Chapter Twenty: The Deepening Abyss
~BlackRoseRaven
Pinkamena had shown up late in the night as the storm continued to rage outside, the half-demon leaving muddy hoofprints and dripping water through the house before Luna had blasted her backwards with a grumble, then used magic to clean up the mess and the stunned dull-pink earth pony before carefully closing the door and firmly booting Pinkamena back into wakefulness. After that, Pinkamena had grumbled irritably but been markedly more behaved, even taking the time to compliment Luna's collar.
Scrivener prepared coffee for them all, and Pinkamena's eyes had lingered on the collar around Luna's neck as they had talked through the process, Twilight sitting back and listening curiously. Some of what they discussed delved into dark territory: for example, part of the process would require transfusions of demon blood... enough to likely kill the demon that would provide them.
Twilight had made a bit of a face, but that had been all: no recriminations, no arguments, not even any disapproval... just a moment of distaste and concern before she had shaken her head and listened quietly as Luna had continued to outline the process. Even Pinkamena had noticed it, grinning slightly over at the violet mare but not interrupting Luna as she had continued to talk, and Scrivener had felt both pleased... and a little... sad, perhaps.
As Luna finished, Pinkamena sniffed and rubbed at her chest, sitting back on the bedding and saying mildly: “So the long story short... you guys gotta find a demon or two, tie it down, drain its blood and vitality into me... while bleeding me dry of my mortal bits, right? And then I gotta be left to either become a full demon or die horribly?”
“No, no, thou won't die if it fails... thou will only wish thou wert dead.” Luna muttered, and Pinkamena snorted, waving a hoof and looking unfettered. “The process will take a few days. Thou should warn thy sister thou will be gone, although at least I am sure most of Ponyville won't miss thy presence.”
“Well, gee, thanks Princess.” Pinkamena grumbled, and Luna gave her a flat look before the dull-gray pony rolled her eyes and muttered: “I'll figure something out. Don't want sissy knowing about this though... you hear me, Twilight? I'm swearing you to secrecy. Cross your heart and hope to die, stick a knife into your eye.”
For a few moments, Twilight only looked at Pinkamena, and then she shivered a bit and said finally: “You would be far, far easier to get along with if everything you did wasn't a twisted reflection of Pinkie Pie.”
“Screw you, Pinkie Pie's the twisted reflection, I keep telling you all that. Hell, even she acknowledges it... you think she'd call me 'big sister' if I wasn't the first one to exist?” Pinkamena retorted, and Twilight looked stumped at this as Scrivener shrugged and Luna snorted in amusement, looking up thoughtfully. “Exactly. You bunch of retards.”
“Not everypony is as good at puzzles as you are, Pinkamena.” Scrivener said carefully, and Pinkamena grumbled before she glared at him as he added quietly: “Your duties as concubine are twofold. On the one hand you're a servant... you have to listen to whatever we say, and I mean we could order you to do almost anything. Which means when you take the vow you're going to be entrusting us with your life, your soul... and those of the few important people in your life. I'd recommend considering that in this last chance to back out you have.”
Pinkamena only grinned widely, however, licking her sharp teeth slowly as she said in a half-mocking, half-amused voice: “What's wrong, your balls fall off sometime between when you fed off me and now? Please, Scrivy. Don't hide what you are. We're all friends and whores here, right, there's no need to pretend you're a nice kind stallion when we know oh so well what a monster lurks beneath the skin.”
Scrivener looked less-than-thrilled at this and Luna gritted her teeth, but surprisingly it was Twilight who spoke up, raising her head and saying quietly: “Maybe that's why Scrivener's giving you a chance to back out again, Pinkamena. Because you two are opposites in some ways... how often have you talked tough to hide the fractures?”
Pinkamena growled at this, narrowing her red-rimmed eyes... but then a smile twitched at her face before she said softly: “Fine. I get it, don't think I don't... you guys have reason to doubt me, too. And you have reason to be wary, I'll give you that as well... but you need me. I'm already the toughest pony you have at your disposal, and more importantly one of the few you can trust to get a task done. As a demon I'll be tougher, stronger, nastier... and more devoted, whether I like it or not. You three are already my friends, whatever that really means... as a demon I guess we'll be best friends, won't we? Maybe we'll all go out pillaging and razing villages together sometime... looks like you're well on your way to dropping into the darkness too, Twilight Sparkle.”
“I trust Luna and Scrivener. And they said a demon might die, but not necessarily that one absolutely had to... I know Luna won't sacrifice one of her own.” Twilight said quietly, looking across at Pinkamena measuringly before she picked up her mug of coffee, sipping slowly at it. As the half-demon only continued to grin at her, however, Twilight reached up and touched the wrap of ivy around her neck, saying softly: “And you were my friend a long time ago, Pinkamena, even before you... separated. I know you better than you like me to.”
The half-demon snorted and muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes grouchily and turning her attention back to Luna and Scrivener as she asked moodily: “So when do we do this? Tomorrow? Next week? When Celestia and Twilight aren't around? Speaking of Celestia, how's corrupting her going?”
“Better than expected.” Luna retorted immediately, and Pinkamena huffed moodily before the winged unicorn shook her head, adding mildly: “We shall need to wait for a candidate to make itself known. I shall ask if any of my servants are willing, and perhaps one of the more-powerful will be in exchange for something in return. But demons are wary of being weakened and left vulnerable for any amount of time, 'twill require some convincing. Furthermore, I want thee prepared mentally beforehand. Physically, thou art strong. Mentally, thou art... damaged.”
Pinkamena shrugged, not bothering to argue as she reached up and picked at her sharp teeth for a moment, and Scrivener smiled slightly, saying calmly: “Don't worry, though... you'll like the exercises we'll do. Or you'll hate them. Which means you'll probably like them even more, masochist that you are.”
“Hey, Scrivy, I figured out what kind of Wyrm you are. A ring-wyrm. Because you got a goddamn ring around your neck.” Pinkamena replied flatly, and Scrivener glared at her as Luna looked torn between amusement and exasperation, and Twilight only sighed tiredly. “Don't you talk to me about masochism, flank-face.”
Scrivener muttered under his breath, shaking his head slowly before Pinkamena took a long, deep breath, dropping her head forwards as she rubbed convulsively at her face with her hooves... and then finally she looked up, red-rimmed blue eyes unguarded for once and features calm and vulnerable as she asked quietly: “When I make my vow, my promise... will you please give me a clause to let me protect sissy, no matter what happens?”
Twilight looked surprised as Scrivener and Luna traded a look, and in a moment emotions swirled between them ranging from irritation at the half-demon to shock at her sudden show of humility to understanding and even sympathy for her... and then the two nodded slowly before Luna returned her eyes to the half-demon, saying quietly: “Then the deal is this: thou shall recite a promise that I myself shall design for thee... and it will give myself and Scrivener absolute authority over thee as a demon. Thou will have free will, oh yes... but Scrivy or myself will be able to twist thee to whatever we desire, and if thou fights, it will hurt. But in return... we shall grant thee this cause, that if thy sister is endangered, thou may go to her first. Acceptable?”
“Bondage. Always knew you two were into that, just didn't think it was like this.” Pinkamena grinned a little, shaking her head ruefully before she sighed and murmured: “I ain't in a position to do more than be rude but accept everything you throw at me, I know that. I can't back out now. If I do, it makes me a goddamn coward. If I do, I leave sissy at the mercy of Ponyville when things start getting ugly... you know, like how you apparently left Scarlet Sage to fend for herself out in the storm.”
Luna looked irritated at this, but Twilight spoke up, almost smiling a little as she said quietly: “The girls... Scarlet Sage, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle... all took shelter at Rarity's for the night. She and Spike were happy to have them, actually... not to mention the fact I know that Atrus was around, too. He's a very protective bodyguard.”
“Aye. And while I may not trust Ponyville completely these days, I have faith that none there are stupid or mad enough to lay harm upon my daughter's head.” Luna added quietly, looking measuringly across at Pinkamena. “If not because I think they still possess the vestiges of morality... then because it would be a grand way to endanger the entire village by harming a single hair of my daughter's mane.”
Pinkamena grumbled a bit, shifting a little on the bedding before she shook her head slowly and muttered: “Better watch your hubris, Nightmare Moon. Don't want you to end up dead on me and all. Nor am I excited to see that little filly of yours hurt... even though she's going to be. She's going to be hurting a lot, and I think you know that, and I think you know you can't stop it from happening no matter what you do.”
Pinkamena's voice was almost gentle despite her harsh words, meeting Luna's gaze with eyes that veiled compassion beneath a dark glare, and the dark-coated winged unicorn closed her own irises before she murmured: “I know, half-demon. I know it well... she will be forced to separate from Apple Bloom. She will be mocked by other foals. She will be ignored and perhaps feared by the adults, even if they do nothing to harm her. And I shall be helpless to do anything, even with all my power... oh, certainly, Scrivy and I could scare the foals and Scrivener could gobble them down like chocolates... but it would only turn all of Ponyville against us all the faster and hurt our poor daughter all the more.
“It is... difficult to think that... no matter how powerful we become, there are still things out of our control.” Luna said softly, looking over at Scrivener and smiling faintly, and the male nodded slowly. “The simplest of problems are still... intensely hard for us to surmount. 'Tis utterly ridiculous, truly, but... 'tis true, all the same as well. And I know that in time... our daughter will grow to be feared as well, unfair as it is to her. I do not like this thought. I wish it could all be changed.”
She quieted, looking down thoughtfully before shaking her head slowly and murmuring: “But in time Ponyville will either accept us or they will grow to understand and know our power so well that they will no longer dare to put those we care for at risk. One way or the other, we will have the respect we deserve, and we will see our friends, our loved ones, out of harm's way.”
Twilight shifted awkwardly, looking apprehensively at Scrivener and Luna for a moment, but Scrivy only smiled a little as he reached a claw up to rest quietly on the winged unicorn's shoulder. Pinkamena only snorted, shaking her head before moodily glancing towards the violet mare, but before she could speak, there was a polite knock at the front door before it opened and Celestia strode calmly in, dry and clean despite the raging storm outside as she strode into the house and then flicked her rainbow mane, the faint aura surrounding her fading as the door closed behind her. “My apologies for being so late... I've been going over charts and maps and sending out letters to politicians and other leaders from around Equestria whom I could contact. The Nibelung have been very helpful, at least... particularly Assyria.”
“Yes, well, thou always did like dwarves.” Luna quipped, and then she paused meditatively as Celestia only shook her head and strode forwards to join them, sitting calmly down at the edge of the bedding. “Nay, that wasn't the proper joke. Where is Discombobulation when I need him?”
“I... oh, Twilight, you have an injury. Let me heal it for you.” Celestia's eyes settled on the violet mare's shoulder as she began to tilt her horn forwards, but Twilight hurriedly shook her own head and embarrassedly covered her shoulder with a hoof, blushing deeply as the ivory equine frowned slightly. “It will scar, Twilight. At least permit me to disinfect it.”
“No, no. It's fine, Scrivener already breathed on it, too.” Twilight said awkwardly, shifting embarrassedly as she rubbed slowly at the wound. “It... it doesn't hurt at all and it's already healing. I don't mind if it scars a little. We... we all have scars.”
“Actually, babe, most of our scars are healed since we all were broken down into dust before they they pieced us back together.” Pinkamena pointed out wryly, raising a hoof before gesturing at Scrivener and Luna. “Except for Scrivy. But he collects scars like I collect bones. Compulsively, always looking forwards to the next.”
Celestia shook her head again, eyes roving towards Luna and Scrivener... and then she frowned a bit, her gaze locking on the collar as her little sister grinned and rose her head proudly, showing it off. A moment later, Celestia's eyes flicked towards Scrivener as he shifted nervously... and then she sighed and shook her head slowly, murmuring: “Oh, I see... it wasn't enough that you replaced the ivy, was it?”
“I passed the ivy on, actually... and nay, the collar alone is perhaps enough to make those who see it jealous, but 'tis only when others see what I have done with the collar that it truly awakens envy in the eyes of those who gaze upon us.” Luna replied pompously, winking towards Celestia. “Worry not, sister. We shall find thee thine own new wear in time... a diadem, or a new peytral, or perhaps something more or less.”
Celestia only wrinkled her muzzle a bit however, looking both concerned and a little irritated as she said quietly: “Luna, you fused a large piece of metal into your neck, harming Scrivener Blooms in the process... and while I think it's... it's very sweet that you used the ivy to give Twilight a new... necklace...”
She halted, glancing towards the violet winged unicorn, studying the large charm that swayed quietly on the vine wrap around her neck before she shook her head slowly, sighing quietly. “Little sister, please listen to me. Please understand that while you do have many good ideas, while I do have faith in you and the choices you make... at the same time, you're on a worrisome path. With Pinkamena here I can guess at what you were discussing... with Twilight's shoulder, I can... guess at what happened.”
“Aye, and so what?” Luna asked moodily, looking grouchily across at her older sibling as Twilight shifted a bit but Pinkamena grinned and watched with anticipation, like it was a sporting event. “I love Scrivener Blooms, Celestia, and this is another way to show our bond. To affirm what lays between us... I am his, he is mine. Art thou jealous, is that it? Perchance thou wishes for him to collar thee as well?”
Celestia only looked flatly at her sister in response to this, and then she shook her head quickly before sighing a little. “I don't wish for anything of the sort. But alright, sister, I apologize for... exciting you.”
“Oh, thou would never have to apologize for exciting me, Celestia, although thou would probably be sorry all the same if thou did.” Luna said ironically, and the ivory equine closed her eyes slowly as Twilight blushed a bit and Pinkamena snorted laughter. “But alright, my sister. Perhaps I am too... quick to retaliate, anyway. I know thou wishes the best for me... but I am fine, truly, and the collar feels wonderful. And furthermore, 'twill make it that much harder for Ponyville to behead me once they decide I am evil incarnate.”
The white winged unicorn didn't rise to the bait this time, however, instead pushing forwards calmly: “I have a question for you, Luna, if you'll permit me to ask it. It concerns the ponies who have been displaced.”
Luna began to open her mouth to quip something, but then slowly closed it and instead nodded at the seriousness on Celestia's face as Scrivener Blooms frowned and tilted his own head, seeing the solemnity in the amethyst eyes of the rainbow-maned mare before she leaned towards them, eyes only for them even as Twilight and Pinkamena both looked at her intently. “Luna, Scrivener... what was your exact wish? When you brought back those ponies... I don't care about the magic you used, I don't care about the ritual: I care about the exact thoughts that went through your head at that moment in time.”
“Oh, is that all?” Luna snorted in amusement, shaking her head before she smiled up at Celestia, saying quietly: “'Tis imprinted in my mind as clearly as when I had spoken it from the force of what had occurred, my big sister. Scrivener Blooms and I threw all our weight into the spell, after all, poured all our strength into the wish... that all the ponies would be restored. I know, sister, I know... the exact words. They were... 'make our friends whole again.'”
The dark-coated winged unicorn smiled warmly as she sat back and nodded proudly, Scrivener reaching up to stroke affectionately through her starry locks as Twilight smiled softly... but Celestia's eyes remained intense and sharp as she slowly leaned backwards, her expression still serious, and now... almost disappointed. Almost pale, as she looked down at them, and the two frowned as they gazed up at her... before Pinkamena chuckled quietly and looked down at the bedding with a sly grin, her eyes half-lidding as she whispered: “Glad I'm a friend then. Glad to know your friends can always depend on you... sucks for those strangers, though.”
“What art thou talking about?” Luna frowned slightly, tilting her head as Scrivener looked up... and then Twilight's own eyes slowly widened, and Luna's mouth went dry as she shook her head and whispered: “Wait, no... no, wait, Celestia, does... art thou saying that-”
“I said nothing.” Celestia said quietly but firmly, and Scrivy and Luna both looked up at the white winged unicorn as she shook her head slowly and disbelievingly, looking over the two with sorrow, with the faintest stirring of anger... and as if she was ashamed of them, which hurt most of all. “Sister, oh, little sister, that was a reckless mistake...”
“N-No! Look, look how many ponies were saved!” Luna shouted defiantly, shaking her head and straightening as she gritted her teeth, leaning forwards and looking almost scared as Scrivener only looked stupidly up, his jaw falling slightly open. “'Twas not meant literally! Look how many of our enemies were saved too! 'Tis not as if there is an epidemic of ponies that became... half-formed, 'tis only a handful in the country, 'tis not as if only Twilight and Pinkamena and the Starlit Knights were revived, all of Ponyville was-”
“Enough.” Celestia said sharply, raising a hoof, and despite her matching size, the wild flow of her starry mane, the raging emotions, Luna fell silent and dropped back on her haunches dumbly, staring for a moment at the old Celestia, the Dragon-Slayer Celestia, who leaned forwards and spoke in a serious, almost-cold voice: “You were working with old and powerful magic, from the furthest realm we know. You were working with miracles, and wishes, which as every story of fact and fiction teaches us, interprets what we speak literally. Yes, more than your literal 'friends' were saved, but it was likely only because of the sheer magnitude of the spell, Luna! It's like lighting a bonfire: those around it benefit most from the heat and light, but even those at a distance may see its beacon, be drawn towards it, gain a little from its glory... although those too far away may catch only a flicker, and like a mirage or a cruel illusion, trying to pursue it might lead them only into greater danger in the darkness between the here and there.
“Luna, by Yggdrasil... it makes sense. I knew there was something familiar about the markings on the map... yes, the wish worked first to save those who were literally 'your friends,' restoring them fully. Then the overflow saved those you knew, your allies; Ponyville. And next, the magic began to dilute as it saved those other ponies you had met, or their descendents, or their neighbors... the places on the map were all places we had been before, traveled through in the past either near or far! And finally...”
Luna swallowed thickly, lowering her head and whispering: “Those whom were strangers to me... ponies who I did not know, nor care about... the zebras, whom I had never met... I see. I see, Celestia. The magic wore itself out... it selected first. Their proximity to me did not matter... not in terms of distance, at least, but rather, in terms of how I felt for them. For the zebras I felt little, I only knew of them, promised to try and save them... so the true miracle is rather that not all of the tribe was destroyed.”
“What have we done...” Scrivener closed his eyes, shaking his head and gritting his teeth, and then he shivered once as Luna turned and dropped her face against his neck as Twilight paled and stared and Celestia looked down at them silently, her mane sparking as she almost loomed over the two. “How can we fix this?”
“Many ponies are injured. It may now be fair to assume that other Pales... were not brought back at all.” Celestia replied quietly, and Luna and Scrivener both flinched at this but didn't argue, as the ivory equine looked over them silently. “You saved many lives, but you put many more in jeopardy. This is what I was worried about, Luna and Scrivener... you're both become so devoted to yourselves that you forget about the world around you, the effects your actions have, that not everything is about you both.”
The two lowered their heads, Luna shivering as she clenched her eyes tighter, her mane swirling backwards as inside her, Nightmare Moon whispered excuses and reasons and arguments... but the dark-coated winged unicorn couldn't bring herself to speak them as Celestia continued quietly but firmly: “Unfortunately, what is done is done: you cannot mend or reverse this. Healers are taking care of the ponies across Equestria who can be healed: I know you would suggest a pilgrimage of your own to journey to the worst-affected areas, but at this point it would be counterproductive. You both need to get yourselves under control. Scrivener Blooms would have to feed, and the appearance of Nightmare Moon riding around on a Tyrant Wyrm would be... damaging. There are already many rumors spreading from Ponyville about what's going on.
“I want you both to consider where your actions have taken you. You've grown stronger, you've accomplished great feats, and you are happy... but at what cost? You're hurting ponies. You've wounded the very nation you sought to restore.” Celestia shook her head slowly, and Scrivener and Luna both shrank further, even as Scrivy now gritted his teeth as faint anger boiled through him and the starry mane of the winged unicorn sizzled a bit, pressing her face deeper into Scrivener's neck. “You're acting like children, using your powers solely for your own benefit, as if you have no responsibility to-”
“Stop it.” whispered a voice, and Celestia frowned a bit before she slowly turned her head to look with surprise at Twilight Sparkle. The violet mare was shivering a little, her head lowered, her eyes down as she swallowed thickly, the onyx charm swaying around her neck before she slowly looked up, bangs falling over her eyes. “I... that's enough.”
“Twilight...” Celestia leaned towards her, frowning deeply before she shook her head slowly and said quietly: “I know you care about them, but look at what's happened. Look where we are. And I'm not saying anything that isn't true.”
“But they're... they're not children. And they made a silly mistake but... they brought us back, too.” Twilight argued weakly, steeling herself visibly as she looked up, forcing her own violet eyes to meet the amethyst, surprised irises of Celestia. “We need to concentrate on solutions, not... worsening problems.”
For a few moments, the ivory equine only looked at the violet mare... and then she finally bowed her head and closed her eyes with a soft sigh, saying finally: “Twilight... I understand what you're saying, and why you want to defend them. But at the same time... this is no small mistake. This was no error of judgment that can be overlooked and excused by an apology, whether in the form of words or gesture. If Luna and Scrivener had not allowed excitement and passion to get the better of their judgment-”
“Then perhaps thou and all of thee would be dead, too.” Luna said sharply, finally looking up angrily, and Scrivener rumbled a bit in his throat as Celestia frowned over at her younger sister. “What should I have asked for, sister? The nation to be restored, or that strangers to me should receive first healing, and my friends last, so instead they and Ponyville could be the ones suffering in agony? Nay. I saved my friends. I saved my family. I shan't let thee taint that any further... thou, as I recall, were the one complaining that thou could only save strangers, and never those truly important to thee.”
Celestia looked visibly stung by this, leaning back and gritting her teeth, and then Pinkamena gave a short laugh and said wryly: “She kind of got you there, Princess Sunshine. Besides, what does it matter? Maybe there's a few less ponies in Equestria. Maybe a mouthful of them are in nasty shape, but on their way to recovery one way or the other. But all the ones important in our lives are here and well, even the ones we ain't entirely fond of. Isn't that what really matters? I get that your thing is to be 'good' and 'benevolent' and try to appear like you're some messiah or some savior or maybe just a martyr with a hero complex, but I'd lighten up if I were you, Celestia, and stop thinking about what the hell isn't... and be glad for what the hell is.”
“It's not that simple.” Celestia shook her head slowly, then returned her eyes to Luna, but when Twilight reached up and grasped the ivory equine's foreleg imploringly, she closed her eyes and bowed her head forwards, rainbow mane and tail twisting backwards before she sighed and murmured: “Alright. Alright... but sister, please listen to my advice, at least. Please consider your desires, your urges, before giving into them. Please think about how your actions affect others... empathy and reason should come before the ego.”
“I put my friends first, Celestia. Not strangers.” Luna said quietly in return, narrowing her eyes before she shook her head slowly as Scrivener closed his eyes and lowered his head. “It seems we still have our disagreements, big sister. Scrivener Blooms... I tire of this, and the sounds of the storm are not helping my mood. Perhaps we should go to bed.”
Scrivener grunted in response, nodding shortly once as thunder rumbled outside, and Celestia sighed and shook her head slowly, but she looked almost embarrassed as she said quietly: “Sister, please, wait and stay and talk. I am still your big sister... I still care about you, and before many other things, I do. It is because I care that I am trying to help you see... logic and reason. And I still remember my promise to you...”
“Right.” Luna said shortly, but she only shook her head as she strode off the bedding, Scrivener following, then striding past the dark-coated winged unicorn as she halted and looked moodily over her shoulder at Celestia, who was blushing a bit now. “I understand that I made a mistake, Celestia. I understand that I have hurt many ponies. I understand that perhaps on some level, 'tis even fair and fitting that now the ponies seek to hurt me. But I tried my best to save them... I am sorry I am not as perfect as thou art.”
“I'm not perfect. I'm... sister, please.” Celestia said quietly, but Luna only turned and stormed off, starry mane glowing as she stomped down the hall and into her room before slamming the door behind her. For a moment, Celestia only looked down the hallway, and then she sighed quietly, shaking her head slowly. “I... I can't just ignore these things...”
“Why not?” Pinkamena asked with a grin and a tilt of her head, and Celestia frowned at the half-demon before the dull-pink pony laughed and stood up, stretching and licking her lips slowly. “Well, I got what I want. Business and pleasure after all... that was a nice little drama you and Luna put on, Princess Sunshine, I'll look forwards to the next episode of the soap opera. But I ain't stupid, either... I'm going to take my leave and head back to Ponyville.”
“It's still storming.” Twilight said quietly, and Pinkamena only shrugged, glancing up as thunder rumbled overhead. “You should stay.”
“Thanks for the concern, Sparkles, but I don't mind the rain, the lightning, or the cold. Reminds me of home. Not home-home, but home, you know?” Pinkamena winked, then she turned and strode down the corridor, pausing only to headbutt the bedroom door and shout through it: “I'm holding you two to your word!”
There was no response, and Pinkamena snorted before blowing a raspberry at the door, then she headed down to the entrance and yanked this door open. Wind and water blew inside, and Pinkamena threw her head back and laughed, mixing with the tattoo of the heavy rain and the crackle of thunder, a streak of lightning making her stand out in profile, making her shape alien, monstrous, terrifying for a moment as her eyes glowed... and then she was gone, striding out onto the patio and slamming the door behind her, fearless of the night or the violence of the storm.
It left Twilight and Celestia laying alone on the bedding... but the two only regarded each other in silence, not speaking for the longest time as they studied one-another like lost friends who had met after years of forgetting the other... and it was hard to tell between them who was ashamed, who was pitying, and who was more disappointed... and most of all, if it was with the other or themselves.
In the morning, Luna emerged first, Scrivener Blooms yawning tiredly and heading automatically towards the kitchen... only to find that coffee and breakfast was already being prepared by both Twilight and Celestia. Luna simply stared and Scrivener only seemed confused, not knowing what to do with his usual tasks already being handled... and Celestia had simply turned around, bowed her head, and said quietly: “I'm sorry, my sister, my brother. Twilight is... helping me make pancakes. I don't believe I've ever actually made breakfast like this before but I thought that I would try. I'll bring you coffee in a moment, it's almost ready.”
“Am I dreaming? I must be dreaming. This is not natural.” Luna mumbled, shaking her head briefly and turning awkwardly towards the bedding, walking over to lay down on it, and Scrivener only stood for a few moments longer before shrugging and turning around as well, looking more stupefied than Luna. “'Tis strange, Scrivener. This may be a different dimension. This may be a foul trick of Helheim.”
“Oh, stop it.” Twilight said tiredly as she joined them on the bedding, smiling a little and laying down beside the two, and Luna and Scrivener both looked over at her awkwardly. “She's... trying very hard. Making breakfast was sort of a... joint effort idea. I... never knew that Celestia was in charge of cooking for you and Sleipnir when you were adventuring. But I also never realized she'd never... made stuff like pancakes before.”
“Oh, yes, because obviously Sleipnir and I were able to prepare food.” Luna said wryly, and Twilight smiled despite herself before the dark-coated winged unicorn glanced awkwardly over her shoulder at her older sister, watching her slowly lifting a pancake with a spatula before flipping it on the stove, looking oddly-pleased with herself. “As thou knows, we do not... require much sustenance. But regular meals kept our strength up and 'twas also very good for morale. Celestia would make the meals and put together rations... the most I did was fill our water-skins from the river or mix teas. And Sleipnir every so often made a horrible thing he called 'trail mix' that he would always insist on trying to share with us and we would always refuse.”
The ivory equine nodded ruefully at this, glancing over her shoulder as she added softly: “Dried bits of fruit, scented twigs, half-crushed berries and other things I shouldn't name... on the first day, the chance of reaching in and pulling out something edible was roughly half-and-half. But as the days wore on... it grew less and less... appealing.”
Luna snorted in amusement, nodding back in agreement, the sisters smiling a little at each other before the dark-coated winged unicorn returned her eyes to Twilight with a grin. “And 'twould be anything at all in there that he could get his hooves on, and often from local fare. 'Twas utterly horrible after we visited a tribe to the west and Sleipnir learned one could eat certain kinds of bugs, and that some could even be cooked and shelled like shrimp. And let us not speak of how more than once he left the accursed bag sitting out beside him whilst he slept, woke up in the morning, and he would reach in and eat a hoof-full of it... only to put something very much alive in his mouth.”
“I still remember when he accidentally swallowed a frog.” Celestia smiled slightly, even as Twilight made a horrified face and Scrivener covered his head, Luna grinning widely and nodding rapidly at her sister's back. “He was very upset. First he wanted us to try and make him throw up to save the poor thing, and as I recall, little sister...”
“I punched him in the stomach. It did not make him throw up but he did spend quite a bit of time on the ground writhing around in pain and I am quite certain it killed the frog.” Luna nodded again and smiled warmly, sitting up a bit as Scrivener rolled his eyes and laughed despite himself at the images that spilled through his mind, while Twilight only stared at Luna. “What? 'Twould have been cruel to not try to save the little creature. 'Twould have been an even greater crime to miss an opportunity to punch Sleipnir, as well.”
Twilight only shook her head with a sigh as Luna laughed, then younger sister gazed at older sibling, and the two smiled hesitantly at one-another, nodding slowly as they both put arguments and frustrations behind them. After only a few more minutes, Celestia finished the pancakes and brought several plates stacked him with them over to the bedding, along with large containers of syrup and butter, and Luna licked her lips slowly before digging hungrily into the food.
Scrivener and Twilight ate as well, but Celestia only had a little, instead seeming to enjoy watching the others eat and gladder still for the fact that they were together, hostilities forgotten. Breakfast ended up being surprisingly-short with how ravenously Luna helped herself into the food, but at the same time it wasn't such a shock, as Scrivener helped clean up the dishes, trying to ignore the syrup he was splattered with. “You're a glutton.”
“Oh, hush. 'Tis nothing wrong with my appetites.” Luna grumbled, and Scrivener only snorted in amusement as he headed for the kitchen after Celestia. “Besides, at least 'tis for sweets. My hungers could be far worse!”
“Your hungers are often far worse.” Scrivener mumbled, and Luna huffed at him, then turned around and haughtily rose her head as the male dumped the dishes in the sink while Celestia put the syrup and butter away. She stayed to help him wash the dishes in quiet, though, as Twilight and Luna talked in the den and the violet mare attempted to clean Luna's syrup-splattered face up a little much like she was a child... while Luna, predictably, acted the role of a foal and tried to pull away every time Twilight tried to clean her off with a napkin.
“Scrivener Blooms, I want you to know that I honestly am sorry.” Celestia said softly, and Scrivy glanced towards her curiously as he finished rinsing the last plate off. A moment later, it floated from his claws, Celestia smiling a bit as she lifted a towel with telekinesis to quickly wipe it dry as she gazed towards the poet, continuing quietly: “It's a big thing, yes... but all the same, I overreacted and patronized you both. You and my little sister did nothing to deserve that treatment, especially after I've promised to not turn against you, to not... subject either of you to the pains I have in the past.
“We're going to work out a solution to this, and we'll do it together, without recriminations or holier-than-thou treatment.” The ivory equine shook her head as the towel dropped to the counter and the plate floated upwards to slip into a cupboard that closed itself a moment later with a flick of her horn. “I plan to help you, every step of the way. I sometimes think... I need to be less like myself and more like Twilight Sparkle, in terms of many things... but especially when it comes to you and Luna.”
She softened, gazing over her shoulder at the violet mare, who was smiling and laughing as mostly-healed scratches gleamed over her shoulder, and Scrivener smiled awkwardly as well as he shook his head slowly and murmured: “It's alright, Celestia. You are who you are... Luna and I both care about you because... you are who you are. And we appreciate your concern, and know that sometimes we do allow our desires to get the better of us. Maybe we do deserve punishment for our failure in what happened but... at the same time, I honestly can only be glad we saved our friends. And I appreciate you... doing all this for us. Trying to understand us.”
Celestia nodded quickly as Scrivener pulled the plug in the sink, and then he smiled over at her, saying quietly: “Luna wants to head into town shortly. Will you accompany us?”
“Of course.” Celestia nodded again, smiling to Scrivener before she paused and asked slowly: “But I do have one concern... it's about the zebras.”
“Aye, they concern me too.” Luna spoke up from the den, half-turning with a grimace as Twilight looked up with a bit of a frown, then she cocked her head in surprise as the dark-coated winged unicorn added quietly: “I was unable to breach this subject last night, but Discombobulation told me something of interest... that the zebra folk have surrounded their camp with traps he implied were very dangerous, and that their portal... is no portal. Not a weapon, he was specific in saying this... but 'tis no portal, either.”
“The Draconequus could be wrong... but whether he's wrong or right, I have a lingering ill sensation.” Celestia shook her head slowly, heading into the den and saying quietly: “Zecora asked us both to be in attendance to charge this device. I don't imagine she would be arrogant enough to attempt to ambush us both at once, however... but I am unsure of her motives. Do you remember in the past, traveling in the zebras' homeland with Sleipnir?”
Luna grimaced a bit, shrugging slowly. “Vaguely. We did not spend much time there, and the zebras then seemed like earth ponies who had learned to harness runic magic, with a few shamans here and there capable of feats of minor prophecy and mixing together tonics and elixirs. I do not doubt in the time that has passed since then they have improved upon their original feats.”
Celestia nodded slowly, then she shook her head and said quietly: “The only thing we can do for now is push forwards, but I'm more worried now if there are traps set up around the encampment... did the Draconequus mention anything about the presence of the zebras themselves, how many injured were still there?”
“He said, in his roundabout way, that there were a lot of warriors and very few civilians or workers.” Scrivener answered, striding up beside the ivory equine and glancing at her thoughtfully. “And he mentioned demons and spirits, working beside the zebra around the... whatever-they're-building. I think he suspects them being manipulated but... you know how he likes to be confusing.”
The rainbow-maned mare frowned at this, shaking her head slowly as she murmured softly: “Then that could be very bad news for us. I suppose in time we'll find out, though... perhaps for now we should head into Ponyville. I can return to making contact with leaders across Equestria and seeing to resuming the throne, and Twilight... can perhaps lend her assistance to me. There's much that needs to be sorted through, after all.”
Twilight smiled a bit, nodding a little as Scrivener Blooms and Luna traded a look, and the dark-coated winged unicorn grunted as she stood up and said mildly: “Very well. Scrivy and I shall scout through Ponyville and then head out to the construction site... I wish to see what Illyria is up to. Then we shall pick up our daughter and head back home... I miss Scarlet Sage but... perhaps it's better she is not seen as often with us right now.”
Luna shook her head slowly as Twilight reached up and gently rested a hoof on her shoulder, and the dark-coated winged unicorn smiled wryly and shook her head, murmuring: “Worry not, I am fine. But... let us go, then. There is much to do.”
“Of course, sister.” Celestia said softly, and Luna smiled a little, striding forwards and taking the lead as her older sister followed and gazed after her sympathetically.
The journey to Ponyville was quiet, the four taking their time striding through the damp forest: the rain had stopped earlier in the morning, and now the sun shone quietly overhead – Celestia gazing up at this now and then as if she still had trouble believing she no longer had to be responsible for raising and lowering it – and cast a mellow warmth over the ground that had dried up most of the puddles and mud. The sisters strode in the lead, Luna a little ahead of Celestia and grumbling every now and then as Twilight and Scrivener followed a little ways behind, trading awkward looks and murmuring soft conversation between themselves every now and then as the charm clinked and swayed slowly around the violet mare's neck.
They found the gates to the village open, and several Nibelung out in the fields, dressed in lightweight armor and organizing some kind of patrol. It was enough to catch Luna's attention, and she headed quickly over to the group as they argued over a map before one of the Nibelung squad looked up and hammered the helmets of two of the dwarves with his fists, making both of them squawk and then quickly salute when they saw Luna approach. “What is going on here?”
“Fancy-corn and... fancy-corn and fancy-corn and scary-pony!” one of the Nibelung babbled, saluting thrice more as Celestia simply looked unimpressed and Twilight and Scrivener traded mild looks. But the four quickly became serious as the Nibelung said nervously: “Shadow-ponies go missing. Happen under storm, happen in darkness... dark-ponies, killed in dark by things we not see!”
“I have not heard this report. In fact, I have not heard any reports from my loyal servants of the night...” Luna shook her head worriedly, frowning deeply as she leaned forwards and asked curtly: “When did this occur?”
“Late-late, before storm ended.” replied the Nibelung, shaking his head briskly. “Ponies in tizzy. Flying-pony came to us early morning, scared flying-pony with shadow-pony, told us shadow-ponies were gone and dead, then hurried back home.”
“Fluttershy?” Twilight leaned forwards worriedly, and then she grimaced and shook her head, looking apprehensively at Celestia and Luna. “I... do you mind if...”
“Go, Fluttershy will need thee. And thou can perhaps find out what happened in detail... perhaps she or the Phooka know something, some detail, some crucial clue.” Luna answered quickly, nodding, and Twilight smiled in relief before turning and hurrying quickly through the village gates.
Luna gritted her teeth as she turned back towards the Nibelung, but it was Celestia who spoke next, asking calmly: “Was there a disturbance in Ponyville last night?”
The Nibelung traded looks, and then one of them shrugged and said hesitantly: “Ponyville often scared at night. Town all lit up, voices talk-talk-talk, ponies angry, Nibelung work double shifts... build-work all day, patrol-lookaround all night. Chase off ponies beating on each other, not know why, Nibelung hit each other all time back home.”
“And was your home a pleasant place?” Celestia asked pointedly, and the dwarf brightened as he rose a finger, then looked suddenly gloomy in understanding. “Exactly. Have there been any zebras in the area?”
“Stripey-ponies? No stripey-ponies. Not many shadow-ponies, either... they scared. Dark demons and shadow-ponies scared. Architect-bosses scared too. Even Nibelung... worried. Is bad news on horizon.” The dwarf nervously rubbed at his leather armor, and then he shook his head quickly and glanced over his shoulder at the others, saying finally: “We go now. Patrol and look-see.”
Celestia nodded slowly as Luna grimaced and muttered: “And I shall speak with one of my demons. This must stop, this must be stopped as soon as possible...” Luna shook her head slowly, her eyes flashing as Nightmare Moon writhed inside of her and Scrivener Blooms rumbled a bit. “Why cannot they simply accept us? We have brought them gifts! Our dark servants wish to protect them! Is nothing we do good enough?”
“Calm down, sister, it's alright.” Celestia said soothingly, turning and reaching a hoof up to gently rest on Luna's shoulder, and the younger sibling growled but then settled, lowering her head moodily. “I'm going to go into town. Find out more about what's been going on, and perhaps I shall speak to those on the other side of this matter. The ponies who want the demons and dark creatures out of Ponyville.”
“So, Celestia walks into a bar...” Scrivener Blooms started ironically, and then he winced when both sisters glared at him, even if Luna smiled a little at the same time. “Well, that's where they all hang out. And no offense or anything, Celestia, but...”
“Don't forget that I spent a thousand years honing my diplomatic skills, Scrivener Blooms. The only reason I am not often eloquent with yourself, my sister, or Twilight Sparkle is because the three of you know me intimately... and siblings and family members, as I have learned, always know exactly what nerves and buttons to press.” The ivory equine looked meditatively at Luna, shaking her head slowly. “I could be the wisest, gentlest pony in the world and I have a feeling you would still make me want to rip my mane out in frustration.”
Luna obviously took this as a compliment, smiling wryly before she shook her head quickly and said softly: “Very well then, sister, I do appreciate thou doing this for me... for us. Scrivener Blooms and I shall hurry to the library for privacy, then.”
The rainbow-maned mare nodded, then the three turned and headed for the gates, Celestia saying calmly: “I will meet you there, then, but I will need time: I wish to look through the rural farmland as well, perhaps investigate what kind of traps the ponies have set up... it will give us a better idea as to what we stand against.”
Luna nodded quickly back as they strode down the road, glancing towards her sister and saying quietly: “Fair enough. Then I shall do my best to be patient. Good luck, Celestia.”
“And the same to you, Luna.” the ivory equine replied with a small smile before she turned off the road, and Scrivener Blooms and Luna both halted to watch her for a moment before the dark-coated winged unicorn shook her head briskly and turned her attention back to the task at head, grimacing a bit as her eyes darkened and Scrivener felt her anger boiling through her being.
The library was thankfully empty, and Luna wasted no time as her horn began to glow the moment the door had slammed behind them, Scrivener sitting down beside this and watching as she paced across the library, a dark aura shrouding her horn and her starry locks pulsing with strange constellations as she said coldly: “Atrus, report to me immediately. I have heard word of ill happenings and yet no warning, no caution, no sign has come from my thought-loyal servants! I desire to know what is happening!”
The glow around Luna's horn sparked out as her mane and tail both settled, even as they swirled slowly behind her of their own accord, and then she glanced sharply to the side as there was a loud rustling before a shape emerged from a shaded corner of the room, Atrus's shape flickering into reality as he strode forwards and bowed deeply to her, eyes closed as he murmured: “We are sorry, mistress. But we could not contact you... the forest came alive last night, and struck out at those who tried to make the journey. Something could see through our powers... and other things, under the cover of the storm, blocked our abilities. Nightmares are missing... Phooka are missing... even demons are missing. Some are taken. Most are dead.”
“Impossible!” Luna snapped, gritting her teeth as she leaned forwards and looked coldly over Atrus. “Do the zebra torture us so?”
“I do not know.” murmured the demon, shrugging slowly. “It is hard to say. Many of my brethren died. I stayed behind to keep the girl and her friends safe, as is my duty, but other demons whispered to me. They tell me I am close to you. They worry we are being used.”
Luna shook her head slowly, and Scrivener felt her flare of anger, but it was matched by a bolt of despair that twisted through her, dulling both emotions and making her calm before she said quietly and empathetically: “Listen to me, Atrus. Thou and thy kind I have more in common with these days than the ponies and anything else that roams during the day. I would not betray any of thee, thou art not toys... thou art my citizens, and my servants. The fears of thee and thine are understandable, but they are without substance... I shan't abuse or betray any of thee. 'Tis not what I do, even as a creature of desire.
“Atrus, is Scarlet Sage safe? Does she know of any of this? Has anypony been by that has threatened her?” Luna asked next, stepping towards the hulking, scaled demon, and she looked almost pleadingly into the creature's eyes as she whispered: “I cannot stand the thought of my little filly being endangered by the madness and the panic this murderer is bringing to this little village.”
Atrus hesitated for a few moments, but then he finally shook his head, saying quietly: “The filly is safe. She and her friends are kept comfortable by the unicorn and the dragon... she shares a link, a special link, with one of the fillies. It could be used to harm her, to endanger her. Must the fillies be kept together now? Shall I guard them both?”
“I wish that was possible, Atrus, but I shall instead be forced to assign another demon... something even more sly and stealthy than thou art, for poor Apple Bloom's older sister and uncle may soon come looking for my head on a pole, if things continue to deteriorate at the rate they have been.” Luna said bitterly, shaking her head ruefully. “I fear these attacks upon my servants will lead to foolish ponies becoming brazen and violent. I fear already this has begun to happen. We must catch the culprit and make an example of what we do to those who dare harm those who wish only to live in peace in my beautiful night...”
Atrus nodded slowly, and then he bowed his head to her and said softly: “We have watched the unicorns of Ponyville, and it is not them. It is not Nibelung, and it is not Strange One. It is not your sister, even though she burns with the light of the sun and the ardor of the dawn. It may be an outsider, a sibling who chose exile instead of loyalty and now seeks to disrupt peace.”
Luna nodded slowly, and then she sighed and glanced moodily at the demon, saying finally: “Return to Scarlet Sage for now, Atrus. Guard her well.” She paused, then leaned forwards, straightening slightly, and kissed the forehead of the hulking creature gently. “Go with my blessing, loyal, precious servant.”
“Thank you, Mistress Luna.” Atrus bowed his head respectfully to her, and then he slipped backwards and flickered out of sight, Luna sighing softly and looking moodily towards where the demon had been before she glanced quietly towards Scrivener Blooms.
He smiled a bit at her, striding forwards and silently nuzzling her, and she bowed her head towards him before he hugged her gently, saying quietly: “To your first question, I'm sure it'll be okay one way or the other. To your other question, yes, you can add him as a Concubinus if you like... although I think you sleeping with full-blooded demons is worse than me allowing Nightmares to attend to me.”
“Oh, shut up, Scrivener. That is all smoke and theatrics to help mislead the foolish, anyway, even if I do plan on finding out what a handsome demon is capable of.” Luna said mildly, glancing up at him with a slight smile before she closed her eyes as he stroked gently along her collar. “Of course, 'tis only if he agrees. He is a soft-spoken demon of strength and violence. His interests may not lay where mine are.”
“I just like that I can order Nightmares to do things and they listen to me. It would be more useful if they could actually be out during the day, though, weren't so fragile.” Scrivener said thoughtfully, and Luna smiled wider up at him as their eyes met, trading thoughts and imaginings both benign and dark back and forth before the male suddenly winced and shook his head quickly. “But then again, maybe that's just us letting desire rule again.”
Luna shook her head slowly at this, murmuring softly: “Nay, Scrivy, 'tis not merely that. 'Tis a good thought in many ways, I think... 'twould make them far more-efficient defenders and we did promise more power to those who proved their loyalty, did we not? Our concubines should be strong. They should be able to serve all their duties efficiently... pretty things, with deadly edges.”
Scrivener smiled a little after a moment, nodding slowly before he straightened thoughtfully, looking down into Luna's eyes as she gazed up at him adoringly, and then he reached up and gently took her face between his hands, saying softly: “It's strange, Luna. I used to always be the one gazing up at you, literally and figuratively... now, it seems more like it's the other way around. You seem so eager to please me... you treat me like a sultan, a king, an emperor, providing for my every need and more.”
“I desire control and to be controlled. I am powerful... but I am most powerful when my strength is guided and focused by thee, as I have come to understand.” Luna replied softly, smiling slightly as she gazed up at him with half-lidded eyes. “Besides, when the battle trumpet sounds, or when I must take charge, thou bows thy head to any order I give, listens to me with wisdom and kindness... we work well as a team, Scrivener Blooms, because we both lead, and we both follow. We complete the other. We are the other.”
Scrivener nodded slowly, and then he slowly drew his claws down to settle on her shoulders, their eyes locking together, memories and instincts and emotions swirling between them before Luna murmured: “I see thy darkest desires. I wish to help them come to life, just as thou sees me and mine and wishes for the same. Oh, aye, we are terrible indeed, beloved monster. But we are together, and slowly... the world will shape itself to what we desire. Aye, right now, things are... difficult. But Enstasis is being built, and already some have... seen the beauty of our night, of giving in to the truth that lurks within the darkness inside us all.”
“Twilight is ours.” Scrivener said softly, and then Luna smiled slightly and half-lidded her eyes, leaning slowly up to whisper her response in his ear.
“And soon, the whole world. For thee, Scrivener, for I have finally found the proper wedding gift for thee.” Luna's voice was loving, and Scrivy shivered and licked his lips slowly as the winged unicorn drew back with a soft smile, murmuring: “And look how quickly thou makes me happy again, despite what we face! Aye, I understand more and more with each moment, every day that passes... we could lose all of Ponyville, but within an hour I would be smiling again because of thee.”
Scrivener felt like there was something wrong with this, knew it went against what he had once believed in, once known... but his thoughts were hazy, and he was only able to shake his head and then finally reply quietly: “We should... concentrate on the problem at hand, though, Luna. I... feel if we get started down this path now... there will be regrets.”
And inside Luna, Nightmare Moon twisted slowly before her voice spoke gently into the winged unicorn's mind... and yet strangely, she too sounded apprehensive instead of cajoling, whispering: Our husband is right... there... there is time for such things later, beloved Luna. Do not plunge too deep into the abyss just yet... we must move slowly. We must be gentle. We must not abandon all we have worked for, simply for a momentary pleasure... it will be much better to bring as many as we can into understanding and recognizing the glory of the night with us, will it not? Slower, yes... but that will add to the sensation.
Luna grimaced a bit at this, but when Scrivener Blooms looked at her imploringly, she sighed and nodded slowly, forcing back her desires, her imaginings, her dreams for the moment to shake her head out and murmur: “Very well, but thou both surprise me; 'tis as if thou art both becoming as stuffy as Celestia. Come then... let us instead discuss the issues of the zebras and our poor servants.”
Scrivener nodded slowly, but for a moment he was silent as he studied the strange gleam in Luna's eye, wondering just how deep and dark the abyss of their mixed soul truly was.