Equestria, the Infinite, and the Divine

by TheApostate


[Canterlot Castle, Canterlot, Equestria]

All things considered, it had been a boring day. Celestia and Luna wandered around the Castle for hours on end. Bizarrely, on that day, both had nothing to do except discuss whatever and reminisce about things past. Celestia had a millennium of tales to count her, and on every occasion, Luna asked her about particular events. Though her sister was reluctant to talk about that time, Luna did not press her too much for the information nor did she spoil herself by reading about its happenings. Early in her return, she Luna learned of the last century but insisted on not being told more; small droplets over time were vastly preferred, even if it would take them another thousand years.

Eventually, they came to settle back in the throne room. Celestia was worried she might have passed over some important issues.

Nothing.

They returned to their long discussion.

‘So,’ began Luna, ‘tell me more about the Star Conundrum.’ It was an event Celestia had mentioned in passing but had yet to expand upon.

She chuckled. ‘Fancy name, no?’

‘Oh-ho, yes. Must be… Amazing.’

‘It was just a naming competition between two scientists. I swear, you would think that choosing a cat’s name would not cause that much contention,’ she said, bitterly.

‘Wait, wait, wait – cat’s name?’

‘Why, yes – Star Crust and Star Might. Those two bickered on a proper name for a cat they found near their observatory,’ she grumbled.

‘Huh? You-’

Twilight slammed the door open, stunning everyone inside and not giving the guards time to react (which was not unusual). Starlight slowly trailed behind, keeping a hoof on her neck to calm the itching – pressing on the wound somehow made it feel less painful.

Without giving time for Celestia and Luna to ask the reason for her insolence, Twilight disgorged everything.

Luna ordered the guards out and cursed internally, but elected to wait for Celestia to speak. She hated manipulating her sister in that fashion; she had to test the veracity of a prior claim – if she was genuine about being “alright”.

That Starlight personage was hurt, but speaking with her wasn’t in her agenda. Perhaps she learned, really learned, what the reckless use of magic entails. A harsh position she took vis-à-vis that rogue mage, though one needed. Twilight might have calmed her; it was always good to be sure, after all. That Orikan might have removed a thorn. At least, temporarily.

And so Luna for Celestia to tone down the tense atmosphere Twilight left after concluding her quick succession of words.

Nothing.

Luna looked up. Celestia expression was frozen in a blend of awakened weariness. Her pupils were diluted, and attention diverted to her rumbling imagination. Her expression was etched in a smile Luna despised its fakeness.

‘Princess Celestia?’ worried Twilight.

‘Sister…’ whispered Luna, approaching Celestia’s head to her level. ‘Everything will be alright. Take a deep breath.’

‘When have you faced them, Majesty?’ came forth Starlight like awakened from sleep.

Celestia shook her head, regaining focus. ‘A few years before Luna’s return…’ she trailed off, trying to think of a way to recall things perfectly; do not concern them too much with that event.

‘It was more of a chitchat,’ Luna spoke in her sister’s stead. ‘However, of course, forced upon her and with the terrible use of a material called “blackstone”..?’ She turned toward Celestia for verification. She nodded. ‘Blackstone. She has bad memories of it, and until my sister wishes to disclose more-’

‘But those two can-’ interjected Twilight.

Until my sister wishes to disclose more about it,’ repeated Luna, wincing antagonistically at Twilight, making her shut up. ‘Celestia will stay quiet on the matter for now. I am her sister; it is normal I was informed of it all – in private.’

Starlight and Twilight nodded.

‘As for what we should do with the Infinite and the Divine-’ continued Luna before being quietly corrected by Celestia.

‘The Diviner. Orikan the Diviner.’

Luna stopped to ponder. ‘Divine sounds better. “The Infinite and the Diviner” does not roll off the tongue quite well, I think.’

Celestia chuckled. ‘Quite right. You can continue.’

Luna nodded. ‘As for those two, it appears we are outmatched by them in every manner. We can use surprise to attack them with powerful spells, but they are quick and will react immediately to anything we will throw. And, before you ask, Twilight, the Elements will be useless against them.’

‘Why is that!? They are a threat!’

‘Yes, I don’t disagree. But the fact of the matter is that they appear more machine than birthed from any means we are familiar with. Plus, take it from someone with experience of the effect your clique has on someone,’ she sneered with a down-looking gaze.

‘She has a point, you know?’ agreed Starlight, jokingly turning toward Twilight.

Luna nudged Celestia. ‘Two times even. Two times even.’

‘He-he-he,’ awkwardly laughed the young Alicorn.

‘Additionally, since we cannot adequately prepare ourselves for them, their superior technology, and in view of their… non-lethal methods… I say that- uhm…’ Luna paused, knowing if she would to continue it would only stress them further. And there was no clever trick or shifting of plain she can do to force a change of subject as she would act in dreams.

‘Don’t worry, Twilight,’ continued Celestia in Luna’s stead. ‘Cadance will be informed, and with us here with the knowledge of them, we can deal with those two quietly and efficiently. We will convene again when we will demand so. You two need rest, now. I will come to ease your pain tomorrow, Starlight. Sleep well, you two.’

The Unicorn thanked her. Twilight brooded a little, accepting her mentor’s words.

Both mares left the throne room, leaving the Sisters alone once again.

‘Insulting,’ said Luna.

‘Me?’

‘No, stupid.’ Luna got down from the elevated platform the throne rested upon. ‘The purple one.’

Celestia vigorously gestured for Luna to dismiss Twilight’s behavior.

‘You were with her most of the time,’ retorted Luna. ‘You are to mostly blame for her attitude.’

‘I never said nor claimed I can do miracles.’

Luna nodded in amused acknowledgment, then continued her walk. The room was immense, very good for her to think.

Celestia studied Luna for a bit, keeping her stare awkwardly fixed at her sister.

Luna noticed someone eyeing her. Turning her head; finding Celestia confused look did not surprise her.

She knew the unasked question well.

‘I know I told you not to worry the first time-’

‘I don’t want to experience… to experience them again.’ Her voice barely heard.

Luna moved closer, continuing her walk until she reached the bottom of the stairs. ‘You said to me it would take them an hour to conquer the globe, that they can destroy stars and have enslaved gods, and that we have nothing to offer them except being a glorified zoo. And it has been almost twenty years since your first encounter, Celestia. Just connect the dots. They are curious, but not invaders – in a fashion.’

‘Still. They are dangerous; being nonchalant about it won’t help.’

Luna grinned. ‘I would not describe it as so, sister. My reasoning is simple: we are faced by powers that – as far as we know of – are beyond our current comprehension and abilities. Clearly our magic terrifies them, but they can readily counter it.’ She malignly smiled. ‘We are nothing to them. They are almighty.’

Celestia mimicked her sister’s smile. ‘Almighty, indeed.’