions, that you can't control that. But Luna, you seem to be... more and more, trying to increase your enjoyment of such things. It's not that I'm worried you'll start hurting others on purpose... but would you risk injuring Twilight severely? That was more than a simple love-bite on her neck.”
“That was my fault.” Scrivener said quickly, looking up and shaking his head, blushing as he nervously tapped a claw on the table before explaining in a voice that was slightly-embarrassed: “We were... I could feel her emotions and... when I... scratched her, she... the pain fed into me as pleasure. So when I bit her...”
“Alright, I... would rather not hear too many details.” Celestia winced a bit and held up a hoof, and Scrivener nodded with relief before the ivory mare glanced towards her sister, saying quietly: “But Luna, you were... the look on your face, the way you kept grinding your teeth together... and it was difficult to miss you whispering to yourself in the the awkward quiet while the Nibelung and I were working on the plans for Enstasis.”
“So thou art calling me lazy?”Luna asked flatly, rearing her head back, but this time Celestia didn't take the bait and only continued to look at her, which made the dark-coated winged unicorn grumble a little and then slump a bit in her seat, muttering: “Alright, alright. I do not understand what the big fear is but all the same I suppose in the same length... I do. Maybe I am being more of an... an instigator these days, perhaps I have developed a bad tendency to try and drive my husband's desires and help others with their own...”
“I don't think Twilight wanted to be bitten by a Tyrant Wyrm. It's dangerous, Luna... and while she didn't seem seriously injured, what if next time Scrivener finds it harder to stop, gets so wrapped up in his Tyrant Wyrm instincts that he tries to kill her out of hunger?” Celestia said softly, and Luna and Scrivener both looked at her sharply as the ivory winged unicorn smiled faintly. “It's a distinct possibility, and I think you both understand that, however unlikely it must seem. Think about it: Twilight poisoned by your feeding, unable to tell pain from pleasure... and you digging deeper, only able to feel enjoyment, forgetting for just a moment how... easily hurt ponies can be...”
“Thank you, Celestia, but I'm not that easily hurt.” Twilight said quietly from the top of the stairs, and all three looked up in surprise to see her smiling faintly, a brush floating beside her and carefully smoothing out her frazzled mane as Spike peered embarrassedly past the purple mare. For a moment, she stood, then shook her head and descended the steps, looking quietly at Celestia and saying softly: “It was my choice. I know the consequences and the dangers. And... it's okay.”
Celestia looked surprised... but then she nodded slowly as Twilight finished brushing her mane back before she tossed the brush on the table and smiled awkwardly over at Luna, saying finally: “But it would be a good idea to go ahead and... look over you now, I agree with Celestia there. I've actually been studying a few books here on that subject... older magic, potions, legends of Asgard. I don't want to sound... insulting or anything, though, I know that both you and Celestia are far-more-knowledgeable on that subject and I only have a lot of second-hoof information...”
“There is no need for thee to be so hard upon thyself though, Twilight... thou art wiser by far than either myself or even vaunted Celestia, I think sometimes.” Luna smiled a little despite herself at her sister, who gave her a look that was both exasperated and a little entertained in spite of everything. “And Spike, thou hast my apologies. 'Twas only meant to be a little joke, I did not think it would be so... traumatizing.”
“It's... cool. Hey, uh, Scrivener. I'm going to go over to Sweet Apple Acres... how do you feel about having a night out with the guys tonight? You, me, Rainbow, Big Mac... just like old times.” Spike smiled a bit, rubbing at the back of his head as Scrivener looked curiously over at the dragon. “It might... you know. Help settle everypony's nerves about... things.”
Scrivener nodded slowly after a moment at this, then he glanced at Luna, who shrugged. The poet smiled, then nodded again, firmer this time, as his eyes returned to the emerald irises of the reptile's. “Sounds good.”
“Great!” Spike looked relieved, nodding once before he hurried past the table to the door, grinning over his shoulder and waving quickly. “I'll let you know the plans when I get back!”
Twilight smiled faintly over at the dragon as he left, and then she shook her head slowly as Celestia gazed towards her, saying softly: “You're doing a good job of keeping your friends together, Twilight, in spite of everything.”
“No. No I'm not.” Twilight shook her head a bit with a faint laugh, murmuring: “Having to keep using other friends as go-betweens and arranging things so... I'm out with one set of friends but not the other and... it's exhausting. I wish... I wish we could just all... get along.”
“Aye, but... that has always been asking a lot of ponies, I have sadly found.” Luna replied ironically, shaking her head slowly. “From old times to the present, they have always had difficulties getting along.”
“Don't be so hard on yourself, Twilight.” Celestia said gently, but Twilight only smiled a little in return to the ivory winged unicorn before shrugging a bit, and the rainbow-maned mare gave her a soft look before finally nodding and prompting: “But perhaps we should attend to our business, while we have the moment. It won't take long... since you've been studying the old texts, I assume you're familiar with a warding circle?”
Twilight nodded, looking hesitantly at Celestia as Luna groaned and slipped away from the table, grumbling as she circled around it. The others watched, and then Twilight winced when Luna's horn glowed blue and she lowered her head, smoke hissing up as she etched runes into the floor with her sapphire-shrouded horn. “L-Luna, hey, stop!”
“Oh, shush, Twilight Sparkle, 'tis the easiest method. Besides, 'tis not for just anypony I would be so willing to build the bars to my own cage.” Luna replied grouchily, and Celestia sighed as she shook her head and stood up, Twilight still staring in horror... before she grabbed at her face with a gape of disbelief when Celestia strode around the table and lowered her own horn to the floor, beginning to etch a second circle around the first.
Luna grinned widely in entertainment at this even as she continued to work, and Celestia gave a small smile of her own as she said calmly: “I'm sorry, Twilight, but for once sister is right... it's both the easiest and most efficient way to go about this process. Besides, ink or chalk would not be permanent enough... sister will require a bit of...”
“Chaining down.” Luna muttered, and Celestia smiled faintly as the winged unicorn sighed grouchily, then winced as she finished the inner circle and it sparked with blue energy, the runes beginning to pulse faintly as she stepped out of Celestia's way. “Accursed everything.”
Scrivener smiled a bit as he stood up, walking over to the winged unicorn and kissing her cheek quietly, and Luna grumbled but settled a little as Twilight apprehensively strode around the table, asking finally: “Is this all really necessary?”
“It is. The process will be unpleasant and my little sister does have a bad habit of... lashing out.” Celestia replied softly as she quickly finished the last of the runes, then stepped slowly back as they glowed with brighter golden light. The four looked down at this: a circle of darker blue surrounded by a radiant halo... and the ivory equine shook her head slowly before she murmured: “Step inside, lay down, and relax, Luna.”
Luna sighed a little, then looked towards Scrivener, and the male met her eyes before they kissed for a moment, gently but firmly. Then the dark-coated winged unicorn slowly drew away before she sighed as she stepped slowly into the circle... and winced as electricity sparked along her body before arching her back with a hiss as she passed into the center of the rings, Scrivener wincing back and grasping at his skull as he felt their mental link fill with static and Twilight looked worriedly back and forth.
Luna's ephemeral locks flickered quietly, and then she cursed under her breath as she slowly forced herself to lay down despite the painful tingling over her entire body, wincing a little as she muttered: “Make this quick. This is severely unpleasant.”
“Relax as much as possible, little sister, otherwise you know that it will only make the process more difficult.” Celestia replied gently, and the dark-coated winged unicorn rumbled, glaring up at them with her cyan irises as Twilight nervously paced around the outer edge of the circle. Celestia, meanwhile, only slowly drew her eyes over Luna, frowning a bit as her younger sister fidgeted and growled a little under her breath, quickly becoming irritable... more quickly than she would have even in the past, before the ivory equine asked slowly: “Is it hurting you?”
“It's annoying me.” Luna muttered, fidgeting again and flicking a hoof out as her starry locks sizzled, and Celestia frowned deeper. “I see thou art being serious and deep in thy investigation already, though, not taking thy sweet time at all.”
Celestia ignored the sarcasm, however, then she lowered her head forwards as Twilight approached her, older mare glancing towards younger violet pony as she said calmly: “Sit back and watch. You may need to step in to add your strength to the wards, however, if Luna... resists.”
“I am not going to resist, do not treat me like a prisoner or an idiot.” Luna complained loudly... and then Celestia's horn began to glow, and the dark-coated winged unicorn frowned dumbly before she hissed as several runes around her glowed brighter, electricity sparking along her body, and Scrivener Blooms flinched where he was sitting. “Oh damn thee, vile sadist!”
“Celestia?” Twilight asked worriedly, but the ivory equine only shook her head, concentrating... and Luna snarled, arching her back as her eyes began to glow with ivory light, visibly fighting the urge to lash back at her older sister as she tore her hooves against the floorboards and her back arched, writhing in the center of the circles as Twilight looked apprehensively back and forth. “Wait, what are you doing? What's going on?”
Then Luna cursed, dropping her head forwards as her eyes glowed before her head snapped back, her starry mane and tail both curling and twisting upwards as they became not ephemeral locks, but a whirling storm of blue fire. Luna's body shook, her sharp teeth gritted in a snarl, and a black smog rose up from her frame as her eyes glowed with unholy light before Nightmare Moon's voice whispered from her jaws: “Ever the cruel one, aren't you, Celestia?”
Celestia forced herself to ignore it, to ignore even Twilight as the winged unicorn asked another desperate question, before she snapped her horn upwards with a grunt as her amethyst eyes flashed... and Luna gasped as the circle of runes around her sparked before her mane and tail of sapphire fire both burst apart and became physical, dark blue locks. They spilled over her face and to the floor as she shuddered for a moment in the circle, leaning backwards... and then Luna fell forwards as Scrivener Blooms groaned and collapsed on his side, leaving Twilight staring in horror.
But Celestia only calmly stepped forwards into the circle, ignoring the sparks of electricity that traveled along her frame as she reached down and quickly pressed her hooves against Luna's side, saying quietly: “My apologies, sister. But draining your magic was the only thing I could think of once Nightmare Moon tried to intervene... hopefully she'll remain stunned while I check you over.”
“Aye, right. Of course thou doesn't enjoy causing me pain.” Luna muttered tiredly, and Celestia smiled wryly before the winged unicorn grimaced as Twilight stepped apprehensively forwards, the dark-coated female shaking her head and muttering: “Worry not for me, 'twas necessary to drain me down to next-to-nothing anyway...”
“Why?” Twilight burst out, looking nervously between the two, but both siblings only gave her a smile before the violet mare sighed, closing her eyes tightly as she stepped backwards before she felt one of Scrivener's claws grasp her shoulder gently as he slowly stood.
“Because otherwise Luna's own strength and magic would have blocked your examination... and Nightmare Moon might have hidden as much of the... whatever-it-is that's inside Luna now. Now neither of those things can intervene.” Scrivener explained quietly, and Twilight nodded hesitantly before he squeezed her shoulder gently, closing his eyes and bowing his head forwards, made more solemn by his exhaustion. “Please, Twilight. Help them.”
“Of... of course.” Twilight murmured, looking down towards Celestia... and then she shook her head quickly, asking finally: “But what can I do?”
“This is a stasis ward... our energies won't replenish, magic is more difficult to perform. I am going to examine Luna... your job is to keep her calm and... numb, is not an entirely bad word. Some of this is going to hurt, and I can't divide my attention between so many things at once.” Celestia replied quietly, and Twilight nodded hesitantly before the ivory winged unicorn glanced towards Scrivener, saying quietly: “Please find me several small jars. And then you may want to prepare yourself for what's coming.”
Scrivener grimaced a bit, hurrying towards the kitchen before Celestia turned her eyes back towards Luna, who grumbled on the ground, trying to keep herself relaxed as she muttered: “Like old times, isn't it?”
“When you were poisoned with the dragon's blood, and Sleipnir had to hold you down while I drained it out of you.” Celestia smiled a little, saying quietly: “If we're lucky, we're dealing with the same kind of thing, sister, you seem more lucid...”
“Only because I have no energy at the moment. There is nothing wrong with me, Celestia, 'tis not like the past. I am not attacking everything in sight, am I? I am strong, and I am perhaps less lenient, but... I am simply a little older, a little... evolved.” Luna replied moodily, grimacing a bit as she shifted tiredly, then closed her eyes as Scrivener came back with a set of small mason jars, murmuring: “Go ahead, begin.”
Celestia nodded slowly... and for the next hour, Luna was examined from hoof to horn, the ivory winged unicorn attending to every detail, draining a bit of blood here and there, studying her sister's frame, using short spells that Twilight had never heard before but that often made Luna hiss or writhe in pain as her skin became translucent or some less-visible effect occurred. It was hard work keeping the winged unicorn calm and relaxed, but Twilight put everything she had into it... until finally, Celestia stepped back and sighed a little, glancing at the two jars almost filled with blood as she murmured: “Alright.”
“Good.” Scrivener Blooms muttered, looking a little exhausted himself from the ordeal before Luna glanced up at him tiredly, and the male nodded as he stepped forwards and lashed a claw easily forwards, ripping through the runes on the floor and making the two circles spark violently for a moment before settling into etched lifelessness. Twilight Sparkle glared at the poet, but the Tyrant Wyrm only shrugged tiredly as Luna shakily climbed to her hooves, muttering: “I think we need to rest. Do you mind if we use your back room?”
“Go ahead. I'll bring you some bedding and stuff in a minute, okay?” The purple mare smiled supportively, and Scrivener nodded thankfully to her as Luna grouchily leaned against him, mumbling as the two carefully turned and headed for the archway.
Celestia, meanwhile, had lifted both the bottles with telekinesis, studying them silently... and Twilight hesitantly turned towards her, asking quietly: “What did you find out?”
“Nothing yet. I'll need time to test Luna's blood... because whatever she drank has already long fused with her. It's rare that something like that can't be filtered out or detected... it's like she drank something that was eager to mix itself with her very energy, perhaps her very soul.” Celestia paused for a moment, then looked towards the archway as she added in a quieter voice: “But she's hurting much more from any contact with so called 'holy' powers. My sister has been... darkened... both literally and figuratively, and much more than I thought at first. Studying her as I did... I found much in common with demons. And a little, perhaps... with gods.”
Twilight looked sharply at Celestia at this, and the winged unicorn shook her head slowly before she glanced towards the vials of blood: both of these floated into the air beside her, shrouded in a golden glow. “I don't wish to... make theories or wild guesses without first running a few tests, however. It wouldn't be fair to my sister... to anypony here, as a matter of fact.” She halted, then shook her head again before smiling a little down at Twilight, saying quietly: “Thank you for your help.”
“But... wait, where are you going?” Twilight asked dumbly as Celestia turned to leave, and the ivory winged unicorn smiled a little over her shoulder as the purple mare stepped forwards, adding in a quieter voice: “I... we could... I need your help here.”
“You don't, Twilight. You have Luna... and between you both, you're doing fine. I'll be back by tomorrow, but I think I need to pay a visit to the Nibelung, among other things.” Celestia replied gently, but she looked touched all the same, her eyes warming as she looked at the violet mare. “Take care of yourself, Twilight. And tell sister I wish her well.”
With that, Celestia turned to head towards the door, and Twilight stood quietly for a moment, alone in the main room, feeling more confused than she had before. It felt like Celestia had known something after all, something she simply didn't want to share at the moment... and the purple pony shook her head slowly before she glanced up as Luna's voice called moodily: “Where are my pillows? Where is my Twilight? And coffee!”
Twilight sighed at this, grumbling as she headed towards the kitchen... and ten minutes later, the purple mare strode into the back room, bedding laden with pillows floating quietly behind her before she halted in surprise as she found Scrivener sitting back against the wall and Luna half-asleep, sprawled over the floor. The male was reading quietly to her from what looked like a children's book, and Luna looked oddly peaceful as her ephemeral locks flickered quietly around her, swirling and twisting gently along the floor.
Twilight smiled despite herself as she quietly laid down the bedding, and then Luna yawned as she forced herself groggily up to a sitting position before shoving a hoof into Scrivener's face, making him wince back and close the book. “Oh, there thou art. It has been... hours. Has Celestia decided to exile me to the moon again? I shan't let her escape a pummeling this time if she has.”
“You shouldn't joke about that.” Twilight said softly, but Luna only shrugged before the purple mare turned, saying gently over her shoulder: “I'll go get snacks.”
Luna only mumbled, however, crawling onto the bedding and then shoving her head under the pillows and blankets, and Twilight smiled despite herself. When she returned a few minutes later with several mugs of coffee and a plate of cookies, she found Luna curled up at the edge of the bedding, surrounded by a nest of pillows and a thick blanket thrown overtop her, Scrivener Blooms on her other side.
Twilight smiled, putting the mugs and plate down on the floor as she slipped next to Luna... and then she glanced over her shoulder as Luna squirmed up a bit and then said firmly: “Close thy eyes, Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight winced a bit, leaning back, and then Luna rolled her eyes and said flatly: “Give me not that look! I am too tired to pummel thee. Now close thy eyes.”
The winged unicorn sighed, then grumbled and did so, beginning awkwardly: “Look, I didn't know we had to... drain you, I thought the warding circle was just to keep you from using magic or-”
And then she broke off as she felt something slip quietly around her neck before Luna gently combed back her mane. Slowly, Twilight's eyes opened as she looked down in surprise... and then she carefully rose both front hooves, lifting the engraved black pearl in them, making the ivy rope it hung upon go a bit slack around her neck as she breathed slowly in and out, then looked silently up at Luna.
The dark-coated winged unicorn only smiled, however, leaning forwards and saying softly: “This is what thou means to myself and Scrivener Blooms. And no matter what we are or who thou art or anything else in this world... thou always shall.
“Thou art ours, Twilight Sparkle. Now... and forever.”